Gift giving is one of my most favorite things Ever!  I just love doing it, always have and I love getting gifts, well….when they are thoughtful.  If you’re going to Give, then make it good.  Just giving a gift is not good enough, make the gift count.  It doesn’t have to be expensive if the gift is special.  Here is one of the gifts I gave this year.

Start with this. . . .

To make this . . . .

I start with thinking about the person I’m giving this gift to…what is their style?  Funky, country, earthy, rock n roll, etc.  Keeping in mind your friends’ style and home decor while you shop for your frame.  Also, the photo must be fabulous. . .a photo that makes you smile because of what is happening, the place and the people.  Determine if the photo fits the frame well.  Don’t put a sleek looking black and white photo in a pine frame.  Do what makes sense.

Supplies you’ll need:  glitter glue, super glue, letter or words, accents and tons of rhinestones.

The process:  make sure you have some time on your hands, and don’t forget to start this project early to account for drying time.  I layout the larger items along the frame first.  The lettering may need spray painting, but if you buy pre-painted letters then you’re all set.   Super glue works the best to glue the rhinestones on and I alternate colors and sizes.  Once those are all down and dried, go back and fill in the left over spaces with glitter glue.  You may want to add smaller rhinestones in these smaller areas as well.  On a scale of DIY projects this one is pretty simple, yet so chic and awesome!

Made the birthday girl H*A*P*P*Y ! ! ! ! !

Giving a thoughtful gift actually in turn gives back to the gift giver.  It’s very rewarding for someone to enjoy a DIY gift that you created yourself.  It can be as simple as a poem that you wrote and added in an embellished frame!  Or a hand drawn picture or you’re own art.  I love quotes, so why not frame an amazing quote in a beautiful complimentary embellished frame!  Go For It!  Think, Plan and Do!  Happy DIY-ing!