Admittedly, some DIY instructions sometimes make you wonder: is this art or can it be thrown away? But there are also some really nice ways to put homemade gifts under the Christmas tree that the recipient won't want to exchange right away!
We have compiled a list of our favorite DIY gifts for you:
DIY bath bombs
With these simple ingredients, you can have DIY bath bombs in no time at all. When filled into an empty mason jar or jam jar and decorated with a bow, they look great and will delight any water lover!
* 250 grams of baking soda
* 125 grams of citric acid
* 60 grams of cornstarch or cornstarch
* 40-60 grams of coconut oil
* 15 drops of essential oil
To make the bath bombs, mix the baking soda with the cornstarch/cornstarch, and the citric acid. If you have dry food coloring, divide the powder into separate bowls for the different colors. Now use the liquid coconut oil (if it's still solid, melt it in a saucepan or on the stove). Mix this with the essential oil and, if you have liquid food coloring, with the liquid food coloring.
Now carefully mix the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients. Don't be surprised if the bath bomb mixture will still be crumbly in the end. It should then be easy to shape by hand. For more moisture, add a little more oil; for drier texture, simply add a little cornstarch. You can also create beautiful shapes by pressing the mixture into cookie cutters.
Now put them in the fridge for a few hours and then let them dry for a few days – your homemade bath bombs are ready!
You can also add dried plants such as rose petals or food coloring to enhance the look of the bath bombs.
Homemade DIY mulled wine spice
Know what's in it - make it yourself instead of buying it ready-made!
The Christmas market experience as we know it will be different this year. The markets will remain closed. But that doesn't mean you have to go without your favorite hot beverage—quite the opposite!
A great idea for mulled wine lovers is to make your own DIY mulled wine spice mix. For 1 liter, you'll need:
* One organic orange
* Two Ceylon cinnamon sticks
* 1 tsp cloves
* 1 real star anise
* Add to taste: cardamom, ginger, vanilla
For the mulled wine spice, finely slice the orange peel and let it dry slowly in a warm place or in the oven. Break off the corners of the star anise and roughly chop the cinnamon stick (roughly place it in a bag and hit it with something hard or with a knife).
To make the mulled wine, combine 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 500ml of dry wine (white or red, depending on your preference) in a saucepan. You can also use a tea strainer. Otherwise, you'll have to pour the mulled wine out at the end to avoid any spice residue in your cup.
For the non-alcoholic version, simply use cloudy apple juice, grape juice, or orange juice. A mixture of the three is also fine. Heat slowly and then let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Once it boils, the alcohol will evaporate! We hope you enjoy your homemade mulled wine.
DIY beeswax cloths
No matter how hard we try to reduce plastic, it's often difficult, especially in the kitchen. Did you know that there's a great, sustainable alternative to cling film? You can make this sustainable version of cling film yourself with a little effort. What do you need?
* 50 grams of beeswax pastilles
(available in pharmacies, health food stores or drugstores)
* Fabric of your choice made of 100% cotton
* Scissors (pinching scissors make it look even better)
* Paint brush
* A bowl in which the wax is melted
* A saucepan for the hot water bath (doesn't have to be large)
* Baking paper
* Iron
* Newspaper to protect the work area from the wax
Cut the fabric scraps you want to turn into a beeswax wrap into square or round shapes. Then iron over the fabric again to make sure it's nice and smooth and wrinkle-free. Line your work area with newspaper in case you make any mess.
Melt the beeswax slowly in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring constantly. Place the baking paper underneath and then the fabric on top. Now grab your brush and brush the beeswax onto the fabric. Once the fabric is completely covered with the wax, add another layer of baking paper on top and use your iron on the highest setting without steam. You're almost there, creating your very own beeswax wrap!
Now iron over the baking paper and thus over the fabric, including the edges! Then immediately remove the baking paper and hold the waxed fabric up until it sets (careful, it's hot!).
Your beeswax cloth is ready!
It's also easy to make your own Christmas decorations. Find our best tips here !
