With gift season rapidly approaching, we all are seeking frugal ideas for "nice" gifts. In this generic W-Mart world personalized gifts are making a come back. One very nice gift one can make easily and cheaply with great results is a personalized wastebasket. You simply collect photos, or magazine adds of the intended recipient’s favorite things (sports team, hobby, family photos, etc…) and then decoupage (glue them on) to either an existing waste container or a box you have salvaged that is the right size.

Materials:

Waste Container to be refurbished
or box around 2 feet high by one foot square
White glue (shiny finish)
or Flour and water paste (matte finish)
lots of photos, magazine pictures
other glue on items like shells, leaves, etc..

Directions:
Mix the white glue (Elmers school glue is an example) half and half with water. Paste the images and items on the side of the container in an artful fashion. I like sort of a "crazy-quilt" look, but things arranged in neat rows is fine too. This is your gift. Make it look like you want. Don’t be afraid to glue items like sea shells, twigs, leaves on for a basket for nature lover…

Let it dry, and then coat the whole waste basket with a layer the half and half glue mixture. This will make a glossy surface. If you want a matte look skip this step. This is a fun project for any age (my son makes one for his Dad every Xmas). Make a few for yourself too!