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Sharing the Bible through Homemade Christmas Gifts
By Julie | December 17, 2008
Every year, Christmas shopping is a very time consuming project for me. I spend hours thinking about everyone on our list and then try to come up with the perfect gift for them, no matter what we spend on each person. Of course some people are really easy to buy for, and some are so difficult they just get gift cards. I still love trying to find that perfect gift. I also like brainstorming, because it lets me think about each person, the conversations we’ve had, and their interests and likes. Our family also likes to make small gifts; it’s something fun to do together.
Gift Card or Homemade?
A few years ago I was trying to break the “gift card rut” I had found myself in for years with one couple on our Christmas list. We tried to get them gift cards to places we knew they liked. But we really wanted to give them something more sentimental. They were really involved in their church, and loved reading the Bible. Finally I got an idea.
I called the wife to ask what some of her favorite Bible verses are. She picked up her Bible and told me several quickly over the phone. Then, I grabbed my decoupage, got a blank wooden box, and started making print outs on the computer.
The Best Decoupage!
I love decoupage. In fact, I think nearly all impossible crafts can be made possible with a little decoupage. For those of you who have never used it, decoupage is a mix of a glue base and water. It can apply an image, or any flat surface, to another flat surface. Just spread a little on the back of the page you want to apply. Then press your two surfaces together, try to smooth out the air bubbles. Let it dry then apply a layer over the top. A lot of people refer to “Mod Podge” as the main brand of decoupage. But I think I’ve found the absolute best decoupage ever. I use a brand from the Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company. It a thinner decoupage and it doesn’t gum up like Mod Podge. It also naturally makes its own top layer, which means the finished project will feel really smooth when you run your fingers over. When I have used Mod Podge I had to purchase a separate top coat for the final layer.
The Finished Project:
Here are a few pictures of the final product I made a couple years ago using my friend’s favorite Bible verses:
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
So, if your still trying to find that special gift for a Bible lover in your life, with decoupage the possibilities are endless. Their favorite verses can be applied to anything, a simple wooden box, an ornament, a variety of papier-mâché products at a local Hobby Lobby, or any craft store, a glass, a plate, anything in your imagination. Have fun.
Topics: Art, Crafts, Holidays | No Comments »
