Friendship bracelets, made from cotton string and simple knots, are a timeless and cherished way to make something fun to share with someone you love. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this guide will walk you through each step of the process of creating beautiful friendship bracelets.

We’re a little biased, but we think makers are the most fun people to shop for. If you have makers on your holiday list this year, take a look at some of our favorite small businesses selling gifts for makers of all types and all ages. We have something here for everyone! 

Cross stitch, a form of counted-thread embroidery that uses X-shaped stitches to form a picture, is one of the easiest types of hand embroidery to learn. Similar to paint-by-number, but with needle and thread, you can follow patterns or make your own! This beginner’s guide will show you the essential steps to getting started with cross stitch, whether you’re brand new or looking to refresh your skills.