Five Easy Handmade Gifts for Pagans

Do you need a Yule or other special gift for the Pagan on your shopping list but you're short on cash? Try one of these five suggestions even if you don't think you have a crafting bone in your body. A couple of these can be made up at the last minute.

Make a rune set out of polymer clay such as Sculpey. Polymer clay is very easy to work with and inexpensive. Three 2-ounce packages of polymer clay will make an entire set of 24 runes. This photo shows a set made with a gray stone colored clay.

Divide one package into eight equal pieces and shape each piece into an oval or square. Carve the rune symbols with clay tools, a knitting needle or even a toothpick and bake according to the directions on the package. You can find the symbols in my article Rune Symbols and Meanings.

Paint in the symbol with acrylic paint. Red is traditional or use what you prefer. You can leave them as is at this stage or varnish them with Mod Podge or spray sealant.

This isn't necessarily handmade but can have a personal touch. Parchment colored paper may come in handy for a friend who works magic. Roll several sheets and tie them together with a decorative ribbon. Even better would be to add a bottle of ink and calligraphy pen and put it all in a decorative bag or basket. You can personalize it further if you're skilled with a computer graphics program or enjoy rubber stamping and stencils.

You might be surprised at how appreciated this gift is, especially for people who hold outdoor rituals.  Mother nature has a mind of her own which can result in candle wax drippings and goblets spilling out their contents ruining altar cloths.  This actually won't require much sewing at all.  Just hem the ends of a 1-2 yard piece of solid or decorative fabric.  You can also sew pre-made quilt binding sold in fabric stores around the edges for a more decorative touch.

This can be made up in an afternoon if you are short on time even if you aren't experienced at sewing. Visit my article linked to at right for instructions or follow your own favorite pattern.

Pagans use candles for ritual, meditation, magic and at seasonal feasts. Beeswax sheets are sold in crafts stores and come in a variety of colors. Some even come in kits including the wick needed to make several candles.

The technique is easy. You simply place wicking the length of the candle you are making near the edge of the sheet. Then begin rolling the wax from that end to the far end and secure with pinches at the edges. You can use a taper holder of your own to measure the candle against to make sure you are making the right size or make a pillar sized candle.

All of these gifts can be tailored to an individual or made up beforehand for last-minute guests at Yule or during any of the Pagan holidays. Handmade gifts are a great way to get the entire family involved in gift giving. Kids especially can get involved in the rolled beeswax candles project. Happy crafting and gift giving!