Great Ideas — 20 Handmade Gifts to Make!!

There were so many fun handmade gift ideas linked up this week!

 I just had to share a few with you! 

 Painted Coasters @ Positively Splendid

 Mini Polaroid Necklace @ Polish The Stars

Vintage Fabric Notebook @ Homework

 Make Mustache and Lip Suckers @ The Idea Room

 Geography Love Pillow @ In Between Laundry

 Hexagon Quilt @ See Kate Sew

Personalized Gifts @ She’s {Kinda} Crafty

Stamped Washer Necklace @ Fancy Frugal Life

 Play Swords @ Simply Homemade

Magnetic Necklace @ A Creative Princess

 Mini Cherry Pies @ Homespun with Love

 Fabric Baby Blanket Cake @ 2 Little Hooligans

 Photo Blocks @ Our Lil Blessed Nest

 Painted Plates @ Show Tell Share

 S’more Fun Gift Toppers and Printable @ My Insanity

Braided Rhinestone Bracelet @ Miss Lovie

Baby Name Embroidery @ Lines Across My Face

Dimensional Magic Necklaces @ Artsy Fartsy Mama

Carved Wood Plaque @ The Little Giggler

Rosemary Tomato Pesto @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Peach Cobbler in a Jar @ Life is a Party

And come link up YOUR projects and enter to win — 8 Piggy Paint colors plus chemical-free nail polish remover {$64.99 value}!! 

 

xoxo 

PS — Fall is almost here!! I’m sharing 

12 Great Decorating Ideas using PUMPKINS 

at Babble’s new Home Ec today!!

PPS — Thanks to everyone who applied for my helper opening. I have been overwhelmed with the response and am still going through the emails and resumes. I will update you soon!!

This post sponsored by

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Giveaway Monday — $50 to Dolce Baci {handmade children’s clothing & accessories}

{{{Happy Monday}}}

Today’s giveaway is from Dolce Baci Clothing Co. — 

a handmade shop specializing in beautiful children’s clothing and accessories!!

I love these little ruffly pants!

The color combinations are so bright and happy!

They also have a great blog where they share giveaways and sneak peeks! 

Dolci Baci is giving away a $50 gift certificate to their shop!

Here’s how YOU can win: 

• Head over to Dolci Baci. Let me know The Name of your favorite item. one entry.

•  Leave a comment or follow the Dolci Baci Blog. one entry. 

• Share this handmade giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or your blog. one entry each. 

Have a great day!!! 

xoxo

PS — Did you have a great weekend??
If you follow TT&J on Facebook, you know that we ripped our TV cabinet apart right before I left on my trip.

 

Plus bead board — {squeal!}

Will you help me decide what color to paint the cabinet??? Thanks!! 

What color should I paint my TV Cabinet??

• Pottery Barn White
• Cream
• Black
• Blue

View Results

Create a Blog Poll

And I made some sweater refashions this weekend. I can’t wait to show them to you!

PPS– I’m sharing some of my blogging tips and funny details of TT&J over at Heidi’s blog — HoneyBear Lane today. Come over and say hi if you have time!! 

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A couple of fun places to check out, a coupon and a {giveaway}

One of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to check out really fun local places and share them with you! 

A few weeks ago, I was able to go to a really fun bloggers event at a beautiful store – Alice Lane!

If you are looking for beautiful, transitional furniture and unique accessories for your home, you should need to head over to Alice Lane.

Holly, Kristen, and Kirstin

 Kirstin from 6th Street Design School, put together this fun event. It was wonderful getting together in such a beautiful store, and delicious food. Yum! 

 The owner, Jessica was delightful. She has put so much thought into every single thing into Alice Lane. If you are ever in Orem, be sure to check it out!

1350 south state street
Orem, UT 84097

 There were so many amazing bloggers at this event, if you have a chance – take a look at their creative blogs!

Amanda from Recycled Consign and Design
April from Sweet Life in the Valley
Autumn from Design Dump
Caitlin from Caitlin Creer Interiors
Caroline from Armelle Jewelry
Char from Crap I’ve Made
Danielle from Danielle Oakey Interiors
Dianna from Whatever Dee-Dee Wants
Emily from Ruffling Feathers
Jenna from Design Sparrow
Jessica from Jessica Kettle Photography
Melissa from IS*LY
Nicole from A Little Sussy
Susan from Freshly Picked
Tauni from It’s a Tradition
Wendy from The Shabby Nest
Shelley from House of Smiths

 some of the pictures above were taken by Meikel Reece

And then a couple of weeks ago I tried out an awesome new restaurant — Blue Lemon. 

They have two locations, one in Highland and the other is the new downtown location. We met up at the downtown location and boy is it cool! I love the modern vibe, the views are incredible and the food is healthy, quick and delicious. Perfect for families!!

 Check out this view!! 

Their menu is really varied, so everyone will be able to find something they love!

I had the tacos. yum!

Plus, nothing is ever frozen. Their food is so fresh! 

{photo from Shelley}

We took our picture under their psychedelic lights — so funny!

photo credit: therhouse.blogspot.com

Me: Tatertots and Jello
Stephanie: Stephanie’s Kitchen
Shelley: House of Smiths
Kristina: Pulsipher Predilections
Lindsey: the r house
Vanessa: I Never Grew Up
Stephanie: The Daily Blarg
Kami: No Biggie
Marie: Make and Takes
Kim: Simply Me

Thanks to Lychelle, for inviting us, and Nicole, for putting the entire night together!

Blue Lemon is SO nice, that they have Tatertots and Jello readers this

printable coupon,

to receive 50% off ANY menu item, ONLY at their SLC location!

Awesome!!!

This is an GREAT deal!

 

Blue Lemon is located at

Salt Lake City:

801.328.BLUE (2583)
55 W South Temple, SLC, UT 84111

 And now a fun giveaway  —

My friend Emily from Is This Really My Life has a fun shop called Georgie Tees, which is liquidating it’s stock. So everything in her shop is on clearance, PLUS an

additional 25% off!!

 

Such great deals!!

Emily is giving away one of her infant tees – your choice!! 

All you need to do to win is: 

 

• Hop over to Georgie Tees — leave a comment letting me know which tee is your favorite. 

and if you want another entry: 

• Share this handmade shop with your friends through Twitter or Facebook. leave me a comment if you do this.
  

 I hope you are having a SUPER Saturday!! 

xoxo

 

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Valentine Gift Idea — Make Handmade ♥ Heart ♥ Jewelry! {plus a bunch of winners}

 

I made it back from my trip. 

Blissdom and CHA were such fun! 

{I can’t wait to tell you all about it. }

Meanwhile, here’s a fun, handmade Valentine gift idea to make for a special person in your life!

 Beaded Heart Jewelry

You can make these beaded hearts and then make them into earrings or different necklaces. And you can make them different sizes — for any taste or age!! 
 

Here’s What You Need: 

• Beads. I used 4 mm Swarkovski crystals {from Michael’s} but any bead will work.

• Wire — if you are using 4mm beads or smaller you will need to use 24 gauge wire.

• Jump Rings {1 per heart for earrings, 6 per heart for necklaces}

• Earring wires {if making earrings}

• Ribbon and ribbon findings {if making necklaces}

• Lobster Claw {if making necklaces}

• Gorilla Glue or Super Glue {if making necklaces}

• A few links of extra jewelry chain {optional – if making necklaces}

Here’s what you do: 

• Make the Heart. Cut a 6 inch piece of wire. Fold it in half. Ten bend each wire in an arc to make the top of the heart. 

• String the beads on each side of the heart. I put 4 beads on one side, then bent the wire down to make the top of each side of the heart. Then I added another 8 beads to each side = 12 beads on each side of the heart. 

 

• Once each side have beads on it, then make a loop on both sides. Loop the tail around the base of the loop on one of the sides. Cut off excess with wire cutting pliers.

• Put the end of the tail through the loop you just created. Fit the loop of this circle inside the other loop. Then wrap the tail around that loop and cut off the excess. You can use your fingers to make the heart perfectly symmetrical by moving the wire around once the heart is created. 

• If you are making earrings, put a jump ring through the side of one of the sides of the heart and also attach that jump ring to an earring wire. Close with your pliers. You are done now if you are making just earrings.

• If you are making a necklace, you can put one jump ring through so it hangs off center — like above. Or two jump rings at both side of the heart so it hangs straight.

• Now measure your ribbon – cute the ribbon to any length you want. I made mine 16 inches long. Then cut the ribbon in half – so you have two halves.

•  Take out four Fold Over Ribbon Clamps {you can get these in the jewerly section of your craft store}. Put a drop of Gorilla Glue inside the clamp and then put an end of the ribbon inside and fold the clamp over, securing with your pliers. Do this with all four edges of the ribbon. Let dry for an hour or so. 

• Attach a jump ring through all four clamps. Attach the jump rings on two sides to the jump ring attached to the heart. Then attach the jump ring to another end of the ribbon to the lobster claw. 

• And attach the last jump ring to a small section of chain. This will let your necklace be adjustable. Close with your pliers. 

Now you have a homemade, inexpensive gift to give this Valentine’s Day. You could even make a more manly version of the heart made out of chunkier beads or even silver beads and attach it to a keychain for your husband or boyfriend!! 

I just got home from a very long trip and have slacked off on announcing a few winners — so here they are:

The winner of the Planner Perfect ebook is:

 Kingdom of the Princess

There are so many great organizing ideas that people have submitted — seriously,
check them out!! 

The winner of the Hot Glue Gun Helpers Tool Set:


Me and My Pink Mixer

This is the greatest tool — if you want to buy one, you can do it HERE.

And

The two winners of the Barn Owl Primitives Giveaway are:

The Moody Fashionista

The Geyers in Chattanooga

Keep barn owl primitives 

in mind for fabulous custom made typography!!

And speaking of Typography — come link up YOUR typography ideas at The CSI Project this week! We have some fabulous guests {Less Cake {More Frosting}, madigan made, Positively Splendid that are posting their Typography tutorials over there this week!!
  

♥♥♥

I’m linking to these super fun parties — be sure to check them out!! 

  

<img alt=”” width=”1″ height=”1″ src=”http://ads.havenhomemedia.com/image_serve.php?cid=2581&t=1&ch=hhm.totsandjello%2Fdiy.homepage%2F300x250″ />

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Valentine Gift Idea — Make Handmade ♥ Heart ♥ Jewelry! {plus a bunch of winners}

 

I made it back from my trip. 

Blissdom and CHA were such fun! 

{I can’t wait to tell you all about it. }

Meanwhile, here’s a fun, handmade Valentine gift idea to make for a special person in your life!

 Beaded Heart Jewelry

You can make these beaded hearts and then make them into earrings or different necklaces. And you can make them different sizes — for any taste or age!! 
 

Here’s What You Need: 

• Beads. I used 4 mm Swarkovski crystals {from Michael’s} but any bead will work.

• Wire — if you are using 4mm beads or smaller you will need to use 24 gauge wire.

• Jump Rings {1 per heart for earrings, 6 per heart for necklaces}

• Earring wires {if making earrings}

• Ribbon and ribbon findings {if making necklaces}

• Lobster Claw {if making necklaces}

• Gorilla Glue or Super Glue {if making necklaces}

• A few links of extra jewelry chain {optional – if making necklaces}

Here’s what you do: 

• Make the Heart. Cut a 6 inch piece of wire. Fold it in half. Ten bend each wire in an arc to make the top of the heart. 

• String the beads on each side of the heart. I put 4 beads on one side, then bent the wire down to make the top of each side of the heart. Then I added another 8 beads to each side = 12 beads on each side of the heart. 

 

• Once each side have beads on it, then make a loop on both sides. Loop the tail around the base of the loop on one of the sides. Cut off excess with wire cutting pliers.

• Put the end of the tail through the loop you just created. Fit the loop of this circle inside the other loop. Then wrap the tail around that loop and cut off the excess. You can use your fingers to make the heart perfectly symmetrical by moving the wire around once the heart is created. 

• If you are making earrings, put a jump ring through the side of one of the sides of the heart and also attach that jump ring to an earring wire. Close with your pliers. You are done now if you are making just earrings.

• If you are making a necklace, you can put one jump ring through so it hangs off center — like above. Or two jump rings at both side of the heart so it hangs straight.

• Now measure your ribbon – cute the ribbon to any length you want. I made mine 16 inches long. Then cut the ribbon in half – so you have two halves.

•  Take out four Fold Over Ribbon Clamps {you can get these in the jewerly section of your craft store}. Put a drop of Gorilla Glue inside the clamp and then put an end of the ribbon inside and fold the clamp over, securing with your pliers. Do this with all four edges of the ribbon. Let dry for an hour or so. 

• Attach a jump ring through all four clamps. Attach the jump rings on two sides to the jump ring attached to the heart. Then attach the jump ring to another end of the ribbon to the lobster claw. 

• And attach the last jump ring to a small section of chain. This will let your necklace be adjustable. Close with your pliers. 

Now you have a homemade, inexpensive gift to give this Valentine’s Day. You could even make a more manly version of the heart made out of chunkier beads or even silver beads and attach it to a keychain for your husband or boyfriend!! 

I just got home from a very long trip and have slacked off on announcing a few winners — so here they are:

The winner of the Planner Perfect ebook is:

 Kingdom of the Princess

There are so many great organizing ideas that people have submitted — seriously,
check them out!! 

The winner of the Hot Glue Gun Helpers Tool Set:


Me and My Pink Mixer

This is the greatest tool — if you want to buy one, you can do it HERE.

And

The two winners of the Barn Owl Primitives Giveaway are:

The Moody Fashionista

The Geyers in Chattanooga

Keep barn owl primitives 

in mind for fabulous custom made typography!!

And speaking of Typography — come link up YOUR typography ideas at The CSI Project this week! We have some fabulous guests {Less Cake {More Frosting}, madigan made, Positively Splendid that are posting their Typography tutorials over there this week!!
  

♥♥♥

I’m linking to these super fun parties — be sure to check them out!! 

  

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Quick {Valentine’s Day Giveaway} and a couple winners!!

I have a fun Valentine’s Day giveaway from lilsteinstyles for you!! 

 

lilsteinstyles is a super cute etsy shop!

{I love their Superhero Tees w/capes!}

{Shirts}

{Hair Accessories}

{Big Brother/Little Brother shirts and Big Sister/Little Sister shirts}

Cristil from lilsteinstyles is giving away

TWO  Valentine Shirts!!

 

{Valentines Day BOYS Tee}

*says*
I ENJOY
long walks to the playground
ice cream and cookies
trucks, lego’s and dinosaurs
riding my bike, scooter and skateboard
if you are:
sweet, have pigtails or love sports
THAT’S A PLUS!

{Valentine Tee}
Valentines Day GIRLS Tee

*says*
I ENJOY
long walks to the playground
ice cream and chocolate
lalaloopsy dolls
playing sports
dancing on the couch
picture books
if you:
own a skateboard, surfboard or have a bike
THAT’S A PLUS!

NOTE: Girls tee’s (not onesies) will have matching shoulder bows, (not pictured)

These tees are available from newborn – Size 12!!

So fun!!!

Here’s how YOU can win: 

*Go to lilsteinstyles — Let me know The Name of your favorite item*

for more entries: 

*”Like” lilsteinstyles on Facebook*

*Heart lilsteinstyles etsy shop*

*Follow Cristil’s cute blog*

{this giveaway will run until Jan. 31st}

These tees would make adorable gifts too 🙂

xoxox

And a couple winners: 

#1014 — Christine @ My Slice of Life

Happy Monday!!

Keep the The Ribbon Retreat in mind for beautiful ribbon and fabric for your decorating and craft needs!! 

And…

The winner of the $50 gift certificate to Willow House!! 

#292 — Lucky Seven Designs

**Special Deal — if you spend $40 you can get any item $40 and under — 50% OFF, through Jan. 31st.  
And you can also get another item 50% off if you book an online/web party. 

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Guest Project — Make Handmade Holiday Pillows {gift idea}!

Hi! I’m Pamela Michelle from A Few of My Favorite Things!!

My idea of a great “Last Minute Gift Idea” is something that is in tune with the Holiday spirit!  And what is more Holiday Spirit-ish than Holiday Pillows?!?

So simple to sew up and sew sew cute!  Here is a quick glimpse of the end product:

 

 

Items Needed:

Scrap Fabric

Stuffing

Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine

For starters I opted to make a Christmas tree pattern out of 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white paper.  I simple folded in half and cut a simple tree to a shape that I like.

Next I laid this over top of the “tree fabric” and traced with chalk.

Next Cut along the chalk line.  Because I like the undone look, I opted to not have seam allowance.   

 

Next cut the fabric you are using for the main portion of the pillow.  I made mine between 1 to 3 ft by 1- 3 ft.  Get creative, mix it up!  Square, rectangle, whatever you are feeling!

Now you will sew the tree to the front side of the pillow.  Because there is now seam allowance you need to sew around the tree at least 2 times and get as close as possible to the edge to make sure it won’t fray too much!  I opted to sew 3 times around on mine to be safe.  

Next put the two side of the pillow together, both facing in.  Sew 80% around the outside.  

Flip rightside out and stuff away! Once you have finished stuffing either hand sew the last little portion or do a cramp jam with stuff to one size and try to fit it under the sewing machine.   

These look great if you put 3 different sizes together and wrap with a pretty ribbon!  A great last minute handmade gift! Made some for a Holiday Gift Exchange as well as some of my neighbors and both seemed to LOVE them 🙂

   

Or if your aren’t up for a quick sew, check out my Blog, Etsy or Online Boutique where I have items like this for sale!

 

 

  

 

  

 

Great thanks to Jen for letting me Guest Post today!

Warm Wishes from Nashville!

Happy Holidays Ya’ll!

Pamela Michelle

A Few of My Favorite Things!!

Thank you Pam!! Here are some of my favorite projects that Pam has done: 

{Coastal Wreath}

{Plain Tank Makeover}

{Burberry Poncho Knockoff}

Be sure to go over to A Few of My Favorite Things and say hi!! 

xoxo

PS — I am having a week of great New Year’s Eve Party Ideas all next week and have a couple spots open. So, if you have a great New Year’s Eve idea and would like to be spotlighted — send me an email @ jennifer@tatertotsandjello.com. I’d love to feature you!!!

Have a wonderful day!!

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Giveaway Monday — Wine Sunday {unique, handmade gifts}

This week’s Monday giveaway is from the very talented Jenn from 
Wine Sunday — Unique Handmade Gifts!!

Sine 2005, Jenn has been crafting one-of-a-kind wine bottle lights, wine charms, wine stoppers, cooling racks and wine art.

 Wine Sunday makes one-of-a-kind wine bottle lights that are 100% handmade and carefully crafted out of recycled wine bottles and transformed into beautiful, decorative home accents!

Each bottle is lit with tiny lights which have been strung into a hole that is drilled into the back of the bottle. This allows enough air to flow through the bottle, so that it the wine bottle lights do not overheat, and can be safely left on twenty-four hours a day to enjoy!

Jenn also makes one-of-a-kind wine charms that are 100% handmade and are carefully crafted out of a recycled wine corks — transformed into a beautiful, wine charms!

These wine charms are great for parties, bridal showers, wedding favors, gifts for co-workers, hostess gifts, the new neighbors, or the boss just to give you a few ideas!

Each charm has a different wine logo so that you can tell them apart. The beads can all be the same color or you are welcome to request a variety of different bead colors at no extra charge. You choose the bead color theme or you can choose a mixture of colors, so that each charm is a different color.

And Jenn also sells Handmade Wooden Bottle Stoppers — perfect for the wine enthusiast and that hard to buy for family member or friend!

Jenn is offering TT&J readers 10% off everything in her shop until 12/31/2010!! Just enter “tatertotsandjello10” at checkout!!

and today —
  Jenn is giving away

TWO $25 Gift Certificates 

to Wine Sunday!! 

Awesome!!!

Here’s how YOU can win: 

• Go over to Wine Sunday— what is The Name of your favorite item?? One entry. 

• “Like” Wine Sunday on Facebook. one entry. 

• Share this handmade shop through Twitter, Facebook or on your blog. one entry for each. 

{This giveaway ends Monday, Dec. 27th}

PS — It’s almost Christmas, you are probably right in the middle of wrapping presents. I’m over at Tip Junkie today — sharing my favorite Gift Wrapping Ideas!!! 

Come over and find some ways to spice up your Christmas packages.

xoxo

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Great Ideas — Handmade Gifts!!

I am blown away by the amazing projects linked up to the Handmade Gift Ideas Party for the Holly Bloggy Christmas event!! There are 450 great ideas linked up!! Amazing!! Here are just a few of the many, many wonderful ideas!

{Polka Dot Pot Holders @ A Pretty Cool Life}

{Recycled Sweater Gift Bags @ Entertain Exchange}

{Snowman Kit @ The Fickle Pickle}

{Photo Book Marks @ Oopsey Daisy}
{Family Tic Tac Toe Game @ Craft Goodies}

{Thrift Store $1 Chalkboard Tray @ A Diamond in the Stuff}

{Patchwork Totes @ Silly Precious Piggies}

 {Earphone Pouch @ Diary of a Crafty Lady}

{Handmade Boo Boo Packs @ Creative Mommas}

{Game Night in a Bag @ Today’s Fabulous Finds}

 

 {Family Science Kit @ Gluesticks}

{Dinner Conversation Starters @ For the Luv of Boys}

{Bottlecap Necklaces @ Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss}

{DIY Lip Balm @ Eye Spy DIY!}

{Glass Magnets @ Madigan Made}

 {Alphabet Magnets @ Everyday Art}

{Christmas Symbols Tin and Story @ Helping Little Hands}

 

 {Easy Ruffled Fleece Scarf @ Just Another Hang Up}

{Rolled Jewelry Cases @ Girls in the Garden}

{Handmade Sleeping Masks @ A Girl and a Glue Gun}

{Hot Pad Eye Glass Holder @ The Wicker House}

{Frilly Towels @ My Greenbrae Cottage}

{Nativity Towel @ Uncommon}

 {Toddler Sleeping Bag @ Ducks in a Row}

{Glamour Gloves @ Greenbean’s Crafterole}

{$5 PB-inspired Family Name Clock @ Attempting Aloha}

{“Joy” Crocheted Dishcloth Gift @ My Lifetime Subscription}

{Peanut Butter Pretzels @ WhipperBerry}

{Not Just a Jar of Cocoa @ Craftberry Bush}

 

{M&M Nativity Legend Printable and Recipe @ My Computer is my Canvas}

{Christmas Tree Peppermint Bark @ TidyMom}

{Gingerbread Truffles @ Me and My Pink Mixer}

 

 {Gingerbread Pumpkin Waffles @ The Farm Girl Recipes}

{Nana’s Rum Balls @ Carolyn’s Outdoor Cooking in Oz}

Wow!!  

If you are looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts to make this week — check out all of the ideas. They are so incredible!! 

And, the linky is open until December 23rd. 

So come link up YOUR Handmade Gift Ideas and be entered to win the Holly Bloggy Party prizes!!

xoxo

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