There may be a gloomy ol’ recession cloud hanging over this Christmas but, as the adage goes, “every cloud has a silver lining”… which can be improved with sequins and beads according to the handy how-to guides below. So here’s Gaelick’s guide to gift-giving which is doesn’t skimp on the generosity and doesn’t leave you feeling pick-pocketed. And if there is one thing the internet is superb at, it’s pooling the ingenuity of arty-crafty types from around the globe, who love to share their templates and recipes. Below is a mini-compendium of some of the great ideas out there. The links below bring you to other sites so have a snoop around and see what else grabs your fancy.

1. Bubble Bathing Set
Megan over on NotMartha.com has shared a comprehensive and surprisingly straightforward “How To” guide for making bath bombs. All you’ll need is baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, mineral salts, fragrance oils, vegetable oil and food colouring. As the author of an alternative bath bombmaking how-to guide  says “Everybody loves bath bombs. It is like taking a bath in champagne, only without the show tunes and chorus boys.” Click here to see how it’s done…

2. Freezer Paper Stencilling
Here’s one I’m planning on employing myself for a few gifts this yuletide. Jessica Jones over on How About Orange… has shared a nifty way to print patterns and illustrations onto t-shirts, dishcloths, bags, pencil cases. Hell, you could print on your granny with this technique. And if your giftee is a latte fiend, check out this fun wee stencil. Click here to see how it’s done…

3. Pillow and Behold: A Cushion for Men
Janet Clare has put together a super tutorial which is intended for the men or IT professionals in your life. But really it is a nice craft idea for anyone who likes a cush’ for their toosh. The tutorial shows you how to make cushions out of suit fabric but any fabric will do. And if you’re brave enough to have a go at embroidering it, there are instructions to guide you through every stitch and snip so personalising it should be a cinch. Click here to see how it’s done…

4. Tree-rific Ornaments
There are all kinds of ideas for making Christmas tree decorations. So rather than choose just one, here’s a list of some of the best how-to guides for funky tree appendages:

• Paper Lanterns from The Creative Place. Also, to save time and effort, download the nifty template for this lantern from Whisker Graphics.
• Pick from this menu of felt ornaments from How About Orange.
• Paper baubles again from How About Orange. And here’s how to make a plushier felt alternative. I reckon you could also use foam or other fabrics too.
• A cute half-eaten gingerbread man from Elsie Marley.

5. For the Stealthy Imbibler
Aud1073ch over at How2dostuff has shared this handy how-to guide for turning a regular hardback book into a discreet stashbox. It’s particularly handy for hiding one’s favourite tipple. The primary components are a hardback book, and a hip-flask. A bible could prove to be the universally popular option for the recipient who is an impassioned devotee or for the hardened heathen. Personally, I’ll be taking a scalpel to the Times Atlas of the World to conceal a litre of Bombay Sapphire. Click here to see how it’s done…

There are tonnes of other ingenious ideas out there and if you come across a particularly good one or if you have handy recommendations for any of the above options, please stick them in the comments below.

Happy making and doodling!

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