I am hopelessly craft-challenged.

Sewing? Nope.

Cross-stitching. Barely.

Painting? Puh-leese!

But I have found one inexpensive, handmade gift for teachers that even I can do. It's simple, simple, simple. And it only requires my handling a glue gun. Now that they have the low-heat ones

What you need:

An empty soup can (wash it out and peel the label off)

Candy cane sticks (not candy canes that curve around like a shepherd's crook--the ones that are straight)

Red ribbon (thick or thin)

Mini carnations in red and white

Hot glue gun

Here's what you do:

1. Glue the candy cane sticks around the soup can. (This won't be perfect. There may be a small gap or two because the sticks aren't perfectly straight. Don't stress over it.)

2. Tie a ribbon/bow around the center of the now-decorated can. Anchor in place with a dab of hot glue.

3. Fill the container with mini-carnations. Cut the stems short 'cause it just looks nicer that way.

I've given this gift to Christa's teachers for several years now and they always "oooh" and "aaah" over it.

If you're interested in additional directions for a similar project, check out http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11325