ETSY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE CRAFTY CRAFTER.

Christmas is right around the corner and you know what that means, the holiday gift guide season is upon us. I think we all know a do-it-yourselfer and chances are if you read this blog you probably love a good diy project yourself so I thought I'd kick things off with a gift guide aimed at the crafty crafter.

1. 'You Got This' rose gold print from Fleurt Collective for those times when nothing seems to be going right.

2. For the beginner and the seasoned stitcher, a barn owl embroidered doll kit from Kiriki Press.

3. Beautifully handcrafted giant crochet hooks from The Bear Wood.

4. Unique embroidered wall art from Jenny Blair.

5. Give someone a boost with this motivational mug from Katie Abey.

6. For anyone who wants to learn to weave this loom kit from  Wood Creek Co is an essential.

7. This kit from Stitch & Story contains everything you need to make your own knitted easy slumber socks.

8. Watercolour washi tape for the paper crafter or stationery lover from the Washi Supply Company.

4 DIY'S I'D LOVE TO TRY.

Flex your creative muscles and try one of these awesome diy's.

1. Got a party? Try these diy geometric clay place cards from Delineate Your Dwelling. I love the addition of the small sprig of rosemary.

2. I think I've found my next knitting project, diy knit potholders from Homey Oh My. Simple and stylish.

3. Marbling with nail varnish is one of my favourite crafts. Check out these diy marbles votives from A Beautiful Mess.

4. I love this diy eucalyptus wreath from A Bubbly Life. Another beautifully, simple and stylish diy to try.

Any favourites?

DIY PAPER WALLET.

DIY Paper Wallet.

Everyone needs a wallet, right? I made this beautiful paper wallet out of some pages I had left over from a sticker art book. Of course you could make it with any kind of patterned paper as long as it's at least standard A4 size and you have 2 sheets.

This project took around 30 minutes although I would recommend practicing on some scrap paper first. I'll be honest, I have no idea how long my paper wallet will last but I do know it's quite possibly the prettiest wallet I've ever seen. If you're concerned with the paper tearing a good idea would be to cover the paper in sticky back plastic first to make it a little more durable.

SUPPLIES:

• 2 sheets of A4 patterned paper

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Double-sided tape

• Clear Sticky Back Plastic (optional).

1. Take your patterned paper and flip it over. If you have a double-sided paper like I do you want the side you don't want showing facing up.

2. Mark 3½ inches up from the bottom of the paper. Fold the bottom of the paper up at the 3½ inch mark.

2. Fold the top of the paper down using the previous fold as a guide. Make sure to fold the paper as close as you can to the edge of the paper.

3. When you flip the paper over you should have a small overlap at the top. Flip the paper back over and fold the overlap down. Don't worry this part doesn't have to be too accurate. Trim off the overlap.

4. Open the paper back out and lay flat. It should now be divided into thirds. Fold the 2 long sides in about ½ cm.

5. Cut in the ½ cm flap at the first fold up from the bottom. Do this on both sides.

6. Stick some double-sided tape to the middle third of the ½ cm flaps. Remove the backing from the tape and fold down the top third. Press down firmly to stick.

7. Add some more double-sided tape to the last 2 flaps. Remove the backing from 1 of the flaps only. Fold the bottom up and stick down so your paper is open at one side. This will help make a nice neat fold in the next step.

8. With only one side stuck down line up the edges and fold the paper in half. With the paper wallet still folded remove the last piece of tape and stick down by folding in half again.

9. You should now have a basic wallet with a pocket.

10. The next step is to make the card holder inserts. Take another piece of patterned paper, fold and trim in half.

11. Place a card on the paper strip and fold the bottom of the paper up so it covers about ¾ of the card.

12. Fold the top of the paper down and behind leaving a small lip above the card. Fold the paper back up on itself to make what will be a small flap. From the side it should look a lightening bolt.

13. Trim away the excess paper to leave you with a small flap like in the square 2nd up from the bottom left. Use some more double-sided tape and stick down the flap.

14. Line up the card in the middle of your folded paper and fold back both the sides to make a pocket for your card. Stick down the 2 sides you just folded back to the inside of your paper wallet. This way you'll be able to store 2 cards in each card holder.

15. Repeat steps 10-14 to make a 2nd card holder and stick it down on top of the previous one.

And there's your brand new paper wallet. Add your cash and cards and you're all set.

How cute would one of these be with a gift card tucked inside? After all, gift cards need pretty packaging just as much as big boxed gifts do.

6 LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN IDEAS.

Short on time? Don't panic, I've got you covered. Last minute doesn't have to mean less than amazing. Here's a few simple Halloween ideas that you can whip up in no time.

1. Say Yes brings us a beautiful pair of wings made using paper doilies, coffee filters and a pair of coat hangers. Check them out here.

2. Dress up your sweets with these Halloween candy baubles from Make And Tell.

3. A printable fanged treat bag from Curbly.

4. I love this diy spider web tablecloth from The House That Lars Built. Can you guess how they did it?

5. Grab some stickers and some cellophane bags and make these diy Halloween treat bags from Burkatron.

6. And finally disguise your books with these spooky printable Halloween book covers from Little House on the Corner.

Happy Halloween.

Make sure to check my other halloween crafts and recipes for more spooktacular diys.