Handmade gifts

Pictured are six macramé hangers and gift bag.

Summertime seems to bring more weddings and therefore wedding showers. Most brides have a registry at several stores where gifts can be selected. But we prefer to give gifts we make when possible. We like the more personal thought put into a gift made just for us.

One gift we like to make for brides are covered hangers. Covered hangers are good to hold things that tend to slip off regular hangers, like those made from silky fabrics or with a wide neck.

We start with wire hangers. First we spray paint the top of the hanger in a color to complement the color of the macramé cord chosen to work on the lower part. This time we did six hangers, three white and three brown. We used green for the paint color.

Each hanger needs about eight to nine yards of cord to cover it. Folding the cord in half, center it at the top below the hook. Tie half-square knots, going all the way around and back up to the top. Cut off excess cord and melt or glue ends to secure them.

To dress up the hangers ribbons can be added to the top. This time we used nine 6-inch pieces of quarter-inch ribbon in green and white. First we tied eight pieces onto one piece, which we then tied that piece to the hanger creating a fringe. Larger ribbon can be tied at the top in a bow or a pom-pom can be made and fastened at the top.

Wrapping the gift can also be personalized. Instead of regular wrapping paper we made a fabric bag out of a piece of green fabric about 25 by 30 inches.

To make it a little fancier we first sewed a piece of white and silver lace fabric on the bottom which was about 18 by 30 inches. Then we sewed a white ribbon across the top of the lace to cover the edge. To make the bag sew the top and side together, leaving about four inches open on the top of the side. Then fold over and sew the top edge to make a casing for a cord to go through. The cord of about one yard in length is then threaded through the top to close the bag.

This bag held six hangers. Fabric bags can be made in any size to fit any size gift. Then the recipient can later use the gift bag for holding other items such as lingerie or toiletries.

Boxes can also be covered with fabric to hold a gift, which can then be used again for another use instead of being tossed out like regular wrapping paper. We use craft glue or a hot-glue gun to secure the fabric to the box. Lace, ribbons and appliqués can be glued on to make it fancier. Lining the box with a contrasting fabric is also a nice touch. Shoe boxes make good choices to cover and fit many size gifts.

Then to complete the package a handmade card is the finishing touch. We use rubber stamps, scissors that cut fancy edges, color markers, card paper and other accent paper. We have collected rubber stamps over the years and have a selection that includes the alphabet, upper and lower case, animals, hearts, teddy bears, trains, planes and more. Cards can be customized for any occasion and they are always one of a kind. Next week we will go into more details on making cards.

We always treasure gifts and cards others custom make for us and hope others like receiving gifts made just for them. They are always fun to make.