Tag Archives: Gift Ideas

Sweet Friend Jar

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Wrap a jar with favorite papers, add some frilly embellishments, then fill with goodies for your sweet friend. This quick, cute, one-size-fits-all gift is sure to be appreciated – by your friend and your budget!

Materials

  • Glass quart jar with lid
  • Cardstock: Swiss dot, stripe, white, polka dot
  • White lace, 3/8”, 1/2 yd.
  • Pink polka dot ribbon, 5” length
  • Assorted buttons
  • Candy treat

Tools

  • Inkadinkado Clear Stamp Sets: Hearts, Chelsea Sentiments
  • EK Success Punches: Scallop Circle, 1-3/4”, 2-1/2”; Circle, 1-1/2″
  • Black ink pad
  • Permanent markers: bright pink, medium pink, white
  • Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, foam dots

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pin

Directions

STEP 1

Cut 13-1/2”x2-1/2” strip from Swiss dot paper and two 13-1/2”x3/4” strips from striped paper.

STEP 2

Stamp black “sweet friend” sentiment onto center of one 3/4” strip; adhere to bottom of Swiss dot strip. Adhere remaining 3/4” strip to top of Swiss dot panel

STEP 3

Punch four 1-1/2” circles from striped cardstock; dot outside edges with white marker. Cut circles in half; adhere across center of Swiss dot panel as shown. Adhere white lace to panel, just above top of circle halves.

STEP 4

Stamp black heart onto white cardstock; use photo as guide to color heart with markers. Detail cut heart image; set aside.

STEP 5

Punch 2-1/2” scalloped circle from white cardstock and 1-3/4” scalloped circle from polka dot cardstock. Using straight pin, pierce center of each scallop on both circles. Adhere heart to center of polka dot circle with foam dot, then polka dot circle to white circle. Adhere circle panel to jar over lace, above sentiment as shown.

STEP 6

Adhere buttons to jar as desired.

STEP 7

Tie ribbon and lace strips together into knot; adhere to lid. Trim ends.

by Lindsey Botkin

A Jar For Every Reason

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Recycling isn’t just great for the environment. It is also a great way to exercise your crafty skills. I save interesting shaped containers and store them in a box for just the right occasion. This week it was a hostess gift that I needed and I needed it quickly. I had a plane to catch and I planned to buy some loose chocolates at my favorite shop at the airport, but I wanted something equally delicious to pack them in. Enter this small mason jar.

Now, I love to make things that take time – like knitting sweaters – but I also like to make things quickly and this mason jar was a quick project. It’s easy to make with things from your stash and even easier if you make things to use ahead of time. So, whenever I stamp things for one project – like the owl here – I usually stamp a few extra and tuck them away – just in case. So for this project, I didn’t even have to stamp the owl – but of course, you can do it if you like.

materials & tools

  • Mason jar
  • Light weight fabric, approx. 8″ square edged with pinking shears
  • Stamped image
  • Washi tape or ribbon
  • Scrap patterned paper
  • Decorative pin
  • Punches: circle and scallop
  • Tape runner or glue stick

This project is a simple assembly job. I have a range of circle punches and a large scallop punch so I can always make a quick embellishment with a stamped image and a larger scallop in pattern paper. Start by stamping your image and then punch it out using a circle punch. Punch a larger scallop from scrap patterned paper and adhere – tape is good because you don’t have to wait for it to dry – essential when you have a plane to catch!

Open the mason jar and place the metal insert on your jar. Cover with the fabric and then screw the lid back on carefully.

Adhere ribbon or washi tape to the edge of the jar lid – again tape it rather than glue it – and pin the assembled embellishment to the fabric. Fill the jar with whatever you like. Here I photographed the jar with some fabric flowers but it could be chocolates or other edibles or craft items like beads and baubles or even small toys – the possibilities are endless. You can use the jar yourself as storage or give it filled as a gift.

 by Helen Bradley (www.craftinggoodness.com)

St. Patrick’s Day Gift Tin

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It seems almost impossible to believe that we are already into March, doesn’t it? Today I’m here with a quick-and-easy idea for dressing up St. Patrick’s Day treats. My family is a big fan of Irish oatmeal, and I love that our favorite brand comes in a really cool tin. I thought it would be fun to upcycle these into packaging for homemade oatmeal cookies.

I started by adding some scrapbook paper circles to cover up the lid. Use the lid as a template and then trim by hand or die-cut (the largest size ring of the Spellbinders Nested Circle dies worked perfectly).

It took less than a minute to cover up the lid, but I think it makes it look so much better.

Also, the lid will come in handy if you plan on mailing the tin. Adding an adhesive dot to the bottom helps keep the ribbon in place.

A sticker makes a quick tag – just adhere it to a scrap of cardstock and trim.

If you want to spend a few more minutes, you can create a custom tag using an image stamped onto die-cut cardstock. Use foam adhesive under the shamrock sticker to add dimension and add a touch of bling with a self-adhesive rhinestone.

You can also add a border to the tin if you like. I didn’t want to cover up too much of the lettering on the front.

These tins are also fun to alter and are the perfect size to hold office or craft supplies… you can find an example of a travel themed tin I created HERE.

By the way, if you are looking for a delicious oatmeal cookie recipe, this has been my go-to recipe for the last few years – the only change I make is to use real butter instead of shortening: Grandmother’s Oatmeal Cookies.

Supplies

  • Karen Foster Design – Shamrocks patterned paper
  • Karen Foster Design – Happy St. Paddy’s Day stickers
  • Papertrey Ink – Luck of the Irish stamp set
  • Close to my Heart – Clover Meadow ink
  • Me & My BIG Ideas – Icons Rhinestones Singles
  • Therm O Web – Permanent Tape Runner, 1/4″ Foam Squares, Zots

Until next time, may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Alice Golden from Golden Moments (www.alicegolden.com)

Lucky Leprechaun Sign

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Everyone gets to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! This charming painted leprechaun sign is a fun and easy project that’s sure to get your family and friends in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit!

Materials

  • Chalkboard with unfinished wooden frame, 7″x10″
  • Wooden items: heart, 1/8” thick, 4-1/2” across; round head plug, 1/2” diameter; teardrops, 1/16” thick, 2” long, two; rectangles, 1/16” thick, 1/2”x1”, two; craft spoons, two; jumbo craft sticks, two
  • DecoArt American Acrylic Paints: White Wash, Olive Green, True Red, Bright Green, Dark Pine, Gingerbread, Lamp Black, Mocha
  • DecoArt Emperor’s Gold Dazzling Metallic Paint
  • Green craft foam, 3-1/2”x4”
  • Green satin ribbon, 1”-wide, 1/2 yd.
  • Lime green iridescent pom-pom, 1”

Tools

  • Permanent markers: dual-tip (fine/bullet) black, green; extra-fine-tip opaque white
  • Ultra-fine iridescent glitter
  • Sawtooth hanger
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, paintbrush, hammer

Directions

size

Approximately 11”x19”

Leprechaun

(Note: Use photo and patterns as guides throughout.)

1. Print patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Transfer details, except face and ears, to heart. Paint head as follows: face Mocha, hair Gingerbread, collar and hat band White Wash, hat Bright Green. Drybrush edges of head with Dark Pine. Paint head plug (nose) Mocha. Transfer remaining details to head. Drybrush cheeks, nose, and inside ears with True Red. Dot cheeks White Wash. Draw eyes with bullet-tip black marker; draw smile and other stitch details with fine tip.

2. Transfer patterns to craft spoons (arms), craft sticks (legs), and rectangles (buckles). To make body, draw a horizontal line across one narrow end of chalkboard frame 2-3/4” down from top for waist; draw 1/2” wide vertical straps 1/2” in from each side. Paint as follows: hands Mocha, leggings and cuffs White Wash, shirt and sleeves Olive Green, overalls and tops of legs Bright Green. Paint bottom of legs and teardrops (shoes) Lamp Black. Paint rectangles (buckles) Lamp Black and Emperor’s Gold. Drybrush edges of body, arms, legs, shoes, and buckles with Dark Pine. Brush thin layer of craft glue over hat band, collar, and cuffs; sprinkle with glitter. Let dry.

3. Transfer pattern details to hands, reversing for right hand. Draw stitch details on overalls, arms, and legs with fine-tip black marker. Draw rounded uneven lines on leggings with bullet-tip green marker. Draw vertical lines on shirt and sleeves with fine-tip green marker. Transfer words to center of chalkboard. Using white marker, draw words and stitch line around chalkboard close to edge.

4. Transfer shamrock to green craft foam; cut out. Drybrush edges with Dark Pine. Dot with White Wash.

5. Adhere nose to face, head to top of body, arms to back of chalkboard, shoes to front of legs, and buckles to front of shoes. Adhere assembled legs to back of body. Adhere pom-pom to left side of hat. Adhere shamrock to hand on left. Let dry. Tie ribbon in a bow; cut ends in inverted “V”. Adhere bow to center of collar. Using hammer, attach sawtooth hanger to center top back of body.

Other Options

  • Use same pattern to create a Christmas elf in red and green. Make a matching ornament from craft foam.
  • For a simpler version, paint the chalkboard and adhere only the shamrock to it.
  • Instead of a sign, make a leprechaun photo frame for a proud Irish friend.

by Mary Ayres

Wool Felt Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Black and white accents are all the rage! Update your living room décor with this chic wool felt bird pillow.

Materials

  • Wool felt: white, 3/8 yd.; black, 1/4 yd.
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Black satin piping, 1-1/2 yds.
  • Black embroidery floss

Tools

  • Sewing machine and black thread
  • Needle
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

12″ square

Pillow

1. For pillow front and back, cut two 13” white felt squares. Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Cut materials as indicated.

2. Use photo as guide to free-hand cut and arrange black felt strips on front for tree branches, overlapping and trimming as needed. Place bird on branch close to center. Place leaves along branches. (Note: Edges of leaves should not be closer than 1” to edge of pillow.) Apply small dabs of glue under black felt shapes to secure to white felt before embroidering.

3. Use two strands black floss to blanket stitch around edges of bird and leaves, and over branches.

4. Pin and sew piping around pillow front, 1/2” from edge, beginning and ending in a corner; remove pins. Sew pillow front to back with right sides together along piping stitching, leaving 10” open at bottom. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert form into pillow. Hand sew opening closed.

by Mary Ayres

Simple-To-Sew Party Purse

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

While this party purse is a perfect going-out companion, it’s also a great space saver for everyday use. Why not make one to take along to your next local craft show?

Materials

  • Fabrics of choice, 45” wide: outside, 1⁄6 yd.; coordinating lining, 1⁄3 yd.
  • Binding or ribbon in coordinating color, 46″ length
  • Hook-and-loop tape, 5” length
  • Cording, coordinating color, 1⁄16”-1⁄4” diameter, 54″ length

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Iron and pressing surface

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

5-1⁄2”x7-1⁄2”

purse

(Note: Use 1⁄4” seam allowance unless otherwise indicated.)

1. For inside lining, cut 5-1⁄2”x17” rectangle from lining fabric. Separate hook-and-loop tape; center and sew one side of tape to right side of fabric, 1⁄2” from one short end.

2. For back pockets on top half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x10-1⁄2” rectangle from lining fabric. For top hem, fold one end under 1⁄4”; press. Repeat. Sew hem in place. Repeat for bottom hem, but fold fabric over instead of under. (See Fig. 1.) Fold fabric so back of fabric measures 7-1⁄4” and front of fabric measures 2-1⁄4”; press fold. Sew a very narrow hem along folded edge. (See Fig. 2.) Pin side edges of back pockets to side edges of inside lining so top back pocket is 2” from top of inside lining.

3. For top pockets on top half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x9-3⁄4” rectangle from outside fabric or lining fabric. In same way as back pocket, fold and sew hems; fold fabric so that back of fabric measures 5” and front of fabric measures 3-3⁄4”. Press fold. (See Fig. 3.) Sew across pocket, 1” from folded edge. Pin side edges of top pockets to side edges of inside lining so top of pocket is 2-3⁄4” from top of inside lining.

4. Sew sides of back and top pockets to sides of inside lining.

5. For bottom pockets on bottom half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x10-1⁄2” rectangle from lining fabric. In same way as back and top pockets, fold and sew hems; fold fabric so back of fabric measures 6-1⁄4” and front of fabric measures 3-1⁄4”. Press fold. Pin side edges of bottom pockets to side edges of inside lining so fold of pocket aligns with bottom edge of inside lining. Sew sides and bottom of pockets to inside lining.

6. For outside of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x17” rectangle from fabric.

7. Place outside fabric right side up on work surface. Center and sew second side of hook-and-loop tape to outside fabric, 1⁄2” from one short end.

8. For strap, pin ends of cording to each side of inside lining, 2” from top. With wrong sides facing, sew inside lining to outside fabric, catching strap in stitching.

9. Beginning and ending at center bottom of purse, sew binding or ribbon along all edges of purse, folding corners in to meet on an angle. (See Fig. 4.) Fold purse.

by Mary Webster

Wine Bottle Lamp

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Save a wine bottle shared on a special occasion to create a beautiful and memorable light display. For a different effect, use soft twinkle lights to enhance the lighting.

Materials

  • Empty wine bottle with cork
  • Clear mini light strand, 20-count
  • Artificial grape bunch
  • Burgundy satin ribbon, 5/8”, 36” length
  • Gold wire, 18-gauge, 36” length

Tools

  • Electrical tape

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

STEP 1

Insert lights into clean, dry bottle. Run plug end of cord down bottle neck; tape on back. (Note: Make sure length of cord will reach electrical outlet.)

STEP 2

Wrap 18-gauge wire around bottle lip four times. Wrap tape over wire to secure to bottle.

STEP 3

Wrap ribbon over taped area. Catch grape stem in ribbon to secure to bottle; knot and trim ends.

STEP 4

Wrap remaining wire end around cork four times. Spiral wire off to one side of bottle and bend to create popping cork effect.

STEP 5

Plug in lights. (Note: Do not leave wine bottle light unattended.)

Tip

To create as a centerpiece, use a battery-operated LED light strand (with small battery box) instead of plug-in lights. Conceal battery box underneath grapes.

by Lisa Bychowski

Brand New Birthday Collection Giveaway!

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Hi there! Alice Golden back with you today to share a project created for the Karen Foster Design booth at the Craft & Hobby Association trade show that took place in California last month. Karen Foster Design is known for their wide variety of themed crafting products and this project features papers, stickers, and embellishments from their fun, new Birthday Collection. In addition, they have donated a fabulous assortment of these products for one lucky reader to win!

All you need to do to be entered in the drawing is answer the following question in the comments section of this post by Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Winners will be announced here on March 6th.

“What is your all-time favorite birthday treat?”

(Mine is my great-grandmother’s chocolate cake).

Now, onto crafting! The base of this project is one of Karen Foster Design’s popular 3-D Countdown Calendars, which is a set of 25 mini drawers that can be used in lots of different ways, in addition to counting down to a special occasion. I thought it would make a fun party decoration – the drawers could hold favors for the guests to take home, or be used as part of a game or scavenger hunt to hold clues – lots of possibilities!

I started by covering the front of each drawer and sides of the box with papers from the Birthday Collection.

Then came the fun part – adding assorted decorations to each drawer.

I really like using things that add texture, such as these colorful brads,

as well as adding dimension with stickers or foam adhesive.

I might have gone a bit overboard with the glitter glue, but couldn’t help myself.

My favorite embellishment would have to be these new Party Bubble Brads – I especially liked the balloons, which I tied with Scrapper’s Spool Floss.

Supplies

  • Karen Foster Design: 3-D Countdown Calendar, Birthday Collection Papers, Cardstock Stickers, Birthday Lil’ Stack Sticker, Party Time Stacked Statement, Crazy Coil Brads, Scrapper’s Spool Floss, and Party Bubble Brads
  • Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue in assorted colors

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.

So glad you stopped by today. Until next time – Happy Crafting!

Alice Golden from Golden Moments (www.alicegolden.com)

Take Time to Laugh Bowl & Mug

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Steer away those mid-winter sniffles with a steaming mug of homemade soup served along with a friendly reminder to enjoy the lighter side of life.

Materials

  • Ceramic items: bowl, 7” diameter; mug with saucer, 3-3/4” tall
  • Plaid Apple Barrel Gloss Paints: Black, Beachcomber Beige, Mossy Green, Deep Purple, White

Tools

  • Paintbrushes: round brush, flat brush
  • Plaid Bottle Top Tip Writers (30728)

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, transfer paper, paper plate (for palette)

Directions

STEP 1

Wash and dry ceramic items. Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Transfer vine pattern randomly around bottom of bowl and on mug.

STEP 2

Use round brush to paint the following: vines and leaves Mossy Green, berries on vines mix Deep Purple + White (1:1). Use flat brush to paint checkered border around bowl and saucer rims with Black and Beachcomber Beige.

STEP 3

Following manufacturer’s instructions, use bottle top tip writer and Black to free-hand paint lettering. Lightly spatter paint mug, saucer, and bowl with Black.

STEP 4

For increased durability, set can be baked in the oven. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on paint bottles.

Other Options

  • Use fabric paint to make a matching set of place mats and napkins.
  • Paint design on a vase for matching centerpiece.

by Kirsten Jones

Lap Quilt

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

If you’ve never quilted before, here’s the perfect way to start. Using the frayed edge method, imperfections in your cutting and sewing magically disappear! Give it a whirl! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Materials

  • Flannel: 6 coordinating colors/prints, 1 yd. each; cream, 3 yds.

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Washing machine and dryer

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

42″x50″

Quilt

(Note: Do not prewash fabric.)

1. Cut 60 coordinating 10″ squares and 30 cream 10″ squares. Sandwich cream squares between pairs of colored squares (right sides of fabric facing out).

2. Arrange sandwiched squares into six rows of five. Pin pieces together with back layers facing so seams show on quilt front. Use 1″ seam allowance to sew squares together, forming rows. Sew rows together, forming quilt. Sew around quilt 1″ from raw edge.

3. Clip raw edges perpendicular to seam, spacing 1⁄2″-3⁄4″ apart. Wash and dry quilt; repeat until desired fray is achieved.

by Rebekah Meier