Embellish

A homemade gift is a special pleasure to receive. It’s a sign that someone cares enough to share her talent and time.

But there’s also a payoff for those who are applying their gift-making skills – it’s fun to create an original gift with someone in mind, say crafting experts.
And being able to make something original at a fraction of what you might pay for a store-bought gift is valuable when you’re on a tight budget.
Making a gift doesn’t demand technical skills or a lot of equipment. If you can do basic stitches with a sewing machine you can make a delightful gift, according to Karen Edenfield, inspiration specialist for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores.
“People have skills; they just need ideas,” says Edenfield.
The chain, in Hudson, Ohio, recently developed directions for gifts you can make for $25 or less.
To keep the experience enjoyable, Edenfield recommends breaking the project down into simple steps and starting early enough so that you don’t feel rushed.
“You want this to be a joyful thing without the pressure,” Edenfield says.
The grill guy in your life might like a chalkboard apron, inspired by restaurant chalkboard menus, and anyone who treasures her cell phone and similar devices will appreciate a charging station, which requires simple sewing skills. Here are the steps from Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores.

Charging station

Supplies to purchase:
1/2 yard cotton quilting fabric
1/2 yard Warm & Natural batting
1/4 yard 12-gauge clear vinyl
1 package Velcro

Basic supplies:
Sewing supplies
Sewing machine
Iron

1.Cut two pieces of quilting fabric 15 inches high by 14 inches wide. Measure and mark 8 inches up each side; also mark the center of the top. Draw a line from the sides to the center top and cut.
2.Use the cut fabric pieces as a pattern to cut two pieces each of batting and interfacing.
3.Fuse iron-on interfacing to back of fabric and pin batting to front and back panels.
4.Cut a 6-by-18-inch piece of vinyl for pocket.
5.Cut a 3-by-18-inch fabric piece for vinyl pocket top. Fold in half lengthwise wrong sides together and press. Fold edges into center and press to make 4 layers. Stitch to top of vinyl.
6.Pin pocket onto bottom of front, dividing evenly into 3 pockets and stitch allowing it to pleat at bottom.
7.For small pocket, cut 2 pieces of fabric 31/2 inches by 51/2 inches. Stitch all 4 sides, leaving an opening; turn and press. Place pocket above vinyl pockets, fold in small tucks on sides forming a 3-inch square and stitch in place along sides and bottom.
8.To create power strip holders, cut 4 pieces of fabric 3 by 5 inches. Fold long edges and stitch as in step 5. Cut two 3-inch strips of Velcro and sew loop portions to 2 fabric strips and hook portions to 2 fabric strips. Pin one hook and one loop strip to bottom of charging station front, 4 inches in from one side, and another pair 4 inches in from other side. Position Velcro so the fabric strips wrap around a power strip and hook together to hold the power strip in place.
9.For handle, cut 2 fabric pieces 3 by 8 inches, fold and stitch as in step 7. Cut one 8-inch strip of Velcro. Stitch hook portion to one handle strip and loop portion to other strip. Pin handle, right sides down to top of front at point.
10. Pin back to front, right sides together and stitch, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning. Turn, press and stitch closed.

Chalkboard Apron

Supplies to purchase:
1 yard heavyweight black fabric, 60 inches wide
2 packages black double-fold bias tape, 1/2-inch wide
Sharpie, Medium-tip fabric markers: white, red and green
Basic supplies:
Sewing machine
Ruler
White lead pencil
Plate for making circle template

1.For strap, cut 2 pieces of fabric, 3 inches by 60 inches
2.Sew fabric pieces together with 1/4-inch seam allowance to make 120-inch strip.
3.Fold strip in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew strap together across ends and along side, leaving opening for turning.
4.Trim corners, turn right side out. Press.
5.From remaining fabric, cut a 24-by-34-inch piece.
6.At top of apron, which is the 24-inch side, measure in 6 inches on each side and mark.
7.Measure down 11 inches on each side and mark.
8.Cut diagonally from 6-inch mark to 11-inch mark on each side.
9.Sew bias tape around apron.
10.Make a casing for strap by folding the diagonal sides to back 11/2 inches and stitch in place.
11.From one side, slide strap up through casing, then down the other side.
12.Draw faint white lines with pencil on the apron as a guide for the lettering. Use the plate as a template for drawing the arch, use a ruler for drawing the straight lines.
13.Use the white marker to write the personalized information; a menu, recipe, quote or a name. Add artwork if desired.
14.When paint (lettering) is dry, wipe away lines with a damp washcloth.

- Bev Bennett