Got Some Old Paint Chips? Here"s What to Make With Them
People have been using paint chips in new and interesting ways. If you have an artsy friend, you might consider one of these ideas in order to make him or her a gift that is totally unique. This list includes presents that are great for smaller moments (like sharing a random act of kindness or just a simple hello) and bigger events that you might have with friends you've known a long time.
It's important to note that even if you aren't a crafter, you'll still be able to find a project or two you can make. Many of these ideas are fairly simple, but just by adding your own handmade touch, you'll be able to gift your friend something they know you spent time on and will truly cherish.
Real Simple(buy direct) magazine has some wonderful ideas for taking old things and using them in a new way. They suggest using old paint chips as gift tags, which can spruce up any present given in a plain white box or covered in craft paper. This is also a good idea for gifts that are:
It's a small way to personalize a simple gift. Type A Decorating also shows how to use them as a tag stapled to a brown paper lunch bag. Cute and frual.More »
This calendar was made using fabric glue and a poster frame in addition to the paint chips. It can be given to a friend who is starting their own business, a fellow coworker, or just someone you acknowledge for their entrepreneurial efforts. Friends appreciate positive words every bit as much as your family does.
You could combine this gift with a note that says:
This idea has a couple options for you to customize according to which type of gift you're going to give. The tutorial shows how to make a small notebook that you can keep at your desk or carry around in your purse.
However, I also like the idea of using this notebook as a way to write down things you appreciate about your friend, kind of like a mini-memory journal. Think of ten great things you could write in there, like:'
This type of book doesn't take long to make, but will surely be something your friend will cherish. Imagine getting a gift like this. You'd think about the time and thought that went into it, and you'd probably keep it in a drawer and pull it out every time you needed some kind words.More »
Sometimes the way you wrap the gift makes the most impact. Instead of using a gift bag or regular old box, you might want to try creating a gift box using old paint chips. This tutorial shows you how to fold and cut the paint chips to make it work out.
Boxes like these are the perfect size for small gifts like friendship bracelets or even just a pile of notes that you want your friend to open one by one.More »
This idea takes paint chips, glue, and tiles to create a unique coaster. You could use a friend's favorite color to make these personal, or give a variety just to add some spice to their coffee table. This might be a good gift for a roommate, office friend, or new friend. After all, who couldn't use a few more coasters?More »
It's important to note that even if you aren't a crafter, you'll still be able to find a project or two you can make. Many of these ideas are fairly simple, but just by adding your own handmade touch, you'll be able to gift your friend something they know you spent time on and will truly cherish.
Gift Tags
Real Simple(buy direct) magazine has some wonderful ideas for taking old things and using them in a new way. They suggest using old paint chips as gift tags, which can spruce up any present given in a plain white box or covered in craft paper. This is also a good idea for gifts that are:
- Creative in nature.
- For a housewarming.
- For an artist or friend that needs encouragement to spread their creative wings.
It's a small way to personalize a simple gift. Type A Decorating also shows how to use them as a tag stapled to a brown paper lunch bag. Cute and frual.More »
Dry Erase Calendar
This calendar was made using fabric glue and a poster frame in addition to the paint chips. It can be given to a friend who is starting their own business, a fellow coworker, or just someone you acknowledge for their entrepreneurial efforts. Friends appreciate positive words every bit as much as your family does.
You could combine this gift with a note that says:
- You are proud of them.
- You know how hard they work.
- They are an inspiration to you.
- You appreciate their mentoring and advice.
Small Notebook
This idea has a couple options for you to customize according to which type of gift you're going to give. The tutorial shows how to make a small notebook that you can keep at your desk or carry around in your purse.
However, I also like the idea of using this notebook as a way to write down things you appreciate about your friend, kind of like a mini-memory journal. Think of ten great things you could write in there, like:'
- Favorite vacation memory.
- Private joke.
- Silly things you say to each other.
- Times your friend was really there for you.
- Memory of the first time you knew you'd be best buds.
This type of book doesn't take long to make, but will surely be something your friend will cherish. Imagine getting a gift like this. You'd think about the time and thought that went into it, and you'd probably keep it in a drawer and pull it out every time you needed some kind words.More »
Photo Frame Mat
One way to add color to a framed photo is to add the paint chips around the border to create a mat. This gives a picture a whole new look, and is a good gift idea for a favorite vacation photo or just a nice picture of you and a friend.More »Mini Scrapbook
Another idea is to use the paint chips as backgrounds for a mini-scrapbook. You can use it to commemorate a special event in your friend's life, a recent trip, or just a general "thanks for being my friend" type of gift. This is a good present for friend's you have known a long time, and if you can include some pictures and a personal note or two, it makes it even better.More »Gift Box
Sometimes the way you wrap the gift makes the most impact. Instead of using a gift bag or regular old box, you might want to try creating a gift box using old paint chips. This tutorial shows you how to fold and cut the paint chips to make it work out.
Boxes like these are the perfect size for small gifts like friendship bracelets or even just a pile of notes that you want your friend to open one by one.More »
Bookmarks
The next time you give your pal a book, why not add one of these bookmarks made from paint chips? They are stamped in black with different designs, and are a colorful, fun way to mark a book page. You can write a note for your friend on the back, too.More »Coasters
This idea takes paint chips, glue, and tiles to create a unique coaster. You could use a friend's favorite color to make these personal, or give a variety just to add some spice to their coffee table. This might be a good gift for a roommate, office friend, or new friend. After all, who couldn't use a few more coasters?More »
Cards
You could also make your friend a custom set of note cards like the Christmas cards shown in this tutorial. Homemade cards make a nice stocking stuffer, or even as a gift for a friend who is moving away or likes to write. You can also use the paint chips to embellish an existing set of plain note cards.More »
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