DIY Wood Gingerbread House

December 17, 2023December 16, 2023Leave a comment

Is it me, or is there even more Gingerbread House projects this year?

I’ve been seeing so many cute ones.

So…I decided why not jump on the Gingerbread House

Trend with one of my last crafty Holiday projects this season.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

I found this wood house shape at Dollar Tree* earlier this year.

Next, I needed to deconstruct the house.

With patience, I removed the wood heart and house trim

using a craft knife*. After removing the gingham fabric from the

wood house, I sanded the house smooth with a palm sander*.

*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!

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

In my workshop, I have a jar of wooden holiday pieces.

I thought these would be perfect for my Gingerbread House.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

I painted the house and all the pieces using acrylic paint.

I outlined and doodled on the house and wood pieces using a white paint pen*.

It was fun and relaxing, but my doodling skills could definitely use a little work.

The Gingerbread House makes a cute addition to my Holiday Decorations.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

With just one week until Christmas Eve…

I always wish I could have made more projects.

But, I have to remind myself there’s always next year.

Here’s to taking time and enjoying the rest of the Holiday Season.

How to make a Mini Christmas Dollhouse

December 13, 2023December 12, 2023Leave a comment

Mini Christmas Dollhouse-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3502

How to make a Miniature Christmas House using a Dollar Tree Dollhouse*.

On Instagram the other day, I saw a reel by Jessica Grant on how to make a

Gingerbread House using a Dollhouse she purchased at Dollar Tree*.

(It was so adorable, you need to check it out.)

Dollar Tree Dollhouse

I love miniatures, doll houses, and Christmas.

So, of course, I had to run over the next day and pick up a couple for myself.

There were two different dollhouses* to choose from. (I bought one of each.)

How to make a Dollar Tree Dollhouse into a Miniature Christmas House.

The house was simple to dissasemble, which makes it perfect for painting.

How to make a Dollar Tree Dollhouse into a Miniature Christmas House.

I spray painted the pink house white, the roof gray, and the windows and doors gold.

It’s important to use a paint that sticks well to plastic.

Because I am an impatient crafter and couldn’t’ wait to put it together,

I have a few scratches on my house.

I sealed the paint on my house with a clear matte finish sealer*.

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

I also picked up these fairy lights* while I was there.

I’m not sure if I’m going to use them or not.

The pink of the original dollhouse shows through when the lights are on.

(I should have given the house an additional coat of paint.)

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

As a crafter, I have a stash of Christmas miniatures I’ve collected over the years.

They really came in handy this time. (You can always check out your local craft store.)

I glued them onto the front of the house using Rapid Fuse All Purpose Adhesive*.

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

I’m in love with this Christmas Dollhouse.

It looks so real. I want to live in that house.

Christmas Quilt Card

December 11, 2023Leave a comment

Christmas Quilt Card

Christmas Quilt Card

Have you finished sending out your Christmas Cards yet?

I’m close to being done, but if you’re not, here’s a last-minute

card using Eileen Hull’s Mini Slimline & Tickets Die Set by Sizzix*

Christmas Quilt Card

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

666277 Sizzix Mini Slimline & Tickets Die Set by Eileen Hull*
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
Happy Christmas Sticker Book from Carta Bella*
Happy Christmas 6″ x 6″ Paper Pad from Carta Bella*
Thin 3D Foam Squares*
Double Sided Tape Roller*
Cardstock: White, Rose, Green

Christmas Quilt Card

I know the pieces of the die are technically tickets. I think when it’s all assembled, it looks like a quilt. (so there you have it!)
I used paper from the “Happy Christmas” Paper Pad* to cut three bases.

Christmas Quilt Card

I adhered one base to the die-cut layer. The others, I cut apart. I used those to create a patchwork base.

Christmas Quilt Card

I used stickers from the Happy Christmas Sticker Book* to embellish the front of the card.
Here’s a simple tip I learned from a class I took from Mrs Grossman (of Mrs. Grossman Sticker Company) many years ago. To make stickers die-cuts, brush baby powder on the back to remove the stickiness.

Christmas Quilt Card

The Slimline Ticket die would make a great card for any occasion.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas

December 1, 2023February 2, 2024Leave a comment

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas.

Are you hosting a Christmas Party this year and looking for a fun theme?

How about a cute Gnome Themed Party?

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

From Gnome Party Goods on Amazon* to decorations from Dollar Tree*,

Gnomes are so popular you can find them everywhere.

Seriously, who can resist these Whimsical Woodland Creatures?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I’ll be Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop…

For the last several years, I’ve hosted a Holiday Crafting Workshop.

Because I was feeling a little Gnomish this year, I went with a Gnome theme.

We made Gnome themed cards and Holiday Decorations.

It was so much fun planning the projects and decorations.

(If you would like to learn more about the Holiday Workshop click here.)

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Personalized Gnome Themed Gift Bags

When hosting a party or event, you need a few gift/loot bags to match the theme.

I created these Gnome themed gift bags using a

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*

and StyleTechCraft Adhesive Vinyl*.

The bags held everything they would need to make the projects.

The Gnome SVG Cut files came from The Silhouette Store.

“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.

I'll be Gnome for Christmas-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3163

Gnome Themed Aprons

Keeping with the theme and making a statement!

How cute are these?

We made matching Aprons using Heat Transfer Vinyl from StyleTechCraft*.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Using Heat Transfer Vinyl…

It was my first time using HTV vinyl*, and I was pleasantly pleased

with how easy it was. I used a regular iron to press the vinyl

onto the Black Aprons* found on Amazon*.

Tip: Remember to mirror the image if it has words.

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Gnome Christmas Cookies

No Holiday Gathering would be complete without a few Christmas Cookies.

I found this cute Gnome Cookie Stamp at Homegoods and couldn’t resist.

The Gnome Cookies turned out adorable and tasted so good.

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Are you looking for a yummy Christmas Cookie Recipe?

Here’s the recipe my mom gave me as a new bride many years ago.

I have made them every year since. (A Family Favorite!)

Enjoy!

SUE’S FAVORITE SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE

1- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter or margarine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2- 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream sugar & butter, add egg & flavoring, mix thoroughly.
Sift dry ingredients together and stir in. (I dump)
Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Heat oven to 375°.
Divide dough in half & roll out on lightly floured pastry sheet.
Roll thin, but thick enough to pick up the design with the cookie cutters.
Dip cookie cutter into flour before each cutting. Cut as many cookies from each rolling as possible. The least amount of working with the dough gives the best cookie.
Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7 to 8 min. or until delicately golden.

For the Glaze I dump around a cup of powdered sugar into a bowl. Add a dash of vanilla. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you want. (hint: not too runny)

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Supplies Used to make the Gift Bag and Apron: (*affiliate links)

Upcycled Brass Christmas Ornament

November 29, 2023Leave a comment

A Simple Christmas Ornament Make Over.

I ran across a couple of brass Christmas Ornaments from several years ago.

I was cleaning out my excess Christmas decorations when I found them.

I first threw them away before retrieving them from the trash.

They’re not especially valuable.

Simple Christmas Ornament Makeover

They were a 1982 Norman Rockwell promotional ornament from McDonald’s.

Because 1982 was a significant year (for me) I couldn’t throw them away.

So, I decided to try painting them. (I had nothing to lose.)

Simple Christmas Ornament Makeover

Here’s what I did to update the ornament:

Lightly sand the ornament with an extra fine sanding block* to remove dirt and grim.
The sanding smoothed the ornament and removed the brassy gold finish. Sanding also made the ornament silver, which I liked better.
Paint the ornament with a multi-Media paint* that will adhere to the metal.
I used Deco Art’s Multi-Media Paint in Birch.
Once the paint dries, lightly sand the ornament to expose the details.
While sanding, I made sure not to remove all the white paint from the face of the ornament. I like the “snowy look” of the white.
It’s also probably a good idea to spray the ornament with a matte spray sealer*.

Now the ornament looks great and compliments the other decorations on my Christmas Tree.

Buy Your Crafting Supplies Now at Dollar Tree starting at $1.25!

Santa’s Letter Box

November 20, 2023November 20, 20233 Comments

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die

Create a Holiday Mailbox for letters to Santa using the Sizzix Slotted Treat Box Die by Eileen Hull*.

A fun project to make for Christmas!

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die by Eileen Hull.

To say I have a lot of Holiday Scrapbook paper would be a understatement!

Paper crafters have a tendency to “save” their special scrapbook paper

for just the right project.

We also have a tendency to hoard said special paper.

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die by Eileen Hull.

Sometimes its fun to use what you have on hand.

I dug deep into my hoarded Graphic 45 Christmas Scrapbook paper

to make the Santa Letter Box.

One of my favorite tips…

Before I die-cut the mat board, I like to use the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the paper. It gives the paper a complete layer of adhesive with no bubbles. It really is easy to use.

Santa's Letter Box

When making the Santa Letter Box…

I adapted the box by adding 1″ strips of matboard* around the existing box lid. The extra strips allowed the box to have a lip that fits over the edge of the box.

Santa's Letter Box

I added three additional layers of graduated sized matboard to the lid for dimension using foam tape.
I glued thrifted gold cording around each layer to cover the Foam Tape*.
A wood knob painted red completes the lid.

Santa's Letter Box

For the base of the letter box, I used an old metal lamp base.

(At least, that’s what I think it is.)

We found it in my Dad’s garage while cleaning it out a few years ago.

It’s fun to use old things in unusual ways.

Santa's Letter Box

The Santa Letter Box adds a little Christmas Magic to your Holiday Decorating.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Sizzix Slotted Treat Box Die by Eileen Hull*
Big Shot Plus Manual Die-Cutting Machine*
Sizzix White Matboard*
Holiday Scrapbook Paper
Xyron Creative Station*
Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Vintage Photo*
Ink Applicator*
Black Foam Tape*
Gold Cord
Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue*
Wood Knob
Vintage Base from an old lamp

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

How to Create a “Merry” Holiday Banner

November 3, 2023November 2, 2023Leave a comment

How to make a “Merry” Banner to add to your Holiday Decorations.

Now that the weather has turned cooler, I’m starting to plan my Holiday decorating.

If you love banners and quick and easy projects, this one’s for you.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Directions:

Cut the scrapbook paper slightly larger than the wood banner pieces.
Place the scrapbook paper design side up in the Xyron Creative Station®*.

Turn the handle of the Creative Station to run the paper through. As it runs through, it adds complete adhesive covering on the underneath side of the paper.

Adhere the paper onto the front of the Wood Banner.
Place the Wood Banner onto the Cutting Mat* and cut the excess paper using a Craft Knife*.
Use a Sanding Block* to smooth any rough edges.

I cut the letters “MERRY” using the Fresh Mix Font from the Silhouette Store and a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

Lay the Transfer paper over the vinyl and gently rub with a vinyl scraper tool.

Place the Vinyl Transfer Tape* and vinyl onto the banner.
Rub over Vinyl Transfer Tape* and gently remove from the vinyl.

Paint the wood beads with red and green acrylic paint.
String the banner and wood beads onto ribbon or twine.

I wanted to keep the banner pieces simple.

But you could add Holiday Flowers and embellishments to make it special.

“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.

“Gnome for Christmas” 2023 Holiday Workshop

September 27, 2023Leave a comment

“Gnome for Christmas” Holiday Workshop

Saturday November 11th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Looking for a jumpstart to the Holiday Season? Join me for a fun day of Christmas Crafting in lovely, historic downtown Washington, IL.

In the workshop we will be making a variety of fun Holiday projects:

Holiday Cards using Echo Park’s Gnome for Christmas Collection
Holiday Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull’s Notepad Die
Christmas Tea Folder
3D Hot Cocoa Stand Card
Yarn Santa Gnome Ornament
Mini Farmhouse Christmas Door Hanger

The Cost of the Workshop is only $40 which includes class materials*, lunch, and prizes.

(*a list of basic supplies will be provided before the workshop)

The workshop is held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in their spacious Family Life Center.

For more information or to sign up email me at suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.com

a little Pocket Full of Holiday Cheer

July 18, 20231 Comment