Handmade Gift Ideas

Mail Art Collage Kit

Brew some tea and enjoy a relaxing time going through your collage papers.  If you don't think you have enough to share, just cut up some junk mail and magazines. Select a varied collection of textures and colors. If you've got any shape punches, use those on some of the papers (circles/squares...). Try not to get too distracted and decide to use all the papers yourself. 

Next, cut some heavy paper to the size of a postcard.  According to the USPS,  "To qualify for mailing at the First-Class Mail postcard price, it must be: Rectangular. At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long."  Draw in the address lines and maybe even add the postage.  I keep a stash of these ready-made cards on hand.

Tie up the bundle with some yarn and write a note describing how to use the mail art kit. Consider adding a glue stick, especially if this is going to a child who might want to immediately make art. 

If you have extra time, write your note on the back of a postcard you've made.

Art Journaling Kit

Just as you’d do for the mail art kit, start by collecting interesting papers for collage.

Using four sheets of mixed media paper, create an art journal. The Library of Congress has this handy PDF of directions on how to make a simple pamphlet. You might want to print a copy to give with your completed art journal so they can make their own once they fill yours.

If you want to take this idea further, add some commercial stamps and ink pads or some stickers. You could decorate the cover with a collage as inspiration.