homemade gifts

Instead of throwing glass jars into the recycling bin, upcycle those pasta and condiment containers into something really pretty and functional. Get organized with a chic jar dedicated just for your nails, a sweet jelly jar vase, or a creative container for your random bits and pieces. With the help of some gold spray paint and a few foam stickers, you've got all the fixings for a fun and crafty DIY. Invite all your besties, and their glass jars, to make stunning statement pieces that help organize and make great gifts.

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Perfect for any special holiday, a set of these tile photo coasters will cost less than $5 to make. The square tiles from your local home goods store makes this DIY a unique way to showcase your favorite Hipstamatic and Instagram snaps. All you need is some Mod Podge and a bit of felt to complete this fun project. Stack and wrap the finished photo coasters with a ribbon, and you've got the perfect gift for someone special. These coasters are so cute, you'll probably end up making another set for yourself.

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Don't toss those lemon and orange peels, ends of fresh herbs, or last bits of whole aromatic seasonings! Instead, use them to make sweetly scented homemade fragrance stick diffusers that will freshen your house. And upcycling a simple glass bottle works wonderfully — especially one with a pour spout. With bamboo skewers from your local grocery store, the finished stick diffuser looks chic while wafting a gentle scent. And this cute and easy DIY would also make an awesome gift.

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If you love snapping cool pictures with your smartphone using Instagram or Hipstamatic but don't know what to do with those square shots, then try making your own canvas print. Instead of tossing down the cash for square picture frames or paying up to $20 a pop for a professional small canvas print, try this easy DIY that rings in around $5. Pick up a square canvas at your craft store along with Mod Podge, which is basically the adult version of white glue. And no need for fancy photo paper; basic printer paper works wonderfully. So select your favorite print, and get ready for a picture-perfect project.

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With Spring right around the corner, it's time to think about which Winter sweaters won't be making it to next season. But instead of donating those old sweaters, upcycle them into adorable hand-sewn scented heart satchels. Along with being seriously cute, these little hearts can be filled with fragrant potpourri, which you can score for a few bucks at the dollar store. Even if you're not a big sewing fan, this easy DIY offers the cutest results, perfect for gift-giving on Valentine's Day or for decorating — and scenting — your own home.

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There's nothing sadder than when one of your favorite teacups or coffee mugs ends up with a crack or chip. But instead of tossing out your beloved drinking cup, transform it into a sweet candle. And if you've got the ends of candles around your house, then this DIY will cost hardly anything to make. Simply pick up candle wicks at your local craft store, and you're on your way to making a really adorable candle to enjoy in your home or give as a special gift on any holiday.

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Savvy ladies have a stash of buttons, but when that collection starts to take over, you should repurpose them into adorable baubles that make unique gifts for all the girls in your life. This chic DIY would be a fun project to do with daughters and nieces over the holidays, and all you need for each bracelet (other than buttons) are a needle and thread and a length of elastic. Mix and match buttons, or stick with one color palette to create a bracelet that costs around $3 to make. Or make several button bracelets just for yourself and stack them for a really cool look.

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For less than $5, you can transform a set of plain cork coasters into funky-cool drink accessories with materials you already have around the house. Keep the finished coasters for yourself or package them up for an impressive holiday gift. And what's really fun about this easy DIY is you can personalize the coasters with favorite colors and get creative with the design.

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