CigarFox

Cigar Box Ukulele

The ukulele has been present and popular in history since approximately the 1880s. Originally from Hawaii, the ukulele is now globally recognised as one of the popular instruments of our time. Easy to play and nice to look at, many people have taken on the ukulele as their instrument of choice.

Both adults and children play the ukulele. It is very popular in youth centres and schools as youngsters find it relatively easy to get the hang of, and this encourages them to further develop their talents and skills with reading and writing music. It is also very versatile, meaning it can be played in a variety of genre of music – indie band Noah and the Whale use the ukulele in their songs but it has also been played by legends such as former Beatles star George Harrison (who used to buy ukuleles as presents for people).

Ukuleles, sometimes abbreviated to the term ‘Uke’, are made from both wood and plastic, although the general and original material is wood. There are, as with most things, cheaper ones available as well as very expensive models, which can be worth thousands. Cheaper models are made from laminate or ply woods, or occasionally spruce. The most valuable ones are made from a wood called Koa, which originates from Hawaii and is well known for its attractive colour and fine tone. Other expensive, but still affordable ukuleles are made from woods such as mahogany, which is also known for its distinctive colour and sturdiness.

Ukuleles also come in four different common sizes; baritone, tenor, soprano and concert. Less commonly, bass ukuleles and sopraninos can also be found, but these are at the extreme ends of the ukulele sizing spectrum. The smallest is the soprano, which in Hawaii is alo known as the standard size. This was also the original size of the instrument. The larger sizes were developed to create deeper bass and more volume as it became more widely used in concerts and festivities.

Ukuleles typically resemble a small acoustic guitar, with figure eight style bodies. However, oval ones are also made, which are called ‘pineapple’ ukuleles. The Kamaka ukulele company invented a paddle shaped version and even a square shape is available (this is often made from an old cigar box).

There have also been instruments that are based on the ukulele that are also well known; these include the harp ukulele and the banjo ukulele.

Ukuleles can make excellent gifts for people, especially if they are musically inclined or have expressed an interest in learning an instrument. Most retailers will include a guide book or DVD for a beginner, which means that they will not have to buy this separately. As they are classed as easy to play, some people choose not to take lessons initially, as they feel they can grasp the basics themselves. As Christmas fast approaches, it may be an ideal time to start thinking of what to buy for the important people in your life, and music is definitely a topic which inspires and interests a lot of people.

Enter a world of truly original gifts from The Original Gift Company and visit our flagship store, based in the historic Stow-on-the-Wold in the heart of the Cotswolds. The Original Gift Company is probably best-known as the publisher of Britain’s favourite gift catalogue, full of inspiring ideas and with free personalisation on many products.If you want to buy a ukulele for the music lover in your life, visit us at http://www.theoriginalgift.co.uk

THE CIGAR BOX UKULELE

If you are a crafter or scrapbooker, you probably know someone who is as enthusiastic about making things as you are. And you probably also know many others who have never tried crafting and swear they don’t have a creative bone in their bodies. Both types of friends are a great opportunity to share your love of crafting, with a “made to order” Crafting Kit as a special gift.

When creating a gift for the seasoned crafter or scrapbooker, get a feel for what they already love.  Is it fabric crafts? Candles? Stenciling or stamping? Card making? What are their tastes in colors, styles and embellishments? What have they finished lately – and what projects have been languishing?

For the non-crafters in your life (who need some serious converting), consider what other interests they have.  Do they travel? Raise a family? Cook or read? Do they admire certain artists or decorating styles?  Do they like the things you create?

Now, think about these craft kit gift ideas.  They are more than gifts – they are an opportunity to create something wonderful.  

Candlemaking 101

Take an aluminum saucepan – an old one is fine – or buy a new wax melting pot. Fill it with the basics: paraffin, stearic acid, candle wicks, a wax thermometer, fragrance oils, and wax dyes (or crayons). Include a mold and instructions. For the seasoned candle maker, get extravagant with the scents and dyes, as well as specialty wicks.  Tie it all up in a ribbon.

Embroidery Fun

Take an embroidery hoop and several needles, a pattern and instructions, and enough embroidery thread to finish it.  Fold them all into a plain shirt or jacket that is crying for embellishment and place in pretty box.  Choose the difficulty of the pattern for the beginner or expert.

Beading Time

 

Start with an empty egg carton.  Fill each compartment with an assortment of beads, sequins, and other stringables.  Include  several yards of beading thread or wire, and instructions for an appropriate project like a pin or bracelet.

Decoupage Your Heart Out

Start with a plain paper mache box or container, or an empty cigar box.  Fill it with the essentials: decoupage medium, brushes in various sizes, manicure scissors, and patterned paper, collage sheets, or printed vintage images.  Write “Decoupage Me” on the box and tie with a ribbon.

Crochet Anyone?

Begin with a simple sewing case or gift bag.  Fill it with several crochet hooks and skeins of yarn, a yarn needle and a beginner’s book of small projects.

Stamping Mad

Into a gift box, put an assortment of rubber stamps for an upcoming holiday or event, stamp pads in several colors, a blender pen, and blank card stock and envelopes. Address one to you.

Paper Mache Dreams

Combine a package of small, round balloons, a bottle of liquid starch, craft paints, and instructions for several beginner projects like hanging jack o’lanterns, Easter Eggs or Christmas balls.  Wrap the box in newspaper with a bow made of torn strips.

Stencil It In

Fill a plain paper mache or cardboard gift box with an assortment of small craft stencils, acrylic paints, tape or stencil adhesive, and stencil brushes, as well as spray varnish or lacquer.

Gingerbread Mobile Home

For the cook, find a good gingerbread house project, buy all of the imperishable ingredients, forms and decorations, throw in a set of wooden spoons, and deliver it all in a basket saying “Congratulations On Your New House!”

Ribbon, Ribbon, I’ve Been Thinkin’

For the amateur weaver, find project instructions of simple woven placemats made of ribbon on a fusible web backing.  Supply the plans, the webbing, and all of the ribbon for a full set. Put it in a bog with the tag “I’ll be over for dinner in three weeks.”

Scraps Again?

Select a recent photographed event in your friend’s life.  Gather together a small scrapbook, appropriate papers and embellishments to fit the theme. Add whatever essentials, like glue sticks and mounting squares, you think will be necessary. Present them in a gift bag, with an offer to go through the photos and help get the layout planned.

I hope these ideas are enough to get your creative engine turning.  These gifts can be made even more personal with your offer to help them get started.  You may discover that you have kindled a dormant crafting interest – or sparked an aficionado’s ambitions.  These are truly gifts that keep giving – in fact, the final creation may come back to you with “interest.”

Scott Henderson founded Vintage Image Craft (http://www.vintageimagecraft.com) for crafters and scrapbookers who love creating with vintage images. Visit for free ideas, techniques, instructions and vintage image downloads.

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