Monday, August 17, 2009

Seashell and Pebble Sprayed Stationery

















Decorate stationery, postcards, or a travel journal using tokens collected on a recent trip.

Lay shells or stones on thick paper, and spray the area with watered-down paint. Abstract patterns emerge on the paper underneath, recalling a dappled sky.

Sprayed Stationery How-To
1. Cover your work surface.

2. Add 1 teaspoon acrylic paint to a small spray bottle. Fill halfway with water; shake to mix. (For a more translucent solution, add more water.)

3. Arrange shells or pebbles on note cards or another paper item.

4. Spray paint mixture over shells or pebbles. Let dry for about 30 minutes before lifting objects.

Tip: Card stock or other thick paper works best; it's less likely to warp.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Pretty Paper Bowl Gifts Ideas

Surprisingly easy, the papermaking process takes just minutes and can be fun for kids, too. Then form your paper into all kinds of paper crafts for your home or for gift giving.

















Tear and press wet pieces of rolled pulp sheet onto a bowl placed upside down and covered with plastic wrap. Let the pulp dry, then remove a new molded bowl.

TIP: To strengthen finished paper projects, coat them with decoupage glue. (Papermaking instructions start on slide 7.)

Friday, August 7, 2009

In the Bag | Gifts Ideas

Shiny boxes have their place, but sometimes you want to hint at the gift inside the wrap. So transform ready-made voile drawstring bags into fun packaging with this simple embellishment. Stitch 1/2-inch tinsel pom-poms to the outside of the bag. Enclose a small gift and add a round, metal-edge vellum gift tag for the finishing touch.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Under the Tree | Gifts Idea

Sparkling versions of a holiday tree disguise bottles of cider or wine in one fell swoop. Use pinking shears to cut three 17x17x8-inch triangles from felt. Glue together the edges (leaving the bottom open) and tack on sequins, glitter, or other embellishments.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Baked with Love | Gifts Ideas

Bake a batch of cookies and wrap them up in felt to give away. Tie the ends with ribbon, then cut the extra fabric into strips. Or glue ribbon in a spiral around the package and add a metal tag dressed up with scrapbooking supplies.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Small Packages | Gifts Ideas

This beaded-top box is so elegant, it can live a second life storing jewelry. Cover the bottom of the box with gift paper, then paint the top of the box to match. When the paint is dry, brush on white crafts glue and adhere glass seed beads.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Stamp Art Valentines | Idea Gifts

Make your mark with help from a personalized stamp. Household items and a few art supplies are all you need! Check out the following three slides for detailed instructions.
























Step 1 : Cut a foam grocery tray to 3 by 4inches. Have your child write a note backwards in pencil, pressing deeply into the foam. (Write words on paper and hold up to mirror to see reverse text.)
























Step 2 : Brush a thin layer of paint across the surface of the foam, covering it evenly from edge to edge.
























Step 3 : Press and rub paper, label, or tag on top of painted foam, applying some pressure. Peel back and let dry. Repaint before each print, changing the color if desired. Attach to small bags of candy or other gifts.

Decorate Die-Cut Boxes

Create fun, festive mini gift boxes using die cuts or patterns. Many local scrapbook stores have die-cutting systems and large box dies that you can use. Or, use the same embellishments to dress up store-bought boxes. Glue decorative papers to the sides, then finish the look with a glittery initial in place of a gift tag.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Elegant Ribbon Roses

Make ribbon roses to fill oversize bowls. For the roses, start with 5-inch-wide wired ribbon cut 60 inches long. Pull the wire on one side of the ribbon, roll it into a rose shape, and tack the ends.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Fabric Envelopes











Well-chosen compact discs are always appreciated gifts. Personalize the CDs by slipping them into delightful hand-stitched pouches. The soft envelopes can be used over and over, as sachets or as small cases for travel toiletries. You can also vary their size and shape to fit blank books, pencils, diaries, or eyeglasses.

These pouches can be made out of wide ribbon or felt. For a ribbon pouch, you'll need a piece that is 6 inches wide and 17 1/2 inches long. Make a small hem at each end; to make the hem, turn the raw edge under 1/8 inch, press, and stitch close to the pressed edge. For a felt pouch, cut a piece 6 1/2 by 17 1/2 inches.

With wrong sides together, fold fabric 5 inches from the bottom; press. Pin each side; for ribbon, stitch as close to edges as possible. For felt, use a 1/4-inch seam allowance; trim seams with pinking shears. Place CD inside, and fold top flap over. Finish with a wide satin ribbon tied into a bow or a velvet ribbon tied into a knot. Or tie two narrow ribbons into bows, using tweezers to make crisp loops.