Congratulations to a Big Smartie!

This has got to be the cutest...and simplest little favor to make. No stamping in this one...just candy, computer and matching Chinese box...LOL.

So let's see...layout 'Congratulations' in Word (to make things simple I just used the Mailing Labels 1' X 4" format then printed on Computer Paper...I had to do a little creative cutting to get them to line up. Then I literally taped them on the seam...whipped out 18 of these in seconds (okay well not seconds but compared to that 'cover the pre-made box fiasco' the same night it SEEMED like seconds).

Then I simply took 1/4" red satin ribbon and tied it to the ends...Viola...done! Now if my DH had tied the ribbons instead of tempting me with the Terminator these would've been done in 1/2 a second (if you are scratching your head, see Box Fiasco link)

Alert: Really Bad Pictures Ahead...

I thought I would share some things I've made...I know it has been awhile but whatever. The pictures will be terrible 1. Because by the time I finished the items it was VERY late and no natural light was available! 2. My camera is in a funk...I can't decide if it is because my DS 'borrows' it occasionally and sets one of the functions on it improperly or what. I mean sorting that out would require reading the 1 inch thick manual....never gonna happen...LOL.

These are simple little favors for DD Preschool class for her BD...which is in JUNE!!! Boy was that fun to explain..."no we are having a BD party in Early May for your BD in JUNE...no it isn't your BD yet, no REALLY it isn't your BD yet". But then I couldn't resist..."so if it was your BD what theme would you like"..."well if you couldn't pick princesses" "Because the princesses are on vacation at Disney during the summer...so they can't come to your party this year, they came last year..." And so it goes.

Oh yeah about the little favor! It was SERIOUSLY simple...I was going to cover the actual candy ala nugget style but one kid has a nut allergy so I wanted to make sure he didn't get the 'nut' candy...and because at 11PM at night well I realized the ONE pack of candy I bought did JUST the amount I needed...so much for pre-planning...and no worries no children were hurt in the making or distribution of this candy favor. Thank goodness for PreSchool Teachers that rock...wait until you see the gifts I gave them! They deserve them...and then some!

Nugget Bunny

I've had this stamp for over a year and finally got it ready to use...in time for EASTER! I know be still my beating heart! I was going to offer these to my kids preschool class but after cutting a few out decided...did I REALLY want to do 40 of them...NO! I didn't even mention having to figure out how many boys vs. girls...so I will make a few to stuff in the kids baskets...and perhaps a few for their close friends.

These are so simple to make...I simply stamped the boy and girl bunny from the TAC Hello Easter (retired) and water colored them with watercolor crayons. Hand cut them out and affixed them to the front of the nugget.

I cut 1"X3" pieces of designer paper from the 2008 DCWV Spring Stack and wrapped them around the nugget and finished them off with little cotton ball tails! Absolutely adorable.

Supplies:

• Stamps: TAC Hello Easter
• Ink: Pallette Noir
• Cardstock: White (Walmart); DCWV Spring Stack;
• Tools: Lyra Aquacolor Crayons; Blender pen

This is for Mel!

This is a LONG overdue post...for Mel Stampz. Mel is a tireless creator of templates and amazing step-by-step instructions for all kinds of thrifty uses of all kinds of materials.

I saw these ADORABLE picture snowman here. I, clueless as I am, had a question or two despite her excellent tutorial. So late, late at night I shot Mel an email for clarification and to my disbelief she shot one back seconds later!

So here is 'my' um variation (okay they are almost identical) of the Photo Snowman. I made these for Christmas and used them as Placeholders! My kids are 3 and 5 and they immediately knew just where they were sitting (and then proceeded to tell everyone else). One tip I found out the hard way...let the puffy paint dry overnight it makes ALL the difference in the puff...and you don't 'toast' it trying to get it to puff more...like I did in haste to get them done.

Anyway, I just loved this project and thought on this sunny day (70 degrees here...despite the 8 inches of snow we had on Tuesday) it would be a fun thing to share! Also Mel has been a bit under the weather...so shoot on over to her blog and spread some cheer! Afterall it's not just for Christmas! I filled mine with Ghiradelli chocolate squares which made them a take home treat! Also, with last minute changes to my list of people it took me minutes to switch out the picture (I just printed them on regular paper) and slip them in. I only glued the bottom bit so the picture was removable.

Supplies Used:

• Paper: White cardstock (WalMart); DCWV Stack;
• Accessories: White puffy Paint Pen
• Tools: Cuttlebug Folder SnowDots; Standard Hole Punch

Another Hat...this one for Graduation

Here is another adorable thing to do with Nuggets! Isn't it precious! I plan to make these for my son's preschool graduation! I think they are just adorable.

The key is to use the brad to secure the black cardstock square and ribbon...then use a strong adhesive to glue the overlapping ends around the chocolate nugget!

My favorite adhesive is the Scotch Quick-Dry adhesive...it is super strong and as the name says quick to dry...it adheres paper to paper in seconds!

Mother's Day Weekend

I am soo completely proud of myself. Like always...a holiday is creeping up and I have NOTHING done. But I saw some really inspiring things this week...and well thanks to them was SUPER productive.


The first thing that inspired me is Wanda over at My Creative Corner she is just super talented...and tends to do REALLY fun projects. So run over there check her out...and then perhaps come back. I do have a lot to show you...


Well Wanda had these Weekend Project Tutorials...I couldn't help but try them out. The first one I tried was the Nugget Ladies Luncheon Hat. It is completely adorable. A lot of punching but well that is TV time busy work...

I did an okay job with my CM punch (1.25") and the 1/2" punch I had...but looking a little closer at Wanda's if I try this again...I will punch more circles and definitely add the paper strip band around the base. I do like my little paper flower with 1/8" punched circle in the middle though.

I hope to make a few more of these to surprise my mom with for a Tea I am going to have here in the Near future! I think it would make the perfect little place setting...perhaps with the name printed on the top.

What else did I accomplish?

Graduation Nuggets

Dahlia Fold Mother's Day Card and Matching Nugget Tin

Coaster Sticky Note Pad and Clip
...and the weekend isn't quite finished...who knows what I might get to tonight!

A little Pop

I made these quick lollipops to have on hand to give out...to anyone and everyone! Unfortunately I really don't like the way they came out...something isn't working. I think it is too white! I think I will try again with a red base....and see if that spices things up a bit!

But the recipients were thrilled! And we had a great time at the play date! And I didn't mention this before, but the reason for this was grandparents gave my son (who dislikes chocolate) a WHOLE bag of pops...which well he was never going to get...hence the giveaways. But then again he really likes being 'generous' with 'his' pops!

Note: I used Jolly Rancher Pops (ie flat pops) to do these. My measurements were 6.25, scored 3" from each end. Very simple.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Square Holder

I had a GREAT weekend and got a head start on my Valentine Favors! I can't wait to share them with you! For once I am ahead of the game...yay!

So here is a simple to do Ghirardelli (yes that is the right spelling I checked after I spelled it wrong...several times) Chocolate Square, some scored cardstock and...viola! Adorable.


So I modified the dimensions that Wanda over at My Creative Corner posted...I wanted more from a sheet of cardstock so I kept the length (7") and scoring, but changed the height to be 2.75". The decorative paper is a 2.5" square and I used my Super Jumbo (blue) Scallop and my trusty CM circle shaper.


The image is the TAC Traditional Seasons...I don't have many valentine stamps...and have been trying to avoid buying more. So I went rummaging in MY collection and found this! I think it is perfect. It is simple watercoloring...with a Blender Pen...nothing exotic, no Copic or Gamsol...not even sure what Gamsol is.


I used my red pen...a sharpie...cuz this will likely be thrown out after someone RIPS it open to get that chocolate...I'm not judging I would do the same. Okay back to the sharpie...I used it to make the dots around my circle. I almost bought the PaperTrey stamp that does this...but really it is simple to do...not perfect but 'hello' its' handmade...and now it looks like it...LOL.


Stay tuned as I have a couple of more things to show you in the next few days. I actually have blog posts lined up for once...I hope I don't get hit by lightening or something...I mean this sort of 'ahead of things' never happens to me!

My first Nugget Tin!!

This nugget box is dedicated to Rochelle Wick over at Impressions by Rochelle. If you want some inspiration for Nuggets...you should see hers! Now she is hard core she actually builds the box. I met Rochelle way back in October when I asked her some questions on how she did hers. I needed some party favors (30) for my mom's retirement party...and she has the best favors in town. Rochelle immediately wrote me back, sent me patterns and explicit instructions. She even offered to help me score the boxes! I was overwhelmed with her generosity. Now I ended up wimping and decided to do notepads and Hershey Bar pull-ups (much, much simpler). But I will always remember how kind she was to a complete stamping stranger. Things like that REALLY touch me and give me hope for tomorrow.

Details: Well the tin...it is ridiculously simple. I used some DCWV Spring Stack paper. Some sticky strip....although I think I didn't use enough because I found I had to tack the bottoms with some stronger glue as they kept popping up off the bottom of the tin.

Now if you are interested in a video tutorial...head on over to Stamp with Gwen's site as she just did a wonderful tutorial on nugget tins!

Here are some other pictures of the nugget tin...what do you think of the pictures? I've been trying to make them more interesting....

Snowflake 2-5-7-10 box

I would like to share with you a quick and easy box that can fit quite a few little trinkets! The instructions were posted on SCS by Jenn Balcer I'll copy them here and provide a link. Then give you a few tips of my own in pink of course !

Position cardstock lengthwise. Using scoring blade on paper trimmer, score cardstock at 2", 5", 7", and 10".

Turn cardstock, and score at 2" and 7".

Stamp scored cardstock as desired. I did this before scoring because I hate it when I can see the seam!!! Although if you are trying to center a pattern for effect...stamp afterwards.

Hold cardstock horizontally with the 2" section at the top.Use scissors to cut off all but one 2" tall section from the top of the cardstock as shown. This will be the flap closure for the box. Cut the narrow piece at an angle to create tab for adhesive. Make vertical cuts at the bottom to create 1 1/2" tall flaps, and cut off the narrow piece. This will be the bottom of the box.

Use scalloped scissors for a faster decorative edge. I didn't have Scallop Scissors so I used the ones I had...not sure their exact name.

Use a bone folder or other straight edge to sharply crease all scored lines to shape box.Apply Sticky Strip close to side tab's score line.Remove red liner, and carefully construct box. I used YES glue, it take a bit to dry, but then is pretty darn indestructible. I use my bone folder to get inside the box and rub down the glued edges to get a really tight seal...then clip with clothespins until the glue sets.

Fold small flaps toward center of box, and large flaps over small flaps.Apply Sticky Strip to outside edge of large flap under what will be the box front.Remove red liner, and apply pressure to finish bottom of box.

Line up front of box with back of box at top and pinch together. Release. Punch two holes in flap with 1/8" handheld punch.

Pull flap down to close box, and use a pen to mark where holes were punched.Use 1/8" handheld punch to punch holes at markings. I used my vertical slot punch because I wanted to thread my ribbon through and not tie a bow.

Thread ribbon through holes on box. Center ribbon.

Stamp scrap cardstock (here, the largest layer is 2 3/4" square), embellish, and adhere to box front with Stampin' Dimensionals.Enjoy filling and giving!

For this specific box...

Stamps: TAC Snowflakes, TAC Winterflakes LEPaper: white cardstock, TAC NavyInk: Kaleidacolor Blue BreezeAccessories: Ribbon

Triangle Pocket

So did you like these pockets? Did you? Well they aren't hard to make...take paper, make it square...any size seems to work. I used 6"X6" to make 4 out of a standard sheet of scrapbook paper.

Fold to make a triangle (point to point), fold one point in then the other...use double sided tape because this needs to be strong! Then fold down one of the top triangles to form the pocket.

Done. I added a little embellishment to the front and I tried stamping the blank white paper, but frankly I think it was fine blank!

I like this design so much, I think I am going to design a little card to go into the pocket so you have invite AND favor!

Tomorrow I will detail the Pooh books...they were fun and let me just say the book complete with sewing was easier than lining up the images to print out the book...figures! But if you want a sneak peak...visit Stamping Dani where she gives a very detailed look at how to do it!!!

Bella's BD Boodle

I decided this year I would make handcrafted favors...okay I was feeling guilty because I blew it with sending out stamped cards...was so late had to resort to E-vite...so sad!!!

So these are the favors I made for Bella. I made up a Scavenger Hunt around our yard. I highly recommend it!! Not only did the kids stuff their own bags...they picked out the color they wanted and it kept them occupied in between food and cake...priceless. Mine was simple (with ages 2-6 it had to be)...I printed out large letters E for Eeyore, P for Piglet...they found the letter and underneath it was a basket with one type of favor.

I took brown paper bags and stamped "Hunny" on the front and at the end we stuffed the top with yellow tissue paper "honey". The favors included:

W for Winnie the Pooh: Tag Nuggets with Classic pooh on the front

P for Piglet: Embossed 100 Aker Woods coloring book

K for Kanga: Honey pockets with flower

R for Rabbit: Hershey Kiss Rose Buds

E for Eeyore: Band-Aid packages...these weren't fabulous...perhaps another time (the blue thing at top in case you are confused.

Well I better get going and start working on those Thank You notes (thank god E-vite doesn't do those...I'd be tempted).

And despite evidence to the contrary...I'm not completely disorganized...I've just had about 30 requests for cards in the past week. 10th anniversary, BD...and my dear, dear husband handed me a list of cards he needs to send to the WHOLE family in England...and yeah one anniversary is next week...so need to do that card ASAP (and it isn't the 10th anniversary one)!

Tickled Pink Micro-Mini Scrapbook

I was trying to come up with a cheap fun, inclusion I could do for customers. A fellow Etysian (BeadShopGirl) sent me this adorable Matchbook notebook. I liked it but didn't want to flat out copy it...sigh. So I set is aside and started making some accordion albums...to send out. And BAM!!!


Would you believe that the little leftover you get when you cut two accordion folders is the exact size of that matchbook!! I couldn't believe it. A micro-mini accordion Scrapbook. I was just tickled pink...which is that name of this particular item!! So here it is...

Matchbook Cover (heavier cardstock works best).


2"X5.5"

Score it at 0.5" on the short side

Matchbook Insert

1 3/4"X 11"
Score it every 2 1/8"
You'll have a little bit at the end
Stick into the folded over matchbook end and staple (although I suggest decorating it first!)

This is my first tutorial. So if my directions make no sense...feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Here is some information on the specific Matchbook I made:

Stamps: TAC GWP You make me Smile; TAC SOTM Girlfriend; TAC Circle Tags; TAC Dance yourself silly
Paper: DCWV Stack 3; TAC White Cardstock; PC Pink Pastel; Michaels Designer Collection 2;
Ink: Palette Noir; Palette Pink Toille
Accessories: CM Micro Friendship; Super Jumbo Clever Lever Heart; red staples