Archive for the ‘make it’ Category

I’ve been looking for a way to display all the Christmas cards we receive each year.

In years past they’ve been lined up along the back of my entry table…. and looked a real mess.   I’ve seen a few solutions that cost money, too much money.

Then I spotted this Land of Nod Holiday Work of Art Clips in my last catalog.  It looked like a perfect way to display our cards.  It also looked like something I could make myself.

I was able to pick up the necessary supplies at my local craft store.  I was even able to use a 50% coupon, so the project cost me around $2.

First step was to add the picture hanging clip to the back.

Then I painted the acrylic paint in white and let it dry.  Then I drew the peppermint candy swirls with a pencil.  Then painted in the red.

Tie on thin ribbon or twine.
And hang it up on the wall.  I did consider painting my mini clothes pins.  But I’m still not sure I want to.  I kind of like the natural.

I am going to make a second row to hold the kids holiday art.  I love my new card hanger!  It was easy, inexpensive and looks just how I hoped.

Several people commented or emailed asking for ideas on how I package the Stove Top Potpourri to give as a gift.

Here’s a few ideas:

A decorative Chinese takeout box makes a perfect container for giving stove top potpourri.

The box is just the right size and I never get tired of their charm.  All it needs is bow on top and a tag on top with instructions and it’s good to go.

How about the great new boxes with a window?  I love how they look with potpourri inside.  I also love them with a stack of cookies.  Yum!  Martha Stewart sells them at Michael’s.  This box is from American Crafts (Yeah!  I got it on their sale!)  And all it needs a tag.

Last but not least: An inexpensive cellophane bag with a bow.  I love how the green stripes of this bag matches wonderfully with the orange inside and the red ribbon.  I’ve printed and punched out the instructions using my favorite 2″ Scalloped Punch.  Then tie it up with a bow.  I also added a few jingle bells on the tag string for fun.

If you’d like to use the document I created to punch out my instructions, here it is.  I put as many instructions to a page that I could fit, since I was making 70 bags of potpourri.  I used a paper trimmer to cut columns and then punch, punch punch them out.  I used a Small Hole Punch at the top of the tag so I could string it on my gift tag.

Just a little word about tools:  I am not big on having lots and lots of tools and gadgets- either in the kitchen or my craft space.  I have a few hard working craft tools that I use A LOT.  My 2″ scallop punch, my 2″ round punch, my small hole punch, and my paper trimmer are at the top of my list for hard-working, indispensable paper tools.

As for the Stove Top Potpourri, the holidays always arrive with a pot on my stove.  My home has smelled like heaven all weekend long… and the same pot of potpourri will last for weeks.  Yes it does turn dark and mucky looking, but it continues to smell heavenly.

Stovetop potpourri is a gem of a gift that costs very little to make and will be appreciated throughout the Season.