Give Homemade Spa Treatments (Photo courtesy of Fing'rs)

Lots of your friends and family members probably love the idea of indulging at a spa– but few have the time or money. Now you can give them the gift of relaxation with these DIY spa gifts. With a few simple ingredients packaged creatively in jars or plastic containers from a craft store, you’ll have a great gift ready to go.

Coffee Body Scrub

Don’t toss out those coffee grounds– put them to good use. Combine two cups of coffee grounds with a half cup of raw sugar or sea salt and a few tablespoons of massage oil for a lovely coffee body scrub that will wash away the dry skin winter leaves behind.

Bath Cookies

Check out SpaIndex.com’s most requested recipe– bath cookies! You’ll bake up something great for your friends and family members to use in their next bath. The recipe is pretty easy and includes many ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry including sea salt, baking soda, cornstarch, oil, and eggs. Combine the ingredients, bake for ten minutes and you’ll have a gift that looks like you picked it up in a fancy spa!

Sugar Coconut Hand Renewal

Winter does a number on our hands often leaving them dry and cracked. Whip up this recipe from Health Magazine and give it away to those who may need a little pampering. The recipe is made up of ingredients like coconut oil, sugar, and lemon juice. Make sure your gift also includes a pair of cotton gloves like these from PrettyLikeMe.com so they can let your mixture work overnight.

At-Home French Manicure

Put together your own French manicure kit that includes cuticle cream, white and pink nail polish and a fancy nail file. Give it to someone who may not have the time or money for regular manicures, but deserves to look their best.

Package Your Food Gifts Creatively (Photo courtesy of Adie Reed)

Edible gifts are great– you don’t have to worry about whether they’ll fit or if you’re selecting the right color. I mean, who doesn’t like good food? Plus, edible gifts can be very affordable and thoughtful. But as with just about any gift, the package can make a big difference. Here are some ideas for creatively packaging edible gifts.

Jars

Mason jars may be great for jams or jellies, but what about for cupcakes? Julie at Joy’s Hope stacked two cupcakes in eight ounce mason jars, layering them with frosting. She topped it with a cupcake print fabric and ended up with a sweet gift. You could also fill your jars with layers of dry ingredients for muffins, cookies or bread. Or as the photo shows, bake pies in them.

Takeout Boxes

Continue the food theme into the packaging by using a takeout box. You can pick up a set of 12 for just $8.40 from FavorStudio.com. Choose between hot pink, turquoise, lime and almond. Or if you need something more heavy duty, check out the SafePak take-out boxes from The Container Store.

Mixing Bowls

Take something practical from the kitchen and turn it into a way to package your edible gift. Use a mixing bowl, decorative tray or even a coffee cup and make it part of your present.

DIY Cake Plate

Make the display part of the gift with a DIY cake plate. Back in December we gave you the simple step-by-step instructions for taking thrift store finds and making cute cake plates. Top them with cookies, chocolates or mini cakes and your edible gift is ready.

Creative Tags

Sometimes simple is better. You could easily package your yummy gift in a plain brown box or bag from a craft store, wrap it with baker’s twine and attach a cute gift tag like this one. Just load some card stock in your printer, make a copy and cut it out.

Recycle

You may be throwing packaging options into your recycle bin without even thinking about it. Mini loaves of bread can be cutely squeezed inside cleaned out tin cans. Or a coffee can may be a great way to store and transport your handmade treats. Just make sure you thoroughly wash out anything you decide to use.

Need a low-cost gift that’s big on personality? Whether you need something thoughtful to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, birthday or any special occasion, custom art made by your two hands is a great gift. You don’t need to have any special artistic skills to complete this DIY art either. The only thing you’ll need are a few bucks worth of supplies.

Lay Out Your Letters on the Canvas

Step 1: Get Your Supplies

Your canvas for this project is going to be a cheap piece of underlayment from a hardware store. This will cost you about $6. Make sure you have it cut to the size you want at the hardware store to avoid extra work at home. You’ll also need some paint colors of your choice (any kind works) and a paint brush. Small bottles of paint from the craft store will work, or you could even use leftover wall paint stashed in your garage.

Step 2: Select a Quote

Pick a quote that will easily fit on your board. For our artwork we used Proverbs 25:11, A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. But you can choose a quote, song lyrics or poem that is meaningful to you and your special someone.

Step 3: Print Your Letters and Cut them Out

Choose a font and size and then print your letters. It’s best to choose a basic font that will be easy to cut out. We used Impact. Cutting out your letters may take a little while, but it’s a project you can complete while sitting on the couch.

Step 4: Prep Your Canvas

Choose Your Colors and Paint

This step is optional. You may want your letters to show the natural wood color, or you may want to paint the canvas. Either way your artwork will be lovely. We painted ours white.

Step 5: Tape On Your Letters

There are many ways to adhere your letters to the board, including just using regular tape. Stick them down well so that paint is less likely to seep underneath.

Step 6: Start Painting

This is where your creativity can really show. Select your colors and start painting. There are no real rules– just have fun! And if it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined, simply start over with more paint!

Step 7: Allow Paint to Dry

The Finished Product: DIY Custom Artwork

Make sure the paint dries completely before peeling away your letters. This will help the edges of your letters stay more crisp.

Step 8: Remove Letters and Hang

Start tearing away your letters. Don’t be alarmed if your paint leaked under them. This just adds to the artistic affect. Framing your custom artwork is definitely optional. The board works fine on its own, or you can add a frame to give it more of a finished, gallery look. Either way you’ve got a one-of-a-kind gift that your sweetheart will love.

Photos courtesy of Alison Storm

Show Your Front Door Some Love for Valentine's Day. photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Need to add a little Valentine’s Day love to your home? This project is easy (we’re talking done-in-less-than-five-minutes-easy) and affordable! The finished product is festive, flirty and fun! It’s perfect for adding spice to your home, or for giving away to someone you love. Here are the simple instructions from making  a feather boa wreath just in time for February 14th.

Gather Supplies

For this project you will need just a few key supplies. Pick up a foam wreath form at a craft store. You can pick them up for just a few dollars at CreateforLess.com. They even have heart-shaped foam forms which would be perfect for this project. You will also need about four feather boas. For our feather boa wreath we used two Pink Multi Luxe Boas from The House of Bachelorette and two Modern Marabou Boas in Hot Passion Pink. Finally, you will need some straight pushpins. You likely already have these somewhere around your house!

Start Wrapping

Securing one end of one of the thicker, Luxe boas to the back of your foam form with a pin, beginning wrapping the boa around the form. Leave a small gap in between the rows. You will fill this in later with the thinner Marabou boa. Space your layers so that you are able to make it half-way around your form with one Luxe boa. When you reach the end, secure it with a pin on what will be the back of you wreath. Continue this process with the second Luxe boa on the other half of your wreath.

Fill in the Gaps

Now that your entire foam form is covered with two Luxe boas, it’s time to fill in the gaps with the coordinating Marabou boa. Since the feathers are slightly different, this will add some visual interest to your feather boa wreath. Secure the Marabou boa in the same way, using a pushpin. Each Marabou boa should cover half of the wreath.

Hang and Enjoy

That’s all there is to this simple, but lovely project that will add some spice to your home for Valentine’s Day. The great thing about this project is that you can reuse all of the materials in other ways. Once February 14th passes, unpin your boas and use them for a bachelorette party or a girls’ night out. You can re-purpose your foam form and create a wreath for another upcoming holiday. Or, snatch up some black boas and create a fun wreath for Halloween.

Wondering how you can save money this Christmas? How about trying your hand at some homemade gifts? We showed you how to make your own cake plate using vintage thrift store finds and how to make a scarf in less than a minute. Now we’re filling you in on another simple DIY project that will make a great gift for busy moms, teachers, kids and more. This chalkboard clipboard is super easy to make and extremely useful for writing to-dos, reminders and grocery lists. Plus it’s so cute you may just want to make one for yourself to keep track of your Christmas gift list.

Step One: Buy Supplies

The clipboard is your canvas for this project. You may be lucky enough to find a clipboard at a thrift store for $.50 like we were, but if you’re not pick one up at a craft store like Michael’s. They often come in a variety of sizes as well. While you’re there, buy a small container of chalkboard paint. We found ours at AC Moore for less than $5. This jar of chalkboard paint will leave you with plenty of leftovers to tackle other craft projects in the future. You’ll also need some painter’s tape and a paint brush or a small roller.

Step Two: Start Painting

For a crisp, clean line, tape off the top section of your clipboard using the painter’s tape. Next, apply a smooth, thin layer of chalkboard paint to the front of the clipboard. Let it dry for at least an hour and then apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage. Using a roller will give you a flawless surface without brush strokes.

Step Three: Write a Note

Once the chalkboard paint has dried completely, which can take up to 24 hours, remove the painter’s tape and write a thoughtful chalk message for the new owner of this lovely handmade gift. Include a piece of chalk with the gift so they can start using it right away because with a present this cute you know they’ll want to.

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

Feel like getting crafty for Christmas, but lacking in the Martha Stewart department? You can make handmade gifts for the holidays, saving lots of money and ensuring that everything you give is from the heart. This DIY project doesn’t require much time, money or skills. If those sound like three things you don’t have a lot of then keep reading for instructions on how to make the sixty second scarf. Similar scarves sell for nearly $30 at popular stores. We found this striped version at J. Crew for $29.50. But yours will cost less than $2 and sixty seconds to make.

Step One: Hit the Fabric Store

Head to your favorite local fabric store and make a beeline to the knit section. Look for something super soft, like pima cotton or jersey. We found lots of great colors like pink, orange and lime green at the local Hobby Lobby fabric department selling for $5.99 a yard, but with a coupon we snagged it for 40% off. Have the fabric store employee cut you 3/8 of a yard. Typically this fabric is sold in 60-inch width which is perfect for a scarf.

Step Two: Head Home with Your Fabric

Since the fabric store employee took care of starting off your scarf for you, now all you have to do is complete it. Finish off the edges by pulling them. Giving the fabric a little bit of a tug will cause it to roll as it stretches. This will make the edges look more finished off without having to pull out your sewing machine.

Step Three: Wrap Up Your Gift

Now that your scarf is made, wrap it up to get the gift ready to give. Your loved one will appreciate this new accessory that they’ll be able to throw on to compliment a variety of outfits since scarves are a hot must-have this winter season. Because the gift is so simple to make and affordable, consider wrapping up a collection of sixty second scarves. They’ll never know each scarf took just sixty seconds to make and cost less than $2!

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

Everyone is looking for ways to cut costs these days– especially now that the holidays are approaching. One way to save money on your gift-giving budget is by making some gifts yourself. Here is an easy DIY Christmas gift that would be perfect for a neighbor, mother-in-law, or friend. Using some thrift store finds you can create a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift that your friends will love.

Supplies:

Plate

Small vase or candlestick

Silicone Adhesive
Step One: Head to the Thrift Store

Head to your local thrift store for a unique plate and base that will make up your cake plate. The plate can be just about any size, shape or color. Think about the person you are giving it to and what colors and style they might like best. Look through the selection of small glasses, candlesticks and vases for a base that will work with the plate you’ve selected. At most thrift stores these pieces will cost you less than a dollar each.

Step Two: Buy Adhesive

Head to your local hardware store and pick up some silicone adhesive. This is typically used in bathrooms or kitchens to make a waterproof seal between tiles or pipes. Clear is probably the best color choice so it won’t be noticed. Choose a brand that dries in a few hours. This will probably cost about $3 or $4 and will be more than enough to finish your project.

Step Three: Wash Your Pieces

Wash your cake plate and stand. Make sure they are clean and dust-free. This will insure that the adhesive works like it should.

Step Four: Measure and Apply

Measure the center of the bottom of your plate. It’s important that your base is secured in the center so that your cake plate won’t tip over. Apply the adhesive to the side of your base that you are securing to the underside of the plate. Push the two together to remove any air pockets. Apply more adhesive around the outside edge of the base for added strength.

Step Five: Allow to Dry

Give your cake plate a few hours to dry, according to the directions of the silicone adhesive you purchased.

Step Six: Wrap and Give

Wrap up your unique cake plate and present it to the lucky person in your life. They’ll love this new addition to their kitchen and you’ll love that this one-of-a-kind Christmas gift cost less than $5 to make.

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Looking for a creative, low-cost baby gift that would work in a boy’s or girl’s nursery? Try making a bird baby mobile. You can adjust the colors to fit any style or scheme. I found the idea on a great blog called Spool. Using a little help from them and some supplies I had around the house I was able to create this cute gift for my neighbor’s new arrival.
Step One: Download the Pattern

Spool created this amazing free pattern to help you sew the birds for your baby mobile. Simply print it out and cut out the two pieces that make up the pattern.

Step Two: Choose Your Fabric

Think about the colors of the nursery and coordinate fabric to match. Choose solids and prints. Since the pattern does not require the pieces to be very big you may have suitable fabric already. You can also check out remnant sales at fabric stores to pick up small amounts of discounted fabric.

Step Three: Sew Your Birds

Pin the two sections of the bird together, right sides on the inside. You can use a machine to sew your birds, or do it by hand. Choose coordinating thread and leave the tail open so you can fill it with stuffing.

Step Four: Stuff Your Birds

This sounds like an activity for Thanksgiving, but it’s not. Carefully fill your birds with stuffing to give them a plump shape.

The branches for your mobile can likely be found in your own backyard. Choose a couple that are relatively straight. You can either sand them slightly and leave them natural, or for a more polished look spray paint your sticks.

photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Using fishing line and some wire, attach your birds to the sticks. Be creative with your positioning. You can have several birds grouped together, facing different ways or even suspend a bird from one of the sticks so it looks like it’s in mid-air.

Step Seven: Hang Your Mobile

The mobile can be easily hung using additional fishing line and some hooks screwed into the ceiling. Another option is hanging it from a curtain rod like the one you see pictured. Just make sure you hang it high enough so it is well out of baby’s reach.

Step Eight: Enjoy!

Your baby will enjoy watching the colorful birds flying or perched above and you’ll enjoy your lovely handmade creation.

Today I’d like to introduce MojaMix, a premium custom-mixed cereal company. Their products make a great gift for kids and adults at the same time!

Their interactive website is very easy to use, making it a breeze to customize your own mix, personalize the packaging and place your order! One of the features I like the most is the real-time Nutrition Facts calculator that allows you to add or substract different ingredients till you reach your desired amount or percentage of sugar, calories, proteins, etc. If you are not the do-it-yourself type of person, then you can just order their signature mixes: Happy Camper, The Epicurean, Runner’s Fuel or Chocolicious.

More about the Company: MojaMix was founded by Norberto and Thomas, two Europeans who first met in business school and shared the same passion for a delicious and healthy breakfast. Right now, MojaMix is based in Berkeley, California, and works with local farmers who grow and supply most of their ingredients.

More about the products: At mojamix.com, customers can create a unique blend by starting with a cereal base such as a trio of whole grains or granola, then build upon it with their choice of roughly 50 different organic fruits, nuts, and seeds.  For the more experimental crowd, MojaMix also offers such eclectic options as goji berries, hemp seeds, and chocolate-covered coffee beans.  You can even personalize the packaging at no additional expense, making the perfect gift for any occasion!

Become a fan of MojaMix:
If you’d like to know more about their discounts and giveaways, you can follow them on twitter: @mojamix or join the MojaMix Fan Page on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY

 This Giveaway is for US residents only.

Winners: Two lucky readers will be able to design and receive their very own customized cereal compliments of all the people at MojaMix.com!

Prize description (provided by MojaMix): Here’s why we think you’ll love our cereal just as much as we do:  We believe that you didn’t come in a prepackaged format, and neither should your food! Your food was meant to be just as unique as you are. That’s why we here at MojaMix have created the perfect opportunity for you to express yourself: in mouth-watering cereal form! Our philosophy when it comes to food is that using organic and primarily locally sourced products helps not only you get a healthier snack, but Mother Earth will thank you too. As foodies located out of Berkeley, CA, we have some pretty tasty and crazy ingredients including blueberries, strawberries, cashews, chocolate chips, goji berries, chia seeds, and chocolate coffee beans – all mixed in with your favorite granola or cereal base!

How to enter (required): Go to http://mojamix.com/, look at the ingredients, and post your favorite ingredients here as a comment.

For additional entries (leave a new comment for each additional entry):
- one additional entry if you grab one of our buttons and post it on your blog, please post the link;
- one additional entry if you join us on Facebook;
- one additional entry if you follow us on Twitter;
- one additional entry if you send a tweet about this giveaway; make sure to include @1happyblogger. You may use the following to tweet: @1happyblogger Win a cereal with ingredients of your choice from @MojaMix. Go to http://www.1happycorner.com/mojamix-gift-idea-giveaway/
- one additional entry if you fave us in Technorati;
- one additional entry if you blog about this Giveaway with a link back to 1HappyCorner.com and MojaMix.com;
- one additional entry if you follow 1HappyCorner.com via email.

The giveaway ends on Friday - July 24, 2009, at the end of day. Good luck!

*Please make sure you leave a comment for each additional entry so you get credited.
*Also, please make sure you typed in the correct email address.
*The winner will be announced on this page & via e-mail and has 2 days to get back to us or other name will be chosen.
*Incomplete entries will be disqualified & deleted.

#########

And the winners are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

63
24

Timestamp: 2009-07-29 17:26:34 UTC

Congratulations, Alicia Webster and Raelena! You have 2 days to claim your prize.

No Wrapping Paper? No Worries! photo courtesy of grabadonut

You’ve got a gift. You’ve got a box. Heck, you even have some tape, but you are fresh out of wrapping paper. Now is the time when your creativity can really be put to the test. Inspired by the “Nice Package” Flickr group, here are several ways to wrap a gift without using an inch of wrapping paper. But it will look so good no one will know the real reason your package turned out so unique.

Use wax paper. Head to your kitchen and grab a couple of sheets of wax paper. Using two layers will help keep the gift’s contents under wrap. Use some pretty ribbon or twine to complete the look.

Print some off the web. There are several cool designers offering printable wrapping paper. Even Martha Stewart has five different styles of wrapping paper designs available for free. Scrapbooks Etc. also offers up a bunch of brightly colored printable wrapping papers. Just download the file, click print and you’re good to go.

Head to your sewing stash and use leftover fabric. A lighter weave will make it easier to wrap. Coordinate the look with some thick ribbon to help hold it all together and a button in the center.

Pull newspaper out of the recycle bin. Give your gift an eco-friendly look by using newspaper or magazines.

Use paper, not plastic. If you’ve got grocery bags or shopping bags stashed in your pantry, creatively cut one up to make some heavy duty and eco-friendly wrapping paper.

Decorate the box. Skip the paper all together and find a way to decorate the box. Use stamps, stickers or your own drawing skills. It’ll be so pretty the recipient will forget about the lack of wrapping paper.