Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
XOXO
Archive | December, 2009
Have your kids been naughty or nice?? — make lump of coal gift boxes
22 Dec
I saw this craft in the Martha Stewart Magazine last year and knew I needed to make it.
How funny would it be for the kids to open a lump of coal in their stockings this year?
You can put a keychain, a pair of earrings, a tie, a pair of socks or any other small object in these little sparkly lumps of cheer. I followed the directions found here, except for a couple of key points. So I am going to list what I did just in case you want to do it the way I did:
(length of time to make project: about 1 hour,
plus an additional hour for the project to dry)
plus an additional hour for the project to dry)
- First I painted the boxes black
- Then I crumpled up some black cardstock paper and hot glued it to the top of the lid.
- I took a piece of black cardstock bigger than the top and folded in half and then again — so it was in four pieces. Then I opened the last fold and then folded those side in to each other making a point, like so:
- Then I put a line of hot glue around the edges of the box, then immediately pressed the cardstock on to the top of the box, pressing against the edges. The middle of the folds should be roughly centered in the middle of the box, so the middle is slightly elevated.
- Once the glue is cool, I cut against the edges of the lid to trim the paper.
- Then I cut another piece of black cardstock into fourths and soaked it in water for a couple of minutes.
- I put a layer of mod podge over the entire lid and then placed the wet piece of cardstock over the top, crinking the cardstock slightly to mimic the roughness of coal.
- One the paper dried out a little, I trimmed the cardstock to the bottom of the edges of the lid. Then I applied another heavy coat of mod podge over the entire top of the box.
- While the lid was wet, I sprinkled black glitter over the entire top. After I finished glittering the tops, I put a layer of mod podge over the bottoms of the boxes and glittered them too.
- I let it dry, and then I put some tissue in the boxes and filled them with goodies. I can’t wait to see my kids’ faces when they open their lumps of coal!
- Note: the major changes to the MS directions are I used hot glue instead of black tape (don’t have any of that) and I used mod podge instead of fabric stiffener (don’t have any of that either). I also put an extra layer of cardstock over the top to keep it more secure.
I hope you are having a great week!
XOXO
Have your kids been naughty or nice?? — make lump of coal gift boxes
22 Dec
I saw this craft in the Martha Stewart Magazine last year and knew I needed to make it.
How funny would it be for the kids to open a lump of coal in their stockings this year?
You can put a keychain, a pair of earrings, a tie, a pair of socks or any other small object in these little sparkly lumps of cheer. I followed the directions found here, except for a couple of key points. So I am going to list what I did just in case you want to do it the way I did:
(length of time to make project: about 1 hour,
plus an additional hour for the project to dry)
plus an additional hour for the project to dry)
- First I painted the boxes black
- Then I crumpled up some black cardstock paper and hot glued it to the top of the lid.
- I took a piece of black cardstock bigger than the top and folded in half and then again — so it was in four pieces. Then I opened the last fold and then folded those side in to each other making a point, like so:
- Then I put a line of hot glue around the edges of the box, then immediately pressed the cardstock on to the top of the box, pressing against the edges. The middle of the folds should be roughly centered in the middle of the box, so the middle is slightly elevated.
- Once the glue is cool, I cut against the edges of the lid to trim the paper.
- Then I cut another piece of black cardstock into fourths and soaked it in water for a couple of minutes.
- I put a layer of mod podge over the entire lid and then placed the wet piece of cardstock over the top, crinking the cardstock slightly to mimic the roughness of coal.
- One the paper dried out a little, I trimmed the cardstock to the bottom of the edges of the lid. Then I applied another heavy coat of mod podge over the entire top of the box.
- While the lid was wet, I sprinkled black glitter over the entire top. After I finished glittering the tops, I put a layer of mod podge over the bottoms of the boxes and glittered them too.
- I let it dry, and then I put some tissue in the boxes and filled them with goodies. I can’t wait to see my kids’ faces when they open their lumps of coal!
- Note: the major changes to the MS directions are I used hot glue instead of black tape (don’t have any of that) and I used mod podge instead of fabric stiffener (don’t have any of that either). I also put an extra layer of cardstock over the top to keep it more secure.
I hope you are having a great week!
XOXO
Saturday randomness: some great projects, a winner and holiday links
20 DecI hope you guys are having a great weekend. Wow – today went by in a flash! I think I got my shopping done and I managed to wrap a present. So I am feeling pretty good 🙂
I would like to thank everyone who came by for the Homemade Gift Idea party. There were soooo many fun ideas! You guys are so creative and talented – I was blown away! There are so many projects I want to make. I wanted to post my favorites, but there are so many that I think you just need to go over and see them all!!!
Congratulations to Heidi from Handmade by Heidi. She was the person that Random Number Generator picked to win the french burlap pillow from PK Home Designs. And when I went over to tell her about winning, I saw these cute little bags that she made. So cute!
And thanks so much to Pam for giving away the beautiful french pillow.
Pam just started a new blog Relish the Home this week. Will you go over and give her some bloggy love? She is just the sweetest person! She also has made the cutest ornaments and she posted them on her blog – adorable!
Thanks for coming over to Sacred and Profane’s Friday Freebie too. The giveaway if going until Sunday night at midnight, so if you would like a chance to win your choice of four matching keychain and earrings, click HERE.
Also, I am going to post a tutorial on how to make the keychain/earring combo. It makes a fun gift and is really not that difficult to make. So I will try to have that done tomorrow night. I am also working on some really fun neighbor gifts, I will post about those soon. And I have a cute, funny stocking stuffer craft that I am really want to make so I will try to post that on Monday so you can have time to make them if you want.
And, I finally got my cards done, I love coming home to cheerful Christmas cards. I have a few extra, if you are interested in getting one from me, let me know and I will send you one (while supplies last 🙂
If you are looking for a great Christmas craft to make tomorrow, check out Heidi’s from Blue Eyed Blessings. I love this!I wish I could clone myself – there is so much I want to do!
And while you are busy wrapping presents this weekend, check out Bella Dia’s round up of amazing digital gift tags from bloggers all over the web. Here are just a few – there are so many and they are just adorable! I am going to print some off tonight to use on my packages.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
XOXO
Saturday randomness: some great projects, a winner and holiday links
20 DecI hope you guys are having a great weekend. Wow – today went by in a flash! I think I got my shopping done and I managed to wrap a present. So I am feeling pretty good 🙂
I would like to thank everyone who came by for the Homemade Gift Idea party. There were soooo many fun ideas! You guys are so creative and talented – I was blown away! There are so many projects I want to make. I wanted to post my favorites, but there are so many that I think you just need to go over and see them all!!!
Congratulations to Heidi from Handmade by Heidi. She was the person that Random Number Generator picked to win the french burlap pillow from PK Home Designs. And when I went over to tell her about winning, I saw these cute little bags that she made. So cute!
And thanks so much to Pam for giving away the beautiful french pillow.
Pam just started a new blog Relish the Home this week. Will you go over and give her some bloggy love? She is just the sweetest person! She also has made the cutest ornaments and she posted them on her blog – adorable!
Thanks for coming over to Sacred and Profane’s Friday Freebie too. The giveaway if going until Sunday night at midnight, so if you would like a chance to win your choice of four matching keychain and earrings, click HERE.
Also, I am going to post a tutorial on how to make the keychain/earring combo. It makes a fun gift and is really not that difficult to make. So I will try to have that done tomorrow night. I am also working on some really fun neighbor gifts, I will post about those soon. And I have a cute, funny stocking stuffer craft that I am really want to make so I will try to post that on Monday so you can have time to make them if you want.
And, I finally got my cards done, I love coming home to cheerful Christmas cards. I have a few extra, if you are interested in getting one from me, let me know and I will send you one (while supplies last 🙂
If you are looking for a great Christmas craft to make tomorrow, check out Heidi’s from Blue Eyed Blessings. I love this!I wish I could clone myself – there is so much I want to do!
And while you are busy wrapping presents this weekend, check out Bella Dia’s round up of amazing digital gift tags from bloggers all over the web. Here are just a few – there are so many and they are just adorable! I am going to print some off tonight to use on my packages.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
XOXO
Friday Freebie
18 Dec
One of the sweetest and funniest people I have met in this blogging world is Heidi from Sacred and Profane. She makes me laugh so hard! Heidi hosts some really wonderful ideas over on her blog like the Iron Chef recipe challenge, 12 Days of Christmas and Friday Favorites.
I am honored to host Friday Favorites today – thanks Heidi!
I am giving away your choice of a keychain and earring set. All you need to do is leave me a comment with which color set you would like on this post. That’s all.
But first, will you go over to Heidi’s and give her a little holiday hug? She is awesome!
Thanks and good luck! The contest ends on Sunday at midnight. I will announce the winner Monday morning and get your winnings in the mail on Monday too. You might even get them before Christmas!
Have a great weekend!
It’s the last one before the big day –are you ready??
XOXO
PS — the Homemade Gift Ideas party giveaway for the french pillow ends tonight! Thanks everyone for coming by!
And, Tidy Mom is hosting Holly Bloggy party about Christmas Memories. Go over for the fun!
Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Craft: beaded keychains
17 Dec
This is a really fun project to make, it’s fast and makes a great stocking stuffer or small gift for a teacher or babysitter. I started making these for my sister’s store about 5 years ago and I still love making them.
You can customize the colors to fit each person’s personality!
Beaded Keychain Tutorial:
What you need:
- florist wire — you can buy it from most craft stores. It comes in a package of long, pre-cut, bendable wire.
- needle-nose pliers, wire cutters or really heavy-duty scissors, regular pliers.
- Keychain hoops. These are at the craft store too in a package of 10 or so.
- Assorted beads.
This is what you do:
- Take your florist wire, use pliers or your hands and turn the wire so that you make the scrolly shape at the bottom of the keychain. This might take a little bit of practice. You can also wrap it around a pencil and then flatten it out when you are done.
- Once you have the scrolly part done, thread your beads on the wire. I have found that the shorter keychains hold up the longest.
- Once your beads are on, make a loop with the wire like the top of a shepherd’s crook. It is helpful to use needle-nose pliers. Once you have the half loop, put your keychain hoop through the half loop. Then take the end of the wire and wrap it around the base of the loop to secure the keychain loop. Do this three or four times, bringing the loops together for a neat appearance.
- Cut the extra wire and you are done!
I Hope you are having a wonderful day!
XOXO
Nine Days Left:: a new tradition…
17 Dec
Had preschool playgroup…
Got a little shopping done…
Went to dinner as a family before Dad had to get on another plane…
Saw some Christmas lights…
And started —
A New Christmas Tradition…
(still haven’t wrapped one present…
Maybe tomorrow…)
Hope you all had a great day 🙂
Hope you all had a great day 🙂
XOXO
A little family time and keeping it real!
16 Dec
Thanks again everyone for coming by the Homemade Gift Ideas linky party. When I said I would guest post for Simply Sweet Home I had no idea a linky party was involved. When I found out, all of my junior high school insecurities came out and I was afraid noone would want to come over and participate. Thank you for coming by! I think it’s so fun to come together, share ideas and encourage each other. And if you still want to link up, the party is open until Friday night!
I started blogging as a way to connect with other people and share creative ideas. I had no idea how much fun it would be or how many wonderful people I would meet. You guys are the nicest, most encouraging, sweet people and you are truly a blessing in my life!
This month has gone by at lightning speed! Seriously, how can there only be 10 DAYS LEFT??? I was starting to freak out just a little yesterday when my Ella was home sick with the stomach flu. So much for my plans to get some Christmas shopping done. She is much better today and I did manage to make it to Target to get some **_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ** things — my kids might read this post 🙂
I have been feeling so neglectful as a mom lately because everywhere I look there are posts of families doing the funnest activities with their kids — making cookies, Christmas crafts, gingerbread houses, riding on Polar Express trains…. So, although I really had a bunch of Christmas projects I wanted to do, I really need to spend time with the people in my life that mean the most. So for the next week I will be posting family time advent activities. I hope you are all enjoying this festive season and spending time with your families and the people that mean so much to you! Embrace them and enjoy every moment with the ones you love!
And I always feel kind of weird posting pictures of my home for the homes tours. It is fun to take pictures of all of the festive decorations and I LOVE visiting everyone else’s blogs to see their fun ideas and decorations, but I don’t want to come across as a “perfect” person. Because, let’s face it, none of us are perfect or have model-home houses every single moment.
I have four kids and my home is hardly ever in perfect shape! For example, someone put something hot on the back of one of my barstools and all of the paint is peeling off.
My office is a wreck and probably always will be 🙂 And I hate doing laundry, so my laundry room is always a mess with piles of dirty clothes everywhere.
So I want to keep it real, and maybe seeing my messy house will brighten up your day just a little bit 🙂
And, there are still some really great events going on in the blogging world. Heidi from Blue Eyed Blessings — one of the sweetest people out there, is hosting the next Holly Bloggy Event. A linky party featuring Christmas Crafts. This would be a great place to go find some fun projects to do with your kiddos – I know I am going to check it out.
And, the wonderful Project 320 is raffling off oportunities to win fantastic handmade items right now! The event ends on Friday! All proceeds go to build a well in Africa.
Have a wonderful day.
Enjoy every moment!
XOXO
A little family time and keeping it real!
16 Dec
Thanks again everyone for coming by the Homemade Gift Ideas linky party. When I said I would guest post for Simply Sweet Home I had no idea a linky party was involved. When I found out, all of my junior high school insecurities came out and I was afraid noone would want to come over and participate. Thank you for coming by! I think it’s so fun to come together, share ideas and encourage each other. And if you still want to link up, the party is open until Friday night!
I started blogging as a way to connect with other people and share creative ideas. I had no idea how much fun it would be or how many wonderful people I would meet. You guys are the nicest, most encouraging, sweet people and you are truly a blessing in my life!
This month has gone by at lightning speed! Seriously, how can there only be 10 DAYS LEFT??? I was starting to freak out just a little yesterday when my Ella was home sick with the stomach flu. So much for my plans to get some Christmas shopping done. She is much better today and I did manage to make it to Target to get some **_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ** things — my kids might read this post 🙂
I have been feeling so neglectful as a mom lately because everywhere I look there are posts of families doing the funnest activities with their kids — making cookies, Christmas crafts, gingerbread houses, riding on Polar Express trains…. So, although I really had a bunch of Christmas projects I wanted to do, I really need to spend time with the people in my life that mean the most. So for the next week I will be posting family time advent activities. I hope you are all enjoying this festive season and spending time with your families and the people that mean so much to you! Embrace them and enjoy every moment with the ones you love!
And I always feel kind of weird posting pictures of my home for the homes tours. It is fun to take pictures of all of the festive decorations and I LOVE visiting everyone else’s blogs to see their fun ideas and decorations, but I don’t want to come across as a “perfect” person. Because, let’s face it, none of us are perfect or have model-home houses every single moment.
I have four kids and my home is hardly ever in perfect shape! For example, someone put something hot on the back of one of my barstools and all of the paint is peeling off.
My office is a wreck and probably always will be 🙂 And I hate doing laundry, so my laundry room is always a mess with piles of dirty clothes everywhere.
So I want to keep it real, and maybe seeing my messy house will brighten up your day just a little bit 🙂
And, there are still some really great events going on in the blogging world. Heidi from Blue Eyed Blessings — one of the sweetest people out there, is hosting the next Holly Bloggy Event. A linky party featuring Christmas Crafts. This would be a great place to go find some fun projects to do with your kiddos – I know I am going to check it out.
And, the wonderful Project 320 is raffling off oportunities to win fantastic handmade items right now! The event ends on Friday! All proceeds go to build a well in Africa.
Have a wonderful day.
Enjoy every moment!
XOXO
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