There are a ton of sites out there that show you how to make really awesome things right in the comforts of your own home and with minimal supplies. If you aren't in the financial position to go out and buy up the the entire craft section of your local hardware store (lord knows I'm not) there are a number of awesome websites that can make things for you or customize already made items for fairly cheap. From personal, professional bound books to recycled, handmade custom jewelry and home goods.
I was recently turned on to two websites that will publish and bind books for you with hard or soft covers. One is called Lulu and they will help you publish any written material and even include pictures. It's very complex because there is a TON of options from page format to font size and style, but it's a really great way to package your work in a beautiful and professional looking package. Here's the link:
Lulu
I know a couple of friends and family who are interested in writing a book of their own and you can bet I sent them this link to help them get motivated to turn their dreams into reality. I read of one blogger who used this site and created a book over 700 pages long and only spent $40 to have it published AND you can order multiple copies over and over again!
Another awesome site I was told about is called Love Book Online. Again, you can choose either a hard or soft cover and add as many pages as you'd like at a low set cost. This site is a little different as you don't add your own pages, you choose pages to include provided by the site. Each page lists a different reason of why you love someone. They include cute little cartoons that depict the various "love actions" and you can actually customize each cartoon to look like you and your significant other and yes, they have pages of same sex couples too. Mind you, it doesn't have to be for folks in a relationship, you can make one for your sister or brother or mom or what have you. It's just a really sweet customizable gift that would put a smile on recipients face. It's a little tedious customizing each page as you can pick over 300 to include in your book but again, it's nice to be able to create something and have it come out looking super professional that will last forever.
Here's the one my best friend's wifey made for him this Christmas:
And here's the link to make your own:
It's not just books, there are sites all over the place that can help you create and one of a kind beautiful gift. If any of you know of some other "make it yourself" sites, please post them here to share with everyone.
If you're looking for a way to sell your items or looking for goods that are already made but can be customized, here are some great sites that can help you with this too:
I've sold my work on Etsy and it's fairly easy to use. Each site is bursting with amazing work you will not find anywhere else so enjoy and hopefully next Christmas will be full of handmade, one of a kind gifts.
And speaking of Christmas..... There are also some wonderful charity sites you can go to, to be connected with a vast amount of legit charities, some will even let you campaign and create a link to your own charity or fund raiser so folks looking to donate have a clear and concise outlet in which to give. It's great because through these sites, you don't have to worry about tracking folks down or trying to meet up to get peoples checks or cash, you just email them the link to get to your page and they can donate at their leisure. You can even set a timeline so people can continue to donate even after your event has finished.
Give give give! There's nothing better! First Giving is the site in which you can locate various charities and create a donation page of your own. The Hunger Site is this great non profit group that allows you to donate without spending a dime of your own. All you need to do is "click to give" on each of the five main pages, and for every "click" the various sponsors of the site (big companies that have more money then they need) will donate $1. It's pretty awesome. You click, others donate and everyone wins.
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