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	<title>Homemade Gift Ideas</title>
	
	<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org</link>
	<description>Find ideas for all your homemade gifts here!</description>
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		<title>Homemade Gifts You Can Sew</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/gifts-to-sew.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/gifts-to-sew.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:06:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easy sewing gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts to sew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts you can sew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sewing gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simple handmade gifts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=3809</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a sewing machine makes your homemade gift options increase immensely, even if you are someone without a lot of sewing experience.
Gifts You Can Sew
One of the most common gifts, of course, is something for the home such as pillows, blankets, curtains, tablecloths and things like that.  I prefer to get patterns from a book or sewing shop, but you can also find free ones online.
Another popular gift you can sew is clothing.  Babies are especially easy to sew clothing for, but you can also sew clothing gifts for older kids and adults too.  How about a nice set of flannel pajamas or lounge pants?  They never go out of style in my house and it’s something everyone can use.
Quilts are and especially popular homemade gift and really allow you to give it a unique touch.  If you know your gift recipient’s favorite colors, they will be really easy to incorporate into a quilt.  A great homemade gift is a t-shirt quilt.  Do you have some of your kids old baby clothes and t-shirts still packed away?  Make a memorable t-shirt quilt for them to take to college, or a baby quilt for their firstborn child.
Do you know someone that is going off to college or maybe go back to school as an adult?  You can easily sew a gift for them such as a tote bag, book covers, pencil and pen holder, and even a lunch bag.
If you are looking for some ideas for Christmas gifts you can sew, ornaments are a popular choice.  There are tons of different designs and styles for all skill ranges.  Did you know you can even sew your gift envelopes?  If you are looking for something unique, click here to check out these cute ones from Martha Stewart.   That reindeer is definitely going on my list to sew.
My favorite place to find ideas for gifts to sew is books.  They tend to have great, easy to follow instructions and clearly lay out how much fabric is needed.
If your still searching for ideas on what gifts to sew, check out these books:
 Amazon.com Widgets
]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine Review</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/singer-sewing-machine-review.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/singer-sewing-machine-review.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:38:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sewing Machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singer sewing machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singer sewing machine reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singer sewing machines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=3802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine

Mechanical sewing machines were the first ones to come out but today electronic sewing machines have become more popular and this Singer Sewing machine is a great choice.
Electronic sewing machines have more features and functions than mechanical ones.  They are also easier to use.  There are many brands and models of sewing machines but beginners and intermediate sewers will find the Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine an excellent choice.
Electronic Sewing Machines
An electronic sewing machine is a worthwhile investment if you sew frequently and do not mind spending more.  Electronic sewing machines have many features and functions that you can accomplish by pressing a button or using touchpad controls and LCD screens.  In addition to the basic straight and zigzag stitches, you can make piping, decorative stitches, buttonholes and more.  Some models offer dozens or even hundreds of stitch types.
Singer 7470 Confidence &#8211; A Versatile Singer Sewing Machine
Singer is a company that is well known for the quality of their sewing machines.  The aptly name Singer 7470 Confidence inspires confidence in anyone who uses it, from beginners to more experienced sewers.  It has an amazing array of stitches and functions including:

173 built-in stitches that can be edited
6 styles of buttonholes
Block-style alphabet with numbers and symbols
A handmade-look quilt stitch
30 mirror images

With its many capabilities, the Singer electronic sewing machine is ideal for novices and more advanced sewers.  Its many functions will save you time and take the guesswork out of working with a sewing machine.
Easy to Use
The Singer 7470 works with electronic precision while selecting the right options for your sewing needs based on your material and the type of sewing you want to do.  You can modify the stitches by elongating them.  Mirror image or reversed stitching is also possible.
This sewing machine is simple to set up and use.  The Drop &#38; Sew bobbin system allows you to start sewing without a lot of fuss.  Sewing has never been this convenient, thanks to the following functions:

Drop and Sew bobbin threading system
Built-in needle threader
Automatic tension setting
Automatic tie-off with push-button function &#8212;      beginning and ending seams are reinforced with 4 stitches forward and 4      stitches back

While it requires skill to use a mechanical sewing machine, even first-time sewers can turn out professional-looking work with the Singer 7470 Confidence electronic sewing machine.  Beginners do not have to invest [...]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sewing Machines</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/sewing-machines.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/sewing-machines.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:31:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brother sewing machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[janome sewing machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sewing machine reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sewing Machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singer sewing machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[used sewing machines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=695</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[


My Mom made use of her sewing machine and served as our neighborhood tailor while I was growing up.  I was lucky in that whenever I, or my kids for that matter, needed anything tailored or hemmed we could count on her to get it done right.  Mom is getting older and her eyes get strained and her health doesn’t always allow her the ability to sit comfortably at the sewing machine all day.  Now it’s up to me to rejuvenate my sewing skills and I really didn’t want to do that with Mom’s old sewing machine.  She loves it, but I’ve heard her curse at it enough times to know that a new one was in order.
I’m an online shopper.  Frankly, crowds annoy me, I&#8217;m a busy Mom that doesn&#8217;t get the luxury of hours outside the house to myself to do my shopping research, and there is just nothing like shopping from the comfort of your own home.  It goes without saying that a sewing machine purchase is not one to be taken lightly.  That fact alone let me to Amazon.  I could’ve shopped through the sites of major sewing machine manufacturers, but I prefer sifting through Amazon reviews.  Sometimes some of reviews are just rants but it is pretty easy to weed those out and for the most part people are really looking to just put up on honest review.  Many times I can pick up added tips and tricks for a particular item just by reading through the reviews.  I can also usually find better deals on Amazon.  As of the date of this post, the #1 sewing machine is listed on the Brother website for $499. It is listed on Amazon for $449. That a $50 difference! In fact, this Brother Sewing Machine doesn’t have one review below a 4 star, and almost 90% of them are a 5 star review. That is an extremely good indicator!  Also, if you are an Amazon Primemember you get free 2 day shipping or 1 day shipping for only $3.99.  You won’t find those shipping rates anywhere else on the internet.  There is nothing quite like having your new sewing machines delivered to your doorstep for $3.99 or less.
In my search for a new machine my choices came down to the 3 listed below. [...]]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Janome Sewing Machines</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/janome-sewing-machines.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/janome-sewing-machines.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:06:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[janome 7318]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[janome magnolia 7318]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[janome sewing machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[janome sewing machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sewing Machines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=3795</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine

Sturdy, durable and no-nonsense is the best way to describe the Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine.  This mechanical sewing machine belongs to a line of affordable machines designed for beginners and comes with the precision performance that Janome products are known for.  It comes with a modern look and solid construction often found only in more expensive products.  You can rely on this machine for smooth, trouble-free stitching.
This Janome sewing machine is easy to use, even for beginners.  This portable sewing machine won’t let you down even when working on thick, bulky fabrics and quilting layers.  The sewing machine body is made of cast aluminum for a solid build.  It will stay in place while you sew.  It provides a good sized work space for you to work freely around the machine arm.
Compared to many sewing machines, especially electronic models, the Janome Magnolia may not have a lot of features.  However, it does come with more than enough utility and decorative stitches for your sewing needs including mending, quilting, home décor, garment construction and free motion embroidery.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Built-in Stitches
The sewing machine is described as having 18 built-in stitches but this number does not include the buttonhole and off-center stitches.  When those stitches are included, there are 22 in total.
The Janome Magnolia can create a variety of utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, satin stitch, blind hem, overcasting, overedge, knit stitch, smocking, arrowhead and more.  The stitch width can be adjusted from 0-5mm; stitch length is adjustable from 0-4mm.
This sewing machine has a top loading bobbin.  It does not come with an automatic needle threader.
Presser Feet
The Janome 7318 comes with four snap-on presser feet that are easy to change and can be stored in the accessory compartment.  The presser feet include: General Purpose, Zipper, Blind Hem and Sliding Buttonhole.  In addition to the “down” and “up” presser foot settings, it comes with “extra up” or “industrial” height to accommodate thicker or bulkier layers of fabric.
Janome Sewing Machine Features
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is designed for smooth and easy sewing.  It does not stint on features and Janome makes sure you get trouble-free stitching on this sewing machine.

Drop-in bobbin      system: The top loading, drop-in bobbin system and horizontal top      thread delivery ensures that the thread flows smoothly and does not jam.
Automatic      [...]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Boil an Egg With Perfection</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/boil-an-egg.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/boil-an-egg.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:08:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How To...]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boil an egg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easter eggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hard boil an egg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to boil an egg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=193</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Decorating eggs is one of my favorite parts of Easter, but making hard boiled eggs was never fun for me.  I always wondered if I boiled them enough, boiled them too long, and why is it that my eggs always seem to crack?  Well, who knew there was a right and wrong way to boil an egg – but there is.  Follow these steps and your eggs will be in perfect condition for decorating!  

First, you want to make sure that you buy your eggs about a week ahead of time.  If you are as busy as me, you’re the Mom that waits till the day of decorating to buy the eggs, but by buying your eggs earlier and NOT using fresh eggs you will find that your eggs will both crack less and peel easier.  
Once you are ready to boil the eggs, you want to make sure the eggs are at room temperature by sitting them in warm water for about five minutes (this will also help to keep the eggs from cracking while they are boiling).  Now, drain the eggs and put them into a saucepan.  Only add enough eggs to fill the bottom of the pan – do not layer the eggs in the pan.  Next, pour enough cold tap water over them so that the water covers the eggs by about an inch.  Next you need to partially cover the saucepan with a lid – don’t put the lid on all the way yet.  Turn the stove burner on medium heat and bring the water to a rolling boil and let the eggs boil for 30 seconds.  Remove the pan from the burner and completely cover the saucepan with the lid.  Keep the eggs covered for 15 minutes.  Finally remove the lid from the pan and run cold water over the eggs.
Tada!  Now you have perfectly hardboiled eggs.  Now…about the decorating; tomorrow I will have some great tips for that too!

]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Scrapbooking</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/scrapbooking-3.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/scrapbooking-3.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:54:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Scrapbooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beginner scrapbooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to scrapbook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrapbooking supplies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/scrapbooking-3.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, scrapbooking is one of the most popular ways to give homemade gifts to loved ones.  Scrapbooks are versatile and can be given for any kind of occasion. There are so many options with so it is easy to add personality and uniqueness to this homemade gift.

If you are one of those who would want to give out scrapbooks are homemade gifts, now is the best time to get started with it. Since scrapbooking may require a lot of your time, it would be best if you start conceptualizing the theme and getting the materials ready as well.
Scrapbooking 101
When you visit different scrapbook stores, you will find different scrapbook kits that will trigger your desire to be a budding scrapbooker, but these kits, magazines, and other scrapbooking products can be quite expensive. If you are interested in scrapbooking but the price of such expensive materials and scrapbook guides is out of your budget, use what follows at a simple guide.
Paying attention to the basics is one of the first things that you need to need to focus on scrapbooking. Just like in doing artworks and crafts, scrapbooking requires a lot of materials and supplies, but this doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to allot a huge amount of money in order to create a scrapbook. Today, so many products are being offered by the scrapbook supplies industry. Since these products are especially created to provide ultimate comfort to those who are greatly indulged in scrapbooking, they can be quite expensive.
For beginners, you don&#8217;t need to be overwhelmed by these products. What you need to do is focus on buying the basic materials and supplies which include an album and sheet protectors that come in different sizes and colors, scissors or paper trimmers that will allow you to cut lines and create your layouts without hassle, adhesive that is inexpensive but easy to use, photo tabs or photo splits to keep the back of the photos clean and can be easily removed, papers and card stocks that is the foundation of the scrapbook page.  You may also want to include embellishments, stickers, and journaling tools such as a wide variety of pens to your supply list.
Scrapbooking Techniques
Learning the basic techniques in scrapbooking is also a must. Magazines can be quite expensive because these are created for a special segment of the market. If you are tight on budget and you would want [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Brother Sewing Machine</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/brother-sewing-machine.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/brother-sewing-machine.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:20:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brother sewing machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brother sewing machines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buy a brother sewing machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[project runway sewing machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sewing machine reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=3753</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine

 Amazon.com Widgets
My favorite Brother sewing machine is the Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine To be honest, the Project Runway part is what originally attracted me (I love that show) but taking another look at it I actually found it to be an excellent machine.
Brother has an excellent reputation and those who know a lot about sewing machines know  that Brother sewing machines are some of the world’s best.  These  machines come in a wide range of models with prices from around $50 to  over $1000.  The Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition is a budget  computerized sewing machine that costs about $420.  It comes with  built-in stitches and loads of functions that will cover your basic  sewing needs plus a lot more.
Here&#8217;s the nitty gritty:
This Project Runway sewing  machine gives you the capability to create monograms, labels and  custom-designed stitch settings in addition to your basic stitches.  The most-loved features on this machine include:
•	Comes with 294 utility and decorative stitches
•	Built-in stitches are ready for use with the touch of a button
•	Automatic needle-threading system
•	Design your own customized stitches using the built-in LCD panel
•	Equipped with twin needle function
•	Comes with quilting foot and walking foot
•	Programmable thread trimmer
•	Comes with a 25-year limited warranty
Why You Will Love This Brother Computerized Brother Sewing Machine
Chances are you’ll never go back to your old sewing machine after trying  out the computerized Brother PC-420 PRW.  This machine gets rave reviews from beginners using this as one of their first machines as well as those that have been sewing for years.
&#8220;This a nice machine. I read the manual through once and was able to sew on it with confidence. I usually have trouble getting used to a new machine. It&#8217;s very quiet and sews like a dream.&#8221;
&#8220;This is an amazing sewing machine that anyone can use. I&#8217;ve been a sewer since childhood and I have several machines, 2 are Brothers. Both of my Brothers are extremely user friendly.  This machine will last me forever.&#8221;
&#8220;There&#8217;s nothing I don&#8217;t love about this machine and I recommend it wholeheartedly, both for a novice and an experienced sewer. My mom has a high-end Viking and this one has some great features that hers doesn&#8217;t. Amazing utility for such a low price. Definitely don&#8217;t hesitate to buy this!&#8221;
The Brother PC-420 [...]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>T-Shirt Quilts As A Great Homemade Gift</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/t-shirt-quilts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/t-shirt-quilts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:03:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[How To...]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make a t shirt quilt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[t-shirt quilts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tshirt quilts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/t-shirt-quilts-as-a-great-homemade-gift-3.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most sought-after homemade gifts these days are t-shirt quilts because of their uniqueness. In fact, quilts have been converted into so many things and in most art stores and galleries, more and more items are being inspired from quilts.

T-shirt quilts have become a trend not only to artists but also to people who would want to give something unique and beautiful. Aside from its unique concept, t-shirt quilts also became a popular gift when it is turned into a memory t-shirt quilt.
Making A T-Shirt Quilt
Making a t-shirt is easy as long as you have materials that you need. These include a set of pins, a set of rotary cutters, a box full of sewing needles that come in different sizes, different-colored threads, special quilting needles, extra fabric that will be used for backing, a pair of scissors, different types of fabrics and shirts, cardboard, batting, rulers, a sewing machine, irons, and a quilt frame. Here are step by step directions that you can follow:
- Know the size of the t-shirt quilt you want to make. This can be determined by how many t-shirts you would want to include in the quilt.
- Wash and dry the t-shirts before stitching them. Washing and drying the t-shirts is very important to avoid proliferation of bacteria once preserved in a frame. Even new t-shirts should be wash so you can determine if they are colorfast or not.
- Place the t-shirts according to size and design. By doing this, you can establish order and create a final design for the t-shirt quilt.
- Draft a square template using the cardboard. This template will be used as a pattern on how the t-shirt should be cut.
- Make an initial layout of the t-shirt quilt. This is done by placing all square cut outs on the floor to determine what is your preferred arrangement.
- Only use the needle and thread of choice, sew the squares. You should sew each square parallel to one another to form a row. After this, sew the rows and add the borders.
- Use the polyester batting, fill the t-quilt. This will provide you the initial layout of the t-shirt quilt.
- Finalize it. Using ties, quilt hoop or quilt frame, you can now make the final steps in the t-shirt quilt before giving it away.
When making a t-shirt quilt, bear in mind that you should always plan the design ahead before [...]]]></description>
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		<title>The Easter Tree – What Is It And How Do You Make One?</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-tree.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-tree.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:27:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easter tree]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-tree/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Easter tree is a relatively new decorating tradition in North America, but one that&#8217;s been quickly embraced! Around Easter time you&#8217;ll see a number of ready made trees available to buy in store. But why buy one when you can create your own unique and cost effective tree from scratch?!

The Easter Tree Tradition
The tradition of hanging eggs from small trees goes back to Europe. Decorated eggs have been made for centuries during spring and the Easter festival, and hanging them from a tree was simply a beautiful way to display their intricate designs.
Eggs themselves have been seen as a symbol of rebirth since Roman times and beyond. They have also been linked to the pagan roots of the Easter festival, which celebrated Eostre, the goddess of spring and fertility (i.e. new life). Easter trees are an extension of this symbolism.
How To Make Your Own Easter Tree
Step 1 &#8211; Find Your Branches: For the most authentic displays, you should go outside and try to find small, natural, bare branches for your Easter tree, and cut them down to the length you&#8217;d like. If these aren&#8217;t easily available where you live then you can create your branches from scratch using craft materials. You may want to spray your branches white and attach them together to form a mini tree shape with one main stem.
Step 2 &#8211; Choose A Container: You can use just about any container you&#8217;d like for your tree. This might mean a decorative spring flower pot, or any suitable household item that you&#8217;d like to recycle! You&#8217;ll want the base color of the container to match the color scheme you&#8217;re going for with your tree decorations.
Step 3 &#8211; Decorate Your Container: You can skip this step if you want, but you may want to paint or decorate your container to help it fit in with your color scheme or home decor. Bright spring colors are always a nice idea!
Step 4 &#8211; Fill Your Container: Use floral foam to fill your container ready for your branches. Pack it tightly to help make the base as firm and secure as possible. Now place the branches into the foam and arrange them nicely. You may want to add some false grass around the base to hide the foam.
Step 5 &#8211; Decorate The Tree: Now it&#8217;s time to decorate the tree however you want! You could create silk or paper flowers, or [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Homemade Gift Ideas:  More Delicious Cookie Recipes</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-more-delicious-cookie-recipes.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-more-delicious-cookie-recipes.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:48:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Christmas Gift Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Anyone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cookie recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recipe]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As promised in an earlier post, here are two more of my favorite cookies to include in my gift baskets or any other decorated container.

Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter (brand name will probably work better than a generic, but either is fine)
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Thoroughly cream the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla (You can use a mixer or cream by hand).  Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt and then blend slowly into the creamed mixture.  Shape cookie dough into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.  Place each ball 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  (As I said in my previous post, I always grease them slightly or use a baking stone).  Flatten and criss cross with fork tines.  Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes (again baking time will vary slightly according to your stove).  Cool cookies for 2 minutes and remove from pan.
This is a favorite in my house around Christmas time, but they are delicious any time of year.
Molasses Drop Cookies
1 cup sugar
1 cup margarine
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup molasses
2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup hot water
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
5 cups flour
Cream sugar and shortening together.  Add the eggs and molasses.  Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to creamed mixture.  Mix cinnamon and cloves with flour and stir into mixture.  Chill dough for at least one hour (can also be chilled overnight).  Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a greased cookie pan (or baking stone) and sprinkle tops with sugar.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.  Cool cookies for 2 mintues and remove from pan.
Don’t forget, for those of you that prefer ready-made cookies, you can find several different kinds in your grocery store.  It won&#8217;t matter if you make them from scratch or not &#8211; cookies always make a fabulous homemade gift.
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		<title>Mother’s Day Homemade Gift Ideas For Adults</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/mothers-day-homemade-gift-ideas-adults.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/mothers-day-homemade-gift-ideas-adults.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mothers Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts for moms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts for mothers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gifts for mom]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You probably made your mother quite a few Mother’s Day gifts when you were growing up but chances are she would most likely still prefer homemade gifts over store bought ones. Homemade gifts are simply more special and require a lot more thought than buying ready-made gifts do. Stumped on what to make your mother for Mother’s Day? Here are some Mother’s Day homemade gift ideas for adults.

If you have children of your own, your mother would love to have the latest pictures of them. Whether she lives near or far away, she would appreciate a framed picture of you and your children. If you have taken any recent pictures of your children with your mother, even better. Make the gift extra special by purchasing plain picture frames and painting and decorating them. If your children are old enough, let them in on the fun too.
Mothers, no matter how old they are, never seem to pamper themselves enough. Encourage your mother to pamper herself by making a homemade spa basket for her. Include her favorite bath supplies, such as bath salts, soaps, shower gels, shampoo, and conditioner. If she likes to read, throw in a couple of paperbacks and a candle or two. Personalize the spa basket according to her taste and favorite items, such as her favorite bottle of wine, a new CD, or whatever she likes and will take the time to enjoy as she is pampering herself in her own home spa.
Some of the best Mother’s Day homemade gift ideas include a gift basket that includes items for her favorite hobby. If she likes to garden, for example, fill a gift basket with new gardening tools, seeds, herbs, knee pads, and whatever else you can think of that she might need, want, or enjoy. If she likes plants but doesn’t especially like to garden, pick out some of her favorite potted plants and dress them up with colored foil and ribbons.
Once you start brainstorming Mother’s Day homemade gift ideas, you’ll find it easy to come up with something meaningful to surprise your mother with this Mother’s Day.

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		<title>Homemade Gift Ideas For Boyfriends</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-boyfriends.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-boyfriends.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:36:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Christmas Gift Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts for boyfriends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas boyfriend]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=116</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’ve finally found that special guy and want to show him just how much you care with a homemade gift.  You won’t go wrong with any of these gifts for that special man in your life.

Memories of Us
Couples usually have at least a handful of places that hold special memories.  Think about your favorite restaurant, your first kiss, or first date.  Create map of these special places on a simple piece of paper.  You can add a little bit of a rustic look to it by burning the edges.  Roll the map and tie it with a satin ribbon.  In a small photo or memory book and add your favorite pictures, special things that he has said to you, the first time you realized he was the one, or even write a poem.  
Literary Clock
Does your guy have a favorite book?  Literary clocks are a great way to show off a beloved book.  I have not attempted to make one yet, but I am thinking about it this year for all those Twilight and Harry Potter fans on my list.  Google literary clock and you will find great, easy to follow instructions for this homemade gift idea.  Boyfriends will also love framed art from their favorite childhood book.  You will need to remove the pages for the clock anyway, so add a couple framed photos to compliment the clock.
Time Alone
Time alone always makes for a treasured homemade gift.  Boyfriends usually have a favorite sport like football, basketball, or Nascar.  Surprise him with a dinner and tickets to his favorite sporting event.   If it’s a sport you can join in on, make plans to take him snowboarding or skiing.
Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are another easy homemade gift idea for boyfriends.  Click here for great gift baskets ideas for men.
]]></description>
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		<title>So You Want To Make A Scrapbook?</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/how-to-make-a-scrapbook.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/how-to-make-a-scrapbook.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:02:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Scrapbooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make a scrapbook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn to scrapbook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make a scrapbook]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/how-to-make-a-scrapbook.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Learning how to make a scrapbook will take some commitment and it is really like a piece of art. When you learn the techniques of how to make a scrapbook you will need to get to know a few basic tools, supplies, and learn some skills before you get started. While some projects are difficult, start at the beginning with simple layouts and designs and before you know it you will end up with something like a family heirloom. It can be enjoyable to do and then the memories that you gather can be passed down among generations.

To get started, you first need pictures to fill you scrapbook pages. Everyone has boxes filled with pictures, but you may notice that some are discolored or warped because of the poor storage. Our homes are full of acid and moisture which breaks down the chemical balance used to produce photographs and causes them to change appearance. When learning how to make a scrapbook, it&#8217;s important to use acid free supplies so that you can preserve the pictures for many years and decades to come.
There are some basics tools that you will need to get before you start on this great hobby of scrapbooking. Every good scrapbooker needs a cutting tool. You will need to get sharp scissors and specialty scissors that will cut scalloped edges, but you may also want something that will cut a straight line and circles. You will also need some form of adhesive. Beginners may find that the easiest products to buy are photo mounts, which are tiny pre-cut pieces of tape, and glue dots, which are pressure-sensitive strong spots of glue to hold larger embellishments. Beyond a cutting tool and adhesive, you really don&#8217;t need any other tools to get started, but if you want to create fancier pages, many options are available including rubber stamps, paper crimpers, punches, stickers and other embellishments. Start with a few smaller items and increase your inventory as you learn more and more scrapbooking skills.
When learning how to make a scrapbook, you will also need a few basic supplies &#8211; the most being the album itself. Make sure whatever you purchase is large enough to hold all the pictures you want to include two to five pictures will fit on a standard 8  x 11 page with cropping, with the most balanced layouts having three pictures. You can also choose [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Crochet Gifts Even a Beginner Can Make</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/crochet-gifts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/crochet-gifts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:32:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Crochet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crochet Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crocheting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts to Crochet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Make Crochet Gifts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=630</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Crocheting is not only a great hobby, but it is a true art form and there are some fabulous crochet gifts even a beginner can make. While crocheting may not be as popular as it once was, this only means that the recipient will feel extra special that you took the time and effort to create such a lovely gift.

While there are numerous crochet stitches to learn, you can make some lovely gifts using even the most basic stitches. Almost anyone would appreciate a warm afghan to curl up with on cold nights and even a beginner can crochet afghans. You can either buy a pattern or find one online for free and you can use just one color or as many colors as you like.
Everyone needs pot holders and it is easy to crochet hot pads or potholders using a simple stitch. In fact, you could make a lot of them and keep them on hand whenever you need a gift. Make them in various colors and if you are a beginner, you can start to experiment with different patterns and stitches until you can make a wide variety of potholders.
If you need a gift for a new baby, baby booties are always welcome. These are not that hard to make but you will need a pattern and you may need to practice a bit. Baby booties are one of the best crochet gifts you can make and they are a lot of fun to create.
As you gain more experience, you may want to try crocheting hats and sweaters. Once you can crochet a sweater, you’ll never run out of things to crochet and you can greatly enhance your own wardrobe as well as have a supply of gifts on hand. If you’re not quite ready to make sweaters as crochet gifts, then you may want to try your hand at crocheting scarves. Making scarves is basically the same principle as crocheting afghans; you just stop a lot sooner. Whatever you decide to crochet, remember that it does take some practice to turn your stitches into lovely gifts but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to turn out gifts for any occasion.
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		<title>Homemade Gift Ideas</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-4.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-4.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:29:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Anyone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideas for homemade gifts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gift-ideas-4.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Homemade gift ideas may seem hard to come up with at times but there are ideas everywhere &#8211; you just need to know where to look.  Here are some tips to help you in finding great homemade gifts for any holiday or special occasion.
Books Are Great For Homemade Gift Ideas
Craft books
There are a lot in the market that will help you with your craft projects. For instance, if you want to make jewelry as homemade gift, you will find a lot of jewelry craft books in bookstores. Look at the projects and look at the materials. If you are a newbie, make sure that you buy the one for the novice like yourself. There are books for beginners for almost any craft or project on your list.  If you buy your book online you get the advantage of reading all the reviews before you decide which book to purchase.
For homemade gift ideas involving some sort of album or scrapbook, there are craft books and magazines that you can read as reference. They will give you tips on how to start your album, and have designs that you can follow and incorporate into the album that you are doing. These kinds of crafts books are available in bookstores as well as in craft stores where you can buy your supplies.
Find Homemade Gift Ideas Around The Corner
Craft shows
There are also great craft shows all over the country, and I am sure one near you, that will help you with the project or give you some great inspiration for other homemade gift ideas. It will also keep you up to date with some of the materials and gadgets (yes crafters have gadgets) that will make everything much easier to do. There are the sticker machines, the stamps and the engravers. Trust me, making homemade gifts has never been easier with all these gadgets.
Art shows for kids
Ok face it, even if you are too old for such juvenile shows, you will learn a lot from these shows. You will find a lot of new homemade gift ideas with these shows and what is more, they are easy to do because after all they are for children and projects for children are pretty easy to do.  This is a great place to find something you can allow the kids to help create.
Craft Stores
Take a look through your local craft store.  Many times [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Decorating Easter Eggs With Style</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/decorating-easter-eggs.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/decorating-easter-eggs.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:07:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decorating Easter eggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easter eggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[painting Easter eggs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=226</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Break out the eggs – it Easter time!!
Some of my favorite Easter memories are of decorating eggs.  Sometimes plain colored eggs just aren’t enough and you just want something a little different.  First, make sure you start with your perfectly boiled eggs, and then check out these ideas.

I’m sure most of you have tried the crayon on the egg trick but just in case – use crayons to color on your egg and then dip the egg in dye.  Use neon dye to really brighten the crayon color.  
Do you have some little stickers in your craft box?  Put the stickers on the egg making sure that all the edges are in place so the dye won’t get under the stickers.  Dip the egg into dye, allow the eggs to dry completely, and then remove the stickers.  You may also choose to dye the egg again using a lighter shade to fill in the white spaces.
Okay – now for some really crafty eggs check these out.  I just loved all these eggs and am looking forward to creating a few in the next few days.
Do you have any unique ways you use to decorate Easter eggs?
]]></description>
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		<title>Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for Women</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-christmas-gifts-for-women.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-christmas-gifts-for-women.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:43:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade christmas gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mom]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=30</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Shopping for the women in our lives can be very…how should I say it…exhausting.  What do they want?  What will they use?  Where do I get it?  Why don’t you make her a homemade Christmas gift this year?  Homemade gifts add a special personal touch and create memories that last much longer than any store bought gift. 

Give her the Calgon take me away kind of gift by making her bath salts.  You could also include a body mist you made for her yourself.  If you want to be extra daring in the homemade gift department, top those gifts off with a homemade candle in her favorite scent.  I promise she will think of you every time she lights it.  
Photo collages are an awesome gift for any woman.  One of the best homemade Christmas gift ideas I had was to give my mother a simple collage frame filled with photos of her grandchildren.  It didn’t take me very long at all, she absolutely loved it and 14 years later it still hangs proudly on her wall.  You can buy inexpensive photo collage frames at your local craft or dollar store, or create your own photo collage with photo software.  
Consider giving the gift of time this year.  How many stressed out mothers do you know that could use a few hours to themselves to relax and unwind?  Do you have elderly friends or relatives that could use a helping hand around their house or just someone to spend a few hours with doing something special?  Make it a gift that lasts all year by committing to several times throughout the year.  
Don’t forget to include a homemade card with your gift.  Include a picture of the two of you together or include a note about a special memory you have of them.
Any of these homemade Christmas gift ideas are sure to please a number of those ladies on your shopping list.  I hope my kids are reading this…  
]]></description>
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		<title>Purchase Wood Crafts for Kids Online</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/wood-crafts-for-kids.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/wood-crafts-for-kids.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:13:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gifts Kids Can Make]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood Crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood Crafts for Kids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=625</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for wood crafts for kids? You can find a great selection of these online, many of which come in kits with instructions and everything your child will need to assemble the item. Depending on the age of your child, supervision may be necessary. Most of the wood craft kits use glue to assemble the pieces so although there are no nails, young children should be supervised when using wood glue.

Wood crafts for kids are a lot of fun and include toys, puzzles, and a variety of other items. You can also buy plans for more elaborate wood crafts and involve your children in the construction process. For example, you can buy plans to build a child size picnic table, a dog house, or even a scooter. Your child will have a lot of fun building something with you and you can use this as a teaching tool also.
Whether you are looking for wood craft kits or just the plans, you’ll find a great selection on the Internet. Many websites sell wood crafts to organizations like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, church groups, and campgrounds. They also sell to individuals who just want to buy one item so you can still find a wide array of wood crafts for kids online.
The Internet is a great resource if you just want to get some ideas, too. You can just browse various websites that feature wood crafts and then make your own plans. You can either cut the wood yourself or have it cut at a lumber store, buy your own paint and glue and get started. You and your child can build kites, playhouses, or just a small car or puzzle. You can keep it as simple as you wish or as elaborate as you like.
Here are a couple online craft kit offers to get you started in your search:



]]></description>
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		<title>Easter Gifts For Adults:6 Ideas To Get You Started</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-gifts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-gifts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:52:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easter Gifts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/easter-gifts-for-adults/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While you may know what to get the children, sometimes finding suitable Easter gifts for adults isn&#8217;t as simple. If you&#8217;re trying to come up with something they will like, but that won&#8217;t break the bank, then here are six ideas to get you going.

1) Seed Packets: Spring is a time when many of us start to think more about the flowers and plants growing in our gardens. So why not use the simple idea of giving a seed packet? This is extremely quick to put together, yet still very thoughtful. Simply choose flowers or vegetables that you know will grow well in the recipient&#8217;s area &#8211; or choose something that they&#8217;ve always said they wanted to grow but haven&#8217;t started yet.
2) Easter Flowers Flower Pots: In the same vein as the idea above, why not give flowers, or decorative flower pots, as gifts this Easter? There&#8217;s nothing better than fresh flowers, or spring pastel colors around the home for cheering everybody up and getting them in the right mood!
3) Gift Baskets: These make fantastic Easter gifts for adults and children alike &#8211; it all depends what you choose to put in the basket. Put together your own baskets from scratch and you can choose the exact items you know the recipient will love. Or simply buy online for a very quick, yet still thoughtful, alternative.
4) Easter Eggs: Not just for kids, these also make great Easter gifts for adults! Yes, it may seem less imaginative than the other gift ideas, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be. The truth is that Easter eggs come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors, and you can even make your own if you want something really unique! Other ideas include chocolate bunnies and chicks, or even decorative eggs.
5) Egg Cups: Sticking with the egg theme, you could opt to buy egg cups for adults at Easter time. Either choose a plain one and paint it with your own designs in ceramic paint, or choose pre-decorated ones. You can make the gift more unique by including other items, such as toast cutters and dyed hard boiled decorative eggs.
6) Home Baked Gifts: Easter is a popular time for cooking and baking, so any foods made from scratch make good Easter gifts for adults. Choose something you&#8217;ve at least practiced before, though &#8211; you want to make sure that it tastes alright!
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		<title>Beginner Sewing</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/beginner-sewing.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/beginner-sewing.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:50:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beginner sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn to sew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sewing for beginners]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=236</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So you were in the market for a new hobby and you settled in on sewing.  You are among good company!  Sewing is a long lasting tradition in many homes and shows like Project Runway has brought this timeless hobby back into the spotlight.

For many beginners, sewing is a hobby that poses many questions.  How much will it cost?  Where can I learn?  What do I need?  Don&#8217;t get overwhelmed, there is plenty of help available.  I will tackle some of your questions in my next two posts.
How much will it cost?
That all really depends on how much you want to spend.  Sewing doesn&#8217;t have to cost a fortune.  If you are on a budget, think about some people you already know that sews; maybe grandma, mom, aunt, friends, or a friend of a friend.  Ask if you can borrow or buy supplies and fabric swatches from them at little or no cost.  While your at it, ask if you can borrow their sewing machine.  You can also often find them for sale at yard sales or thrift stores.
If cost is not an issue you can easily buy the supplies you will need for your beginner sewing project at your local fabric or craft store.  Personally, I love to do my shopping on the internet because it saves me so much time.  I frequently get my supplies from Joann.com, a nationally known chain store.
What do I need?
Obviously what you need will depend on your project.  Aside from a sewing machine, some basic supplies to keep on hand include:

Needles &#8211; Some sewing tasks require hand sewing
Thread
Thimble – Comes in very handy when hand sewing
Needle Threader – Please trust me when I say you will want one of these!
Ruler and Tape Measure – There is a difference and you will definitely want at least a tape measure
Seam Ripper
Straight Pins
Pincushion – Actually this would make a great beginner sewing project!
Fabric Scissors – There is a difference between scissors and a good pair of fabric sewing scissors.  Fabric, or sewing scissors as some call them, are sharper and much better than just a regular pair.  They cost a little more, but they are well worth it!

Now, where do you put all these supplies?  I will tackle that question and more in my next post.
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		<title>Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Cookies Make a Great Homemade Gift!</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe-cookies-make-a-great-homemade-gift.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate chip cookie recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate chip cookies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=66</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever met anyone that doesn&#8217;t like cookies??  Use this cookie recipe to give a great edible homemade gift perfect for anytime of the year.  Cookies are easy to give as a gift by putting them in a cookie jar or a basket.  You could even give them in something as simple a plastic container that can be used after the cookies have been devoured.  Dress the container up with ribbon or bows for a special touch. 

Let me just say that for those of you who do not enjoy baking this gift is easy for you too.  Grocery stores sell cookie dough in ready to bake forms.  Pillsbury and Nestle Toll House are our favorites.  If you are looking to mix your own cookies, my favorite recipe is the original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (I&#8217;ve added notes from my trial and errors in parentheses).  It has never failed to please anyone on my list. 
Ingredients
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened  (I have used margarine and/or Crisco Butter Flavor All Vegetable sticks with success)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup PACKED brown sugar  (make sure you pack the brown sugar)
1 tsp. vanilla extract  (I always add about an extra 1/2 tsp. of vanilla)
2 large eggs
2 cups semi sweet Nestle Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts &#8211; optional  (I have never made these cookies with nuts, but feel free to add for that special nut in your life)

First preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl and set aside.  Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy.  (I normally do not use a mixer to blend these ingredients.  My mom was old school and always hand beat or mixed cookies.  I do know some that do use a mixer or beater &#8211; either way works fine).  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition (I beat each egg separately in a small bowl or measuring cup before adding to make it easier to mix with the batter).  Gradually beat (or mix) in flour mixture.  Stir in morsels and nuts.  Drop by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. (I used to always [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Potpourri Gifts – Discover This Easy Homemade Gift Idea</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/potpourri-gifts-%e2%80%93-discover-this-easy-homemade-gifts-idea.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/potpourri-gifts-%e2%80%93-discover-this-easy-homemade-gifts-idea.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:29:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Christmas Gift Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potpourri]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potpourri gifts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who doesn&#8217;t like something that smells great, right?  Potpourri gifts are the perfect gift for just about anyone and there many easy homemade gifts you can make to give as a birthday or Christmas gift this year.

Sachets
Gift sachets are a very easy gift to give.  You can choose to make your own potpourri, or purchase store bought that can usually be found in your local craft store.  For those of you who are a seamstress use these directions to make your sachet.  For those of us who left our sewing skills in our 9th grade home economics class don&#8217;t worry you can find direction for a no-sew sachet here also.
Potpourri Air Freshener
This is a homemade potpourri gift you can have the kiddos help make.  You will need:  1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, 1 cup of potpourri finely cut (can be old or new potpourri), between 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water, open cookie cutters.  Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for about 5 minutes.  Flatten the dough to desired thickness with a very lightly floured rolling pin.  You can also just flatten with your hands if you don’t have a rolling pin.  Cut out the cookie cutter shapes and use a pencil or other small object to put a hole in the top of the ornament then place on a wire cookie rack to dry out.   Once they are dried out put a ribbon or string through the hole.
You can also make air fresheners – or Christmas ornaments – by wrapping potpourri in a piece of lace or any type of thin fabric.  Tie it shut with a bow and add a string to hang or an ornament hook.  You can add paints, glitter, or any type of sewing notion for added decoration.

Potpourri Wreath
If you are feeling extra crafty, wreaths make excelling homemade potpourri gifts.  Start with a ring of raffia or a Styrofoam ring.  Use glue or a glue gun to attach piece of potpourri until the ring is covered.  You can also add ribbon to wrap around the ring to add different colors.
So many great potpourri gifts to make!  Stay tuned for my more post on how to make sachets &#8211; with or without sewing.
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		<title>Easy Valentine Homemade Gift Hearts</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/valentine-homemade-gift.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/valentine-homemade-gift.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:02:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Valentines Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[valentine homemade gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[valentines day gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[valentines homemade gift]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are a wide variety of Valentine homemade gift hearts you can make for anyone on your Valentine’s Day list. If you like to bake, you can buy some heart shaped cookie cutters and make cookies for someone you are sweet on. This works well whether your gift recipient is a romantic interest, teacher, parent, or child. This is also an easy and inexpensive gift to take to the office or to a luncheon. You can also expand the cookie idea and make delectable cherry chocolate brownies in a heart shape for those on your Valentine list.

Even heart shaped paper notes left around the house make a great Valentine homemade gift. Most people, men and women alike, like to receive romantic notes on heart shaped paper, whether they admit it or not. You could also use heart shaped paper to make romantic coupons good for a massage, choice of video, or dinner in without the kids.
Many people prefer homemade gifts, especially on Valentine’s Day, to a store bought box of candy or even flowers. People like gifts that take thought and effort much more than they like a gift that it is clear was picked up at the last minute. Another great gift idea is to make your own Valentine homemade gift hearts and include tickets to the movies or to a concert or special event that you know your loved one wants to attend.
Homemade gift baskets are another big hit and you can include plenty of heart shaped items to give it the Valentine’s Day touch along with other items you know your sweetheart would like. Heart shaped candles, heart candies, and heart shaped earrings make a great statement if you’re fixing the basket for a woman and if you are fixing it for a man, use your imagination and include his favorite cologne or after shave along with heart candies and other heart shaped items.
Even if you are on a tight budget, almost anyone can come up with a romantic or thoughtful Valentine homemade gift. Whether it is in the shape of a heart or if it is just a handmade card, the thought and effort you put into your Valentine gift will be appreciated.
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		<title>Beginner Sewing Books and More</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/beginner-sewing-books.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/beginner-sewing-books.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beginner sewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn to sew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sewing for beginners]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/?p=235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Beginner sewing books are an excellent resource for budding seamstresses.  The selection of books can be overwhelming, so here are my three top choices.  Any of these choices will have you sewing in no time.

Sewing 101: A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Sewing is a complete sewing course in a book.  This beginner sewing book was truly written with the beginner in mind and it includes excellent  step by step detailed pictures and photographs to guide you through  everything from threading a needle (yes there is an easy way to do it!) to inserting a zipper.  The binding on this book is a big plus because it allows the book to lay flat and it make it a ton easier to work with around all that fabric and supplies are you going to be using.

Teach Yourself Visually Sewing (Teach Yourself Visually) is another great simple sewing book.  If you learn by seeing and doing as a lot of us do, this book will work best for you!  This sewing book will help you through some  beginner sewing projects but then also includes more advanced projects.  It will be a book that will be a staple in your sewing adventure.  Projects in this beginner sewing book include a baby receiving blanket and a pillow sham among many others.

Sewing for Dummies is an easy beginner sewing book because it is written in a very easy to follow  format. If you are familiar at all the the &#8220;Dummies&#8221; collection of books you know the detail they go into.  This beginner sewing book will help you learn hand and machine stitches as well as  reading a sewing pattern.  Once you get the basics down, the book also includes instructions on creating an entire  bedroom ensemble!  How sweet would that be?!
As a beginner, sewing will take some practice.    A beginner sewing book should be easy to follow with detailed instrHowever, you will  have a great time and learn something new with each project.  Any one of  these beginner sewing books will get you one your way in no time at all.
Organizing Sewing Supplies
So now that I have my beginner sewing book, fabric, sewing patterns, and all my supplies &#8211; where do I put it????  Well, if you are really lucky you have your sewing room all set up and ready to go with all [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Great Homemade Gifts For The Home</title>
		<link>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gifts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.homemadegiftideas.org/homemade-gifts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:06:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gifts for Anyone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideas for homemade gifts]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Most gift givers today prefer giving homemade gifts over the traditional ones because they add sincerity and a special effort to their gift giving.  For those who are planning to give gifts that can help one to beautify a home, there are so tons of homemade gift options for you to choose from.
Practical Homemade Gifts For The House
Home decor accessories are the most common homemade gifts that people can give for those who love decorating their homes. These gifts will help the receiver in decorating their homes the easier and more practical way!!
For gift-givers, the following are some of the major homemade home decor and accessories that will help the receiver to have a great looking home:
Pillows &#8211; In living rooms and bedrooms, pillows indeed take a great part in the overall look of the house. Pillows soften empty corners of the bed as well of the chairs and sofas. The impact will be so much better if these are homemade. Today, there are so many types of pillows available in the market, you can choose from solid pillows, striped pillows, patterned pillows, floral pillows, floor pillows, rectangular pillows, and outdoor pillows depending on the personality and the needs of your gift recipient.  There are so many types of pillows you can create that it makes a great homemade gift for anyone regardless of your skill level.
Homemade candlelight set &#8211; This is a considered as one of the most romantic home decor accessories out there because they give soft and cozy feel in the house.  What a great homemade gift to give to a newlywed couple or as a housewarming gift.  Today, homemade candlelight sets are the trend because they are more sophisticated and unique. If you choose this as a gift, you should consider coming up with matching candle holders, candles, and candle coasters.
Unique homemade vases &#8211; These make a great homemade gifts because they are categorized into tabletop, floor, bud, and accent, vases play a very big role in the beautification of one&#8217;s home because each kind can highlight a certain part of the house and make it more appealing. Aside from holding flowers and other things inside the home, vases can also serve as decorative and artistic pieces. If you are giving this as a gift, consider the homemade ones from exotic places because these are indeed unique and very sentimental.
Wall decors &#8211; Whether it is [...]]]></description>
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