Sewing Instructions for Reusable Fabric Gift Bags.
Today I thought I’d share a few of my favorite Christmas craft ideas. Some are quick and easy and are perfect for little hands, and a few of the ideas are a bit more involved like Mel’s reusable fabric craft bags shown above.
So if you’re feeling crafty or looking for something to make this weekend to get you in the holiday spirit, I’ve got you covered. 🙂
Here’s to a warm and creative weekend,
~Mavis
How to Sew a Reversible Tree Skirt -Mel shows you how in her step by step tutorial.
Candy Cane Sleighs – Because seriously, what kid wouldn’t want to take time out of their busy weekend to make something made out of candy?
How to Make a Candy Train – A step by step tutorial. The Girl Who Thinks She’s A Bird starting making these sweet little candy trains and giving them as gifts to her friends when she was about 10, and she still loves to make them! 🙂
How to Make Bird Seed Ornaments. A super fun project for little kids. The entertainment factor on these is pretty high because not only do the kids get to have fun making them, but they get a little bird watching time in too.
Waterless Snow Globes – Another easy Christmas craft for kids.
Mel’s DIY Polymer Clay Christmas Ornament Ideas and Tutorial. Seriously, how cool would it be to make one of these? I wish I had one of these handmade ornaments of our own home.
Tea Bag Christmas Tree Tutorial. Perfect for anyone who loves tea.
How to Make a Block Print Tea Towel. I took a block printing class with a neighbor and soon became addicted to making making these towels. I even made a few pillows.
This was not only a fun craft project, but I think if you gathered up all the supplies, it would make a nice gift for an artsy teen or young adult too.
How to Make a Rope Basket Tutorial. My friend Zoë loves sewing and these rope bowls and they are just one of the many things she makes {and sells in her online shop}.
How to Make Crazy Patch Pot Holders. A few years ago when I was in Pennsylvania I had the chance to hang out with Zoë and her mom and we made these crazy patch pot holders. They are super fun to make and they’d make a nice gift too.
How to Sew Cloth Napkins for Every Season. This is a photo of Mel’s napkin drawer. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own napkins but didn’t know how…. here’s your chance. 🙂 Mel shows you how in her cloth napkin tutorial.
Sweater Mittens – If you have frozen fingers and an old sweater lying around your house make these sweater mittens! Talk about upcycling at its finest.
And lastly, check out my tutorial on how to make a Christmas wreath. It’s easier than you think and you’ll save yourself a little money too. 🙂
Ho Ho Ho!
Rosemary Calhoun says
If you need some stocking stuffer ideas and you know how to crochet, I have some easy instructions for making eyeglass cases, hair scrunchies and doll clothes on my blog. The instructions are easy enough for beginners.
suzanne says
Some really cute and doable ideas. This year my grand and I are making clay ornaments with cookie cutters and impressing them with pine needles and stuff from the garden. They look very impressive and she’s excited to gift them to her aunty’s and uncles.
Linda Sand says
For us lazy folks, holiday themed pillow cases make great gift bags. Back when I wasn’t so lazy I simply hemmed holiday themed materials to use instead of wrapping paper tying them closed with real ribbons. Wash, iron, and use again next year.
Elise in the SF Bay Area says
Just last night I (75%) made 4 more gift bags from Mel’s design (need to sew the last seam with ribbon in it)! I bought a bunch (6 or so) festive fabrics last year and made about 8. I’m filling in some more this year! Last year there were shortages of the right ribbon I wanted, so I’m off to the fabric store today or this weekend to get some red and green! (last year, they had no red or green, I used black and silver/grey). I LOVE these 🙂 And I’m also tasking my 12YO with “Researching” some chalkboard gift tags to use with them 🙂 She LOVES to shop, so this is a fun thing for her to do 🙂 I’m going to have her look at this post too, to see if there are other crafts that catch her eye!
Cindy Miller says
Love, love, love the tea towels and the fabric bowls. Maybe someday I can make the towels with potatoes?
Mel says
I’ve picked up some new holiday crafts (metal stamping and a reusable advent calendar), but I haven’t had time to type them up and share! Maybe next year, although it looks like we might be in for a busy 2022. We’ll see.
And I’ll have to make a Camp Butterfield ornament someday too!
Rebecca in MD says
Thanks, Mel for all of your tutorials – – – I always look forward to them. I am envious of your napkin stash, and need to get to work on making my own.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes of course we want more of your tutorials when you have time Mel. 🙂
Gail says
I have a question about the reusable gift bags. If you use them for people who don’t live in your house, do they keep them to reuse themselves, or do you get them back to reuse? I envision having to make a LOT of replacement bags every year!