How to Make Handmade Thank You Gifts
After a party or to express your appreciation for those who have helped you through hard times or sickness, a thank you gift can give someone a lasting reminder of your gratitude. Although a purchased gift is nice, you can make it a handmade thank you gift by personalizing an unfinished wooden box. Collect any craft supplies you need as well as embellishments you want to add, and be prepared to make your gifts at least the day before you intend to give it to the recipient.
Things You'll Need
- Unfinished wooden box
- Screwdriver
- Newspaper
- White spray primer
- Base coat spray paint
- Acrylic paints and brushes or rub-on transfers
- Rubber stamp
- Rubber stamp pad
- Beads, ribbon, feathers, and other embellishment items
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Remove any hardware, such as hinges and latches, from the box and set them aside. Spread newspaper in a well-ventilated area and spray a coat of wood primer over the entire surface of the box inside and out. Allow to dry for two to three hours.
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2
Paint your box with a base coat in whatever color you prefer. Wait two to four hours for the paint to dry. Add a second coat if necessary to fully cover the primer, and wait again for it to dry.
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3
Add decorative images to the box by handpainting such items as flowers, animals, or nature scenes, or apply rub-ons to personalize the box.
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4
Stamp images on the box to add extra details. Use rubber stamps of the alphabet to inscribe words or messages onto the box, or to label it for trinkets, recipes, jewelry, or keepsakes. Brown stamp pads can create an antiqued look, whereas other colors can brighten the box.
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5
Glue on any additional items, such as bows, scrapbooking items, strips of lace, or beads, to create a more three-dimensional decoration. Don't place anything in a location that will keep the box lid from closing.
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After all glue, paint, and stamps have dried, reattach any removed hardware. Let the box sit open overnight so the inside of the box has a chance to air out.
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Tips & Warnings
To give the gift, either carefully wrap it, or place it in a gift bag with lots of tissue to cushion it. Be careful not to damage any of your embellishments.
