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Yes, it is called do it yourself, but that doesn't mean we can't get some help on some great DIY holiday gifts. Brett Bara showed us three easy gifts ideas that are super trendy at her new Brooklyn Craft Company store and studio in Greenpoint.
"So fun to be creative," Bara says. "It's a great way to save money on your gifts for sure, especially when you take the time to learn one skill and maybe invest in some supplies and then you can just crank out a lot of gifts for everyone on your list."
First, the arm knit scarf. It is just like knitting, except here your arms are the needles.
"So this whole cowl is only six stitches wide. I'm going to place it over my thumb and grab it in my hand. Then I'm going to take the next stitch, slip it over my hand and off. I'm going to take this loop that was on my thumb and put it on my other arm," Bara says.
Even for beginners, you can complete a scarf in 1 to 2 hours.
Another huge trend right now is loom weaving.
"People are into making these really beautiful tapestries with lots of different yarns and fibers and textures and colors, and it's almost like painting with yarn. It's really fun and easy," Bara says.
Now a term I haven't heard since fifth grade, but dioramas?
"There's just something fun about putting tiny, cute things inside of glass containers. It's just fun," Bara says.
Everything you want to know on how to make these or other inspirations is easily found online on Pinterest, YouTube and other sites. And my all-time favorite craft Brett has ever done - a picture of her 6-month-old twins.
"That was a really simple craft," she says. "We just made some hats and some little glasses and turned them into little grannies. Just so much fun!
I hope that inspires at least a few crafty, comical holiday cards.
For more information, visit brooklyncraftcompany.com.