On the 12th Day of Christmas

Merry Christmas Glass Pebble Magnet Tin

So I did this quick and if I were really doing it to give away I would have taken a bit more time and dolled it up just a bit more. Additionally, my rub-ons didn't want to rub on and I'm not sure why, so I should have cleaned them off and used white Staz-On and stamped something, but I SHOULD be wrapping presents or sleeping. . . ha, ha, ha.

I also didn't have any really clear pebbles. You can find them much clearer than the one I had in my craft cupboard. Other ideas would be LOVE YOU with some hearts, the receiver's name. . .Tic, Tac, Toe pieces, etc.

So How do you make it?






I hope you'll try one and post back so I can see. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and that you enjoye my 12 Days of Christmas. It didn't turn out exaclty as I had hoped and there unfinished projects I can't wait to still do! I'll try and transpose them to Valentine's Day or Easter. . . or there is always next year, which is only 367 days away!

P.S. Everyone who has posted on my 12 Days Projects will be entered to win a little blog candy. You have until January 31st to post. Winner will be notified if they have a blog profile with email or blog links OR an email address/blog/web-site in their post! Good Luck and again, MERRY CHRISTMAS! May you and yours be blessed with the spirit of love this Christmas.

On the 11th Day Of Christmas

Neatly Wrapped Christmas Carmels:


Obviously not as much paper craft as kitchen craft, but I did stamp the tags and use ribbon! LOL! Not the project I had planned for today, but I forgot a design team assignment that was due (gulp) yesterday! As a result my stamping time today was used for that project which I will post AFTER CHRISTMAS as it involves a lot of pink and hearts. . . yup, Valentine's Day!

I promised my Carmel Recipe and here it is. I think I made 20 pounds this year! No joke! I made 2 pans a day for 7 days and I have 5 pieces left. I'm going to have to make another pan for my family or they may never wrap carmels again!

Soft Carmels:

1 C Butter
1 C White Sugar
1 C Brown Sugar
1 C Karo Syrup
1 C Sweetened Condensed Milk
Vanilla
Nuts (optional)

Put all ingredients in HEAVY sauce pan and stir over medium low heat for DAYS! Just kidding. . . It takes about 20 minutes per pan. DO NOT DOUBLE. Once your mixture is boiling and bubbly and smelling really, really good, you put in your candy thermometer. Cook to 238' for soft carmels, 240' for chewy carmels and 242-245 if you prefer carmels you can suck on for days. Add vanilla and stir like crazy while you pour in a butter flavor crisco greased glass pan of either 8X8 or 9X13 size. If you are adding nuts do it with the vanilla. Allow to cool at room temperature for a while. You may then refrigerate or put outside in the snow if you are lucky enough to have snow. At room temperature cut and wrap in waxed paper.

So here's a few more pictures of the carmels we'll be dolling out tomorrow! Betting you wished you lived closer!!!

On the 10th Day of Christmas

Joy Wall Hanging




So I'm cheating. I made this last year, but I found it on my computer and I'm taking the easy way out. With all the tutorials I've posted on covering coasters and chipboard you should get the idea! I used embossing on the JOY and inked the edges with gold metalic paint. The circles are tied together with ribbon. I made MANY last year and gave them all away! I didn't even keep one for myself!

On the 9th Day of Christmas

A Chipboard Mini Desk Frame

Don't laugh at the photo's I used. . . These are from Christmas 2004 and we didn't use digital yet... I wanted Christmas pictures for this project and they were the first set I came across. Poor pathetic photos of Christmas that year! Let me just say that I am SO THANKFUL for digital!!!

You will need: Chipboard squares/circles or whatever with centers you can use to put pictures in, some photos that will fit in the frames once cropped, adhesive, paper, scissors, a sanding block is helpful, some small embellishments and that's it!

This is an example of what the CTMH ones I used look like:


First you will cover all of your chipboard frames with paper. You will do this in these 3 steps:





Then, to simply the cropping process, put adhesive on the back of your now covered frames and place it on the photo like so:

If you are going to attach any ribbon or embellishments to the frame, do it BEFORE you adhere the frame to your photo. Once adhered, trim to fit! It's easier to cut from the front, even though your inclination is to turn it over and trim from the back.
For both the rough edges on paper cuts and the photo, a little sanding and ink will hide imperfections and add dimension as well!

Score 2 of the covered frames in the middle and fold for the "stand" and adhere like this:


Assemble and Embellish! This is a close-up to show the glitter I put on all of the holly berries. I initially stapled my frames together but didn't like it so I stitched with waxed linen instead!


While I made this a Christmas set, you could do Baby, Mother's Day or any other theme. I plan on using this as a page embellishment once I'm done with it sitting on my desk!

On the 8th Day of Christmas

Treat Pails! Stampendous makes these adorable clear pails. They come in 2 sizes, but I prefer these pint size. Jen carries them at J4FUNand they aren't expensive at all!


This wasn't a project I had planned, but my CTMH Secret Sister (you know who you are!) sent me the Queen and Company Felt self-adhesive ribbon (which I've secretly wanted, but haven't splurged on!) The second I saw it and the star pattern I knew I had to make treat pails to hold my homemade carmels and truffles. The truffles I make are the really easy Kraft Recipe ones. The carmels I make are to die for! The recipe will be posted on my blog, but not tonight! I made the topper with scraps left over from other holiday projects and the cute Paper Trey Ink Stamp set called Holiday Treats. So, if you're looking for a cute way to package your holiday goodies this month (or any other small gift too) this is a fast, simple project that you can make too!

Nativity Secret Santa

This is the Willow Tree Nativity and has been a long time favorite of mine, although I'm yet to own one piece! Someday I'd like to have it. I posted the other day about our Secret Santa (which we are still amazed by and enjoying! Love the rusty metal ornaments and the reindeer craft, in case you are reading! So Mikensee wanted to do one herself but she has $20 to her name, so I told her it might be tough. . . then I read a story about a woman who received a nativity set piece by piece only to find that Baby Jesus was a wrapped gift given to her by a friend early in the season and had been placed under the tree and forgotten. . . well, anyway, I was at Wal-Mart and found a Nativity already marked down, so I bought it. The kids and I prayed and picked a family and we are now delivering their nativity over today and the next 5 days. This is the poem we are using and I made simple tags to attach to each gift. It goes like this:

Day 1: In Bethlehem one special day, a couple sought a place to stay. The inns were full, there was no space. They could not find a resting place. . .
(We delivered the Stable/Creche tonight.)
Day 2: A kind inkeeper smiled and said his stable could be used instead. The stable creatures all felt blessed. Tonight they had a special guest. The little lambs so soft and white watched quietly that special night. (We will deliver the animals. . . a sheep, donkey and cow.)
Day 3: The woman Mary soon gave birth, she brough God's son into the earth. Shepherds on a lonely hill, saw a sight that made them still. Angels came to share great joy, announcing Mary's baby boy. (We will deliver Mary and Joseph, although the angel would go here too, but our set has the angel on the creche.)
Day 4: "The world now has a newborn King." "Go worship him!" They heard them sing. The Angels told where Jesus lay. A shining star would guide their way. (We will deliver the Shepherds.)
Day 5: And in the East a shining star, led three wise men from afar. The wisemen each brought gifts to share. They honor Jesus with a prayer. (We will deliver the wisemen.)
Day 6 - Christmas: Today we celebrate that night, when God's love brought new world new light. (We will deliver baby Jesus.)

This could be broken up into 24/25 lines and the set divided further. . . or you could do it in 12 (although our set has 13 pieces.) Either way, or anyway, I think its going to be great fun for the family receiving it and we are paying it forward from our Secret Santa!

On The 7th Day of Christmas

Wall Hanging Card Holder/Future Scrapbook Page to Hold Whatever Christmas Thingy!



Okay, so I really should have official titles for this stuff, but as I was creating, I really did think that I can use it for a scrapbook page and put my favorite Christmas pictures and maybe the kids' letters to Santa. . . or maybe all of the cute little wallet and family photos that I receive in my Christmas cards this year. Either way it was fun to make and would be a great gift too!

I didn't do an official tutorial for this project, but I'm happy to answer any questions if you have any after you look at it! It essentially has 3 pockets and a ribbon tie so it can be hung up for display. Ideal to stick Christmas Cards in as they stuff your mailbox!



As a side note, I realize that I actually skipped a day in my 12 days, but I promise I won't short you on the projects nor will you be disappointed with the little goodies I still have coming your way. This will be done before Santa arrives at your house with his reindeer pulled sleigh! So if you're still looking for last minute gifts you can make (or keep) stay tuned!

On the 6th Day Of Christmas

Coaster and Chipboard Christmas Wreath


This is one of the FIRST projects I wanted to do when I decided to do this 12 Days of Christmas Gifts and Goodies. So it's only day 6 and it's finally real! I'm really happy with how this turned out and hope you enjoy it too!

Okay, so this is what you need (my photo of this stinks, so you just get this list!)

1. Coasters (from Just4FunCrafts) Click here This is one of the Design Teams I'm on, and Jen rocks, so give her some love! (I used 3.5 and 4" sizes)
2. Coordinating Paper Pack. I used Blitzen from Basic Grey
3. Rub-Ons and Embellishments, mine are from Just4FunCrafts.
4. Adhesive - I used Scotch Quick Dry Tacky from J4F
5. Chipboard Circles in varying sizes. Both of mine are from CTMH Basic Shapes which you can get on my site here
6. Scissors, Ruler, Paper Trimmer, Sanding Block and Optional Ink for the edges

1st decide on the size of wreath you want. Mine is 16" high. Draw a circle template on a scratch pad for your guide. I used a large platter for mine.



2nd Like on the jiffy pop tutorial you will want to cut squares of paper to cover the circles. Trim off the excess and sand the rough edges. Ink the edges if desired. A 4" circle coaster needs a 4" square of paper.


3rd Starting with your largest circles, lie them on your circle drawing and adhere your second largest circles to them, continue layering until you reach the top. Embellish as desired. For added stability I cut scrap chipboard and glued rectangles to attach the largest circles together with a bridge!

On the 5th Day of Christmas

This may or may not be my official 5th Day of Christmas Post, but seeing as I believe my 6 year old has an ear infection and the twins have a birthday party at Bounce U for their friend Chloe at 5 and Mike and I have an adult Christmas Party scheduled for 6:30, this may be all I can swing today. I still have some good projects lined up and may have to extend my 12 days to 15 days to cover them all, but we'll see!

So. . . here's an easy one for you! Random Stamped Gift Paper. This is actually brown butcher paper. I whipped these up last night for the gift exchange portion of our party this evening.

On the 4th Day of Christmas

Jiffy Pop Door Hanger/Mock Ornament Gift Thingy


Okay, so I don't have an official title. It is a thingy and it is made with Jiffy Pop, so can I leave it at that? A few years back I hunted high and low for these to make for Halloween gifts. They cost me like $2.25 each! I found these at the $1 Spot at Target the same day I found the baby socks (from my snow babies.) Anyway, I knew they would make adorable "mock" ornaments for Christmas gifts! I suppose you could hang it on your tree given its sturdy enough! So here's the 411 as my 10 year old would say!

1. You need this:



2. You must lift the rim and remove the ring.

3. Make a circle to cover and fit in the popcorn. I leave the original packaging intact so that one could actually use the popcorn. You could use the label as your template if you prefer to skip this step, but unless your receiver is at least 35 years old, they probably don't even know what Jiffy Pop is, let alone how to use it! LOL!!!


4. Cover the circle with adornments of your choice, adhere to your circle template. I keep them rectangular for simplicity. Turn it over and trim to fit your circle template.



5. Finish with your final embelishments and there you have it!



I hope you've enjoyed today's tutorial. If you are enjoying my 12 Days of Christmas, can you post a comment or two? Just like to know if I'm making you happy!

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

So, I had grand plans for today (and I still have 9 projects left to go), but I just couldn't get it done! So, you'll have to wait for another day for my grand plans, but hopefully you'll like this simple and fun idea! Reindeer Food! I've made buckets of these over the years for my children and their friends. Without exception, it is always a hit!



So I'm showing you the front and back so you can see just how easy these are! Print your Reindeer poem in a text box to fit the size of the bags you'll be using. You can use plain old zip lock bags if you want to! I used smaller bags with zip tops easily found in the candy departments of a craft store. Cut the topper, fold and stamp, ink and decorate! I used a 2 hole punch and wrapped ribbon through the front, crossed in the back and back through the front for a quick and easy seal!



Reindeer Food: Oats (any kind - Reindeer aren't picky) Glitter (any color - Reindeer have great eyes and the moon will definitely shine on Christmas eve!)

The Poem:

Magic Reindeer Dust

Use: December 24th

As Santa flies in from the North this year, this is what you'll do; just sprinkle this dust in your yard (it isn't hard to do!) The sparkles will surely catch Santa's eye. Oats attract Reindeer you know. Now go to sleep (and do it quick,) they'll be on their way. . . And listen for the bells you'll hear jingling on Santa's Sleigh!

Merry Christmas from the Funk Family

On the 2nd Day of Christmas

Tootsie Roll Wreaths (and ornaments too!)

For this fun and child friendly project you need:



Tootsie Roll Minis, Curling Ribbon (you can also use real ribbon, but it takes a lot!), a Macro me' ring in any size, a small gift tag and that's it!



So:
1. cut curling ribbon in 6" strips, tie the ends of tootsie roll wrappers to the wreath, curl the ends, add a loop for hanging and small gift tag and that's it!

I made a teeny tiny one for an ornament. My girls both made a 6" wreath for their primary teachers. . . When the receiver unwraps the tootsie rolls they can leave the wrappers and still have a wreath!

On the 1st Day of Christmas

Sour Cream Container Gift Ornaments! - So easy your kids can make them, so cute, you'll want to make many! Named for the silly little sour cream containers you get out with a baked potato, they don't hold sour cream at all!


You will need the items pictured below plus treats to go inside! The paper crimper is helpful in sealing the ornament, but is optional:


Trim your paper to any rectangle. I used a 4" X 5" rectangle in the example.

Place your adhesive in the approximate pattern shown on the back side of your patterned or stamped paper:



Peel off the backing for the adhesive on your left and bottom sections, leaving the top right adhesive strip in place. Roll the tube like a toilet paper roll adhering just the left side as shown:



Fill with goodies of your choice. My favorite are Holiday Mint M&M's!:


Next peel the remaining adhesive backing and seal to the opposite edge as the bottom seal:


Crimp Edges and punch your hole:


Add your decorated tag and ribbon, and voila:




These pictured are simple and complete in less than 5 minutes a piece. You can make these as fancy as you wish. Stamp your own paper, add trims and finishes! You can emboss and fancy them up or keep the simple with B&T as I've shown here! My daughter and I made about 30 of them last year and gave them as gift tags on presents and to her primary class. They're always fun and always a hit! Have fun and be sure to link back the ornaments you create!