Mari Bolte - Make It, Gift It: Handmade Gifts for Every Occasion

In a world of craft blogs, activity sites, and Pinworthy projects, finding inspiration for personalized gift-giving has never been easier. But it can also be overwhelming. Where to begin? Take the first step to finding and creating the perfect gift for the special people in your life.

Be prepared for any event with From traditional holidays to graduations, sporting events, or the changing of the seasons, theres a great gift to give.

is full of ideas for the gifter on a budget, the eco-conscious, and the innovative! Custom candles, fluffy flowers, and dinky jewelry are just the start.

Give gifts that come from the heart directly to the stomach with . Home-baked bread, festive fruit bouquets, and sliceable cookies make sweet treats for any occasion.

is full of ideas to brighten someones day. From simple stationary, gift card holders, or hand-sewn mittens, youll find a Very Important Present for the Very Important Person.

Gift giving starts with the packaging! Dress up even the most simple gift with these simple yet stylish wrapping projects.

• gift
• wrapping paper
• clear tape

1. Remove any tags or labels from your gift. (Especially the price tag!)
2. Measure the wrapping paper so it overlaps when folded over the gift. The sides should overlap slightly when folded toward each other.
3. Center the gift upside down on the wrapping paper. Wrap the paper around the gift and gently pull until tight. Secure with tape.
   
4. On one side of the package, fold the ends of the wrapping paper toward each other. Firmly crease around the boxs edges. Crease the triangle-shaped flaps. Repeat on the other side of the package.
   
5. Fold down the top flap, creasing the top edge. Fold up the bottom flap, creasing at the bottom edge. Secure with tape.
   
6. Pinch two fingers together and run them along every edge of the gift. This will create a crisp fold.
7. Finish your gift with a ribbon. Cut the ends of the ribbon at an angle for a prettier presentation.

• two 8.5 square inch (54.8 square centimeter) pieces of cardstock
• clear plastic, such as a sandwich bag or transparency paper

1. Crease each side of the cardstock two inches from the edge. Make two cuts at the top of the cardstock and two at the bottom.
2. Fold in the side creases. Tuck the corner flaps inside the creases and secure with tape. This is the bottom of your box.
   
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the second piece of cardstock to make the boxs lid.
4. Cut a circle in the center of the lid.
   
5. Trim and tape a piece of clear plastic to fit over the circle.
   
6. Place the lid on the bottom of your box.

• sold-colored gift wrap
• clear cellophane
• confetti

1. Wrap your gift in solid-colored gift wrap.
2. Wrap the gift in cellophane, leaving one end open. Do not wrap as tightly as the wrapping paper.
   
3. Sprinkle confetti between the wrapping paper and the cellophane. Shake gently to make sure confetti falls between all the cracks.
   
4. Tape the open end of the cellophane shut.
   

Nothing is worse than wondering how youre going to wrap a funny-shaped gift! This custom-sized gift bag is here to save the day.

• wrapping paper
• clear tape

1. Figure out how much wrapping paper youll need. You will need enough to cover the entire gift.
2. Fold the wrapping paper so the edges meet in the center. Tape in place.
3. Fold the bottom of the bag up. This will create the base of the bag. Make sure its wide enough to hold your gift.
4. Open the flap of the bags base. Fold so the outside edges touch. Tape in place.
5. Fold the top and bottom corners in so the tips of the corners touch. Tape in place.
6. Place gift in the bag and tape to seal.