Text and images by Amy Christie for Design Mom.
Spring is the season for bridal showers and baby showers (raise your hand if you’re hosting one in the next few weeks). So I thought it would be fun to come up with a really pretty party favor that feels special and a bit glamorous, and these gold-leaf plaster votives are just the thing! (Bonus: they’re easy to make.)
Clean white and sparkly gold leaf makes a fresh combo. Plus, plaster offers a nice, soft white and it is so much fun to work with — it can be molded into whatever we choose! And then to make it more candlelight friendly (read: candlelight can shine out), a power drill works wonders, while gold leaf makes it shine.
You can use any type of disposable container for a mold — paper cups, cleaned out food containers — the shape is up to you. And keep in mind, you’ll need two — for these votives, an outer and inner mold is needed to create the shape.
A steady hand and an ability to handle a little mess (it’s a bit dusty) is all it takes to tranform plain plaster into peaceful little lights.
Come see how it’s done!
Click here for the full tutorial.
Text and images by Amy Christie for Design Mom.
There is a good chance your egg usage during this month is a bit higher than other times of the year. So I’m guessing you may have a few empty egg cartons laying around. I’ve always had trouble throwing them out because, gosh, I can probably make something with them, right?! Yes! The answer is yes! The cartons make seasonally-perfect gift boxes.
Each tiny cup is a perfect spot to nestle little gifts, treats, ornaments or cascarones. And with a simple paint job, they’re super cute to boot!
The carton is a blank canvas of possibilities, calling out for cheerful stripes or dots. Let’s paint!
Click here for the full tutorial.
Text and images by Jordan of Polkadot Prints for Design Mom. Edited by Amy Christie.
In Australia, where I’m from, Valentine’s Day s is celebrated more by couples and ‘grown ups’ — we give flowers, chocolates, notes, we go out for dinner, etc. Because of that, that I’ve never been a big fan of the commercial craziness that surrounds this holiday. But really, when you get down to the nuts and bolts of the day, it’s really about loving others. And that? I am totally into!
Today’s Valentines DIY is a simple and easy project that your kids will love to help you with. These little bags would make a sweet little gift for your teenagers, your children’s classmates, and neighborhood friends. The ‘Love One Another’ flavour is unusual for Valentine’s Day, but I think it’s so fitting. I hope you like it!
Once you have all your supplies together, it really is quite simple.
Click here for the full tutorial.
By Amy Christie
Let’s welcome February with a sweet little project — complete with free download!
Handmade Valentines are the best. Handmade Valentines that include a bag of sweets, the best ever. This little treat bag is just as simple to put together as the house gift box from last month and absolutely perfect for all your Valentines.
With the free printable, scissors and double-sided tape (and a few sweets), your Valentines will feel the love for sure.
Click here for the full tutorial and free printable.
By Amy Christie
When I was first driving, my key chains out-numbered the passengers I was allowed to have in the car. They were big, clunky and heavy but so very cool. : ) Nowadays, I think of my keychain as a piece of jewelry — I crave something with color and design, something that feels good in my hand — and these wooden key chains fit the bill. I think they would make such a pretty “just because” gift for a friend, and they would be perfect to celebrate someone’s new driver’s license as well!
This project isn’t as detailed as you might think. Using markers instead of paint, there is less fiddling and dry-time is non-existent. Then with a little patience and strength, an ordinary blade can cut through the wood. Simple materials, simple tools, simple project.
Here’s how it’s done.
Click here for the full tutorial.
By Amy Christie
I’m so pleased with this little project! I collaborated with Jordan of Polkadot Prints to design a darling house-shaped gift box that is as easy as pie to put together. You’ll want to make one for neighbors, postal workers, teachers — pretty much everyone you know!
Simply print off the free template, cut it out and double-side tape it together.
Fill it with a few small treats and your gift-giving list is done in a flash!
Click here for the full tutorial.
By Jennifer Samuelson of Anise Press. Edited by Amy Christie
It’s the beginning of December, which is the time of year that I start to fret about things like finding the perfect gift for Grandma, mailing holiday cards to loved ones, and helping my kids decide upon hand-made gifts for their siblings. You too? Time for both of us to take a deep, calming breath, because this block printing tutorial will take care of all our problems.
Block printing looks a little intimidating at first glance, but trust me, it’s very intuitive. It’s a great way to get children and adults involved in creating art that can be produced in multiple originals. Though younger children won’t be able to cut their own blocks, they can create artwork and print with a little assistance. Older children (from about nine and up, depending on coordination and hand skills) will be able to complete a project alone, with some supervision.
Your children can use these block printing techniques to design holiday greeting cards for friends and family, stationery sets as a gift for a teacher, or personalized thank-you notes.
Are you ready to get started?
[click to continue…]
By Marisa of Omiyage. Photos by Alexis Edghill. Edited by Amy Christie.
I love making things all year round, but there’s something extra-special about crafting for the holidays, don’t you think? Last year, we made these felt monogram ornaments and they were definitely a hit!
We sent them out instead of Christmas cards, tied them onto gifts and placed them on our own tree. Everyone, young and old, loves receiving personalized items. But the best part of these ornaments (besides the fact they’re simple to make) is that you can customize them with any colour combination or font style you please!
You can even choose to sew them by hand or by machine — whichever you’re more comfortable with. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure in one little ornament!
So, let’s get started!
Click here for the full tutorial.
By Amy Christie.
Sparkly, shiny baubles have a way of brightening my mood. I’ve been known to wear my best items to do housework occasionally, just because it feels good! With the holidays and surrounding festivities coming up quickly, I am eager for new pieces to wear. So I decided to make some!
For these pendants, I shied away from the understated and discreet and decide to make something bold and lustrous. Gold is making a comeback and it is definitely shiny.
Think these look too hard to make? They are totally doable. I mean it.
Polymer clay is a very versatile medium, the possibilities are seriously endless. Add that to how easy it is to manipulate, all the various finishes it can have and how it sticks to itself without glue — and creating things with it is pure fun! I’m really digging the black and gold trend right now and, as I mentioned, the gold is perfect for adding some shine to your holiday party apparel.
Click here for the full tutorial.
By Amy Christie.
Candlelight is so inviting and comforting, especially on the chilly dark days of fall. What if you could include a little message with the candlelight?
This is such a fun project! Using basic plaster and simple materials, you can create the perfect gift for a someone you love. Give a romantic message to your sweetheart, or a collection of supportive notes for your best friend.
Click through for the easy DIY.
Created by Jane from See Jane Blog . Edited by Amy Christie.
Has the weather turned cold where you live? In my neighborhood, temperatures have dropped and my instincts are to spend the day cozied up with a favorite book and favorite mug full of hot cocoa. Are you the same? I’m sure you have many fellow book worms in your neighborhood, so I thought it would be fun to create a charming little bookmark that would make a great anytime gift for anyone that needs a little fall comfort.
It was actually my daughter’s clever idea to make yarn pom pom balls in the style of a bookmark. This is the perfect anytime gift because it’s affordable, easy to make, and turns out a fluffy ball of cuteness. It’s sure to improve the look of any book!
Click here for the full tutorial. It’s super easy!
By Amy Christie.
Gabrielle has mentioned that in France, her kids are required to carry pencil bags at school. So I thought it would be fun to create a DIY for a simple pencil bag in fun fabrics that could work for boys or girls. It would make a fun fall gift for your child.
But then I made some, and I’ve been using them for all sorts of tasks! Who doesn’t love a little pouch to zip up things in?
I’m going to tell you right now: Sewing is not my forté. Add zippers to the mix and I start sweating. But this little pouch only requires five lines of stitching. Five! That’s it! And two of them are for looks so if you nix those, you are down to three. If I can do it, so can you.
Try this tutorial, and I’m betting you’ll be adding pouches to purses, suitcases, and yes, backpacks too! Lets get started.
Click here for the full tutorial. Super easy, I promise!
By Amy Christie.
Fall has arrived — and a new season of cooking! I feel like every time I open a magazine or check a favorite website, people are planning autumn dinner parties. So I thought it would be fun to come up with a knock-your-socks-off hostess gift for those of you with dinner plans on the calendar. I love how they turned out! I think I might need to adapt them into Christmas ornaments.
The changing leaves are one of my favorite parts about fall. I love the gradient colors and have collected a couple of trees worth over the years. But they don’t last! Sigh. They lose a bit of the color. They dry out. They crack and crumble and I’m left with a pile to clean up. Using a bit of plaster, some paint and inks, I figured out a way to make them a little more durable. And entirely perfect for a beautiful setting a fall table.
Click here to get the full instructions.
It’s mid-September and you’re probably settling nicely into a school year routine. If you’re like me, you love a good excuse to stop by the school and say hello to your kids — and maybe even spend time in the classroom. So I asked Amy of This Heart of Mine to come up with a little gift for teacher (the perfect excuse to drop by!). Her idea is a great one. Enjoy! — Gabrielle
The (pre)school year officially begins at our house today! The excitement has been brewing for some time now, I’m glad the day is finally here. With the first day upon us, we have readied our teacher gifts. I thought a collection of handmade stamps seemed perfect. Very teacher-rific! These cork stamps are very easy to make, use simple materials, and allow for a lot of personalization.
This project is so much fun! I think you’ll love it.
Gather your supplies and get stamping! Click here for the tutorial.
I love gathering school supplies for my kids, but I’m always tempted to pick up fresh pencils and crisp notebooks for my friends as well. It seems like everyone enjoys a fresh start in the fall! So I asked Jordan of Polkadot Prints to come up with a perfect gift for friends who are trying something new. — Gabrielle
A friend of mine has recently gone back to part time work after taking some time off to focus on her young family. She is in a creative industry, so she’ll no doubt have light-bulb moments and genius ideas on the go! I’m hoping these gilded Moleskine journals will come in handy for her brainstorming and note taking whether in the board room, the car or anywhere in between. They were quite easy to make and once on a roll, I ended up making myself a set too!
So lets gather our tools and get started.
Click here for the full tutorial.
This post is sponsored by Nestlé® Toll House® Morsels, the perfect special ingredient for all of your family’s favorite treats!
Hey. The school year is long. And it never hurts to try and get on the teacher’s good side early on. : ) So I asked Amy of This Heart of Mine to create a sweet back-to-school gift for teachers — something fun you can bake with your kids! (Take note: the squeeze bottles are genius.) — Gabrielle
Another summer is at its end and school’s start is coming soon (or maybe it’s already begun!). It’s hard to part with the lazy days of summer, for student and teacher alike. Lucky students, they get new gear, new backpacks, new pencils, maybe new clothes if there was some summer growth. Teachers might get a few new materials too, but why not help start their year with a little extra sweetness?
Click here for the cookie tutorial — and the little school bag too!
August is one of the year’s biggest moving seasons and chances are you have a dear friend settling into a new home right this minute, or some new neighbors who looking to make friends. So I asked Miranda of One Little Minute to come up with something lovely to make as a housewarming gift. Take a look at her adorable idea! — Gabrielle
Inspired by the french braid trend, I came up with this simple, french-braided fabric wreath and know it will make an easy, versatile housewarming gift. I chose to make it with bright gradient colors of fabric scraps, but I think it would look equally amazing in raw burlap or all white linen. Gorgeous! There are so many possibilities that you could use this technique to match any style.
After you make your wreath, feel free to download and print the free Welcome Home Tag to make your gift complete!
French braiding ahead! Click here for the full tutorial.
Our upcoming trip to the U.S. involves several long road trips, and chances are, you have some car time ahead of you this summer as well. So I asked Jordan of Polkadot Prints to come up with an awesome gift for a car trip. Don’t miss the free printable she created! Enjoy. And bon voyage! — kisses, Gabrielle
We’ve been doing a fair bit of driving since we moved out to the lake. Visiting family, weekends in the city, even groceries involve quite a bit of driving for us. So, to keep things interesting and little people occupied, I created these snack bags for a recent trip.
Each treat box spaced out the goodies for our journey. For instance, Levi could have a bag of goodies once we “saw a deer”, “had been driving an hour”, “had a nap”, “saw 15 red cars,” etc.
With school out, I thought they might be just what you need for your summer road trips. Cute gifts to give your kids, or to give to favorite friends before their family vacation!
Click through for the tutorial and free printable!
Summer is here! For many of us that means things like summer camp and road trips. So I asked Amy of This Heart of Mine to think up a perfect gift to make for kids who’ll be doing a bit of traveling this summer. I love the project she came up with — bookmaking is awesome! — kisses, Gabrielle
Bookmaking is a project close to my heart. I’ve been making sewn books since childhood. Made with cereal box covers, covered in wrapping paper, filled with stories and ‘thumb thing‘ drawings. In college, I spent a few semesters learning every which way to create and compile books. Even though they weren’t filled with my thumbprint drawings, each was a labor of love and my work was joy-filled.
I spend time each year teaching bookmaking to school-aged children. The children are excited and I love talking about and teaching about bookmaking. There is just so much potential in a blank book! I have this dream that if I can continue to share my joy and love of bookmaking, there will always be moms and children making cereal box cardboard and wrapping paper books in the years and decades to come.
Interested in making a sewn book with me? Click here for the full tutorial.
Still looking for something awesome you can make Dad for Father’s Day? Well, Jordan of Polkadot Prints — one of my favorite Australian bloggers — has just the thing. And it includes a free printable. Take a look! — kisses, Gabrielle
So your dad has the shiny BBQ, he has the large over-sized BBQ utensils and now you’re scratching your head as to what to get him for Fathers day. Enough of the scratching, as today I have a practical and fun fathers day gift for you that will take his BBQ’ing to a whole new level.
Create a gourmet BBQ sauce pack perfect for summer picnics and get togethers!
Click for full instructions plus the free printable.
