Friday, May 11, 2012

Easy Candy Gift Box Tutorial


 
 

Make this sweet box in 10 minutes for less than a dollar


Perfect for cookies, brownies, or candy, you can dress up this Dollar Tree disposable foil food container with lid  with a multi-stem Dollar Tree flower, some ribbon, and a card in just a few minutes. The polka dot ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.  The Mother's Day Card is a free printable card I found at About.Com Parenting TeensI chose it because the design is attractive for black and white or color image printing.  To add a little pop of color, the heart is outlined with pink highlighter. 


Materials List


1 foil food container
1 flower
1 chenille stem
1 button
18" ribbon
1 sheet copy paper
scissors
hole punch
printer
pen 

Instructions


1. Make a very small hole in or near the center of the cardboard container lid.  The hole should be large enough for the chenille stem to fit through, but not much bigger than that.  









2. Remove the flower and the leaves from the flower stem and put the flower top onto your chenille stem.  If it is a two part flower like this one, you can weave the stem around one petal of each part, then run it back through itself and pull to secure it.  After securing the flower top to the chenille stem, put the leaves on the stem.



























3. Thread the chenille stem bottom through the hole of the container lid.  It should go all the way down until all you can see on top are the flower leaves and flower top.  




4. Thread the bottom of the chenille stem through a button hole.  Slide the button all the way up until you reach bottom side of the container lid.  Tilt the button and thread the stem all the way through one more buttonhole so that very little slack is left in the stem between the button and the flower.  Wrap the loose end of the stem around itself once or twice to secure the button in place and clip off the extra length of stem.












5. Print your card and fold in half twice to form the card with the front showing.  

6. Punch a hole near the top left hand corner of the card.


7. Write in your sentiment and sign the card.

8. Thread both ends of ribbon into the hole in the card and pull ribbon halfway through, making a loop on one side.  Thread both ribbon ends through the loop, pulling gently to secure ribbon to the card.







9. Tie a knot in the ribbon about an inch from the card.




10. Tie the loose ends of ribbon into a bow around chenille stem just above cardboard lid.







To finish, fill foil container with cookies, candies, or other homemade treats. Secure decorative lid to container by placing it on top and crimping edges of foil container over lid.



I hope you enjoy this little Candy Gift Box.  Please comment and send a photo if you make one.  SPOILER ALERT:  Our Beehive Class used these little boxes to give their Mothers a special treat they prepared for Mother's Day.  Watch for the recipe post coming very very soon.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Mother's Day Gift Tutorials - 25 Quick Easy Affordable Last Minute Suggestions for Gifts Mom Will Adore




Something for everyone


This Mother's Day Gift tutorial collection contains 25 unique items.  Each one has a different appeal and requires different skills.  I included so many options in order to offer everyone something they can make and something their special Mom will love.  Everything is simple, affordable, pretty, and can be made quickly.  Some can even be done VERY quickly for those last minute gift needs.

Disclaimer:  I am A)Mother of four, Nanny of five, and veteran of 51 Mother's Days B) Licensed Procrastinator, C) Intermediate level seamstress and crafter, D) Veteran craft mini class instructor, E) Not the inventor of any listed project, but crazy about all projects on the list and respect the genius of their creators, E) linking each project back to source or a link which leads to source in title and description, F) recommending you click on the project link for full instructions, G) Not a paid endorser of these projects

Photo Cube Light Tutorial


This Photo Cube Light by Patent Pending Projects is made from upcycled cd cases, and is one of the most popular pins on my Pinterest board, Review and Reuse Project Ideas. The photos can be easily changed out whenever you want.


Citrus Peel Soap Tutorial



Pretty Citrus Peel Soaps by Darling Clementine are something any Mom would love.  They look so fresh and sweet in these photos, you can almost smell the tangy, fruity citrus aroma.


The bars look so cute wrapped in bright paper and tied with raffia or twine.  What kind would you make?  I'm thinking mandarin orange, grapefruit, or key lime would smell delightful.


Envelope Clutch Purse Tutorial



I love this Clutch Purse I found on Pinterest and pinned to my board Accessorize, Accessorize.  It is created by Dana at A Place in the Cloud .  It is quite lovely and the tutorial is easy to follow. When in doubt about a gift for Mom, your best bet could be a classic clutch purse. I think that the clean lines and simplicity of the design is elegant.  If you wanted to dress this one up a bit, buy a cute pin and attach it to the front.  Two gifts in one!



Flower Box Vase Tutorial



The Flower Box Vase by Creme de la Craft is so attractive.  I was tickled pink when I realized it is made from an upcycled tissue paper box, some newspaper, and disposable cups!  If you want to be super fancy, you can even add some little knobs to the sides.


Beaded Cord Necklace Tutorial




The Beaded Cord Necklace by Brittany's Best is so fashionable, who would think that it would only cost about five dollars in materials and take just fifteen minutes or so to create?  I think Mom would adore it.


Book Page Mason Jar Light Tutorial



The Book Page Mason Jar Light by Optimistic but Never Quite Elegant is exquisite.  This gift has it all.  It is easy, almost free to make, and you can  make it at the last minute.


Photo Pillows Tutuorial




It wouldn't be Mother's Day without something from Martha Stewart! Whimsical Photo Pillows are fun to make and give.  I first saw them on Pinterest and pinned the Photo Pillows to my Mother's Day Pinterest board. Any Mother or Grandmother will love them!



Poetry Scarf Tutorial




This elegant, no-sew Poem Script Scarf by Stamp 48 was inspired by the We Are Owls Poem Scarf. I found some rayon scarves at Dollar General.  The regular price was five dollars each, but I got them on sale for half off. Then I went to Hobby Lobby and saw these three different shades of iridescent fabric paint for 99 cents apiece.  Guess what my girls and I are getting this Mother's Day?  My total cost for all four gifts was under fifteen dollars.  Look for photos of my version in a future post.


{Everything} in a Jar Tutorial with Free Printable Labels



The Everything in a Jar Gifts were also found on Pinterest.  I pinned them to my Giftables Gallery - DIY and Crafts board.   The Gunny Sack has a tutorial for any gift in a jar. They even offer free printable labels for your jar gifts. The perfect last minute gift.



Felt Flower Corsage Tutorial



 I found this stunning Felt Dahlia Corsage on Holidash. Take your time making it and get enough supplies to make more than one.  If you have trouble you'll have a back up. If all goes smoothly with the first, you can still make a second corsage to keep.


Trimmed Dish Towels Tutorial



The dish towel from Sew Homegrown was a Pinterest discovery, too.  I repinned it to my Giftables Gallery board.  If you can sew a straight stitch and iron, you can whip one out in 30 minutes. Your Mom will love it!


Frame and Free Printable Sentiments



Here is another last minute quick and easy gift from Dollar Store Crafts featuring  a Frame and Free Printable Sentiment created by Ladycrafter 14 .  She has lots of lovely things on her site.


Fruit Bouquet Tutorial 




This tasty looking Fruit Bouquet  is from Parents. The flowers are cut with cookie cutters and placed on skewer stems.  Mom will enjoy this healthy edible gift.  If you make this, please let me know about it.  I'd love to see a tutorial post with better resolution photos.



Denim Scripture Tote Tutorial



This monogrammed Denim Scripture Tote by The Polkadot Chair is another gem I saw on Pinterest and pinned to my Accessorize, Accessorize board.  It is made using upcycled blue jeans. You'd have to be sneaky and measure Mom's scriptures without her knowing about it to get the size right.  Or, you could just tell her ahead of time what she's getting.  She'll probably take the measurements for you and save you a step.


Photo Key Chain Tutorial 



This Photo Key Chain was found on Scrapscene.  It is designed and created by Sherelle Christensen. What Mom could resist those adorable baby faces? Hey, even if the kiddos were all grown, having this key chain with their baby pics would be fun for Mom.


Bath Sundae Tutorial



The Bath Sundae from Creative Juices looks delish. What a fun gift to make and give.  It is extremely easy to put together and can be done at the very last minute if needed.  I think any Mom will love it!


Mason Jar Wildflower Vase Tutorial



Here is a rustic and delightfully charming Wildflower Vase from Little Birdie Secrets.  A child could help make this gift.  How much fun they would have picking flowers to fill it up for Mom on Mother's Day!


Ruffle Scarf Tutorial

 



If your Mom likes ruffles, then she'll love this easy and affordable Ruffle Scarf by Tidy Mom.   You'll need an extra large tee shirt, scissors, and a 9" paper plate to make it.  Yep, it is a no-sew 20 minute gift!


Pearl Chandelier Tutorial



An elegant Pearl Chandelier featured by Apartment Therapy is a great gift.  It is shown as a Patio Chandelier.  I think it would be pretty in the bedroom too.  Pearls are timeless, and plastic pearls are so much more affordable.  You can purchase all chandelier materials for about ten dollars.  This project is also featured on Dollar Store Crafts.


I Love You Mom Jar Tutorial



 A precious 101 Reasons Why I Love You Mom Jar by She Knows Parenting is a gift that Mom will never forget.  It is appropriate for any child to make and give.  Actually, I think even Mom's who have kids that are grown would adore this.


Modcloth Inspired Bow Belt Tutorial

 



I found the Modcloth Inspired Bow Belt on Pinterest and pinned it to my Accessorize, Accesorize board.  This beautiful belt is from the creative genius of Sweet Verbena.  Her tutorial is excellent, and you don't need to be an expert seamstress to make it.  It looks so cute, any Mother will appreciate this belt.


Photo Pendant Tutorial



This precious Photo Pendant is by Ginger Snap Crafts. My heart melted when I saw that sweet baby photo.  Make one for your Mom, it is a guaranteed home run hit gift.


Mason Jar Pincushion Tutorial



The Mason Jar Pincushion by Stephen and Natalie at Life Made Simple is a pretty and practical gift for any Mother.  Whether or not your Mom is a seamstress or crafter, she will enjoy this thoughtful present from you.


As always, please let me know if you make any of these.  I love feedback and photos!  Happy Mother's Day!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook - May 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 


FOR TODAY


Outside my window...
it is the first day of May.  Even the roar of the delivery trucks moving through this industrial complex cannot dispel the wonder of it.  Happy May Day!

I am thinking...about my wonderful (grown) children.


I am thankful...
for a loving Father in Heaven who hears and answers my prayers.

In the kitchen...
there is nothing but microwaveable foodstuffs and cold drinks.  No oven here in the office kitchen.                                                                                                       

I am wearing...
purple shirt, blue jeans, and my favorite penny loafers...
again.  I think every time I post here that I am wearing those shoes.  Almost time for a new pair!




 

 I am creating...some simple changes for my new straw cowgirl hat.  Got 2 rolls of belt twill and 2 rolls of narrow cotton rope to make interchangeable straps and hatbands that match, one black and one white.

I am going...
to the lake tomorrow evening with our church girls youth group.  We are having s'mores and singing camp songs:)

I am wondering...
if our newest grandchild will be a boy or girl?

I am reading...
lots of instructions about blueberry plants.

I am hoping...for a bounteous harvest from the garden.


I am looking forward to...
lunch with PUMPKIN again.  We went to a really nice little out of the way girlie spot today.  It was yummy.  She couldn't decide what to order, so she got half a turkey bacon sandwich and the other half was peanut butter and banana.  Delightful.

I am learning
...to tweet.

Around the house...
the fridge and freezer are waiting for me.  It is a sure bet that they will still be a mess when I get time to finish them both:)

I am pondering...
how to stay focused and be a better manager of my own time. A favorite quote for today...how about a song?  After a weekend of intensive gardening, I can relate to this one called Chiggers:
                                                                              
 


One of my favorite things...is wildflowers that bloom in Texas each spring.  Look at that Oklahoma State Flower blooming happily next to that Texas State Flower.  Indian Blankets and Bluebonnets, two favorite things.



 

                                                                                                           A few plans for the rest of the week:
helping my daughter with her phone.



A peek into my day...




In this part of Texas, the soil ph and content is terrible for blueberries.  The local nursery advised us to grow these in containers.  I'll be including instructions in a future post.

Thanks for reading and commenting.  I look forward to hearing from you, and I promise to try and find your blog and comment if you've shown me the same kindness.  The Daybook is a lovely way to share. 

You are cordially invited to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook.  Please click on the link for more details.