I am always thinking of new gift ideas for special people in my life.  This week is teacher appreciation week, and my kids teachers are pretty special people and deserve to be treated extra specially.

I came up with the idea of using a wood initial and mounting it onto scrapbook paper, then framing it.

Start by painting the wood letter.  I used a metallic brown spray paint.  A tip for painting…I usually use old newspaper to catch the over spray.  To keep whatever I am painting from sticking to the newspaper, I place a few pennies under the item being painted.  It is an inexpensive way to raise the item just enough so that it doesn’t stick, and I usually have pennies at my house.

Glue a 12×12 piece of scrapbook paper to a thick piece of cardboard.  I used a quick drying Tacky Glue.

Next, glue the initial to the scrapbook paper.  For this, I used E6000 glue.  Be sure not to over glue the back of the wood initial.  If too much glue is squeezed out, it will leak out under the initial and show clumps of glue around the edges of the initial.  Be sure to allow the E6000 glue to thoroughly dry before moving on with this project.

Remove the piece of glass from the frame.  You won’t be needing this, so you can save it for another fun project.  Now frame the scrapbook covered cardboard and initial.  You have created a beautiful gift for someone.

Happy framing…

“Wonder what I will come up with next”…

I created some aprons as gifts.  I started with a pre-made apron purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I added an iron on initial and a fun bow with a buckle.  A very easy gift that ANYONE can create!

This is a darling iron on initial that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  Follow the iron on instructions on the package.

To create the buckle bow, start by threading the ribbon through the bar, as shown above.

Next, loop the ribbon back under the bar on both sides, as shown above.  At this point, you can either make stitches to keep the ribbon in place, or use a quick drying fabric glue.

Turn the bow over, and add a rhinestone embellishment, as shown above.

This will make a fun gift for all little girls that like to help their Mommy’s in the kitchen!

Happy creating…

“Wonder what I will come up with next”…

I published the “how to” for these back in March under “Gift Ideas”, but here is another version that can be easily created.

Start with a new paint can (these can be purchased at Home Depot).  Cover the can with fun coordinating scrapbook paper.  Add ribbon and embellishments and you are done.  On the lid I used a drawer knob.  I drilled a hole in the lid with a drill, then screwed on the knob.

Happy canning…

“Wonder what I will come up with next”…

I love these!  They are so darling and make the best gifts.  I posted how to make them back in March (see post under Decor), but wanted to show some new variations.

I am going to use them as teacher Halloween gifts, but you can create them for any occasion.

Happy Creating…

Wonder what I will come up with next”…

As I have stated before, I love using glass jars for many things.  I store ribbon in them, wrap them in tissue paper, and make hanging tealight lanterns with them.  The beautiful thing about glass jars is that they are free!  Simply save the food jars you have emptied.  You will be amazed how many you can save from the recycle bin, and all of the fun things you can do with them!

For this hanging lantern, you will need a jar (of course), zip ties, wire (I used 20 gauge from Joann’s), ribbon, glue, round tip pliers, and a tealight.

Start by cutting 2 pieces of wire the length you want your handle to be, with extra for the curl (approximately 12″).  Loop the wire at the top with the round pliers.  Form an arch with the wire and secure it to the jar with the zip tie.

Use the round pliers to curl the ends of the wire that are hanging below the zip tie.  This will not only add cuteness, it will also prevent the wire from slipping under the zip tie.

Cut the extra part of the zip tie.  Measure the circumference of the jar and cut the ribbon accordingly.  Be sure to leave extra for overlap.  Glue the ribbon around the jar using Tacky glue.

Cut a piece of a coordinating ribbon and fold over twice to create a bow.  Glue the ends and center.

Glue the bow to the lantern and add a rhinestone.

Add the tealight, and your lantern is ready to be hung, or given as a gift.

Happy jarring…

“Wonder what I will come up with next”…