Creating gift baskets are truly one of the better things you can do to give gifts to loved ones. They allow you to make a gift that has the thoughts and heart all handcrafted gifts have, while controlling how much you spend, and how much time you put into it. Giving a gift basket for an artist is no different.

There are a lot of different things that you can do with gift baskets and with the items you put in there. You can use art as a general theme or you can go specifically into the type of art that your artist is interested in. Whichever you decide. Have fun and enjoy making it. Relax and let the creativity flow from you into the project that has become your art.

Black, White, and Grey
If your artist is one who loves to sit around doing sketches and practicing their drawing then the Black, White, and Grey project may be the one for you. You can paint your basket one of the colors or leave it natural. You can use ribbon for a more feminine touch (especially if giving to a more feminine person). If you give a square basket they are more likely to find uses for it around their space. You can then add items from your color pallet. Purchase paper (maybe in more then one size), a variety of pencils, pens, and maybe even black markers. You can also include erasers, and drawing tools, or even fountain pens or bamboo pens for ink art. Whatever touches your eye. You can arrange these items in whatever manner you wish or you can wrap each item in black and white paper, or newspaper for a great touch that brings additional surprises.

Crazy Paints!
If your artist is a painter and has a love of painting then get a little crazy. Buy some all purpose craft paints and paint your basket (square will always be easier to use around the house). Do wild and crazy designs or make it a modern piece of artwork. Have fun and get crazy! Add a small canvas, paints, paint brushes, and unique tools that an artist just might try out for a fun and new style.

Potter's Paradise
The potter or sculptor always has a ton of nifty little tools that they can use. You can have fun by painting your basket tera cotta color (which can be done with spray paint) and adding a wide variety of tools to the mix. Have fun picking out the unusual tools and get crazy with your presentation. You can include clay if you want, but it may be hard to know what they are using right now.

Crafters Package
Maybe your artist is artistic in a less "fine" way. If this is the case then load up on tools and options for their craft or art projects of choice. Have fun and remember that with a lot of artistic hobbies there are never enough tools and options to experiment with. Whether your loved one is a jewelry maker or a scrapbooker, the more you have the more fun it is.

If your basket is looking low and you don't want to fill it up by buying more items to fill it, add a hand towel that matches your theme. Most people can always use more hand towels and it can add character and take up a lot of space in your basket without making you look cheap.

You can then wrap your basket in cellophane or leave it plain. You can top it with curling ribbon and bows to match your color theme. If you have gone with a square or rectangle basket that doesn't have a handle, you can even wrap it.

No matter what you choose, have fun and enjoy doing it. The more fun you have, the more it will show. Paint and play! Oh, and add somethings your artist is bound to use or would love to try. It is sure to be a hit!

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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