DIY Christmas Presents

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
This year, as usual, I made all of my Christmas presents. Here are some photos of what I made for my family, as well as links to the great tutorials I found. This year my youngest brother also made his gifts. He made bookmarks for the whole family - I thought that was very sweet :)

I made a copper and brass pendant for my mom, using an ammonia and salt patina on the pieces. Here's how to do the patina: http://art.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Resources/Reference/2010/11/Jewelers%20Recipe%20Try%20an%20Ammonia-and-Salt%20Patina.aspx It's pretty simple, and uses ingredients that most people have in their home.

I made this sketchbook for my dad. I took a map, cut it into thin pieces, wove the pieces into a "fabric", then stuck it to a moleskine sketchbook with double-sided tape. I based it off of these instructions: http://www.rubymurraysmusings.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ways-with-vintage-maps-woven-notebook.html The only thing I did differently was cover it with contact paper to protect it.

I made these socks for my uncle. These were the first socks I ever knit - yay! The pattern is from Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/toe-up-socks-with-a-difference

I made this paracord bracelet for my brother. Here are the instructions I used: http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-bracelet-with-a-side-release-buckle/?ALLSTEPS

I made this pencil holder for my other brother. I love the way it looks, and it was also totally free. I used a small log I found in our yard, sawed off a piece, sanded and oiled it, and then my dad helped me drill holes for the pencil. I found inspiration here: http://strawberry-chic.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-tuesday-rustic-pencil-holder.html


Hope that you find these interesting, and maybe try making some of them yourself :) Enjoy the rest of your holidays!