Don’t throw away those Christmas Photo Cards!

December 28, 2019January 7, 2021Leave a comment

What do you do with all those Christmas Photo Cards you’ve just received?

Before you put all your Christmas Crafting Supplies away…

I have one last project for you to make.

The Beloved Christmas Photo Card.

I love annual Christmas photo cards and how it shows how your family changes from

one year to the next. I have a hard time throwing them away after the season is over.

What do you do with them besides putting them in a box?

This year, I finally decided to make an album to put them in.

The album had to be simple so that I can easily add the next years’ photo cards and easy

enough that I would actually do it.

This is how I made it…

I started with two 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ pieces of white matboard and two 12″ x 12″ pieces of Christmas Scrapbook paper.
I used my Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the scrapbook paper before adhering it to the matboard. I added the second piece of scrapbook paper to the other side of the matboard.
I used my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* to create the words and cut them from Glittered Self Adhesive Vinyl from StyleTechCraft.
I added a small Christmas chipboard sticker on the front of the album to add dimension.
Punch a hole in the top of the matboard covers with a Crop-A-Dile Punch*.
Align the Photo Cards with the top cover and use a pencil to draw a mark on the card so you’ll know where to punch the hole.
Using a large book ring, I added my cards to my album with the most recent photo cards on top.

For your convenience here’s these are the products I used:

*Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Red Buffalo Plaid Hot Chocolate Bar

December 16, 2019January 7, 2021Leave a comment

Fun and Easy Red Buffalo Plaid Party Ideas

The theme for this year’s Sue’s Holiday Workshop was “Mad for Plaid”.

To add to the fun of the event, I created a Red Buffalo Plaid Hot Chocolate Bar.

The Hot Chocolate Bar was simple to put together and was a big hit.

The most important part of the Hot Chocolate bar is the Hot Chocolate.

I went back and forth trying to decide on how I wanted to present the Hot Chocolate.

There are so many recipes online for delicious hot chocolate.

Because this was a “creative event”, I went with a little more creative approach. (and simple)

For my Hot Chocolate Jars…

I found little tiny mason jars at Michaels Craft Store. I created labels for the jars using a

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* and Red Glossy Craft Vinyl from

StyleTechCraft. I applied my labels onto the jars using Vinyl Transfer Tape* .

I tied a small plaid chipboard house made from Eileen Hull’s House Ornament Die*

with twine around the neck of the jar.

The jars were filled with enough Hot Chocolate mix for one individual serving.

They make a great party favor, and the guest gets to take home a cute little jar.

I put all the jars on the bottom of a plain black two-tiered metal stand.

I applied Red Buffalo Plaid Washi Tape* around the rim.

This little detail helped make it stand out and added to the theme.

On the top of the metal stand I added spoons, mini chocolate chips, candy canes.

I also left a place for a can of whipped cream (not yet added to this picture).

For the Table…

I used a black tablecloth for the base of my table and cut a red buffalo plaid runner from

plaid flannel. (Sew Simple…I didn’t even sew the edges.)

It’s a really quick and inexpensive way to create the look

Air Pots filled with Hot Water made making the Hot Chocolate easy and mess-free.

For a vintage feel, I used large mason jars filled with extra hot chocolate mix,

extra marshmallows, and caramels.

I picked up the Buffalo Plaid Insulated Coffee Cups* and Red Buffalo Plaid Party Supplies* online.

A Hot Chocolate Bar would not be complete without frosted sugar cookies.

My sweet daughter in law baked these sugar cookies from my favorite sugar cookie recipe.

You can see the sugar cookie recipe here.

(The little red bird was made using an Easter Chick cookie cutter.)

I made the Holiday Hot Chocolate Sign by painting a wood bracket sign with black chalkboard

paint. I used a Silhouette Cut SVG file from the Silhouette Store and my Silhouette Cameo

Electronic Die Cutting Machine* and resized the image to fit my sign.

I used red and white glossy craft vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

To complete the fun, I had fun Red Buffalo Plaid Themed Photo Props*.

I used Red and Black Buffalo Plaid wrapping paper on the background wall.

A fun way to break the ice and get the party started.

Red Buffalo Plaid Party Supplies Available on Amazon.

How to make a Red Buffalo Plaid Frame

December 13, 2019December 12, 2019Leave a comment

How to Make a Red Buffalo Plaid Frame

Products Used:

Directions:

Lightly sand wood frame with a sanding block to smooth the frame and remove any oils and imperfections.
Paint frame with DecoArt Americana Country Red Acrylic Paint*. (allow paint to dry)

Add strips of painter’s tape onto the frame to make stripes. Rub your finger over the tape to make sure that the tape is securely on the frame and has no gaps.
Paint inside the stripes with black paint. Be careful not to apply the paint too thick. Only one thin coat of paint is needed.

Remove painter’s tape.
Allow black paint to fully dry before continuing to the next step.

Rotate the frame and apply the tape in the opposite direction. Make sure the tape is securely on the frame.
Paint additional stripes.

Lightly sand the frame after dry. Sanding brings out the woodgrain and helps to hide any little imperfection.
Wipe the frame smooth with a clean cloth.
Apply the Carta Bella Christmas Market Chipboard Accents to front of frame.

The Red Buffalo Plaid Frame was made in Sue’s 2019 Holiday Workshop.

The Carta Bella Christmas Market Collection*

Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*

DIY Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe from recycled materials

December 11, 2019April 25, 2024Leave a comment

Creating a Snow Globe from a Mini Ketchup Bottle

A little Holiday up-cycling project for my fellow collectors (aka savers).

When you order room service at some hotels you get these little glass condiment jars.

When my husband used to travel he’d occasional bring them home. (I’ve trained him well.)

Add in a few miscellaneous supplies and I had the start of a cute little snow globe.

There are several options to use as a base. Old hardware pieces, vintage Jello molds.

Materials Used:

Mini Glass Condiment Bottle
Old Hardware Piece (mine is a escutcheon plate)
Rust-Oleum Spray Paint in Colonial Red*
Super Glue*
Craft Pine Stem*
Fine Grit Sandpaper*
Buttons
Snowflake
Extra Fine Crystal Diamond Glitter* or Clear Micro Beads*

Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

To Make the Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe:

I gave the brass piece and the lid of the ketchup bottle a light sanding and sprayed it with Rust-Oleum Spray Paint in Colonial Red*. (my favorite red) It might take a couple coats.
This was the hard part for me. Allow the paint to fully dry before handling. (trust me)
Using Super Glue*, glue a small bottle brush Christmas tree (found at most craft stores) on the inside of the ketchup bottle lid. Make sure that the base of the tree is not larger than the opening of the bottle.
Glue large flat button to the bottom of the jar. (or is it the top of the snow globe) Glue a decorative button to the white button to add height and extra prettiness.
Add a small amount of white glitter or fake snow to your bottle and screw on the lid with Christmas tree.
Glue ketchup bottle lid to painted brass base using Super Glue*
Wrap a Craft Pine Stem* around the neck of the bottle and glue in place.
Tie a ribbon around neck of bottle.
Glue small snowflake embellishment.

If you liked my Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe check out my Christmas in a Pickle Jar.

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow me

This Christmas Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*

Nick and Warren and the December Orange Art Box

December 10, 2019February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Nick and Warren and the December Orange Art Box

It’s always fun crafting with these two monkeys. Always a lot of silliness and smiles.

When we finally got a chance to work on the December Box, I had picked them up right after

they got off the school bus. They were especially wound up.

I had to threaten Warren that he couldn’t be in the video if he wouldn’t stop

talking about naked bellies and of course showing me.

Then once we got going he gave me a sweet little song included at the end of the video.

Another Bonus…

I get to give away a Orange Art Box to one lucky kid. (details at the bottom of this post)

Please enjoy our cheesy little video.

The December Orange Art Box was all about “Artic Friends”.

The December Orange Art Box included modeling clay, markers, card kits, postcards, bookmarks, glue, yarn to make tassels, and an instruction book that show the kids how to draw and make the animals.

All silliness aside the boys had a great time creating.

If you have a creative kid in your life and are looking for a unique and special gift

this Holiday, you may want to look into the Orange Art Box a subscription Art Box for kids.

“This is a sponsored post. I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.”

Always in my heart ❤️

December 4, 2019January 7, 2021Leave a comment

A Christmas Ornament with Special Meaning.

The holidays are especially hard for people who have lost loved ones.

The year I lost my Dad, right before Christmas, I found it really hard to celebrate.

I found myself just going through the motions.

This year, I decided to make a special ornament to place on my tree to remind me

that my loved ones will always be in my heart.

At Christmas Time and Every Day.

To make my ornament…

I used a simple whitewashed wood ornament that I picked up at Michael’s.

I cut the words “Always in my Heart” using my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* out of matte black self adhesive vinyl from Styletech Craft.

Directions:

Using an electronic die cutting machine, I cut the words.
Using a weeding tool carefully remove the negative spaces in and around the letters.
Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the letters. Rub over the letters using a vinyl scraper tool to help the vinyl cling
Apply words onto the whitewashed wood heart.

A simple little ornament and a whole lot of love.

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Simple Country Christmas Vase

December 3, 2019August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Simple Country Christmas Vase

Create a sweet Country Christmas Vase with a little help using Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters.

Supplies Used:

Joy White Baby Monogram Iron On Embroidered Letters*
Small Woodslice with Drilled Hole*
DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface Red Hot Acrylic Paint*
Ball Quart Mason Jar*
Ivory Spray Paint
Sanding Block*
Beacon 3-in-1 Craft Glue*
Ribbon (Michaels Craft Store)
Red Berries Stems*
Greenery
Small Wood Star

*Disclosure… This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Directions:

Spray the mason jar with a couple coats of ivory colored spray paint.

2. After the paint has dried, lightly sand the jar to remove the paint off the letters.

3. Drill a hole on the top of a small wood slice and paint the center with red acrylic paint.
4. Glue the embroidered letters and wood star onto the wood slice with craft glue.
5. Tie ribbon around the neck of the jar and add embellished wood slice.

You can find a wide selection of Joy® embroidered iron-on letters and alphabet sheets in different sizes at your local craft stores.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Joy® Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*

The Gift of Organization

December 2, 2019June 28, 2024Leave a comment

The Gift of Organization

I’m a little bit of an Organization nut.

I like things to be neat and tidy. (I’m sure I’m not the only one.)

With the holidays around the corner, for that hard to buy person,

why not give the gift of organization.

I like to use the Deflecto Interlocking Single Tilt Bins* all around the house.

I figured everyone else might like them too.

You could give the bins as is or fill them up for the ultimate gift.

Add a bow and your set to go.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

For the Kids

Craft supplies, playdoh, Legos, the list could go on and on.

In the Bathroom

Hair ties, make up…Clear up the clutter on the bathroom counter.

In the Garage (or Mancave)

for the golfer in my life.

In the Baby’s Room

A great gift for the new mother.

In the Craft Room

The bins are interlocking and stackable.

Great for little storage needs in the garage, craft room, nursery, kitchen, and even the kid’s room.

Wherever you need a little extra storage.

The nice thing about the interlocking single tilt bins* is that you can use just one or use

several. You can also hang them on the wall or use them with a mounting bar*.

Disclosure…“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided compensation and product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*

It’s Orange Friday!

November 29, 2019February 9, 2023Leave a comment

The boys always love receiving their Orange Art Box.

It’s something we look forward to getting and working on together. Because it’s FUN!

I wanted to share an opportunity for you to get an awesome deal on the Orange Art Box.

If you have a creative kid in your life, this will make a great Christmas present!

*Ad Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Disclaimer: “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Orange Art Box Makers I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

A Merry Little Holiday House

November 26, 2019November 19, 2022Leave a comment

How to make A Merry Little Holiday House.

A cute little holiday decoration using the Eileen Hull House Ornament Die.

Perfect for gift giving. Just add a small battery operated tea light and see it glow.

A Merry Little House Supplies Used: (*affiliate links)

Directions:

Cut two pieces of Red and Black Buffalo Plaid paper 6″ x 8″.
Run both pieces of paper design side up through the Xyron Creative Station*. As the paper moves through the Creative Station it adds adhesive to the underneath side of the paper. You get full and complete adhesive covering on the paper.
Cut two pieces of Mat Board* 6″ x 8″.
Adhere the buffalo plaid paper onto each one of the mat board. (underneath will be plain)

Lay covered matboard on top of the house ornament die and sandwich it between two sizzix cutting plates. Run the die, mat board and cutting plates through the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*. The Big Shot will cut out the house shape and two tiny houses that you can use on a later project.
Cut two houses shapes.

A Merry Little Holiday House bits and pieces.

Carefully fold on the scored lines.
Cut off the top tab with the two holes on both houses. (This tab is used if you want to make it an ornament.)
You will also need to cut the bottom flap from one of the houses.
Use Super Glue to assemble the house. Glue all sides of the house together before gluing the roof tabs. Leave bottom tab unglued so that you can add a small battery operated tea light.

For the Roof: Cut a piece of Black Corrugated paper 2 1/2″ x 4″. Fold in half and glue to top of the roof.
Place two small pieces of white matboard over the window section of the ornament house die and run through the big shot die cutting machine. Trim around matboard to create two small windows. Glue windows frames onto house.

Add the “Merry” chipboard sticker from the Christmas Market Chipboard Accents to the front of the house.
Make wreath out of a 6″ piece of the craft pine stem.
Create a small bow from the red twine and glue onto front of wreath.
Glue wreath to front of the house.

Carta Bella Christmas Market Collection* (available on Amazon)

Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*