Craftin' Owl

Homemade Caramel Sauce - package and tutorial

I have discovered how to make homemade caramel sauce!  I got the inspiration from Sally's blog.  It isn't hard, it just takes a little patience and lots of stirring :)

I made some sauce and gave it as gifts for the teachers for Chistmas, with an apple for dipping.

I also used it to make the BEST cookies - you can get the recipe and tutorial for them - here.

 

 Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp salted butter, cut up into 6 pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt

Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.  (I used a thick spatula for this)  Sugar will start to form into clumps.

Keep stirring, and the sugar will eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid. Keep stirring - or it will burn.

CAREFULLY add the butter.  The mixture will boil rapidly, so be careful.  Stir (yep, more stirring) until the butter is melted, and mostly mixed in - about 3 minutes.

Very slowly, drizzle the heavy cream in - while stirring :)  This mixture will also bubble, so be careful - this stuff it HOT!

Boil for 1 minute, continuing to stir.   Remove from heat, and add 1 tsp of salt, stir in well.  Pour into container, and cool.

And now that you have had a great stirring workout - you derseve some caramel!  Use it as a sauce, dip, or just eat a spoonful :)

Store in the refrigerator, and serve cold or warm.

Cookie exchange box - and cookie tutorial

I am part of a really fun cookie exchange every year.  Since moving, I drive almost 3 hours to get there :)   We all make 12 dozen cookies (yep 144!)  and 12 packages.  We pack 12 cookies in each package, and then take home 12 different boxes of cookies. 

This is my package for this year - I wanted to keep it pretty simple.  I used the Paper Pumpkin kit from November for the tag, and a snowflake punch and the yummy All is Calm DSP.

 

And this was my cookie - the Ultimate Turtle cookie.  Complete with homemade caramel sauce!

They were a hit!  I have had LOTS of people ask me for the recipe.  So, I decided to do tutorial and post it here :)  I got my inspriation from Lauren's blog but changed it up a little.

Ingredients:(for the cookies)

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, separated
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Makes 20 small cookies

Combine flour, cocoa and salt.  In a separate bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, milk and vanilla.  Stir this into the  flour mixture, just until combined. Chill dough in the refrigerator for one hour.

Whisk egg white in a bowl until frothy.  Place chopped pecans in another bowl. Remove dough from fridge and roll into 20 small balls.

 

Roll each dough ball in the frothy egg white, and then roll in the chopped pecans, pressing them in as you go. Place on a greased baking sheet.  

 

Use the back of a small measuring spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Bake at 350 Degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, or until set. As the cookies are cooling,  gently re-press the indentations with a clean, small spoon.

 

 

Scoop small spoonfuls of caramel into the indented cookies.  I used homemade caramel sauce - well worth the extra work to make it!  You can find a tutorial for my caramel sauce here.

(I make the caramel a couple of days ahead of time, and store in the frige.  I scoop it out into the warm cookies, and it melts into them perfectly.)

 

Drizzle with melted chocolate, and let cool.  YUMMY!! 

 

 

 

Glow stick favor

This is the glow stick favor we put in the gymnastics treat bags.  I thought it was a much cuter way to give out glow sticks, than just a pack of them.  And this way we could purchase them in bulk :)  These are the bracelet size.

 

To make them, we attached a glue dot to the cardstock, and then put the glowstick on it.  (It is MUCH easier than trying to attach the glue dot to the glow stick first. )

I printed out the words using MDS (but you could use word as well). 

When attaching the word strip to the main piece of cardstock, I recommend using red sticky strip.  I tried snail adhesive and glue dots, and they came up after a few days.

 

Patriotic Gift bag

A quick and easy way to make a simple lunch bag into a cute gift bag! 

For this one, I added different size and color stars.  Then I clipped it closed with a clothespin magnet.  We added a balloon to the clothespin for even more fun :)

Paper:  Real Red, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise
Other fun stuff:  star punch and star framelits

Patriotic Gymnastics gift bags

My daughter does competitive gymnastics - and loves it! :) 

I was asked to help make the good-luck grams for the meet we had at our gym.  (For non-gymnast parents - they are like good-luck, way-to-go, goodie bags that parents can purchase for their gymnast)

Aren't they cute! (you can see the sock of my gymnast at the top of the pic - ha ha)

Check back this week for more details on each crafted item.

Mummy Suckers Tutorial

I love these Mummy Suckers!  Aren't they adorable!

And they are pretty easy to make :)  Start by punching shapes as shown here.  (The Owl Builder Shapes are out of Perfect Plum - it is hard to tell in the pic)

First glue the eyes onto the Very Vanilla circle. (TIP - glue the black on the eyes after you have added the strips to the face - it makes it way easier! )

Shade the strip of Very Vanilla with Crumb Cake ink on both edges.  Then randomly place stirps accross the head.  Careful not to cover the eyes too much.

Trim the strips to match the circle punch.  Shade around the entire circle with the Crumb Cake ink.

Glue the face to the front of the sucker, and a plain Very Vanilla circle to the back. A fun and inexpensive Halloween treat!

 

Frightful Wreath

I love the Frightul Wreath kit in the Holiday mini catalog!  It is so easy to put together, and it turns out so cute! 

I did this as a class, and we had a great time.  It took us about 2 hours. We all made it a little different.  I wanted my spider to be the center of attention, and thought it looked a little extra creepy hanging from the middle. 

 

Clay Octopus - kid's craft class

Another craft we made in my kid's craft class was a clay octopus.

We used the Simply Pressed Clay.  The kids love the clay!  It is nice and soft, and easy for them to work with. 

I love that it can easily be colored with re-inkers to make lots of fun projects.  See my tutorial on how I colored the clay here.

The kids were great at making it - the picture above is the one my 8yr old daughter made.  I just had to make sure to give step-by-step directions.

They stated out with a clay ball.  Then they divided it into 2.  (Each bag made 16)

They left one ball in the middle of the paper, and split the other into 2.

The 2 smaller pieces were then split into 2.  So 4 small balls, and 1 large.

The 4 small balls were each divided into 2 - to make 8 :)

Each tiny ball was then rolled into a log.

 

They attached the legs to the head, and added a small piece of gray and white clay for the eyes.

Clay day is always the kids favorite day of craft class.

 

Baby Shower Kisses

I made these favors for a friend's baby shower.  I love using MDS to make hybrid creations - half MDS, half traditional crafting.

I made the center of the tag in MDS.  Once I got the words and flower the way I wanted, I printed them off and used the circle punch to punch them out.  I punched out a circle and scallop circle to layer, and added a candy dot.

For the kisses, I made two of the labels in MDS, and punched the other two from patterned paepr.  I punched them out with the 3/4" circle punch, and taped them to the bottom of the kisses. 

They were a hit at the shower.

 

Twinkie Minion

A friend gave me a treat a couple of days ago, and I knew I had to create it - Stampin' Up style :)

Didn't he turn out cute?  I love the idea of this for Valentine's for teachers. 

To make the head band, I cuta strip 5 /2" x 3/4" in Midnight Muse.  The eye is 1" and 3/4" circle punch, and the circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack.   I used the white gel pen on the eye as well.  Sticky Strip is perfect to connect it together in the back.

I printed the words on Whisper White, and cut it and Strawberry Slush with the Hearts Collection Framelits. 

 

Punch Art Snowman Gable box

We don't get much snow here, so we are all excited it is in the forcast for tomorrow.  With all the excitement, I knew I had to make a snowman :)

Isn't he cute!  I added him to a mini gable box.  I decorated the box with Fresh Prints DSP from the new mini catalog.

I put him on dimensionals to pop him out from the box.

Now to figure out what to put in the box.  Chocolate is always good!  What would you put in the box?

Check here for a tutorial on how I made the punch art snowman.

Monster Hugs Valentines

I love the new Monster Hugs kits!  My daughter and I have been having fun putting them together.

Don't they have the cutest bums!

There are 2 different kits available - one for a girl (Item #132163)

And one for a boy (Item #132162)

Each kit comes with the supplies to make 18 Monster Hug Valentines - you just supply the chocolate.  Only $5.95 for the kit.  I used Hershey Nuggets for mine, but any mini candy would do.  There is even a little sticky strip to keep the candy in place.

After making a few like the sample, we decided to get creative.  We like the ones with paper wrapped around the nuggets.

Here is one with 2 eyes

With smaller eyes (from the Ghoulish Googlies Kit on the Clearance Rack)

With a little extra bling - a small heart punched from the Silver Glimmer Paper

Which one is your favorite?

Christmas treats - mini coffee cups

We made these treats for the girls on my daughter's gymnastics team. 

We started with a 4oz hot paper cup and the 4oz hot paper cup travel lid - in white.  (click on links for ordering info)

We covered the cup using patterned paper - this is much easier than thicker cardstock.  Use sticky strip on both ends of the paper.

With the wider side at the top, stick one side down.  I started where the seam of the cup was. 

Wrap around tightly, and stick down other side.  Repeat the same process for the accent band.  This one I did do out of cardstock - patterened paper works just as well.

Now you can fill it with goodies - we used hershey's kisses.  Then put the lid on, and wrap a ribbon around, tying at the top.  We used dimensionals to add the die cut shapes to the front.  (We used the Holiday collection Framelits Dies - which are on the clearance rack right now! )

The popsicle stick is stamped with the Oh, Goodie! stamp set. 

The girls loved them!  And they were a lot of fun to make.

Want to make your own?  Here is a template for the cup cover and accent band.  I would love to see what you make.  I am thinking of Valentine's treats next :)

Download Mini coffee cup

 

Christmas treats for kids

These are the treats my daughter passed out to her class. We wanted to stay away from candy, so she chose 2 pencils and an eraser. We put them in a pretzel bag, and tied a tag to the top. The kids loved them.

We put them in a pretzel treat bag, along with a piece of cardstock (to hold everything in place)

We added a tag to the top, and tied it closed. 

The kids loved them. 

Christmas mini paint can

I made these for teacher gifts for my son's middle school teachers. Mini paint cans filled with chocolate.

I got the clear paint cans at Target.  I wrapped DSP around the bottom, and used the circle framelits for the top.  Then I  tied ribbon on the handles.

For the tag, I used the Christmas Tagables Polymer set, and the new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (available Jan 3rd)

Gift Bow Die Santa

I saw this Santa on Pintrest, and knew I had to make him!  Claire Dean is credited with designing him.  There weren't any directions, or supply list for how she made him, (she doesn't have a blog) so I came up with my own design. 

He is on the Extra-Large gift box, with the 1" Cherry Cobbler Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon.

This is how I made him:

I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock 3/8" x 3 3/4".  I placed each end into the Word Window punch to round the edges.

I cut 2 of each of the short bow and ribbon pieces from the Gift Bow die.  Then used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  (You can use 1 larger bow piece - but I found the 2 smaller ones are easier to put in the embossing folder)

Fold each bow piece from the Gift Bow die in half and tape together.

Attach both pieces together - so it looks like a bow tie.

Tape bow and ribbon pieces together.

Cut a 1" x 3" piece of Blush Blossom cardstock, and punch a 3/4" circle.  I inked the edges of the nose with Blush Blossom ink.

The red hat is cut from the Perfect Pennants Die - it is the largest triangle.  Curl the hat using a bone folder.  Attach the hat and hat trim.

Add eyes punched from the Owl Builder Punch, with an accent from the uni-ball Signo Gel pen.  The pom pom on the end of the hat is Siver Glimmer paper punched with the Boho Blossom punch. 

I love how he turned out!!  Now I just have to figure out what to put in the box :)

Pine cone Gift box

We made this pine cone gift box in my Tags, Bags and more class. 

We started out with the Decorative Window Gift Box.  It is great how the window is already punched out and stamped around it.

When wrapping the burlap ribbon around it, tape the ribbon onto itself.  That way you can just slip it off the box when opening it.  Sticky strip works best.

The strip of Sweater Weather DSP is 1" x 3 1/2".  Add a punch art pinecone.  And I am all about buttons lately, so I added one from my stash. 

Check back tomorrow for a turtorial on how I made my pinecone.

Pumpkin Box tutorial

I wanted to make a falll treat box for a friend, and remembered seeing this type of box on Pintrest.  So I played around a little - and this is what I came up with.

I started out by cutting 2 scallop circles with the Circle Collection Framelits. 

Then I cut 3/4" off one side - to make it flat and able to stand up.

This makes it fit perfectly into the embmossing folder - I used Fancy Fan.

To make the box, start out with a paper 8 1/2" x 7 1/2".  Score all four sides at 2 3/4"

Cut up 4 of the score lines (as pictured)

Use sticky strip to put the box together. (this veiw is turned from the last photo)

Place Sticky Strip on the outside of the box, and adhere the scallop circles.

Add leaves cut out from the Autumn Accents Die.

I made a stem using a 1" piece of cardstock cut at an angle.  I also added a button from my button stash :)  I LOVE buttons!

And I filled it with chocolate wrapped in matching DSP.

 

 

 

Festive Flurry Ornament Kit

I am soooo excited about this kit!  I love the snowflake tags in the holiday mini made with the Festive Flurry stamp set and framelits.   You can use the kit for tags, ornaments, fun home decor, or a super fancy card! 

The kit comes with supplies to make 10 ornaments.  Here is a great video Stampin' Up made showing you step by step how easy it is.

 

 

 

Make sure to order yours early.  Last year's ornament kit sold out quickly!  Item #135813

Last Thank You Thursday!

Today is the last Thank-You Thursday.  For one day only, you can get a great deal on Chevron ribbon.  This is my favorite ribbon!

It is great for crafting, as well as home decor :)  This is the Crushed Curry. 

There are 5 colors on sale - Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, and Smoky Slate.

 

Petite Purse Backpacks

We made these backpacks in my last class.  I saw them posted all over last year, and knew I had to try to make them this year :)  They were quick and easy with the Petite Purse Die.

I used Real Red to cut out a Petite Purse shape.  I didn't use the handle part.  Then I scored the top flap, so it would be more square, then rounded.  Score at 7/8" from the flap score line, toward the small tab.

 

Assemble the purse as you normally would - with sticky strip along the two sides.  To make the straps of the backpack, cut 2 pieces of ribbon 2 1/2" long.  Cut a piece of sticky strip and place one at each end.  (I tried glue dots, but they only hold for a few days)

Place one end of the ribbon on the bottom side of the backpack - facing down.   This seems upside down, but it makes sense when you are done :)

Then bring the ribbon up, and place the other sticky side of the ribbon toward the top - and you have your strap.  Do the same for the other side.

To make the front 'pockets' of the backpack, punch an extra large oval, and 1 3/4" circle.  Cut each one in half.  Place the circle half on the top area of the backpack using dimentionals. 

Cut a piece 2" x 3/4" (in real red) and place on the bottom front.  The half of the oval is placed on this area, using dimentionals.

The top is a 2" x 7/8" piece of Daffodil Delight, and a 2" x 1/4" Pacific Point.

Add details with a circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, and the super fun candy dots! 

Put your favoite treat inside.  I used lifesavers - since teachers are such a lifesaver!

 

Easy Cupcake Topper

I have been doing a bit of baking this week, instead of stamping. 

My daughter's gymnastics teacher's little girl turned one.  I made lots of cupcakes, but  I still needed my paper crafting fix! :)  So I made this cute cupcake topper.

The topper was quick and easy to make.  I used Word for the words, and printed it out on Whisper White cardstock.  Then I used the circle framelits, and the 2 1/2" circle punch.  I love how the framelits and circle punches together give even more layering options!  I cut out the 1 using the Typeset Alphabet dies.

To assemble, I attached the toothpick to the back of the Pacific Point circle using Sticky Strip.  Then I used dimentionals to glue another circle on the back.

Paper: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Other fun stuff:  Typeset Alphabet die, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" circle punch

 

 

Angry Bird boxes / puppets

Another project we did in my kid's craft class were these set of Angry Bird boxes. 

They were a big hit with the kids!  I found the idea on Julie's blog and I simplified it a bit for the kids.

Some of the kids didn't want boxes, so they turned them upside down before gluing on the face,  and made puppets!  Great idea :)

 

 

For the birds, the kids used glue sticks to glue on the tail, eyes, and eyebrows.  They used 2 glue dots to hold the nose on.  The eyebrows are 1/4" x 1" strips.

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Eyes - 1" circle and Itty Bitty Shapes punches
Nose - 1" square (folded in half)
Tail - blossom punch

 

Paper:  Gumball Green,  Basic Black, Whisper White
Eyes - 1" circle and Itty Bitty Shapes punches
Nose - 1 3/8" circle and 1/4" circle punches - for the green.  A 1" circle in black is glued behind the green.
Ears - Large and Extra Large Oval Punches

 

Clay Snail - tutorial

Here is the tutorial on how to make the clay snail from my kid's craft class :)  With the new Turbo movie out - this was a hit with the kids!

Start out by making 2 balls of clay, about the same size. (I was able to make 8-10 snail heads  and bodies from one pack of clay).  Roll one into a log shape to make the body.

Pinch the top of the ball shape to make the head.

Curve the body shape into a long 'L' and attach the head.

Take a ball of a different color clay and roll into a long log shape  (the ball is about the same size as the ones used for the head and body)

When making the log shape, make one end thicker then the other.

Roll up the log shape starting with the thinner end.  Roll slightly to the side, as you contine in a circle, to make the shell.

Attach the shell to the body. Add small black circles for the eyes.  Use the tip of a pencil to make detail marks.

 

 

 

Coloring Simply Pressed Clay

Stampin Up Simply Pressed Clay is easy to make into any color you want.

Just put a few drops of re-inker in the middle of the clay. Knead until ink is fully mixed in.

 

If you are using a dark color, or are coloring a large piece, a ziplock bag comes in handy. Place inked clay into the bag, and knead.

 

 

This is what my hand looked like when I put too many drops of ink. And kneaded it in my hand - and I was being so careful :)

(sorry I can't seem to get these pictures any smaller)

 

 

Simply Pressed Clay - Snail

I am teaching 3 weeks of a kids art and craft class this summer.

We made this snail with the Simply Pressed Clay - that I colored with re-inkers. The kids loved the clay! It is so soft as easy for them to use. And the parents liked that when it dried, it wasn't a crumbly mess!

Check back later in the week for a tutorial on how to color the clay.  And next week for a tutorial on how to make the snail.

What fun projects have you made with the Simply Pressed Clay?

Edited - you can find the tutorial for coloring the clay here  and the tutorial for making the snail here.

Guest Stamper - Lisa F ~ Washi Letter

One of my super creative downline - Lisa - made this great home decor project.

She started with a wooden letter.  She covered it with white cardstock on the top.  Then used the Washi tape for stripes on the top, and around the edges.

 

Then she added some buttons and a paper rosette. 

Just add some ribbon to hang it up, and a great home decor project is done! 

Petite Purse Gymnast Favors

My daughter was in a week long gymnastics camp, and I was asked to make favors for each of the girls.  I used the Petite Purse die, and used the colors of the gym - blue and yellow. 

The name of the gym is WISC, so I put a W on the back

Inside is 6 lifesavers.

And this is what 43 look like :)

 

TIP - when you adhere the handles to the purse, a glue dot on each end works perfect!

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Brights Paper Pack
Other fun stuff:  Petite Purse Die

Mini Chocolate Teacher Treats

It is the end of the year - so time for teacher treats!  My son is in middle school, so I wanted to give a small something to each of his teachers. 

I saw this idea on Becky's blog a couple of years ago, and knew it would be perfect - what teacher doesn't need a little chocolate by the end of the year!

I covered the mini hershy bars with a 3"x 3 1/4" piece of the new Eastern Elegance DSP.  I wanted colors that could work for both male and female teachers - and this was perfect!  I put a glue dot in between each bar to help hold the stack while I tied the ribbon. 

I used the new Chevron Ribbon (in crushed curry) - my new favorite ribbon!  Then attached a clothespin magnet to the top. 

For the women I added a Pansy Punch flower with a Candy Dot in the middle.

Paper: Eastern Elegance, Coastal Cabana
Other fun stuff:  Chevron Ribbon, Pansy Punch, Candy Dots

 

 

 

Summer Smooches Fabric Crayon Bag

Here is a super cute crayon bag made with the Summer Smooches fabric.

I am sad the fabric is retiring :(  I love all the things that can be made with it!  Especially since it matches our buttons and ribbon perfectly. While I don't sew much, I have some very talented friends and family!

This crayon bag was made by my good friend Keri -you can contact her on her FB page

Here is the inside  - I love all her attention to detail!

This side has a pocket to hold a note pad, or small coloring book.

This side has individual pockets for each crayon.  You can also use colored pencils. 

Perfect for long car trips, church, or the long wait at the doctors office.  My daughter LOVES hers! 

Don't forget you only have 3 days left to order your fabric, before it is retired for good!

 

Flower Clothespin Magnets

Another teacher appreciation gift - made for Flower Friday.  I wanted to give the teachers a flower gift that would last a little longer than a bouquet, and everyone needs a cute magnet :)

Each of her extra teachers - music, art, etc - received one magnet on a tag. 

I covered a clothespin with a strip of Floral Distric patterned paper.  Snail adhesive worked great to attach it. 

I used the Flower Folds die (I am really going to miss this die when it retires!) to cut one flower out of the patterned paper, and another with coordinating cardstock.  Once I assembled the flower, I atached it to the clothespin using Stampin' Dimensionals.  On the back I attached a 1/4" neodymium magnet using E6000 glue. 

Paper:  Floral District, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake
Other fun stuff:  Boho Blossoms punch, Flower Folds die, Designer Printed Brads

Good Life Brag Book - My Paper Pumpkin

I love getting My Paper Pumpkin box in the mail!  A surprise craft kit every month - what is better than that?  May's kit is my favorite so far.

Haven't signed up for My Paper Pumpkin yet? It is easy to do, just click on this link to get started : My Paper Pumpkin subscription 

This brag book is easy to put together, but if you are like me, scrapbook layouts can be overwhelming.  There are not step by step directions for each page, so I wanted to show you how I did mine.

I started by covering the chipboard front and back with the 6x6 paper in the kit.  I trimmed the paper and punched 2 holes.  I then used Tombow multi liquid glue to attach the paper.  I like to put the glue on the chipboard, so it doesn't curl the paper.  This glue is great, since it gives you a few seconds to slide the paper to the exact spot you want it in before it dries.

I used just 1/2 of the stickers to make the brag book - so I have enough to make anoother one!  The only things I added were some white and black cardstock scraps, and adhesive.

This is the front cover.

This is the inside of the front cover.  The black piece is 3 x 2 1/2.

For this page, I used the 'left over' pieces from all the sayings.

You won't even be able to see all the holes once the picture is on top.  The squares are 1 5/8 x 1/5/8

 

The inside of the back cover, using 1" stirps of paper.

Back cover

Bloomin' Bouquet Project Kit

Stampin' Up has come out with a new kit! I love this one :)  You can make this super cute flower bouquet - or use each flower for separate projects. 

It is just in time for Mother's Day, Teacher Appreication, or just to bring  a smile to someone's face.  And the kit itself makes a great gift too!

The kit is only $12.95 (item 134542).

The kit is available now, and is only around while supplies last.  Be sure to orders yours right away, so you don't miss out.

Kit contents:

• 2 sheets of preprinted and precut flowers on 12" X 12" cardstock; makes 13 flowers using Pool Party, Gumball Green, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry
• 13 Vintage Faceted Buttons
• 13 green floral wire stems

Adhesive not included. (Glue gun recommended.)

 

Check out the video

 

 

Birthday Dinner Favors - tutorial

The birthday dinner at church was last night, so I spent most of the day yeasterday making cupcakes and the party favors.  We had 5 tables, each with a differnt color theme, so the favors matched those colors.  Each favor has 4 Hershey's Nuggets wrapped in patterned paper.

This is another great way to use up scraps of patterned paper.  Each nugget is wapped in a 1" x 3" piece of paper.  (Double sided tape on the bottom holds it togher).  I used various papers I had in my scrap box (yes I have an entie box of patterned paper scraps!  2 boxes actually :)

I made a base with coordinating cardstock.  The base helps keep the nuggets flat in the bag, and gives it a nice finished look.  The cardstock is 4" x 2 1/4".  The 2 1/4 side is scored at 7/16" on both ends. 

If you want to make one with 5 nuggets you can find the measurements in my Baby Shower Favor post. 

 

The place the nuggets in a bag (the ones made for pretzel rods) and tie with a ribbon.  (You will need to trim the bag a bit at the top.)  I used various ribbons I have in my extra ribbon box.  Can you tell I love paper and ribbon??

Here is what it looks like when making 40 :)

Happy Hello Treat Box Tutorial

I am glad you liked the treat boxes I made yesterday.

Here is the tutorial for the 2nd one - the Treat box.

Start by scoring the card along the bottom at 1 1/4" from the existing score line, closer to the patterned area of the card.   It is at 3 1/8" (as shown in the picture)

Then score along both long sides at 1"

Then cut the two middle score lines 1" up to the long lines.  Do this on each side - making 4 cuts total.

Add sticky strip to the outside

And inside along the shorter side (which is the back of where the pattern is)

Tape together, and add your embelishments to the front.

Happy Hello Treat Tote Tutorial

I am glad you liked my treat boxes from yesterday.  So here are the directions so you can make your own!

First the treat tote...

Start by cutting the card in half along the score line.  This will give you two sides to your box.

Then score on all the flat edges at 1".  Do this for both sides.

On the white half of the box, cut on one side of the 1" square to the score line.  Do this on both sides.

Cut off the 1" square on the patterened side of the box.

Punch a hole in the middle of the shaped edge with your desired punch shape - I used the Petite Curly Label punch from the SAB catalog.  This is also a goodie I got FREE!

Then place sticky strip (as shown below) to hold your box together. 

The one on the left is the inside of the patterned side of the box.  The one on the right, is the outside of the white side of the box.

Put the white side togehter first.

Then 'wrap' the patterned side around the open side of the box.  Taping down the bottom, and then the sides.

Add embelishments to the front as desired.  And of course, fill with candy!  Or any other goody.

Happy Hello treat boxes

The Happy Hello Simply Sent card kit is one of the FREE goodies you can pick from the Sale-a-bration catalog.

I wanted to make something other then the cards pictured on the kit's packaging.  I have seen these cute little treat boxes on Pintrest, so I knew I had to try one.  I actually made two - I couldn't decide which one I like best!

In the kit, half of the cards say 'Hello', and the other half don't.  I used the ones without to make these boxes - and will make the others into cards to send.

I used the cards and embelishments from the kit to make them.  Added some candy in a cello bag, and that was it!  A simple treat anyone would love to receive. 

So which one do you like best? This one?

Or this one?

Check back tomorrow for details on how I made them :)

Sucker Valentines

My dear daughter decided she also needed to give out valentines to her teachers.  She has her main 1st grade teacher as well as a 'special' class each day with a different teacher - art, music, etc.  So we made treats for them and the office staff.

They made up pretty easy, and I love how they turned out!  I can see changing up the colors and stamp and making these for other holidays or birthdays. 

I started out with a 6 1/4" x 2 1/4" piece of Real Red cardstock.  I scored it along the long side at 2 1/4", 2 3/4" 5", and 5 1/2".   You can altered the measurements depending on the size of the sucker.

I folded all the score lines, and punched a hole for the sucker stick.  (It is hard to see, but the hole is in the middle of the 2nd section from the end)

I put a strip of First Edition Specialty Paper on the inside flap, and then inserted the sucker.  I found these at Wal-mart for 10 for $1.  Inexpensive but super cute!

Then I decorated the front.  I used squares of basic black and First Edition paper.  I stamped the heart from the Hearts a Flutter stamp set, and then cut it out with the matching die.  I punched out the circle and scallop circle, and used dimensionals to give it more, well - dimension :)

Megan added her name to a heart punch on the back.  Everyone loved them!  She got lots of hugs :)

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, First Edition DSP
Etc:  Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Full Heart Punch, 1/16" handheld circle punch, dimensionals

 

Bubbles Valentines

I had to get a little creative this year with my daughter's Valentines, since she couldn't have any type of food.  I got a few suggestions from my downline, and my daughter chose bubbles!  We found the cute mini bubble wands in the wedding section of our local party store. 

Of course we could just pass out plain bubble wands, right? :)

I used MDS2 to type out the words.  It was easy to line everything up to make 4 to a page.  (When doing this you could also add the heart shapes in MDS and print, instead of cutting out with the Framelits )

Then I cut them out 4" x 5".  I punched 2 holes for the bakers twine, tied on the bubbles, then matted them on Basic Gray cardstock.  My daughter cut out the hearts, and taped them on.  We used the Hearts and Hearts a Flutter Framelits - I love how the small heart on the Hearts a Flutter set is in between the 2 smallest sizes of the Hearts Framelits.

We punched out hearts for her to sign her name and to address each card, and attached them to the back.

She is so excited to bring them to class!  I am sure all the 1st graders will love them!

Paper: Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Love Impressions DSP (from the clearance rack), Silver Glimmer
Etc: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Hearts and Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Full Heart Punch

 

Advent Calendar

My guest stamper today is Adrienne.  She made this great advent calendar.  Isn't it cute!

She made it with the 25 & Counting stamp set.  She hand made each box by folding a lunch sack.  Then decorated each one and hid a littel treat inside.  Love it!!

Ornamental Elegance Kit

Another great kit from SU! 



I am really excited about this one!  I purchased the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle, with every intention of making some of these.  Now it is December, and I have found my crafting time is getting filled up with other things - since I just found out we are moving in 3 weeks!  I thought I was going to have to wait until next year to make them!  (I am going to start in the summer and make some in other colors for next year)

This kit is enough to make 10 ornaments - yes 10! And the kit is only $14.95.  So just about $1.50 each!  Did I mention I was excited? :)

This is what comes in the kit:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons 
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

You just need to have adhesive, a glue gun, and a pair of scissors.

Holiday Planner Class

Want to be more organized for the holidays?  Check out my Holiday Planner Class. 

Monica had the brilliant idea to make a planner out of the Snowflake Season Simply Scrappin' Kit.  I knew this would be a perfect class!

 

It folds nicely to fit in your purse or bag, and when you open it up, there are pockets to keep all your important holiday lists. 

Date:  Friday Nov. 15th 9:30 - 11:30am  Can't make it?  No worries - class kits are available :)

Cost:  $12

 

Ghost treat holder - tutorial

My 6th and final Halloween tutorial is an idea from Bernie.  This cute ghost is made using the Oval Accent Clear die.  It is just big enough to hold a chocolate treat inside.  It could probably hold another type of treat, but chocolate is the best!

Start by cutting a Oval Accent with Whisper White paper.  Cut the top of the cardstock to resemble a head.

Score from the bottom of the 'neck' area to the bottom of the die with a sharp corner, do that on both sides.

Then score 1/4" out from the 1st score mark, on both sides. 

Shade around the die, and scored areas with Wisteria Wonder ink on a sponge dauber.  Stamp the spider web image from the Hostess set - Mixed Medley.  Punch a mouth using the Owl Builder punch.  And what ghost would be complete without Googly eyes?

Place a paper wrapped nugget in the middle of the ghost, and secure with a glue dot.

Attach a tag with Wisteria Wonder twine, and you have the perfect little Halloween treat.

 

 

Spider Cider Slider - tutorial

I saw this idea on Lisa' s blog and loved it!  What a perfect way to use this stamp set.  This is my version for my day 5 of my Halloween treat tutorials.

Start out with a 5 3/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Wisteria Wonder cardstock.  Score the 5 3/4" piece in half - at 2 7/8.  Stamp randomly (I used the spider web from the Spooky Bingo Bits)  On the inside, place a piece of sticky strip at the top and the bottom.

Tape closed, and punch a hole in the top. This is the pouch you place the spiced cider packet into.

For the bottom, but out a piece of Basic Black cardstock using the Fancy Favor die.  The cut the die apart (as shown).  You will only need the top right area.

Fold along the 3 score lines - 2 on the side on 1 on the bottom.  Then place the piece in the Spider Web embossing folder.  Folding it first will help to make it so the fold lines don't get 'lost' in the embossing folder.  Center the cardstock in the folder.

Use 3 pieces of sticky tape to tape together.

Assemble - and you have a cute Haloween treat everyone will love, even though it isn't candy!

 Stamps:  Monster Munchies, Spooky Bingo Bits,
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black, Basic Gray
Ink:  Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant
Other Fun Stuff:  Spiderweb folder, Fancy Favor die

 

 

Ghost Lollipop Holder

This is project #4 in my Halloween tutorials - a Trick-or-treating Ghost sucker holder.

Start out by cutting a piece of patterned paper 1 3/4" x 7 1/2".  Score on the long side at 3 and 4 1/2.  Cut diagonally from the top (leaving a 1" space across the top) to the first score line.  Do the same thing on both sides and on both ends.  This gives your holder a triangle look.

Punch a 1 1/4" square and place on bottom of the holder, to give it more strength. 

Place the lollipop on the square with a glue dot.

Glue dot both sides of the holder to the sucker.

To make the top tag, ink up the Ghost image from the Tricky Treats.  I used Tangerine Tango.  Use a clean blender pen to take off the ink from the mask and nose area.

Ink mask and nose with a Stampin Write Marker - Gumball Green and Basic Black.

Stamp, and punch out with the Curly Label punch. Decorate holder and tie a twine bow.

 

Witch's Broom - tutorial

Day 3 of my Hallowen projects was a CASE (copy and share everything) of pg 29 of the main catalog.

I found these great chocolate twizzlers to use for the broom handle.  Place the licorice in a 1" x 8" cello bag.  When closing the bag, make sure to not leave any extra space at the ends.

Cut a piece of patterned paper 12" x 2.4" (I did it as 2.4 instead of 2 1/2" so I could get 5 out of one 12 x 12 sheet of paper). 

On one end cut up 1 1/8".  Make a cut every 1/4 inch.  The great thing about this project is your cuts don't have to be exact.  I used the Polka Dot Parade DSP, and lined up my cuts with the dots.

On the other end, cut down 5/8".  (Make sure to leave some room between the cuts to wrap your paper around the handle)

Cut both ends all the way accross the paper.

Place 2 glue dots on the end of the patterned paper, in the area between cuts.  Place the cello bag on the glue dots.  Make sure to leave a little room at the bottom to curl up the bristles of the broom.

Roll the paper, tightly around the cello bag. 

Once at the end, place two more glue dots to secure the paper.

Cut a piece of ribbon - I used the back of Tangerine Tango Scallop Dots ribbon - to wrap around the patterned paper.  Use a piece of sticky strip to adhere ribbon to the paper.

Curl up the bristles with your fingers,  and add twine and a 'spooky' tag! 

 

Two Tag Treat Pouch - Tutorial

Here is my day 2 Halloween project. 

This treat holder is made using the Two Tag die.  I saw this idea on Michelle Last's blog.

I started by cutting 2 of the smaller tag from the Two Tags die out of Gumball Green - I think this is my new favorite color!!  Then score each one 3/4" from the bottom.  (A tip on this, make sure to score with the scallop part sticking out from the score board, or your score line will not end up straight - ask me how I know!)

Place sticky strip on the bottom area of one of the tags.  I used 2 pieces for a good hold.

Place tag bottoms on top of each other, the one with sticky strip on the bottom.

Punch a piece of post-it with the small oval punch (the 3/4" circle will work well too)  Make sure to get some of the sticky part.

Place punched piece on the scallop area of the tag. This will make sure the punch is centered, so you don't have to 'eye-ball' it.

Then punch out both tags.

To make the Patterned Paper band, cut a strip 6 3/4" x 1 1/4".  Score along the long side at    1 3/4", 2 1/2", 4 1/4", and 5".  Tape to form a rectangle.

Place candy inside the pouch - I used a mini box of Nerds.

Slip the band over the top.   If it easily slips off the bottom, secure with a glue dot or two.

Tie closed with ribbon, and decorate!

Stamps:  Spooky Bingo Bits, Googly Ghouls
Ink: Basic Black
Paper:  Gumball Green, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Wicked Fun DSP
Embellishments:  Rich Razzleberry ribbon, Googlie eyes,
Other fun stuff:  Two Tags die, Small Oval, Large Oval, and Scallop Oval punches

 

 

Monster Munchies Tutorial

Halloween is almost here!  I love this time of year.  All this week I am going to have tutorials on how you can make your own spooky Halloween projects.

Today I am going to show you how to make this cute Monster Munchies treat container.  I filled it with yummy gummy spiders.

This idea was shown at convention in July, and this is how I made mine.

Start out by cutting a piece of Basic Black cardstock with the Petite Purse Die.  Cut out the middle rectangle along the score lines (you will not be using this piece)

On the larger piece, score a line 1" from the score line, and cut off the end 1/2" from the score line you just made.  This will become the bottom of your treat holder.

Use sticky strip on the 2 sides, and the bottom edge

Tape one side to the other

And again on the other side

Tape the bottom tab inside (I left the red film on the sticky strip to make it easier to see - you should remove this so the bottom will stay :)

Cut a 3/4" strip from the Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP.   Tape middle of paper to front of holder.  When you get to the edge, pinch the top of the DSP to match the corner of the holder.  Pinch the paper straight down.

Since the treat holder isn't straight all the way around, you will have a small gap at the bottom of the DSP.  You want that gap, so the paper strip will go all the way around evenly.

Tape both sides of the the paper strip down.  Don't tape down the back until you attach the Monster Munchies sign.  Start by putting a piece of Sticky Stip on the back. 

 

 

Attach a toothpick to the sticky strip, and place another piece of sticky strip over the toothpick to help secure it. Tape down the rest of the DSP strip.

Punch out 2 Scallop Squares out of Gumball Green.  Stamp the Frankestein head from the Monster Munchies stamp set, and punch out using the 1 1'4" square punch.  (you will punch out the bolts from the side)

Attach one of the scallop squares to the toothpick using sticky strip (as you did on the treat holder)

Attach brads to the punched out Frankenstien head using glue dots.  Place a glue dot in each corner of the square, and on top of the brads.

Place this on one the other scallop squares.  Attach the scallop squares together, and add goodies!  Have fun :)

 

Family Frame

Even though it is Scrapbook Sunday, I wanted to share this Family Frame with you.  I taught a group of ladies how to make this at a chruch function today.  We all had a blast, and love how everyone's turned out! 

You can turn it into a framed scrapbook page, by putting 3x3 pictures on some of the squares.  It would look great with your family's last name as well.  I think I may have to make a few for Christmas gifts!

This was the one I made for a sample

And here are a few of the ones made yesterday:

To make your own family frame:
You will need a 11 x 14 frame.
Cut 12 patterned pieces of paper 3 x 3
Cut 12 solid pieces of cardstock 3 1/8 x 3 1/8
Adhere the pieces to the paper that comes inside the frame.
Die cut and punch your embellishments

I will also be offering kits -with all the letters, dies, and punches - for $10 (frame not included)

Paper:  Comfort Cafe DSP, Natural Composition Specialty, First Edition Specialty, Neutrals Paper Stack, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, Baja Breeze
Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Bird Builder, Elegant Butterfly, Heart to Heart (retired)
Dies:  Fun Flowers, Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Serif Alphabet (retired), Swirls Scribbles (retired)

Halloween goodies class

I have been working on some Halloween projects for my upcoming class.  It took me a bit longer to design them then I thought it would.   I got a little design help from my 6yr old daughter's , and now I am happy to have the projects ready to show you. I love how they turned out, and am excited for the class!

In this class you will be making 4 projects - a witch's broom (with chocolate licorice), a lolipop holder, spider cider slider, and a batty candy holder.

Dates:  Thurs. Oct. 11th 12:30 - 2:30pm and Fri. Oct 12th 9:30 - 11:30am

Cost: $14 (or $12 for stamp club members)

Please register by Tue. Oct. 9th.  Hope to see you there!