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
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