Craft Gift Ideas for Men
Women typically love getting craft gifts and are usually visibly excited and appreciative. Men, however, tend to act indifferently toward craft gifts. Still, there are some craft gifts that men will love and appreciate. The key is to customize something he uses regularly or make a quality item that isn't obviously handmade.
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Shrunken Wool Winter Scarf
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Purchase several wool sweaters from the craft store and shrink them by washing them in hot water and running them through the dryer. You may need to do this a couple times. Next, cut the sweaters into 8-inch-wide strips and sew them together, alternating different color strips from different sweaters. Use a coordinating yarn and a wide embroidery needle to sew the strips together. Put a ribbed section from the waistband of two sweaters on each end.
Candy
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If the man in your life has a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with candy. You don't have to be a gourmet cook to make candy. To make hard lemon candy in your microwave, mix 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup in a glass bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 6 1/2 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir and cover with a new sheet of plastic wrap. When the mixture stops boiling, stir in 1/2 tsp. of lemon abstract and a couple drops of yellow food coloring. Quickly spoon your mixture into plastic molds that have been coated with non-stick oil spray. Allow the candy to cool before removing from the molds.
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Hand-Painted Tools
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Purchase a hammer, screw drivers, and other simple tools at the dollar store, or an inexpensive set from the hardware store. Have children paint the handles with acrylic paint and spray a clear acrylic on it to make the design permanent.
Make a Tie
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This craft idea needs to done very carefully and with a bit of sewing expertise, but a quality handmade tie will definitely impress. You should purchase a pattern from a craft or fabric store to get the correct size and shape. While the pattern will have step-by-step instructions, there are some basic tips you should remember. Choose a good silk fabric and a wool lining for your tie. Cut the pattern pieces on the bias (45-degree angle) using a rotary cutter. Transfer the folding and sewing lines from the pattern to the fabric. Sew the pieces together as instructed and lay the inside of the seams flat by opening them. Use a stiff piece of cardboard to help you fold the end of your necktie. Take your time hand stitching the back of the tie after folding.
Painted Golf Tees
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This project requires a steady hand and a degree of talent. Purchase wooden golf tees and paint them in a delicate patterns with acrylic paint. Use a small artist brush so you can paint smaller details and make stripes, flowers, or even a decorative version of the golfer's initials. Finish the tees with spray shellac and package them in a nice wooden box found at most craft stores. You can paint the top of the box as well.
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