
Wedding registries definitely exist for a reason. After all, without them, the nuptial-gift tradition would devolve into utter chaos: Couples would be sorting and returning piles of bed skirts and picture frames while living sans basics like wine glasses or plates. But if you’re shopping for a couple whose tastes you know really well — especially a quirky, creative, nontraditional couple (you know, the ones who go for cotton candy instead of cake on their big day) — why not make them something? It’ll add a more personal element to your gift that they are sure to love. Check out these 29 DIY gifts to get inspired. And if you don’t have time to DIY, we’ve also got you covered with these unique Etsy finds.
1. Painted Basket: Baskets: They’re something that every couple needs but rarely think to register for. Pick one up and paint a boldly colored design for a gift that is sure to impress. (via Brit + Co)
2. Color Blocked Wooden Bowls: Add a pop of totally on-trend color to your fave couple’s home. You can even thrift mismatched bowls, serving trays and plates and tie it all together using color. (via Brit + Co)
3. Hand-Painted Dishes: “Dishwasher-safe” is the magic word here, guys. These beauties will get used all the time, and we are loving this mix ‘n’ match, non-traditional set. (via Delia Creates)
4. Hand-Stamped Textiles: Use a DIY stamp, or go the kindergartner route and make a potato stamp, to create bold graphic prints on napkins, tablecloths or blankets. You could even stamp a small diamond shape and frame it. (via Brit + Co)
5. Cement Coasters: Pick up a few supplies from the hardware store, and before you know it, you’ll be crafting a grown-up coaster set that will impress all their party guests. These bad boys set in under 30 minutes with quick dry cement, after which you can customize ’em to your liking. (via Brit + Co)
6. Metallic Print Glassware: No home is complete without a beautiful bar, and the newlyweds will love you for helping them stock it with unique glassware. Throw in a vintage ice bucket, some DIY booze and pretty cocktail stirrers if you want to go all out. (via Sarah Hearts)
7. Wood-Burnt Spoons: You can never have too many wooden spoons, amiright? Take that gift to the next level by wood-burning your own cool designs. (via Brit + Co)
8. DIY Modern Art: If you’re familiar with your couple’s decor, an abstract canvas painting made with gold will add a ton of flair (and a major conversation starter) to their abode. No expert drawing or painting skills required! (via Dans le Lakehouse)
9. Geometric Planters: Give the gift of succulents with these cute li’l planters. They are super simple and easy to make. So easy, in fact, that you should probably make some for yourself as well ;) (via Brit + Co)
10. Woven Wall Art: This cozy wall hanging adds warmth (and an ever-so-subtle ’70s flair) to modern spaces. No loom required, either; you can make your own using cardboard! (via Brit + Co)
11. Pop-Up Photo Box: We’re sure you snapped a ton of pics at their wedding (or can find a bunch with their wedding hashtag). Collect all those pics and make an adorable pop-up photo box they’re sure to love for years to come. (via Brit + Co)
12. Infused Olive Oil: For the couple that loves to cook, this set of infused olive oils is the perfect gift. All you’ll need are some cork jars from the craft store and whatever ingredients you choose to infuse. (via Brit + Co)
13. Knitted Wool and Wood Bench: There’s no need to be intimidated by this project. The bench is easy to make, and all you’ll need are some novice knitting skills for the rest. Bonus points if you add paint to the wood and choose a contrasting color for the wool. (via Brit + Co)
14. DIY Wine Rack: For a fraction of the cost of a store-bought rack, make a modern DIY version that’s customized to their kitchen, bar or dining room. Don’t forget to include a couple bottles of their favorite pinot. (They’ll need it to get through the mounds of thank-you notes.) Wall-mounted versions are trickier to make, but have at it if you’re handy with a sander. (via Lowes)
15. Custom Serving Board: Make it monogrammed or go with a simple design. Either way, a wood-burned board (available as a Brit Kit) is an easy way to fancy up a cheese tray. (via Brit + Co)
16. Copper Pour Over Coffee Maker: Bring the pour-over cup of joe to your favorite couple’s kitchen. They’ll be thanking you for months to come. (via Brit + Co)
17. Embroidered Napkins: Even those who recoil at the sight of a sewing machine (guilty as charged) can totally deal with this cute embroidered-napkin project. We recommend buying some bright napkins and using a fun contrasting color for your simple stitch. (via Design Sponge)
18. Paint-Dipped Brass Candlesticks: Brass candlesticks are easily harvested at thrift stores. Simply unscrew the bases and paint them in hues your couple will love for a modern-meets-vintage dining room accent. (via Inspired by Charm)
19. Faceted Concrete Hooks and Shelves: We all need ’em, so why not DIY some up for the newlyweds? These concrete hooks also function well as a mini shelf or can be used as brackets for wood shelves. Either way, they’ll look great in your friends’ home. (via Brit + Co)
20. Etched Kitchen Containers and Jars: Trust us, glass etching is *super* easy. And since every newlywed couple needs kitchen goods, etch them a set of containers or bottles. (via Brit + Co)
21. Homemade Candles: A batch of homemade beeswax candles can accompany your DIY candlestick gift, or wow the newlyweds on their own with a set in non-obnoxious scents like chai or fresh herbs. (Photo via Oh Happy Day)
22. Gold-Dipped Glassware: These definitely aren’t dishwasher safe, but gold-dipped wine glasses, goblets or champagne flutes will take a tablescape to the next level. All you need is some non-toxic spray paint, strategically placed painter’s tape and plastic bags. (via Honestly WTF)
23. Hand-Lettered Cocktail Napkins: Instead of having your friends’ next cocktail party be filled with paper cocktail napkins, whip up some of these hand-lettered ones. You can experiment with colors, phrases or patterns — the possibilities are endless. (via Brit + Co)
24. Chalkboard Cheese Trays: For the cheese-lovin’ couple, these chalkboard trays are the ultimate party platter. You could even pair it with some fancy cheese, crackers and spreads for a sweet foodie gift basket. (via Brit + Co)
25. Tripod Camping Stool: This stool can be used pretty much anywhere — camping, festivals, Sunday Funday adventures, you name it! Just be sure you make two. (via Design Sponge)
26. DIY Tea Bags: Who doesn’t love tea? Pair a few sets with some pretty teacups and your couple is ready for the ultimate cuppa tea. (via Brit + Co)
27. Fabric Coaster: These are so easy you might just want to whip up a few batches for other gifts… or for yourself. (via Brit + Co)
28. Gilded Leather Valet: Help your fave couple keep their bits and bobs contained with this catch-all tray. It’s a great necessity for any home. (via Brit + Co)
29. Etched Champagne Glasses: Go with their initials, an abstract design or even “Mr” and “Mrs” if you like. The happy couple surely will toast to you and your thoughtfulness. Don’t forget to provide the bubbly — maybe they’ll even have you over for mimosas. (via Brit + Co)
Will you DIY any wedding gifts this year? What will you make?
Artist Dev Heyrana On How Bravery, Resilience and Sunshine Influence Her Work
Ever meet someone who you feel immediate kinship with on a deep almost spiritual level? That is legit every person's experience upon meeting Dev Heyrana, the star of this edition of Creative Crushin'. A fine artist, hip hop dance teacher and constant collaborator, Dev's particular brand of creativity is one-of-a-kind. She manages to be warm, welcoming and woke, with a focus on inclusivity, social justice and motherhood that comes through in every piece of art she creates.
Anjelika Temple here, co-founder of Brit + Co and one of many humans who has benefitted from Dev's boundless generosity and kindness. We first connected at a launch event, then I asked her if she and her family would like to model for a B+C shoot (they did!), then months later, I asked the IG universe if anyone would be down to co-parent with me for a day so I could speak at a conference. Dev said yes! And for those that know her, none of these serendipitous moments are surprising.
Now it's time to delve more into Dev's story, her creative inspiration, her thoughtful approach to parenting and what makes her more passionate than ever about bringing her point of view and artistic voice into the universe.
Anjelika Temple: First, foundations. Where did you grow up? What is your heritage? What did you study in school? Where do you live now?
Dev Heyrana: Born in The Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 9 years old. Me and my family are from the island of Cebu and I'm a proud Cebuana. My childhood in the Philippines felt like freedom. I had my swimsuit in my backpack for whenever we decided to swim and I biked everywhere.
Immigrating here at 9 yrs old was a transition, to say the least. My parents had big dreams but the move was heavy on them. It wasn't easy. I had to grow up fast. I took care of my sisters while my parents worked night shifts. By the age of 12 I would cook dinner and get my sisters ready for bed. Something I didn't realize was that kids my age didn't do those things until I got older. We would play these make-believe games to make, in hindsight, our hard situation brighter.
I think this is really when art played a big role in my life. It was something I could escape in and always felt healing.
I witnessed racism towards my family and didn't know how to make sense of it. These events left a mark. I was a quiet kid and observed everything and everyone around me. I think about my grandparents, Lolo Jose and Lola Rita, a lot as I walk through life. When I make decisions. As hard as it feels, you have two choices, do you let it take you down or take it one step at a time forward. I kept going and it really shaped me as to why I am the way I am today.
I studied Fine Arts at The Corcoran in DC. I owe that decision to my art teacher, Mr Giles, in High School. He was retiring and wore a Hawaiian shirt every day during my senior year. He was a curmudgeon and I felt incredibly special since out of everyone in the school he really believed in me. As grumpy as he seemed to the class, he would tell me things like "Go into the other studio and break some glass, then put it on a canvas." He's the reason why my abstract pieces have elements like clay and sand in them.
I've had incredible mentors and all were teachers. Mr. Giles in High School and Christine George in College. Christine was the one who told me to go either to New York or San Francisco because "D.C. is no place for an artist like you." She told me to not listen to anyone, how I can still paint, be a graphic designer, and, if I choose to, have a family. I've never had anyone tell me anything like that before.
I took a chance because of her. Moved and went to Design School in 2006 and I've stayed in the Bay Area ever since, raising two girls with the love of my life.
Anj: You are one of those magical human beings that has figured out how to be a full-time artist. What was your career path like before you were able to dive fully into your creative passions?
Dev: The most radical thing I could have done in my family, I did, I went to college for Fine Arts. A mix of being so young and having to do it on my own, I went with the school that gave me more scholarships. Even then I worked three jobs to be able to get through it. Hard work is ingrained in me.
With my sculpture background, I fell in love with Print and Packaging and why I came out here to San Francisco. I appreciated the security of having a career in Graphic Design. I also learned how to work with clients and the business side of things. Even then, I never stopped painting.
A few years ago I went through a pretty hard time with my health. I dealt with six surgeries in one year and I still have to do some follow-up ones. That experience almost broke me and what got me through was my family and painting in bed while I recovered.
When I finally got back on my feet, my heart just wasn't in Graphic Design anymore. So I made a two year plan. With a toddler and a mortgage, I wanted to make sure my steps were thought out. I put myself out there as an Artist while I still worked in Design. After a year I worked part time as a Graphic Designer and stepped down from my Creative Director position. I loved it, to be creative as an Artist and as a Designer. I looked at 2018 as my year to make the jump. If my work as an Artist balances out with my salary then I would quit in the Summer of 2019. And so here we are. I also am sharing a studio with my good friend, Naomi PQ, and I feel like my creative drive is just beginning.
Anj: What do you love about painting? How do you feel when you're in a creative flow state?
Dev: Like every part of me is free. Free to express myself through the stroke of my hand. How all of it leads back to my heart. These elements I use to paint have a mind of their own and how I need to respect the process.
It centers me and reminds me that the process is just like the life we lead. I know I still have so much more to learn but while I'm painting no matter how it's going, I'll embrace this moment.
Anj: You reference your roots quite a bit in your work. Talk to me more about how your roots inspire your work.
Dev: One of my earliest memories is of my Lolo Jose teaching me how to water mango saplings. He converted to Buddhism when my mother was young, so he viewed the world with love and kindness. I didn't realize it then but watering those mango trees were life lessons. We need to take the time to nurture, practice patience, and respect all living things. I still imagine him walking beside me often, carrying his teachings as I find my way in this world.
Nature and the Sun drive my pieces. My abstract works are fragments of moments. Like the sunset I grew up with when I was seven years old in the Philippines, like how I saw the water in Cebu when I dove in as a young adult, and like when I saw the redwoods with my children for the first time.
I see earth in our skin and especially when I paint people. How our mango trees grew and blossomed because the dark earth was rich with nutrients. I imagine the Sun piercing through these women I depict. I paint their love and bravery because their resilience cannot be contained. I want to celebrate all of it.
This is the beauty of Art, I am able to paint exactly how I see it.
Anj: Motherhood and your daughters are also central themes in your work. How has motherhood changed your approach to creating artwork?
Dev: Everything. I was still deep in my Design Career and I would paint at home. One day Quinn, who was 3 years old at the time introduced me at the park to a mom. "This is my mom, she's an Artist." It struck me that my toddler knew who I was more than I knew myself. That's really when I really owned it. I am more fearless because of my girls.
I own my body, I thank people when they compliment me, and I am selective but fearless when I use my voice. I am more in tune how I speak about myself because of them. When I paint these women I want to celebrate them. I notice how I embrace myself is translated in my paintings.
Anj: What advice can you give to parents who are trying to tap into their kiddos' innate creativity?
Dev: I don't have a lot of guidelines set up. I'll say "Let's draw the biggest fish we can draw" or "how many silly lines can we make" and I let them lead me. They ask me questions, show me things, and I sit there with my coffee watching their eyes wide with excitement. Watching them in their creative process is pure joy for me. Those silly lines can turn into a dragon or waves and next thing we know, we're drawing a big beach scene. My advice would be that you can suggest something to start it off but be open to how they take it. It is such a beautiful window into their minds.
Anj: Shifting gears to HIP HOP DANCE! Talk to us about his component of your creative expression.
Dev: I loved the Hip Hop scene in DC and discovered how much fun the clubs were in college. My friends told me about this Hip Hop Crew I should try out for, I was so scared because I've never taken a dance class in my life. I got in and it was like having another family. We competed all over the East Coast, it was a blast!
I found hipline when I started my first Design Job and needed an outlet. It was exactly what I needed and one of the owners asked if I was interested to teach. I've been teaching there since 2009 and am still going strong. It's a wonderful community of women. Now we're virtual and reaching clients all over.
Anj: What does a typical [pandemic] day look like for you? How does it differ from your rhythm before COVID?
Dev: I've been practicing being kinder to myself lately. Both me and my husband work full time and so having the girls at home is a challenge. Some days we are amazed by how smooth it went and then there are others where if the girls are clean and bellies are full, it's a total win.
Now that we're on month 8 our rhythm before covid felt more chaotic to be honest. I felt like we were always rushing out the door while carrying so many bags. Now my husband and I try to have coffee together, if he has a break from his meeting, and we sit with Quinn before school to see what she has to do for the day. Rowan's preschool closed down but we were able to find a wonderful speech therapist for her and she has an Adventure Pod we go to two times a week.
The one thing we really try to do is go outside once a day. Have some magic in their childhood no matter how small. It could be just going up for a hike by our home and picking up leaves, riding our bikes, or watching the sunset from our window. Seeing how the girls' react to these adventures we have is pure magic.
Anj: When you get creatively blocked or burnt out, how do you reset? Do you have tips you can share?
Dev: I go outside. I go out for a hike or go to the beach. Even if it's 15 minutes, something about grounding yourself in Nature is really healing. I also do exercise where I doodle for two minutes because it feels doable. Judgment-free doodles, always opens the doorway to more.
Anj: I know firsthand that community-building is huge for you. Tell us more about what your support system and creative community looks like.
Dev: I feel a lot of love and strength when I think of my community. My relationship with my sister led the way what women supporting women looks like. It's listening, asking questions, remembering, cheering for all the wins, being there even if it's hard, and taking time to invest in them. The way me and my sister show up for each other is why I have these amazing women in my life. I can talk to them about my family, motherhood, and we're all trying to balance it all while sharing my most recent project. I feel really blessed especially looking back in my college years where I don't know where Art would take me.
Anj: When you need to give yourself a pep talk, what does it sound like?
Dev: I usually take a deep breath then say or think "One step forward". Most of the time, I'm scared (as shit) but the thought of not trying scares me more. That one step forward can be hard as hell and maybe even heartbreaking, but I have to try.
For more on this brilliant artist, mother and friend, follow Dev @_heyrana on Instagram and check out (and buy!) her artwork here.