What is a Good Gift for a Crafty 18 Year Old Girl?

When it comes to finding a perfect gift for a crafty 18-year-old girl, wire wrapping and chainmaille are excellent choices. These crafts not only offer creative expression but also provide opportunities for personalization and skill development.

Getting Started with Wire Wrapping

If you have an 18-year-old girl who enjoys crafting, consider gifting her with a variety of wire and different wire gauges. Wire wrapping is a beautiful craft that involves using thin, flexible metal wire to create jewelry, decorative items, and more. This technique can be quite therapeutic and satisfying for creative individuals.

You can take her wire wrapping to the next level by incorporating stones and beads. These can be easily sourced from local art stores or ordered online, providing endless possibilities for unique and personalized pieces.

Wire wrapping is a versatile skill that allows for a wide range of projects, from simple jewelry to intricate wire sculptures. It's a great way to express creativity and make meaningful gifts for friends and family.

Introducing Chainmaille

If your crafty friend gets extra crafty, you can elevate her skill set to chainmaille. Chainmaille, or maille, involves weaving and connecting small metal rings to create various designs. This can range from simple necklaces to more complex armlets and bracelets.

While chainmaille might seem intimidating at first, it's actually quite rewarding once you get the hang of it. With a few basic tools and some tutorials, your 18-year-old can start creating stunning maille art.

DIY Chainmaille Tools and Supplies

Here's what you need to get started with chainmaille:

Jump Rings: These are small metal rings used to connect the chainmaille pieces. You can purchase them online or in craft stores. Knitting Needles: Old aluminum knitting needles can be repurposed for making chainmaille rings. These provide a great surface to bend and shape the wire. Clamps and Tools: Two blocks of wood held together by screws or wingnuts, plus a table clamp and a jeweller's handsaw, make excellent DIY tools for shaping and cutting the wire.

The M.A.I.L. - Maille Artisans International League offers a wealth of resources for both beginners and advanced chainmaille enthusiasts. Joining this league can provide additional support and inspiration for your crafty friend.

Additional Gift Ideas

While making DIY tools with your own hands can be rewarding, sometimes it's easier to just give her a gift card to her local art store.

For example, a gift card to Michael’s can be incredibly useful. There, she can find a wide variety of supplies and inspiration to fuel her creativity. One of my daughter's friends had a birthday and went to Michael’s, where she bought a lot of interesting supplies. She was thrilled and couldn't wait to start creating!

Another great option is to get her a set of high-quality wire and a selection of beads and stones. This combo can spark her imagination and help her design unique and meaningful pieces.

Conclusion

Gifting a crafty 18-year-old with items for wire wrapping or chainmaille can be a fantastic way to support her creative journey. Whether it's through homemade tools or store-bought supplies, the joy of crafting will continue to inspire her for years to come. Happy crafting!