take-out organizers...i made these a few years ago and organized them in binders, but i had bought these really cute file folders for Landon's Love that i haven't really done anything with. i thought to cut the file folders to create a front and a back and then i still used the sheet protectors (other than polka dots, these are my favorite things...EVER). I put a "Shh..secret recipes" sticker on the front with a label. The intention of these is for folks to put take out and delivery menus in the sheet protectors and to keep this folder somewhere near the phone. i love these...they are simple, yet so handy for folks who get take out or delivery often.
wooden picture block...i was searching craft blogs the other day and came across little birdie craft blog (see 'blogs i follow' list) and saw the most precious idea...wooden block with pictures. check out their website for some darling examples. one of their tips was to use matte pictures only and all i have is glossy. since i was looking just the other day, i didn't have time to get matte prints. my brain got to searching for ideas of how i could still create a wooden block to display pictures. here is what i came up with...
instead of mod podging a picture to the wooden block, i used decorative paper and then embellished it with a little binder clip of sorts so that the picture could be changed at any time. i really like how it turned out and cannot wait to do more. for anyone out there who might try something like this, but are having a hard time finding wooden blocks, i might suggest contacting a local cabinet showroom. my husband was able to bring home old samples that worked perfectly! if you don't feel like going that route, check out the little birdie blog for some ideas about where to get some wooden blocks.
photo garden...i got this idea from Michaels years ago but have yet to create it. i think i intended to do it for Grandma and Nan a few years ago and never got around to it. i used the most random things (straws for the sticks because i couldn't find skewers, ripped green tissue paper for the grass because i was too lazy to walk downstairs and get pipe cleaners or nice paper).
fleece scarves...this is my "little black dress" of the winter when it comes to gifts. this all started about 5 years ago when i received the most wonderful gift from a student of mine. she had created a warm and stylish scarf out of fleece. i adored the style and appreciated the warmth because I DON'T DO COLD. these scarves are as easy as cutting a strip of fleece and then cutting strips along the length to give it a little character. in the past i have sewed down the length, but i don't think it is necessary. this was the first year i tried using those fleece throws that are in every store. i got mine at Walmart for less than 8 bucks and was able to get 4 adult size scarves out of them. my only complaint with using the throws is that it seemed to produce a lot more lint all over the place. i think shaun was afraid to eat in the kitchen for a few days because there were little blue fuzzies flying around like mad. this picture isn't the greatest, but it might give you an idea.
treasure jar...i embellished these with picket fences and flower stickers. i drew in the stems. i added stickers to spell out our nieces names. 7 year olds typically have tons of treasures, so i figured this would be a cute place to keep them.
family boredom buster kits...these will have to be late Christmas gifts as my printer isn't cooperating, but i have compiled tons of ideas from magazines and our own families and come up with fun things to do together. whenever i can get these completed i'll try to post a picture and a sample page.
Materials: 4x6 ready to finish frame ($1/piece) from Michaels
{after}
{this is what it looks like from the top when game is being played}
i'm certain i stole this idea from another blog as well, but i'm not sure which one...thank you for the idea whoever has it posted out there.
the screen required some tape to get it to stay, so i used some of the duct tape i had left over from the art tube i made our niece for Christmas.
i really like how this turned out. thanks to those folks who publish crafting ideas...i'd like to think that i have original ideas, but rarely is that the case!
