main feature

By Mary Jane Bogle

It’s no secret that many holiday gift options might be delayed this year. With supply chain issues leaving store shelves bare or online orders backed up into the new year, it might be time to consider alternative gifts for your friends and family. A serious DIY session may be just what you need to provide unique, custom-made gifts this year.

DIY #1

Wood-burned coasters

Perfect for the wine/beer/coffee/tea/hot cocoa enthusiast, these coasters are super simple to make, and you can customize them with any theme imaginable. If you can draw it with a pencil (or trace it from a stencil), you can burn that image into wood. All you need are wooden disks, a pencil, a woodburning tool and some sealant. Simply freehand or trace the design on the wooden disk, trace the design with the woodburning tool and spray on some sealant. Wait for the sealant to dry, stack the coasters and tie them all together with some festive ribbon. Design ideas: baseballs, snowflakes, trees, monograms or geometric designs. The possibilities are endless.

Radiant Floor Heat

Warm, Silent & Efficient

260-668-8836 260-668-8836 800-700-8830 800-700-8830

Slabs – Wood Floors – Geothermal Solar – Tankless Hot Water

See us at www.indianawarmfloors.com

FREEDOM RXV ELITE

featuring lithium ion maintenance free batteries with a full 8 year battery warranty and 25 year life expectancy.

• Golf Carts • Accessories • Repair • Customizing • Winterization • Storage • Rentals • RoyPow lithium ion battery upgrades

GRILL | ROAST | SMOKE | BAKE Season’s Eatings

No other outdoor cooker can match the quality and versatility of a Big Green Egg – it truly is The Ultimate Cooking Experience!

© COPYRIGHT BIG GREEN EGG • BIG GREEN EGG® AND THE ULTIMATE COOKING EXPERIENCE® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF BIG GREEN EGG INC. BigGreenEgg.comLet Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe make this a holiday to remember! As Kosciusko County’s Authorized Gold Dealer, we have your dream Egg in stock as well as any EGGcessories that may be on your wishlist. Stop by our showroom at 2315 Shelby Dr. (behind Smith Tire) or call us today.

DIY #2

Drawstring travel pouch

Avid travelers will appreciate an extra storage bag for jewelry, essential oils or self-care items. To make a super-cute travel pouch, you’ll need two circles of colored wool felt, connected with iron-on adhesive. Next, using an eyelet kit and rotary punch, punch holes around the circle and set the eyelets with a hammer from the kit. Add a wooden bead to one end of some braided ribbon, weaving the other end in and out of the eyelets. Add a final wooden bead to the other end, pull and tie. (Note: consider filling the pouch with some small treats or jewelry before gifting this fun pouch.) Consider scheduling a craft night with friends, where you DIY together, making fun memories while crafting your make-it-yourself designs.

DIY #3

Spray-painted storage basketGive the gift of organization this year; something every clutter-holic will love. Simply tape off the top portion of a wicker storage basket with some wide painter’s tape, then paint the bottom of the basket with a bright, fun color. Wait for the paint to dry, and you’ve just created the perfect storage organizer. The painting process works for other types of baskets, too, such as wood, metal, fabric or plastic. Whether your friend needs to store toys, toiletries or trinkets, they’ll love these upcycled containers. You can even up your game with an ombre effect for an extra layer of style.

DIY #4

Succulent gift box

For the plant lover in your life, consider visiting Honey Plant in Fort Wayne, where you’ll find everything you need to make a beautiful botanical arrangement. You can choose from a wide range of containers (think terra cotta, painted ceramics or marble), along with succulents and even rare plants you’ll never find at your typical garden store. Incorporate green leafy plants, cacti or rocks and crystals for a one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to enhance any home décor.

Whichever gift idea you choose, you’re sure to create a handmade gift your friends and family will love. For even greater holiday cheer, consider scheduling a craft night with friends, where you DIY together, making fun memories while crafting your make-it-yourself designs.