25 days of Christmas: Gifts! #2 Magnets

I know I am not the first person to post this, in fact the news about making your own beaded magnets has been out and about for quite awhile now. But, I wanted to include them in the possible gift category. They are cheap, easy-peasy to make, and can be very personable.

 Things you will need:
Mod Podge (or glue)
Scissors
Clear glass stones ($.89c for 25!)
Magnet roll ($1, cheaper then individual ones)
Pencil
Paintbrush
Newspaper
Scrapbook paper, magazine clippings...(I do not suggest using any photographs, they do not hold up well over time and the colors warp with temperature/chemical changes)

1. Spread out the newspaper to protect your work surface. Take a stone and place over your paper where there is a nice design that fits into the stone. Trace around the stone lightly and cut out the shape just slightly within the line. I traced one stone 5-10 times on a piece of paper and had very little variation when putting these together, all differences can be trimmed off to fit that particular stone.

Flip your stone over and apply a very small amount of Mod Podge....











Then apply your cut out circle to the back, picture part facing in.

Check your work and make sure everything looks OK. Use this time to trim the edges of the paper so it is flush against the back of the glass stone. You can also move the paper gently if it is not centered how you would like it.

Wait about a minute for the glue to set (or longer) and cut a small piece of the magnet off to size. I prefer the magnet roll because it is cheaper and it already has a tacky side that you just peel off and stick. For added security you can hot glue the magnets on, but the adhesive is already really strong.

And there you have it. Economical and beautiful gifts that fit any budget and style.

Total cost of each magnet? $.07!

Use them as a stocking stuffer,
Gifts to add to homemade cookies and ornaments, 
Easy gifts to personalize with someones favorite: band, movie, phrase, inside jokes, colors, holidays etc..

25 days of Christmas: Gifts! Homemade Playdough

Have you ever tried making Homemade Playdough?

I’ve always heard about how most Preschools always make their own, and my long time friend has been making her own for a long time. I thought this would make a great Christmas gift for little ones ~ it’s so simple, fun, and thrifty!

Homemade Play-dough Recipe* It is edible!

• 1 cup Flour
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
• 1/2 cup Salt
• 1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
• Food Coloring/ or Kool-Aid packets (you won't need a scent below if you use Kool-Aid)
• Vanilla, Orange, Lemon, or Peppermint Extract, Pumpkin Pie Spice...

1. Mix Together all ingredients except the food coloring in a medium saucepan. You can quarter the recipe and make four different colors of play-dough!
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. As soon as the mixture begins to thicken, add in food coloring, mix thoroughly. Mixture will quickly begin clumping and form a solid.
3. Remove pan from heat to cool, then remove play-dough to cool on wax paper, etc.
4. Store in freezer ziploc bag and in freezer. Play-dough will keep for years if you want it too.  

Giving the Gift: Package the play-dough in clean baby food jars/plastic containers (anything airtight really). Paint the lids or make wrappers from stickers to place on the side. Make sure you make a tag to go long with your gift to remind the kids to place the play-dough back in the freezer or it will dry out. If it starts to get dry after several weeks, add a few drops of water and work into play dough to extend it’s shelf life.

Include some dollar store cookie cutters too for some added fun!

• Great stocking stuffers'
• Easy toy to have on hand for kids at Christmas parties or drop in guests