How Handmade Gifts Save Your Sanity and Your Budget
Plus a DIY Pop Art Notebook You’ll Love!
Why starting your holiday crafting early is the secret to stress-free gifting — and how one $2 notebook became a boutique-worthy treasure.
Most of us have been there: it’s mid-December, the malls are packed, shipping cut-off dates have passed, and we’re panic-buying whatever’s left on the shelf. The end result? A lighter wallet and gifts that don’t feel nearly as special as we’d like.
But what if this year could be different? What if you could skip the stress, save money, and still give meaningful gifts that make people smile? That’s the magic of handmade — and it’s easier than you think.
On a recent live at Studio MD AZ, we took a plain $2 Target notebook and turned it into a colorful, funny, and totally unique Pop Art journal. The project was simple, affordable, and so much fun — and it reminded us why handmade gifts always win.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and we only share products we truly love.)
Why Handmade Gifts Beat Store-Bought Every Time
They save money. A notebook, some Mod Podge, and a bit of bling can cost under $10 total — but look like it came from a boutique.
They reduce stress. When you start crafting early, you avoid the holiday rush.
They’re personal. A funny saying, favorite color scheme, or even a friend’s photo can make the gift unforgettable.
Handmade gifts aren’t just “cheaper.” They’re thoughtful, and that’s what people remember.
The Pop Art Notebook: Small Project, Big Impact
For this project, we started with a simple composition notebook. You can grab these at Target, Walmart, or even the Dollar Tree. The transformation came from layering in personality: bold art, glitter, stencils, and a playful twist with costume glasses.
What we used:
Pop Art Scrapbook / Collage Books from Amazon, Beautiful Faces Collage Papers, plus other favorites here, here, and here.
Mod Podge Multi-Surface (works on paper, fabric, wood, you name it).
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue in Mercury Glass — the sparkle makes everything pop.
A pair of children’s round costume glasses (the kid size is key for scale).
We smoothed the collage paper onto the cover with Mod Podge, ironed it flat, added stenciled paint details, and then glued on tiny round glasses for a 3D effect. Finally, Stickles glitter around the eyes and quote strips pulled it all together.
Result? A notebook that’s equal parts functional and fabulous.
Add Humor for Extra Personality
One of the best touches is adding funny sayings. A few favorites we’ve used:
“It’s been lovely, but I have to scream now.”
“I was going to take over the world this morning, but I overslept.”
“Forecast: unproductive, with a chance of a nap.”
Cut the words into strips, glue them down with Mod Podge, and outline with Stickles glitter glue. Suddenly your notebook has personality — and the kind of charm you’ll never find on store shelves.
Beyond Notebooks: Designer-Inspired Upcycles
The same techniques can be applied to so much more. In the live, we also upcycled a $6.99 thrift-store wallet into a chic designer-inspired clutch. Here’s how:
We added a Louis Vuitton patch (from our friend Carmen Sanchez-Fendrick — send her a PM to order).
Outlined it with 3mm Rhinestone Trim for sparkle.
Added a tortoise-shell handle to instantly elevate the look.
Want to go bigger? You can transform purses too. Just prep the surface with Dixie Belle Bonding Boss, layer on collage images, seal with Mod Podge, and finish with bling.
👉 Sources we love:
Designer-inspired fabrics from Ilfaitjourshop (use discount code: SISTERHOOD) or Ming Fabric.
Designer-Inspired Bling (code: SISTERHOOD).
These small upgrades turn thrift finds into luxury-feeling pieces — without the price tag.
Organizing Ideas and Creative Sparks
Debi also shared a brilliant tip: use old photo albums from thrift stores as storage for cut-outs, sayings, and paper scraps. Slide them into the sleeves, and you’ve got a ready-to-use library of inspiration for your next craft session.
It’s little hacks like this that make the creative process easier and more fun.
Why This Matters
Sure, you could run to Target and grab a gift card. But when you put a little bit of yourself into what you give — a handmade notebook, a glittered wallet, or even just a card with a personalized face cut-out — you’re not just handing someone a gift. You’re giving them joy, humor, and proof that you care.
And in the end, isn’t that what we all want the holidays (and every season) to be about?
Want to Watch the Full Tutorial?
This blog post only scratches the surface. You can watch the free replay of this project on Studio MD AZ’s Facebook page:
And if you love projects like this, you’ll find hundreds more inside our Sisterhood membership. It’s just $25/month, you can cancel anytime, and it’s where we share exclusive tutorials, auctions, and a welcoming community of creative women.
👉 Join the Sisterhood here: www.studiomdaz.com/sisterhood
Final Thoughts
Handmade doesn’t mean complicated. With the right supplies, a dash of humor, and a little Mod Podge magic, you can transform everyday items into unforgettable gifts. Whether it’s a back-to-school notebook, a thrift-store wallet, or a custom purse, the process is fun, affordable, and incredibly rewarding.
This season, skip the stress and start early. Your future self — and the people on your gift list — will thank you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through the links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our creative community!
