Handmade Stamped Elephant Necklace

So yesterday was my birthday and we went and did some shopping at Branson,MIssouri, which is only a few hours drive from us. It was a wonderful time spent with my husband and kids. We got a bit more Christmas shopping done, I also got a new purse for my birthday. But the most special present I got for my birthday was this little elephant necklace that my husband and daughter made for me out of an old fork.

So my husband helped trim up the tines and handle of the fork and drill holes, then my daughter used wire pliers to bend the trunk into shape. She then buffed the whole thing and added it to a chain (from Hobby Lobby).

I have loved elephants and monkeys since childhood, so this was so special to me. I also love things that are hand made and re-purposed.

Hand stamped jewelry is a great inexpensive way to give gifts to friends and family without spending a fortune. These cost around $2-$3 dollars to make (if you have to buy the silverware- we have a whole set of old that we had saved from 5 or 6 years ago.) Christmas (or birthdays for that matter) isn’t about the amount of money spent, but the thought that goes into the gift you give.

If you are on a tight budget there are many things you can do to give awesome gifts without spending a ton. Make cute gift certificates’ for services such as babysitting, yard work, photography, etc for your friends and family. They will love the gift and the thought that went into it. Or if you craft, make them a handmade item that is personal to things they like. If you do scrapbooking/cardmaking, make them a set of handmade cards for all occasions for throughout the year. This list could go on and on, but you get the idea. Make this Christmas more about the joy than about the dread of debt.

Hope all have a blessed day and week ahead!! Go out and do something to make someone smile today!