Decorative Packaging

I absolutely love this idea!!!  I save even the smallest scraps of crafting materials.  This is a great way to use all the odds and ends Grosgrain, Satin, feather edge, sheer, printed, wired, holiday and decorative Ribbon you have accumulated  from making all these crafts   Well Maybe you have not made them all, but you do have a variety of ribbon.  Just start tying bows. There are no rules here, all types of ribbon will work.  I only wish I had found this before I took down my Christmas wreath.  It has been so cold that my wreath still looked great.  But all the decorations are down.  I plan to use this for next year.  You could use if for a Christmas wreath, or just remove the huge bow on the Christmas wreath and fill it with small red and white ones for Valentines Day!  I can even get real crazy and just buy a really nice artificial one and I can change my bows to fit the season!  My pine tree stays out in front of the house all year long, why cant I have an evergreen wreath up all year too?  Have fun and stop throwing away scraps of ribbon! 

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.   

Delicate Flowers and Ribbon

Flowers are a must on Valentine’s Day, but real flowers fade and wilt. Make this sweet little bundle of tissue paper carnations, they will last forever!

What you’ll need:

• Pink tissue paper, cut into 7″ x 3″ rectangles (2 per flower)
• Pink and purple chenille stems
• Scissors
• Thin white satin ribbon
• card stock or construction paper

How to make it:

1. Take two tissue paper rectangles and lay them one on top of the other so that that line up exactly.
2. Cut ½” wide slits along the long edge about half way up the tissue paper.
3. Cut a one-inch piece off the chenille stem and set aside.
4. Place the long piece of chenille in the center of the tissue paper rectangle, the slits should be at the top.
5. Fold tissue paper in half, over the chenille stem, like a greeting card.
6. Holding the chenille in place, roll the tissue paper up around the chenille.
7. Hold tissue paper in place and wrap the small piece of chenille (that you trimmed off in step 3) around the tissue paper, below the slits.
8. Fluff up the petals of the flower to your liking.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for as many flowers as you like.
10. Gather flower stems together and tie bouquet together with a piece of white ribbon.
11. Write a little love note on a cut out heart and attach with another ribbon to add more romance to the arrangement!

Tips:

• Save tissue paper from birthday presents to use in craft projects.
• Chenille stems are available in a variety of colors, check for clearance sales after each holiday!

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.  

Votive Candle Gift or party favor

This is an excellent way to make an inexpensive party favor or gift have flair and elegance.  This beautiful votive will be a welcomed gift for teachers too.  The glass votive cup can be re-used with their own candle.  Whether you decide to make it a valentine gift for a friend,  table decoration and party favor for baby shower, bridal shower, wedding party gifts, or any other gift idea, you can coordinate any color scheme to match the them of the occasion by changing the tissue paper and ribbon.

Choose a small clear glass votive cup

1 scented votive candle

1 piece of tissue paper

12″ or so of decorative grosgrain ribbon coordinated to the tissue paper.

cut one sheet of tissue paper into equal squares, stack the layers, set the candle in the center of the stack, gently fold up the sides around the votive, place the candle into the votive cup, fluff the paper, tie the ribbon around the top of the glass votive cup, make a beautiful bow, don’t forget to trim the ends at an angle.  You can use coordinated thread to tie on a little gift tag if you wish.

The recipient will be able to smell the fragrance and joyfully try to guess the scent as they unwrap their surprise.

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.  

Picture Bookmark with a Tassel

This is one of many ways to use a handmade silk tassel.  Our school offers many extras in the school picture packages.  Not free of course but there are many ways to use them.  This little picture can be put on a key ring, or you can put a tassel in the hole provided and use it for a bookmark. 

I love to use pictures for bookmarks. As I have bible devotions and look up different scriptures, I am reminded to pray for the person that pops out of the pages.  Of course we don’t need reminded to pray for our children; it seems that from the time of conception through their whole life, prayer is a major part of parenting and always the first place to start.  By adding the tassel, it keeps the picture from falling out, and also helps you to find the picture in the book.

 Valentines Day Scrunchies

 It seems that there isn’t a room in our house that doesn’t have at least one hair tie in it.  With two girls, hair accessories are found in every corner, except of course the one color you absolutuley need at a particular time.  This craft is very in-expensive and there are many variations.  You can use a scrunchie that already has fabric on it, or you can make the scrunchie by sewing a rubber band inside fabric, and decorate it.  How ever you begin this project, just make sure you have at least 1 scrunchie.

What you’ll need:

12″ red and white satin ribbons, Beads, Needle, Thread

1-3 small fake roses, Hot glue gun, Wide ribbon

 Optional:

Button, round or large heart, Sculpey, Lace, Fabric paint

How to make it:
Here are some ideas for decorating the scrunchie – let your creativity go!

Take some 12″ long ribbons, fold them in half, then tie a knot in the center. String a few beads on each end of the ribbon then knot the ends. Sew to the scrunchie, adding a few beads or a special button to cover the knot.

Use hot glue to attach 1-3 small fake roses in a cluster to the scrunchie. Be very careful with the hot glue gun!

Take a couple of wide ribbons, put one on top of the other, and make a bow.

Sew the bow to the scrunchie, making sure to stitch through the center of the bow so that it will not untie.

Make a special button or bead with Fimo or Sculpey according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then sew the button or bead to the scrunchie.

Take a long piece of lace and tie it into a bow, then attach to the scrunchie. Or hand stitch along one edge of the lace and then gather it into a circle.

Attach a large heart button or small fake rose in the center.

Use fabric paint to decorate the scrunchie with squiggles, dots, or small designs like hearts.

Tips:

If you have some plain scrunchies, you can dress them up in a variety of ways to make it look like a Valentine Scrunchie.

 You might find that putting the scrunchie onto a can to stretch it and hold it in one position will help with the decorating.

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.  

Once you have decided on that perfect gift for your special someone this year, Don’t just throw it into a box and stick a bow on it.  Take the time to show them that they are worth your time!  In this rush rush society we live in today, It is easy to just throw something in a bag and forget it.   This beautiful package has been wrapped in high quality red and white striped paper.  The corners are perfectly folded and taped of course.  Then select Antique White Satin Ribbon to wrap around opposite the stripes.  Tape the ribbon at the bottom of the package.  The delicate rose can be attached with a paper clip, or a corsage pin to the ribbon.  It may be easier to attach the rose to the ribbon before you fasten it.  This way the ribbon will remain tight. Now you have given a thoughtful gift, selected elegant wrapping supplies, and taken EXTRA time to make the presentation part of the gift.  Hint guys, don’t wrap a pair of socks like this… take the time to find a gift they will love!

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.  

Silver Heart Treat Box

This little box would look beautiful on a table as a wedding favor, or anniversary favor for the guests.  You could put some little chocolates in it.  It would also make a beautiful gift box for Valentines Day for your special someone.  You could place one mini gift at every place setting. 

 This is a 4 inch wide papier-mâché box; you can find them in most discount stores for about $1.00.  With a foam brush, paint the exterior of the box base with Deco Art Dazzling Metallic’s acrylic craft paint, in Oyster Pearl.  Let dry.  When paint is dry, add vertical stripes on the base using a flat brush and Dazzling Metallic’s acrylic paint in Brilliant Silver. 

Cover the top and sides of the lid with the same silver paint.  Now you are ready to glue on any trim that you choose. This has a small white lace heart, white satin ribbon bow and burgundy ribbon rose will be the last finishing touch.

You can choose what ever colors you like.  You can coordinate with the bridal colors, or the theme of the anniversary, or even just a romantic dinner for two filled with your loved ones favorite chocolates.  .

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.  

Creating a Bow Attached to a Craft Stick

The stick makes it easy to insert into a flower arrangement, a vase, a basket, or any type of arrangement you desire. 

You will need approximately 7 feet of Decorative Wired Ribbon to tie this simple but beautiful bow.

The mystery in bow tying is that we need to forget what mom taught us about tying a bow in our shoes, or in our hair ribbon.  The secret art of tying a bow like this is that it’s actually about loops and wire, not actually tying a bow. 

So lets begin, choose the ribbon you want, I chose 7 feet of this 1 ½ inch wired novelty print sheer ribbon. Begin by cutting 2 feet off the ribbon to be used later.  I like to start in the middle of my 5 feet of ribbon so the tails will end up the same length, but what ever is easiest for you will work.  Start in the middle of the ribbon and fold it double, measure down 10 inches and open the loop by bringing the pinched point of both ends up to meet the center mark.  That is your first 10”loop. 

Then continue folding the ends back and forth making 3 total loops with 1 6 inch tail hanging down to one side left over. Fold a 1” loop and lay it flat to one side with the 6”tail on the other side opposite the 1^st 6 inch tail.

Hold together while you lay the 24 inch strip of ribbon out flat; lay the loops on top of the center point of the 24inch ribbon.  Fold the wire in half making it 12” long, slide it under the ribbon,

Wrap the craft wire around the center of your loops like a bread tie and twist a few times making sure that there is an end on each side of the middle point. Make sure the bow is tightly twisted and can’t slip out. 

Then wrap the ends of the wire around the stick so it resembles a flower on a stem.  I start at the top and wrap down ¾ of the length of the stick and back up constantly wrapping around the stick. 

Fluff your bow loops and arrange the ends so they are wavy.  Don’t forget to snip the tail ends of the ribbon at an angle or notch a V out of the center. 

Now you are ready to attach the bow to the stick if you choose.   

24 inches of 30 gauge Craft wire,

12” of very fine wire, like the wire in a ribbon,

6” craft stick 1/8” in diameter, (found in the silk flower section)

3 10”loops

1 8”loop

1 1”loop

2 12“tails

2 6”tails

Gift Towels with Flair

Make a simple gift more appealing to the eye by taking a few moments to give it a touch of organized elegance.  Towels and wash cloths make a great gift for wedding showers, Christmas, or house warming or just about any time.

I love getting new towels because it’s just something I don’t think to buy until I reach for one and think; hmmm I should get some more towels because these are getting pretty worn.  So if its a bridal shower or Christmas present, Towel sets make a great gift that will actually be useful and not traded off at a white elephant gift exchange.

 2 bath sheets 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths in the brides color choice make a great gift. 

Now make the presentation more wonderful than just some towels in a box or bag.  Take one of each and fold perfectly and stack on top of each other largest on bottom and wash rag on top.  Be creative with the color choice, you could get 2 shades of the same color to coordinate with the color scheme.

Next, find a Striped Novelty Ribbon or a coordinating woven accent ribbon and sew a square of  Velcro on each end, one on top and the other on the underneath side.  Then wrap the ribbon around the stack and Velcro on top. You could tie a set of small decorative soaps, lotions, or travel size body wash to each set with a narrow satin ribbon. Of course you should select a masculine fragrance for his set and a woman’s fragrance for her set.  Then place both sets side by side in a nice size Coat box lined with ample tissue paper. Put the lid on and wrap the box elegantly with a huge ribbon bow!  They will remember that you took the extra time to make their gift so special.

I suggest using the following:

2 ½’ long ribbon X 1 ½ inch wide

2” long X 1 ¼ inch wide Velcro

Heavenly Angel Barrette

My girls loved unique barrettes when they were younger.  Some can be quite expensive.  Making them saves money and allows you to actually match the barrettes to outfits by choosing ribbon colors that coordinate with the clothes you choose.  These can easily be made during nap time. They are also great craft bazaar selling items!

Transform a button, ribbon, and odds and ends into a beautiful barrette with heavenly sparkle!

1 1/8 inch white 2-hole flat button

Black fine-point permanent marker

Acrylic paints; red, black,

Paint brush handle with small tip

Auburn 13mm doll hair

Acrylic satin-finish spray

Ribbon: 3” 1/8”-wide metallic gold,

            18 3/4” 1”-wide white grosgrain,

            6 1/8” 1/8”-wide blue satin

Tacky craft glue

Fabric adhesive

Hot Glue

2½” barrette

5-point 6mm metallic gold sequin stars

Gold seed beads

Beading needle

Gold thread

Seam sealant

Let all ink, sealants, paints, and glue dry between applications

Using marker, draw eyelashes radiating from the tops of button holes; draw smile. Dip end of paintbrush handle into red paint and dot cheeks onto ends of smile. Coat button with satin-finish spray.

Glue hair over tope edge of button face. Blue ends of gold ribbon to back of button to form halo.

Tie white ribbon in a 4 1/2”-wide bow. Notch ends of streamers and treat with seam sealant. Position button face over knot of bow; check position of eyes and set button aside. Using black paint, paint area of knot where eyes will be located.

Using knotted gold thread, sew stars to bow; bring needle up from back to front; thread on star sequin, then gold seed bead; take needle back down through sequin and through ribbon. Repeat to add beaded star sequins randomly and evenly over surface of bow.

Glue angel face to knot on bow just under button face.

Using fabric adhesive, ( I used hot glue ) glue ribbon angel to barrette.

Many of the items you may need to create your own version of this idea can be found on our website by clicking on the link in my post.