How to Make Your Own Personalized Gifts

Creating a personalized gift tells someone how much you care. Not only did you spend time searching for a gift, you designed something with them in mind. Personalizing a gift can be as simple or as complex as you allow it to be. Start with easy designs and gifts if you're a newbie to the arts and craft world. After a few projects, you'll be a pro. Pull out your collection of art supplies and get to work.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pottery
• Computer and printer
• Iron
• Iron-on transfer paper
• Scissors
• Picture frames
• Acrylic paint and paint brushes
• Jewels, beads and gems
• Terra-cotta pots
• Stamp and ink pad
• Flower seeds
• Magnets
• Candles
• Pictures
• Hot glue

1. Paint your own pottery. Visit the local pottery store and create a personalized design for the gift. Think about a serving platter for an afternoon barbecue. Paint the family name and activities they enjoy, a burger or a colorful mural. Capture memories of an event on a large platter with the event's name and date. Create personalized Christmas ornaments, vases, coffee mugs or other pieces of pottery.

2. Create a personalized apron, cap or towel. Purchase iron-on transfer paper from the local craft or computer store. Design a monogram on your computer, selecting colors and font size. Flip the monogram on your computer and print on transfer paper. Trim excess paper and position on the apron, cap, towel or other item to monogram. Turn off the steam function on the iron. Carefully iron the monogram onto your item. Use natural fibers for best results.

3. Design decorative picture frames. Purchase inexpensive picture frames and pull out your arts and crafts bin. Personalized picture frames are an easy and inexpensive gift. Consider writing the person's name in fancy lettering. Include activities, clubs or items she enjoys, such as golf, traveling or flowers. Create a design pattern around the frame. Highlight the frame with jewels, beads and gems.

4. Decorate terra-cotta pots. Purchase inexpensive terra-cotta pots and personalize with paint. Wipe and dry the terra-cotta pot before beginning. Include the person's name, activities he enjoys or the reason for celebration. Consider stamping the pots with his initials. Fill the pot with small items the person will enjoy, such as flower seeds, magnets, candles or other personalized items.

5. Create a photo calendar or photo book. Several online websites allow you to upload photographs to create a personalized photo calendar, photo book, coffee mug or other personalized item (see Resources). Select the layout or design you prefer and include a special message. Preview the personalized item before purchasing.

Resources

• Online Personalization

[photoflurry]

on 10/29/2009 www.photoflurry.com is a good source for personalized photo mugs.