Handmade Gift Ideas for Artists of All Ages
If you’re overwhelmed by the commercialism of the holiday season, why not make some quick gifts for the adults and children in your life?
Mail Art Kit
Materials:
Blank postcards (I like these Strathmore Mixed Media Postcards) or cut heavy paper into 3 1/2” x 5” rectangles. Draw address lines and a box for the stamp
Paper scraps cut into sizes that will fit onto a postcard. If you have craft paper punches, use those to punch out stars, circles, and squares.
Create a sample postcard and write your gift note on the back
Package the materials with a glue stick
Art Journaling Kit
Materials:
Just like with the mail art kit, start by gathering an assortment of interesting papers—think old book pages, decorative papers, or even your own hand-painted scraps. The more textures and patterns, the better!
Make a journal using these instructions
Themed Collage Kit
Note: This is best for someone who already enjoys collage. Choose a theme that is personalized to their interests. For my example, I’m using typography.
Materials:
Hand-lettered quotes on various papers
Vintage letter transfers
Letter-pressed items
Dictionary pages
Headlines of large type from magazines
Gelliplate printed papers using letter stencils
A small wire-bound sketchbook (I like the Strathmore Visual Journal)
Curated Ephemera Box
Materials:
Vintage ticket stubs and receipts
Old book pages in different languages
Antique sheet music
Vintage advertisements
Postage stamps from different countries
Maps
Vintage magazines
Collage Adventure Kit for Kids
Materials:
Pre-cut shapes in bright colors
Child-safe scissors
Large glue sticks (easier to handle than liquid glue)
Googly eyes of various sizes
Foam stickers
Construction paper backgrounds pre-cut to manageable sizes
Colorful feathers
Large sequins or craft gems (nothing too tiny)
Package the supplies in a reusable box
Nature Adventure Kit for Kids
Materials
Small sketchbook or a clipboard with paper
Collection envelope or basket for gathering:
Pressed leaves
Small flowers
Interesting bark pieces
Seed pods
Botanical-themed stickers
Washi tape with nature patterns
Child-safe glue stick
Colored pencils in earth tones
Include a simple scavenger hunt guide encouraging kids to:
Find textures
Collect lightweight natural items
Create outdoor-inspired collages
Document their nature discoveries
Please share this blog post with your crafty-minded friends.
Happy Holidays,
Sarah
Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links.