Matchbox Advent Calendar {Mini Tutorial}

Thanks to Pinterest, I decided to make an Advent calendar for Brett and I.  There are so many great ideas out there, but I needed something quick, cheap and easy.  So I decided upon a matchbox advent!

To make this advent calendar I did the following:

1. Gather empty matchboxes (or buy 3 packs of 10 at the dollar store and empty out the boxes)
2. Make a template to use to cut out scrapbook paper (I just wrapped a small piece around a matchbox and made little cuts on the edge and then used my paper cutter to trim it down)
3. Select  scrapbook paper and cut out covers for matchboxes
4. Using spray adhesive, cover the matchboxes with the cut paper
5. Punch/cut out circles from scrapbook paper
6. Stamp 1-25 onto circles (you could also print out the numbers and then cut them out)
7. Adhere circles onto matchbox with spray adhesive
8. Hot glue magnets onto the back of the matchboxes
9. Fill matchboxes with activities, candy or tiny gifts/ornaments
10. Put matchboxes on fridge or other metal surface (I am using a cookie sheet from the dollar store-I may paint it red and attach something to hang it, but it will have to wait til after the move!)

Easy peasy! 

Since it's just Brett and I, I thought it would be a good idea to put activities for us to do together inside the matchboxes.  In this busy time of year it's easy to get caught up in the holiday preparations and over look spending time with our spouse so I wanted to avoid that (especially since it is our last Christmas just the two of us!).  Here are the activities we will be doing (but in a different order):

• Bake and decorate sugar cookies
• Watch A Christmas Carol
• Drive and look at Christmas lights
• Make peppermint bark
• Wrap presents together
• Read the story of Christ's birth (in Luke)
• Enjoy hot some homemade hot chocolate
• Watch Polar Express
• Decorate the Christmas tree
• Take spare change to the Salvation Army bell ringer
• Buy each other's stocking stuffers for under $10
• Watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
• Play a board game
• Have a candlelight dinner at home
• Send out Christmas cards
• Make a gingerbread house
• Attend Christmas Eve Service
• Plan & go on a free date
• Watch Elf
• Participate in an Angel Tree or Food Drive
• Listen to favorite Christmas music
• Take cookies to friends and/or family
• Make ornaments
• Take a family picture
• Go see a Christmas movie

Did you make an advent calendar this year?  I'd love to see it so let me know if you did!

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software {GIVEAWAY & Free Printable!}

I have never really gotten into scrapbooking, but I have recently been interested in digital scrapbooking.  It seems so much easier and more practical when all my photos are digital, and there is no mess to clean up (I have plenty of other crafting messes to deal with!). 

I was so excited when My Memories contacted me about trying out their digital scrapbooking software!  It was so easy to download the software (you can download it or have it shipped) and get started!  My Memories offers lots of free and paid kits that you can download to get papers and embellishments.  You can also use any other digital scrapbooking kits you may have downloaded elsewhere!

In no time at all I had made this Christmas printable (that you can download for free! Just right click and save.) and page with my husband and I from last Christmas.   The software is very easy to use and doesn't take long to get used to!  They even have templates to use so all you have to do is add pictures (the snowflake page was a template)!

And in the Christmas spirit, My Memories is letting me giveaway a copy of their software to one of you all!  To enter you first need to be a follower of this blog (just click "Join This Site" on the right side).  And then leave a comment for each one of the following (for one entry each):

1. Visit the My Memories website and comment which digital scrapbooking pack you would download first!
2. Have a friend enter the giveaway (just have them comment who sent them)
3. Share the giveaway/blog post on Facebook
4. Follow the My Memories blog
5. Follow My Memories on Facebook

The giveaway will close on Saturday December 3rd, 2011 at midnight CST.  If you don't win the giveaway, you can still get the My Memories Suite software for a discounted price!  Just be sure to watch for the announcement of the winner...the code will be given then!   Just a tip..the My Memories software would be a great Christmas gift for the scrapbooker or crafty person in your life! 

Fall Mantel {DIY Projects}

So this is a tad late, considering I am taking down my fall decorations this week and replacing them with Christmas decor!!  But better late then never, right?  Since we are only in this apartment for six months (less than two left!!) I haven't been big on decorating.  To me there's no point in pulling out all of my decorations (that I packed up reallllly well) to have to pack them up again.  But since we actually have a mantel (that doesn't have a TV on it) I can't leave that bare!  Here's what I did with the decor I have year round (that the movers packed up and unpacked).  I also added two DIY projects-the yarn wreath and fabric pumpkins.

To make the pumpkins I loosely followed this tutorial. But they are very simple to make.  Take a roll of toilet paper, wrap a piece of newspaper around that, stuffing the edges in the roll opening.  Take a fat quarter sized (18"x21") piece of fabric and wrap that around the roll the same way you did the newspaper.  There's no right way to do this, I just made sure to keep the fabric folds tighter so it kept a round-ish shape.  I did have to trim some of the corners of fabric off to get it all into the roll.  Now for the stem.  You could use a real stick, but I didn't feel like wandering around our apartment complex looking for sticks so i improvised!  I took 3 q-tips, hot glued them together and wrapped brown felt around that.  Then I finished them off with a green felt leaf!

Cost: $.88 (or FREE if you have everything!)  I had the fabric and felt on hand and picked up a 4 pack of cheap toilet paper at Kroger for $.88 (we use more expensive toilet paper so I wasn't about to use that for a craft project! haha!). 

To make the wreath I wrapped a wreath form with yarn, securing it with hot glue every few wraps around.  To cover up the wreath form I did some overlapping too.  Then I made some fall flowers out of felt and hot glued those on.   To hang it I wrapped some brown satin ribbon around the wreath.

Cost: yarn - $2.50 at Joann's + wreath form - $1.80 (normally $2.99 and used a 40% coupon at Joann's) = about $4.30  (I had the felt and ribbon on hand, and have yarn left over).

Up next, Christmas decorations!!

Book Page Canvas {Tutorial}

Book Page Canvas {Tutorial}

Like many other bloggers, I love book page projects!  Here's on that I made using a Goodwill canvas and a tutorial to make your own!

Supplies:
Canvas, any size (mine was $3 from Goodwill)
Book pages ($.50 for a book from Goodwill)
Tape
Mod Podge
Paint brush
Scissors

Total Cost: $3 (give or take $1-2 depending on what you have on hand)


Time to Make: 30-60 minutes

Now the fun part...
 1. Gather your supplies.  This is the canvas and books that I used.  I have nothing against the National Cathedral, but it just isn't quite my style!

2. Next, tear out the book pages.  I used dictionary pages and some from the paperback on the stack above.  The smaller and lighter pages are from the paperback and have dates on them (from a diary).  I decided to use dates that were special to Brett and I (birthdays, anniversary) to make it  more personalized.  Arrange your book pages on the canvas however you would like.  There really is no right way!  Just make sure that the edges are covered.

3. The tricky part of this project is getting the book pages adhered to the canvas.  I knew that once I arranged them I didn't want to have to try and lift the pages to get under them to the canvas.  So I used double sided tape to tape the pages together to make one big piece of paper.  This way you can get to the whole canvas.

4.  Next, cover the canvas with mod podge.  I took the easy route and just poured it on and spread it out with a foam brush.

5.  While the mod podge is still wet, put the book pages on the canvas.  Make sure it is even with the edges before you put it down because once you do, you could rip the pages if you try to move it (yes, I figured this out the hard way!).  Press down lightly on the pages to make sure it's stuck on there good.

6.  Now start to put mod podge under all of the pages that are on top of other pages.  While you are doing this you will also put a layer over the pages on the top. 

 

7.  Make sure you put mod podge on the edges too.  When you get the edges covered fold the edges down like you would when wrapping a present.

When you are done with the edges, let it dry and trim any excess book pages off the back.  You are done!!  If you want you could add embellishments to the front...rosettes, glitter silhouettes, text, etc.  Get creative with it!  I haven't added anything yet in case I decide to use it in the nursery! 

If you make your own, let me know!!  I'd love to see!

Link parties I'm participating in:  (go check them out!)
The Home Stories of A to Z Tutorials and Tips
Craft-O-Maniac
Tatertots & Jello

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 31 {DIY Clocks}

Welcome to Day 31! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

Well the last day is here!  I had planned on doing another gift idea, but it was something I wanted to make but I never got around to making it before today.  But I will be making it soon so stick around!

I don't know about you but I've seen quite a few DIY or revamped clocks out in blog land and they are too cute!  Here are some of my favorites that you could make for gifts to just about anyone on your list.  Everyone needs to know what time it is!

Landee See, Landee Do made this adorable photo clock.  Instead of the traditional numbers, she used family photos.  It's a great way to personalize a clock and make it a centerpiece on the wall instead of a boring wall decoration.  If you have an old clock you aren't using it would be perfect for this project.  Or you could find a cheap clock at a thrift store.

This photo clock by Rosy Red Buttons would make a great wedding gift or Christmas gift for a newlywed.  And it is pretty affordable too!  With the right coupons you could make this for under $10.

This clock by Le Petite Sweet was made using an old picture frame.  Once again, you could make this for under $10 and could be personalized in any way you want.  I think scrapbook paper would look great as a background!

Hope you all have enjoyed 31 Days of Handmade Gifts!  I definitely have.  I also surprised myself that I was able to post everyday (well some were scheduled, but I wrote 31 posts in a row!)  I have some tutorials to share in the coming weeks as well as finish up and share a few sewing projects.  So stick around!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 29 {DIY Photo Canvas}

Welcome to Day 29! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

I'm sure you all have seen the photo canvases that are becoming very popular.  I have only purchased one (as a gift) since I found a good deal with a coupon code.  I recently saw on Pinterest that you can make your own photo canvas, for just the price of a blank canvas and the print.  Now that's definitely cheaper since a 11 x 14 can run over $50!  Here are some tutorials you can try.  I plan on it!

This canvas was made by adhering the picture with modge podge.  The edges are covered with scrapbook paper and some acrylic paint was added to the corners to give it an antique look. You can hop on over to Girl.Inspired for the easy tutorial.

Blue Cricket Design has a tutorial similar to the one above, but I like that they connected three canvases using ribbon.  What an easy way to display family or wedding photos!

Another option is a distressed photo canvas. Delia Creates has a tutorial for a distressed canvas using a gel medium.  This tutorial is a little more involved and uses a product you will probably have to buy, but I really like the look of the distressed photo!

Only two more days left in October!  Wow!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 17 {Monogram Gifts}

Welcome to Day 17! You can find the other 31 Days posts here. 

A great wedding or Christmas gift would be something with the couple's monogram.  I personally love displaying monograms.  It's an easy way to decorate.  Here are some monogram gifts that I have come across.

Source

I just love these yarn wrapped monograms!  It's a pretty simple craft too, just cut out a letter from cardboard or foam memo board and wrap yarn around it.  It would definitely take less than an hour, so a great last minute gift!

Source

I don't know if you have seen these letters from Anthropologie, but $18 is kind of a lot for one letter in my opinion.  Especially when you can make one like the B above that looks exactly like it!  All that you do is modge podge aluminum foil onto a letter from the craft store and then top it off with a little black paint.   You could make one of these for less than $5 if you have a coupon!

Source

I love the look of a framed monogram.  This one is pretty neat as they used part of a tile back splash as the background.  Clever!  You could also use fabric or scrapbook paper as a cheaper option. 

Source

I love this simple monogram pillow.  It would be a great wedding gift (or addition to your own decor)!  You could use iron on heat transfer material (how the one above was done - printed out from a computer) or paint it using fabric paint and a stencil (such as a freezer stencil). 

Now I want to make some monogram gifts!  See you all tomorrow for Day 18!

(I don't know if you all realized, but the first three pictures are B's!  Haha!  It was no intentional and is not the 1st initial of my last name!)

Book Page Wreath Update

After hanging my book page wreath made here I decided the wall was still a little bare.  So I picked up brown frames at the dollar store (2 for $1!) and cut two book pages to fit in the frames.  I used a stamp and brown ink to put a fleur di lis on one page.  On the other page I printed out a K and traced the outline (this was pre-Silhouette!) and filled with some Martha Stewart glitter. 

Ballard Designs Inspired Book Bundle

Also inspired by great bloggers I made my own Ballard Design's inspired book stack for $1.50 instead of $25 (plus shipping).  3 easy steps to have your own:

1. Buy books at thrift store ($.50 at Goodwill)
2. Rip off covers (I sanded the glue residue off).
3. Stack and tie with twine.

Now that has to be the easiest craft and decoration ever!  And I love how it looks.  The bird on top is from Michael's and the decorative ball is from a bag of vase filler from the dollar store.

Desk & Sewing Organizers

I am finally getting around to posting little projects that I've been working on!  They have been ongoing for a while and I am just getting around to finish them.  I'm one of those people that starts a lot of things and doesn't always finish...oops.

Any guess as to what these used to be?

Well if you guessed peanut cans you would be right.  First I tore off the label, cleaned the insides out with a damp soapy paper towel and let them dry.  I didn't want the silver rims so I sanded and painted them black with acrylic paint.  I wish I would have sanded more because the paint chipped easily, but I'm not concerned enough to correct it.  Then I cut scrapbook paper to the size of the can and put spray adhesive on the back of the paper.  Finish off with modge podge (I used glossy) and now I have cute organizers for my desk.  The tall one has all those odds and ends on my sewing table and the other has glue sticks.  Best part about this project is that it was FREE!

And since this project was under $20, I'm linking up with Christina for $20 Below Thursday's!

Reupholstered Window Seat

One of my sweet friends started a recipe blog for a group of us to post on.  I finally got around to posting a recipe.  Go check it out!

One project that I've done recently is the window seat cushion in our spare room.  Until recently it had the same fabric that the previous owner put on there.  I never thought I could reupholster it until now!  And the checkered pattern with the stripes isn't really my style.

So I picked up a yard of home decor fabric at JoAnn's for half off (only $5.30).  

Way more my style!   

 

Closer look: 

 (I am always drawn to flourish/damask prints!)

I can't wait to get started on pillows for it!  It's such a bare space, it needs something more to fill it.   I even have some fabric to make them as well as old pillows to use the stuffing from.  So my excuse is time.

Side note, the walls in this room when I moved in were painted a bright aqua/turquoise that emanated down the hallway.  It was horrible.  It took two coats of primer and two or three coats of paint to cover it!!  (The color is Sherwin Williams Vanillan - I picked something neutral that would go with the apricot color of the hallway, living room and kitchen, which I am tired of now by the way!)

I am hoping to post some minor redecorating posts soon.  When I bought my condo I was not crafty and didn't really have an opinion on decorating.  But that has changed and I'm constantly coming up with new ideas inspired by some of the wonderful blogs out there.  And I'm especially hoping one of those is a living room rearranging post (including trading out those awful vertical blinds for curtains!)...just have to convince the husband.  But...the full time job and school come first so sadly it might be a while.  Might just have to take a day off to get some sewing done!

Quick question, do you all like the font of my post?  Is it hard to read?  Should I pick something else?  Thanks!

Book Page Wreath {Tutorial}

Ever since I saw this tutorial I wanted to make one!  So I stopped by Goodwill to get an old book, Dollar Tree for a foam wreath and got to work.

Buy/find an old hard bound book and start ripping pages out. I used about 100 for mine.  My great friend Tara (and roommate through college) started this project with me.  She was kind enough to tear out my pages (while I made dinner for her, Brett and I).  Like I said, I got my book from Goodwill for just $.50.

Once you have your pages ripped out, figure out how you want them folded.  We folded ours like the other tutorial.  It's too hard to explain so here's some pictures.

Basically you make a circle and have a flap below it.  The circles will be facing out, making a nice fluffy wreath.  

Start gluing!  This layer will be the back of your wreath so glue the circle side to the foam wreath.  I didn't get this at first so mine are both ways, but if you want to do it right that's how.  It bugs me that some of mine are wrong even though you can't even see it!  Make sure you have a little less than an inch hanging over the edge.  You will later flip this down.  Also, I recommend using the same edge of the paper facing out.  I used the bound edge so it has some character.

Now flip the wreath over & begin working on the front.  Figure out where you will put glue so the page is about the length of the other layer.  You will be putting glue towards the back of the wreath.  See second picture so it makes a little more sense.

After you glue towards the back of the wreath, glue down the edge of the page towards the front. 

Continue folding and gluing (I suggest catching up on TV or talking with a friend/husband while doing this project).

Once that top layer is done, fold the back layer up and glue it down.

This is what it will look like with the two layers.

Start on the next (of many) layers.  Each time, come closer in (and eventually going to the back of the wreath.  If you notice empty spots, don't worry.  You can fill them in when all your layers are done.  

Here's mine after the 3rd layer.

With each new layer move it towards the back of the wreath a little more than the previous layer (like below).

After my layers this is what the back looked like.  The amount of layers that should go on depends on your preferences of how full you would like it.  

After I completed the layers, there were spots that seemed empty.  To fill in the spaces fold a page like you have been and trim some off.  Put glue on the small flap and fill in the empty spots.

Here's my wreath after adding all the layers and filling the empty spots.  I'm in love!

But I decided I wanted my wreath to look a little more aged so I inked the edges with brown ink (leftover from my many wedding projects) and a makeup sponge.  

I love what the ink adds to it!

To hang the wreath I pinned brown ribbon (also wedding leftover) to the back.  I didn't measure the ribbon because I just eyeballed it based on how much I wanted to show above the wreath.

I also hot glued the ribbon above the pins so the wreath and ribbon would be flush with the wall.

The beautiful finished wreath!  It is a bit time consuming, but totally worth it because it is so cheap!  It's on my list to hang this weekend.

Supplies:

Foam Wreath - $1

Book - $.50

Glue gun - on hand

Ink pad - on hand

Ribbon - on hand

Total - $1.50!!


I'm linking up with Emily at Jones Design Company, my inspiration for the wreath.