Xmas Ideas

[sramelyk]

Looking to make a few homemade leather gifts this year, primarily due to financial strife.. Not to mention the opportunity to hone my skills.. Anyone have some general ideas?

[dirtclod]

Check books, key fobs and belts are pretty quick to do and useful. I'm sure there lots more things that i can't think off right off the bat.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Boys, girls, adults?

Mouse pads

wallets

purses

braided necklaces, bracelets

barrettes

checkbook covers

Really depends on who you are making them for. Some folks don't use checks anymore.

[bison]

Mousepads!? What a great idea. Any patterns you'd recommend? Leather weight? Finish?

Dave

[sramelyk]

Thanks for the responses so far..

I have 2 people.. Nephew and brother-in-law that are both big hunters/outdoorsman..

Mom and dad in the late sixties, early 70's..

And a couple of kids ranging in ages.. Which I'll probably make some bracelets for.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

As to the mouse pad, all I use is a piece I had laying around, and tossed it on the desk. Probably around 4OZ or so. It is really soft, and flexible, but I would say any leather would work as long as the ball gets some traction. Doesn't matter much for the optical mice.

For the sportsmen; rifle slings, shotgun shell pouches (trap shooters), Gaiters if they are around snakes, archery items, holsters, gun belts, gun cases/scabbards, fly fishing reel cases, fishing rod cases. camp stools- like Tandy sells, multi tool belt pouch, or Look through Tandy's website to get some ideas.

Cell phone cases, tool pouches, playing card holders (2 rounds riveted together in the middle that you stick he cards into around the perimeter), case for a deck- or two of cards, CD case, belts, covers for MP3 players, sandals, or a gift certificate for one item that they would like you to make-their choice.

One thing to do is be observant, and listen to what people say. Often times they will give you ideas for items that they would like , or could use. What hobbies to they have? What do they do for work? Do they play sports? All of these can offer clues for gifts.