Every year, I make a handmade holiday gift for my coworkers and our kids’ teachers. I love bringing them into school and the office and spreading joy! I’ll list all the past ones at the bottom, so you have more ideas!

This years’s project is shibori-dyed zipper pouches. These have so many uses – as a mini clutch purse or a case for pencils, toiletries, jewelry, phone chargers and earbuds, etc.!

I think I’ve always loved the look of shibori – which makes perfect sense, since I love all things blue and white, fabric and paper.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Zippered pouches (8.3 x 5.75 inches)

• 3/8″ grosgrain ribbon – I chose metallic gold!

• Rit fabric dye – I used navy, as well as trying black and fuschia. (Traditional shibori is done with indigo dye)

• Depending on the patterns you choose: popsicle sticks, rubber bands, cardboard, string

Here’s how to do it:

I’ve got more instructions back in this post on shibori dyeing.

Patterns:

Rolled with string

Rubber band circles

Square

Triangles

Circle block

Honeycomb

Clothespins

As promised, a list of past teacher/coworker gifts:

• Stenciled canvas tote bags
• Mini magnet boards
• Block-printed tea towels
• Dip-dyed cooking utensils
• Gifts in a jar

I think I have next year’s idea already, but I’m not telling yet…

Julie aka “Jewels”