Handmade Gifts

Throw Pillows

The shapes featured here can be bought or made at home. The large square pillow is 12 inches, so it requires six 12-inch squares of velvet. Sew four of them together to create the outside, then sew the top and bottom, leaving one seam open so that the pillow form can be inserted.

The pyramid pillows follow the same pattern, with four triangles sewn together with a square base, again with a seam left open to insert the pillow form.

These are wonderful gifts because you can buy them plain, then embellish them. A special candle paint or a candle additive that can be mixed with acrylic paint will be needed. The candle should be wiped down with rubbing alcohol before painting.

Once this is done, all that is necessary is the paint and a design that you have in mind, such as stars, plaid or animal prints.

This box started out as a dollhouse dresser, but now functions as a jewelry chest. Sheet-music wrapping paper is decoupaged onto the drawer surfaces and finial knobs serve as the feet. Wooden stars that are painted black serve as the drawer pulls and the edges are defined with gold leafing.

Jewelry boxes are fantastic to embellish, such as this little girl's box. All that was required was blue and white paint as well as silk flowers that serve as the drawer pulls.

Gold Leafing

Although this process seems intimidating, it is actually quite easy. Take a sizing specially designed for silver or gold leafing and brush it on to the surface. Allow to dry for around 15 minutes. The surface will be tacky.

Lay the gold leaf on the surface and brush. A sealer should be applied on top of the leafing.