Sending Cheer, Matchbook Candy Holder, Teacher Gift, Weekend Projects, Stampin' Up!

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today I have a fun stocking stuffer for you to make. You can add these to your Christmas stockings or give them out to your mail carrier, co-workers, friends, etc.  They are easy to make and are fun to give. I believe this layout is called a "Matchbook Holder" Please read on to see how I made today's project.

You can make these for any candy you have. I chose the M & M's because my granddaughters like them. All you need to do to change the holder is to measure.  I will provide measurements for this M & M package. 

My M & M package measures 2-3/4" x 4".  Add 1/8" to 1/4" to the 2-3/4" end to equal 2-7/8" or 3".  Now you take the 4" and multiply it by two, one for the front and one for the back.  I also add a little for the top, I don't like the piece to just bulge. This part will vary depending on how thick your candy is. There now that you know the basics of the piece I will give you the measurement for the M & M project pictured here.

The card stock for this was cut at 9-1/2" x 2-7/8".  I scored it as follows: 3/4", 1-1/2". 5-1/2", 5-3/4". I like to have the front piece thicker, that's why I have two 3/4" scores there. Now go score your piece and come back!

Fold all score lined inward. I stapled the front piece down. I stamped it about 1/8" from the fold. And I stapled it backwards, meaning that the bumps from the staple are on the front. Doing it this way makes the back smooth and the bumps will be covered by your Designer Series Paper (DSP).

Next you will want to decorate the front.  The (DSP) is from the "Joy of Christmas" 12" x 12" package. I cut the top piece at 3-3/4" x 2-7/8" and a 2-1/8" x 2-7/8" piece for the lower part. Score this piece at 3/4" and 7/8" I glued both pieces in place. The bottom piece is larger than needed but that was planned. Glue it from the bottom edge and then roll it over the fold towards the inside. I prefer to use glue because the piece bends a bit and I know glue isn't going to release. Tape will work, it's up to you which you prefer to use.

Once I got the DSP on I stamped the Gingerbread man from the "Sending Cheer" bundle. I used Pecan Pie ink to stamp him. The hearts were stamped using Real Red and the face was stamped using black Memento ink. Then I die cut him using the matching die. I cut off the loop on the top, it's used for making him into an ornament or tag and it's not needed here. Dimensionals were added to the back and it was set in place on the front of the holder. 

The words are from the same set and were stamped using Real Red ink on a scrap piece of Basic White card stock. I used the "Double Oval" punch on them. I added a little glue to the bottom of the oval and attached it to the upper edge of the bottom section. 

I tucked the upper part to the inside and the piece was done, all closed up and ready to give! 

Wasn't it fun? It's pretty quick and easy too. Even easier if you have some DSP that has characters on it that you can just die cut and affix! I just kept mine simple but you can add some bling too. 

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop in and see today's Stocking Stuffer/gift,
Wanda

Art Gallery, Dainty Flowers, Ghirardelli Treat Holder Gift Box, Weekend Project, Stampin' Up!

Hello there. I'm happy you are here today so I can share with you a fun find!  Did you ever find something on the internet (mostly Pinterest) that you wanted to make and then quite a few days later you get around to making it?  I have a lot of those. And some of them just get put into a folder and I forget all about them.  But I knew I wanted to make one of these when I saw it on Kadies "Kards by Kadie" blog. I follow her because she's got lots of fun things to share. Now she posted hers about 4 days ago and I think I did well to make it before a week went by! I just thought this holder was adorable. Plus it's easy to make too. You can see Kadie's by clicking here.  Read on to see how I made mine.

The piece was made by cutting a piece of Fresh Freesia card stock at 4" x 6".  On the 4" side you score at 1/2" on each end. I like to score on the left side and then turn my piece 180 degrees and score on the other end. It just works best for me to do it that way.  Plus if there's any discrepancies in the measurements I know the ends are always the same size! Next the scoring on the 6" side went as follows, score at 1", 1-1/2" and 3-3/4".  And that's it for the scoring.  I've included a photo of how the piece was cut out. In the photo I showed how one side was cut out.  And yes, I did use pencil on my piece but I have an art gum/kneadable eraser and it removed graphite without ruining the surface of any paper.  It's a must have in my craft room.  I have even removed the eraser from my mechanical pencils and kneaded up pieces of the eraser to fit in the spot. I just love this type of eraser. Oh and there's no bits of eraser to wipe of onto the table or floor either!!  So once I got my pencil lines erased I was ready to start assembling.  First I glued the top section down. It's pretty long and once folded it makes the back wall pretty strong and stable. And then I set it aside. I also snipped the little tabs so they fold in a little better. I also marked the piece at 2-1/2" from the bottom piece (on each side) to cut the angle equally.  

Next I cut the Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the "Dainty Flowers" 12" x 12" package to measure 2-7/8" x 2-1/8" for the back wall of the holder.  And the front strip measured 2-7/8" x 7/8".  I glued those two pieces in place. 

The box was glued together. I glued the side back piece to the small flap on each side and then I glued the front piece to the back side piece. You want to do it in this order or you will have raw edges on the front of your holder.

Once the box was glued I tied a ribbon around it. My ribbon is Fresh Freesia, I still had some left. I think I have enough left to make one or two more cards and then it's gone. I'm happy it will be gone but sad because it's so pretty.  But at least I will finally have used something up in my workroom!!

Now I was making this with a certain friend in mind whom I will be having lunch with tomorrow. She's going to love it and these words are perfect for her. She is a lovely lady and I'm so happy she is in my life.  The words are from the "Art Gallery" set and were stamped using black Memento ink. I die cut them with the smallest die from the "Tailor Made Tags" die set (that I forgot I bought a long time ago). It's still current and I hope it's in the next catalog because I need to play with it. You might be seeing it on some upcoming cards so I can feel better about the purchase!!

The word piece was slipped under the ribbon and glued in place. 

I added two Ghirardelli pieces of candy in the holder and the piece was done.  Isn't it cute?  I can see making these at Christmas for special friends or stocking stuffers. Let's hope I remember that I want to make these then!! I even thought about changing the measurements to make it a bit wider so it will accommodate a gift card. It's tall enough but not wide enough. It wouldn't take much to add 3/8" to the width.  

Oh and I think these would be great teacher gifts. A little bit of card stock, ribbon and DSP plus some candy and you've got a nice little gift for a teacher at Christmas or for the last day of school. 

This was fun. It's a very quick and easy holder to make and I can see myself making more of them in the future! Really!!!

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop in and see today's treat holder,
Wanda

Penguin Place, Matchbook Candy Holder, Stocking Stuffer, 2021 Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog

Today I thought I would make a matchbook candy holder.  These are easy and fun to make.  Play along and I'll show you how! Yesterday I had made a "Penguin Place" penguin tag that went on top of the Twix bar holder.  I had made several penguins yesterday and today I'm using another one.

The base of the holder is a 6-1/2" long strip of Basic White card stock that is 1-5/8" wide.

I scored the strip at 1/2", 7/8",3-3/4" and 4-1/8".  I folded all the score lines inward. Use your bone folder to make those score lines nice and crisp.

I cut a 1-5/8" x 2-5/8" piece of Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the "Penguin Playmates" 12" x 12" package and glued it to the front of the holder.  That would be on the part that is from the 4-1/8" score to the edge of the card.

The candy bar is from the Dollar Tree. There were 4 in a package and they measure 2-3/4" x 1-3/8" and it's 3/8" thick.  I used 4 glue dots on the back of the candy bar to hold it in place.

I had die cut the rectangle from the "Color & Contour" bundle set using Basic White card stock.

The penguin was punched using Basic Black and Basic White card stock.  The eyes were stamped using black Memento ink. The beak and feet were stamped using Pumpkin Pie card stock. The penguin was glued to the front of the rectangle piece and moved up a bit on that piece. That would make room for the words which were from the "Penguin Place" set and black Memento ink was used. The words were trimmed by had and glued in place.  If you are not sure where to place the penguin, add the words first and then you'll be able to better see where the penguin can go.

I taped the rectangle in place on the front of the matchbook cover but I did not add any tape to the bottom part under the words. That part is where the bottom of the matchbook will be tucked in to.  

You can dress it up more with sequins or ribbons or both!  I just left it plain because I didn't want anything falling off in the bag that I was going to be putting them in to deliver them.

This was a very fun, quick and easy matchbook holder to make. And even more fun to give away!!   I'm not sure how tasty this candy is, I have never tried it.  But I do know it's cute and a fun size. You can adjust your strip for different lengths and thicknesses of candy bars if you can't find these. 

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop by and see today's stocking stuffer,

Wanda

Penguin Place, Hershey Bar Sleeve or Wrapper, Christmas Stocking Stuffers, Weekend Project

I have not made a Hershey bar wrapper/sleeve in a while. I like making them because they are quick and easy to make, fun and are great to give away.

All you need is a 5-1/2" x 6-1/2" piece of card stock. You do want to use card stock because you need something with a bit more substance to it than copier paper.  Though copier paper will work, just not as well. And the words will show through from the Hershey bar. I used Soft Sea Foam for the base of the sleeve.

I scored the piece on the short side at 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 3-3/4" and 4". Fold all of the score lines in. On the back I glued the inside edge of one side and the outside edge of the other side and I joined them around my candy bar. I needed to make sure I didn't glue the pieces too far in so the candy bar wouldn't slide in. It's just best to include the candy bar in this step. I removed the candy bar and took my bone folder and burnished the inside to help the glue set.

I slipped the candy bar back in so the piece was more solid to work on.

I cut a piece of the Designer Series Paper (DSP) 12" x 12"  "Penguin Playmates" package. This piece measured 2" x 5-1/4". The layer behind it is a 2-1/8" x 5-3/8" piece of Soft Succulent card stock. I glued the DSP to the card stock and then glued it all to the front of the sleeve.

I fussy cut the cute penguin from the "Penguin Playmates" DSP. I die cut a1-7/8" Basic White circle and a Soft Succulent scalloped circle for the layer behind it.  I stamped the snowflakes from the "Penguin Place set using Soft Succulent ink that was stamped off once. Then I glued those two circles together. I added Dimensionals to the back and set it aside.

The words are from the same "Penguin Place" set and were stamped on a scrap piece of Basic White card stock using black Memento ink. Then I die cut them using the 1-1/16" circle die (the smallest die in the pack of circle dies) and then I die cut a Soft Succulent scalloped circle for the layer. I glued the words to the scalloped circle. I added Dimensionals to the back and set it aside. 

I set the penguin on a piece of scrap copier paper and I took my Basic Black marker and I traced around the black areas of it. I didn't do a great job of fussy cutting, there was some light colors showing but tracing around the little fellow like that makes the edges all dark and it looks like you are the most accurate fussy cutter around!!  I could have done it for the feet and hat but I didn't have a Fresh Freesia marker and I didn't think the feet were too bad. They are but I'm pretending they aren't! LOL

I set the top circle in place and then I added the penguin.

The word piece was added and the sleeve was done.

See, it's very quick and easy to make. These make great gift for teachers to give to their students. Plus you can't go wrong with a penguin or snowman, it just lets you think of winter and not Christmas. They make excellent stocking stuffers and great little gifts for the mail carrier, USP driver, etc.  

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop by and see this fun candy bar wrapper/sleeve,
Wanda

Art Gallery, Harvest Hello, Teacher Notebook/Card, 2021 Stampin' Up! Spring Catalog

The granddaughters were here today and will soon be going back to school so we thought it would be fun to make their teachers a gift.  You want to think of something that is useful because they get so many trinkets and coffee mugs, which are useful but can become quite a collection after the years. So we decided a notebook would be fun.  Especially in an age where everyone just keeps their notes on their phones!!!  Oh well, it's the thought, right?  I still use paper, notebooks and my phone for keeping notes. I don't think paper has gone out of style yet!

This could easily be a card and almost any card can be turned into a notebook.

The 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" layer is Gorgeous Grape card stock.  On top of that is a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Highland Heather card stock. Those two pieces were taped together and then set aside.

The flower from the "Art Gallery" set was stamped on Whisper White card stock using Highland Heather first and the with the highlight stamp Gorgeous Grape ink was used.  The center was stamped using Black Berry Bliss but it didn't show up very well so black Memento ink was stamped on top of that. I thought it might be too dark but it turned out rather well.

The stem/leaves image was stamped using Old Olive ink on Whisper White card stock and then they were die cut out along with the flower piece at the same time. 

A 3-3/4" x 5" piece of Whisper White card stock was cut for the front of the book (card).  The flower and stem piece were set on top of the piece to see where the words will go. The words are from the "Harvest Hellos" set and were stamped using Gorgeous Grape ink.   

After the words were added the stem piece was set in place with glue. I thought about using tape but being it is on something that could be handled every day or put in a bag or purse, it would fair better being glued on. Once the stem was in place the flower was added using Dimensionals.  I thought that flat would fair better but it didn't look as pretty. So the Dimensionals popped it up and added some depth to the front.  Perhaps it could be placed in a bag or purse with the cover folded back to expose a blank page ready for some wording! 

Once the flowers were added that piece was taped to the front of the piece.  Then the holes were punched in it.  I also took one of the white pieces of shirt board thickness cardboard from a pack of Designer Series Paper and cut it to 4" x 5-1/4".  I also punched holes in it too.  I took some white standard copier paper and cut it into fourths. I punched holes in them too. I have a RubiCoil machine I bought back in 2000 that I've used to make notebooks and TONS of cookbooks (that I sold at craft fairs). That machine has been used beyond belief. I did have to replace a spring on it because it wore out and broke.  Simple enough to so and not very expensive to repair a machine that is still being used in my workroom.  Anyway, after punching the paper, I put the cardboard piece on the back, the papers in the middle and the card stock on top. I took a coil and hand fed it through the notebook.  There is a machine that does that too but I don't own it. Back when I got the punch that other machine was $500 and I figured I could hand feed it and save myself a lot of money. I still have no need for that other machine, just my RubiCoil.  I got mine here and I have been very pleased with this company. I buy my coils from them and other office supplies. They have always done right by me and I continue to shop there. Especially the black Friday deals!!  Back to the notebook. Once the coil was thread through, I cut the end and took a chain nose pliers and curved the end inward and a bit under the previous coil so it wasn't sticking up to poke anyone or get caught on anything. I repeated that for the other end and the notebook was done.  I think the girls did a great job stamping (the Stamparatus helped out a lot with that) and they felt proud to be giving this to their teachers.

These were fun to make and they do make great gifts.

Thank you SO very much for taking the time today to stop by and have a look at my latest creation.    Wanda

Matchbook Candy Holder, Flower Shop, Petal Palette, Weekend Project

I have not made a matchbook candy holder in a while.  These are very fun and super quick to make.  Well, depending on how much you embellish the front!!  But the holder itself is super quick to make.

For mine I took a piece of Powder Pink card stock cut 5-1/4" x 2-1/8".  You will need to score it at 2", 4-1/4" and 4-3/4".  Fold the 1/4" scored piece and fold the next score.  You are folding these two scored lines over each other. See the photo below.  You will be slipping your Lifesaver under the folded scored parts and stapling it in place. I like to use the tiny stampers because you have to really work that candy to the other end to get the regular sized ones to not crush your candy.  Once the candy is stapled in place you are ready to decorate the front any way you'd like.

For mine I used the soon to be retiring "Flower Shop" set. I stamped my flower using Rose Red ink on Rose Red card stock.  I punched the flower out.  I also punched out a leaf using Garden Green card stock.  I took my stylus and curled the leaves of the flower.  Then I took the 3/4" circle punch and punched out a Crushed Curry circle for the center of the flower. I set the flower center in place using a glue dot.  I set the flower in place using a Dimensional. I stuck the leaf to the Dimensionals before I stuck the piece in place.  

I stamped the "thank you" from the "Petal Palette" set using black Memento ink.  I punched it out using the "Classic Label" punch.  I set it in place using glue dots.  Dimensionals just didn't seem to work well there.  And that was it.  Ready for gift giving.  I am thinking of making some of these with a Christmas theme this year for the mail carrier, cashiers I encounter, bank tellers, etc.  It's always fun to brighten up someone's day with something so simple as this.

These make a great customer and hostess appreciation gift, teacher's gifts, rewards in excellence gifts, Easter, Get Well, Halloween, almost any occasion you can think of! I made a Christmas holiday one, you can see it by clicking here.

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Sure Do Love You, Lots to Love Framlits, Valentine's Day Gift for the Birds, Weekend Project.

I LOVE making these types of Valentine's Day gifts.  No candy, nothing for someone to set on a shelf but bird seeds!  No, not for the receiver to eat!!!  It's for the birds. A Valentine's Day gift for the birds.  Every so often I make one of these. I LOVE giving them out and in February in Minnesota, the birds love the treat!!

I used the new "Sweet Soiree" Decorative Series Paper" to make this box. The "Lots of Love" Framelits are fun and easy to play with.  

I stamped 5 hearts from the "Sure Do Love You" set using Blushing Bride ink. I die cut them and glued them in place on the front of the box.  Before I assembled the box, I used a Window Sheet to cover the heart after I had die cut it out.  I saved that die cut piece and used it to attach the words to. I taped the words together and then punched a hole in the piece.  After the box was set I added the bird seed. I used a 3" x 4" plastic zip bag.  I wrapped some silver fine thread around the box and tied the heart in place using the ends of that thread.  Oh, about the heart. I typed up the words and used my Blushing Bride ink pad and slid it across them. I die cut the words and then I taped them to the die cut piece from the center of the box.  

I have a couple I made in the past that you can take a look at.  One is found here.  Another can be found here. And my favorite can be found here.  My favorite one is more for a class or group project.  You can find the poem for this project on any one of those links.  

This was a fun box to make. And now I'm on a quest to see what all I can fit in that box so I can make more boxes and have more fun!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sending Love, Valentine's Day Bag, Weekend Project

Today you don't need any stamps or ink, unless you want to add something different on the front! I had made a bunch of these fun bags in December. I sold some at the craft fairs and I used some for gifts.  

I filled these with Valentine's Day candy!  These bags aren't very large so you don't need much candy!  I these bags are 2 Hershey Miniatures and 2 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!  Such fun!

I found the instructions for the bag here.  It's easy enough to do too.  You just score a 6" x 6" piece of decorative paper.  The paper from the "Sending Love" 6" x 6" stack worked perfect. 

The scoring is as follows, 1-7/8", 2-7/8", 4-3/4, 5-3/4" . Turn 1/4 turn and score at 1", 5" and 5-1/2". Once you score these, fold all score lines, it will help you see them better.  You will need to snip the bottom to make the 1" fold over flaps.  Snip up 1" to the score line.  The other end has two smaller score lines.  These are folded over and used like a "cuff".  I like to put my bags together with glue.  I find it holds better than tape, even the super sticky tape.  Tape will eventually give way, give it time! That is why I prefer glue.  It doesn't take that long for glue to set up and if you make the bag first, the glue will set up while you are gathering and making the other elements of your bag.

Here I die cut 2 glitter hearts and set them in place with Dimensionals.  I also punched two holes in the top of each bag and threaded some Baker's Twine though them and tied a bow.  I actually tied the top shut using 3 knots and then I tied the bow!  They're not getting into this bag very easily!!! LOL

These are fun to make and would make great teacher to student, student to teacher, or student to student gifts.  Something nice to put in the mail box for your mail carrier. For a friends desk, for a neighbor, etc.  

Have fun with these!!!  Just a note here, these are very ADDICTIVE to make!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Cookie Cutter Candy Cane Holder Teacher - Student Gift

Today I thought I would make something 3D, a gifty thing!  I had some candy canes sitting on my counter and I thought I would make a holder for them.  I looked on Pinterest for some ideas but I didn't see anything that was "me".  So I had to be "me" and make my own.

I took a 2" x 11" piece of Whisper White card stock.  I scored it at 1" and 4-3/8".  On the end (the end opposite the 1" score) I used the "Scalloped Tag Topper" punch and punched that end.  Fold the center score inward and the little 1" piece folds the opposite direction. It's for the edging/flap of the pocket.  Look at the photo to better understand what I mean.

Cut your Decorative Series Paper (DSP)1-3/4" wide.  Cut one piece 4" long and the other 3" long.  Tape those pieces in place.  The 4" one goes on the upper part.  It will not go all the way down inside the pocket, it doesn't need to.  And the smaller piece gets tucked under the flap. Set it in place along the bottom and what's left is hidden under the flap.  Next you can add something to the flap.  Words or like I used here, Washi tape.  Oh, my DSP is from the "Candy Cane Lane" pack.

Glue the short edges of the pocket on the sides. Try to make as thin a glue line as possible.  Also glue flap down.  Burnish the edges and set something heavy on them to set up.  I used the punch I had sitting on my table to cut out my Santa.

Next you are doing to stamp your image, or cut one out.  I used Santa from the "Cookie Cutter Christmas" set.  I colored him in with markers and I set him in place using Dimensionals.

I added a ribbon to the top and I let the glue set up for about a half hour more before I put the candy cane in.  The longer you let it set up, the better.  Don't be too anxious to put the candy cane in or the seam will come apart and you will not be happy with your holder. When you are ready to add the candy cane, put your little finger in the center of the pocket to open it.  You could break the candy cane if you use that to open the pocket.

Wasn't that fun? And cute?  And easy?  Give them to teachers, students, the mail carrier, your UPS driver, the bank teller, etc. It's a cute little surprise for them!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Cookie Cutter Christmas, Reindeer Noses, Candy Treat, Weekend Craft Project

Well, aren't these just adorable and fun???  My photo is a bit dark, so you may have to click on it to get a better view.  

I used the reindeer image from the "Cookie Cutter Christmas" set.  I colored him in using Chocolate Chip ink and a blender pen.  I colored the nose in with Real Red and the center of the ears with Pirouette Pink.

I punched them out with the matching punch and I set them in place on the header I made on my computer.  

I added 8 malted milk balls and one red one that can be ordered from here.  They are a little bitter than the regular ones but that's okay, after all Rudolph's nose stuck out from the other reindeer's noses anyway, right?  LOL

These were fun to make and I'm giving them to my stampers today.  I thought they would like a fun little holiday treat!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Blossom Builder and Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Bath Salts Gift Bag Weekend Project

While looking though my notebooks, I ran across a recipe for bath salts.  I have not made any in a long time.  They are super easy to make and the link to my easy recipe can be found below. 

For my bag I used the "Birthday Bouquet" decorative paper. I took a 5/8" x 10-1/2" strip of Mint Macaron card stock to make a band for the bag.  I didn't like the idea of stapling the bag closed.  It's too pretty of a paper to do that plus the paper will probably rip when someone opens it.  I embellished the band with a flower and leaf from the "Blossom Builder" Thinlit set. I also cut the heart out from the "Mini Treat Bag" Thinlits. I cut the Mint Macaron and Whisper White at the same time.  I trimmed the edges of the white so it would have a nice border around the heart.  Next I took the "My Friend" from the "Six Sided Sampler" set and stamped the white heart. I taped the two hearts together and added a flower.

Next I mixed up a batch of bath salts.  You can pour as much 

as you want in the baggie.  I get my baggies at Wal-Mart in their craft section.  My bag was a little large so only one fit in the gift bag.  I usually make smaller ones. That way you can say something like "empty the entire contents of one bag into your bath water, relax and enjoy".  Now I will have to change mine to "add one Tablespoonful to your bath water, relax and enjoy." 

When you make these, it's best to include an ingredients list and directions.  Especially if you make them to sell.  A tip on making the bath salts.  Use a glass bowl to mix it in.  Plastic bowls will hold the smell of the fragrance oils and some of them will start to "melt" the plastic.  They are fine in the plastic bags after they've been thoroughly mixed. I don't know how long they will keep in the plastic bag.  Most people use them soon after they receive them, so I have no feedback on that part.  

You can find my recipe here.  Sometimes you can find a good price on Epsom Salts at Walgreen's, but I usually get mine at Wal-Mart.  

Have fun making these!  They make great gifts for friends, teachers, customer appreciation, hostess appreciation, co-workers, and stocking stuffers.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda 

Snowman Hershey Bar Wrapper

 Today I thought I would make some fun candy bar wrappers for my co-workers.  I found the fun Christmas Fudge poem on the Internet to put on the back too!!!  

You can get the free download for the snowman here.  It prints out two to a page.  Cut the bottom off at 6-1/4" and then cut the 11" side in half so your piece is 6-1/4" x 11".  I scored my pieces at 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 3-3/4", and 4".  I used glue to stick the seam together with. I wanted to make sure I used something that would stay. I wasn't sure how long the tape would hold in place but I knew glue would hold, so I went with the glue.  

After I glued the seam on the back, I used my bone folder to press it a little.  Then I inserted the candy bar.  I printed out the poem on a full sheet of label paper and cut it to fit.  I was able to get 6 poems on one sheet of paper.  After I got the poem on the back I tied a ribbon around the candy bar and made a knot in the front.  And that was it.  SO quick, SO fun, and I think they are SO cute!!!

The poem can be found below!  Have fun making these.  I had made them a couple of years ago and they were a hit.  I didn't make any last year.  I just ran out of time.  So today when I was at the store, the line at the register was long (what's new there this time of the year????) and I looked at the tabloids enough to make me wonder what is wrong with celebrities and I noticed the Hershey bars.  And the snowman candy wrapper came to mind, so when I got close enough I picked up a bunch and you know the rest!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Dashing from the malls
With groceries yet to buy,
Workshops, kids & housekeeping,
Life's so crazy! Why?

Bells on our telephone ring,
The machine will take the call,
We have no time for family or friends,
It drives us up the wall.

How are you? How's your life?
We really want to know.
Hope you're ready for Christmas,
Now maybe it will snow.

A day or two ago,
We thought we'd make a treat,
For all our special friends--
A Christmas Gift to eat!

Our intentions were top notch,
But our schedules would not budge,
Hence, here's this year's edition of
Homemade CHRISTMAS FUDGE!

Stylin' Snowfolk Candy Bar Wrapper

Ever time a new snowman set comes out I have to try to figure out how to use it on a candy bar wrapper. Cold Play was one of my favorites for doing this and now the Stylin' Snowfolk works too.  It's a lot like the Cold Play set except you get the snowman body.  And this one has a lot more parts for the snowman. You can even make a snowlady!  

I like this set for the smaller candy bars.  I used the .45 oz bars for this one.  And since it's so close to Halloween, I was able to get them on sale!!  Ya gotta LOVE that!  

I bet you'd like the measurements to the card stock, huh?  Well, I'm more than happy to share them with you so you can make these for your friends, for parties or you can even have the kiddies help you with them for their school friends!

You will need a snowman stamp set and a small chocolate bar, of course.  Then you will need a piece of white card stock cut 3-1/8" wide x 2-7/8" long.

Next you will need to score the card stock.  On the 3-1/8" side you will need to score it at it at 5/8", 1", 2-1/8" and 2-1/2".  

Now before you fold the scores, stamp your images.  Then fold the score lines.  Wrap the card stock around the candy.  I glued mine in place.  I also wrapped the card stock around the candy bar tightly which distorted the shape of the rectangle the sleeve creates. But it did help keep the candy bar in there better.  If you don't wrap it tighter it could slip out easy.  The distortion is not that much and you will probably be the only one to notice it.  Now I also wanted to tell you why I used glue instead of tape.  I felt the glue would hold better.  Once you glue it, remove the candy bar and use your bone folder inside to help the glue adhere better and quicker.  Put the candy bar back in and move on to the next one.  I know you'll make more than one!!!

These are fun to make and very simple too!  

Have fun with the instructions!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easy Events Valentine's Day Candy Header

I think candy headers are one of the most funnest things to make.  I have made lots of them and they make wonderful gifts.  I have also used them in craft fairs as well and they have been successful there too.

This one is for a gift.  It's going in that basket of "stuff" I've already made in the past couple of weeks.  I was trying to make a card one day and a gift item the next but the Wednesday Sketch Challenge messed that up!! LOL  But I'm back on track and today is the gift item!

These are very easy to make.  You just measure the bag you are using and add 1/4" to it.  Then you need to figure out what you are doing for the image part and then you can figure out the size of the length of the header.  Remember that the front of the header is the part people see but you need to double that measurement because it folds over onto the back.

A little trick I ALWAYS do when I staple the header to the bag.  I staple it on backwards.  I like to have the smooth bar of the staple in the back side.  That way no prongs stick out to poke fingers or get caught on stuff.  I used Dimensionals on the image piece so the bumps from the staple won't effect it. You can just tape it too but use some really strong tape like Stick Strip or Red Line (it's the same thing). The bumps will show a little but if you are trying to cut corners and save some money in making these then that is what you will need to do!

These would also make great gifts for co-workers, make and takes, customer appreciation gifts, hostess gifts, gifts for the kids and even teacher gifts.  Have fun making them.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fun Note Holder Weekend Project

 I love those little note holders that the Dollar Spot at Target has.  I can be found buying several of them at a time.  I don't really care much for the paper that is inside them.  It kind of reminds me of the paper that is used when learning to write your A B C's. I think it's a new print type paper. Anyway, when I make these for gifts I usually cut up copier paper, not only because it's nicer but because I don't really like the color of the paper that is in the holder.  It's usually a melon color.  I've only used it once when I had made a box that had the melon color in the cover.  Now this box would have worked with the melon color paper but I opted to use white since I was making it for a gift for someone special.  

I actually printed out the paper on 28# copier paper and then I used the "Elementary Elements" download to make the cover.  The word "Notes" was just typed in and moved to the center of the image.  Then I put the strip paper I printed out back in my printer and printed out the words.  Now I could have put the words and the image along with background all at one time but I had printed the background and I didn't have any other use for it.  SO I have now used that piece of paper I printed and reprinted on!!

I added 2 brads and the ribbon holds the cover shut!  Just as simple as that and yet elegant looking.  I punched the one hole with the Crop-a-dial and the other hole I had to make using the paper piercing tool.  The Crop-a-dial wouldn't reach that far!! It was not a prefect hole but the brad hides it so all is good!

I LOVE making these altered note holders and my favorite was a snowman one I did a couple of years ago. I sold all of them at a craft fair and was meaning to make more but didn't.  Which is probably a good thing.  I don't think I want to have the same item out each year, that is what makes craft fairs go stale.  SO maybe this fall I'll make more of come up with an even cuter one!

These are also great for stamp camps, customer appreciation gifts, hostess appreciation gifts, a gift for coworkers, teachers and even stocking stuffers  

I was just at the Dollar Spot at Target and they don't have any of these in right now.  But they get them in every now and then!

Happy paper crafting!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Ladybug Weekend Project

Wouldn't this make a great summertime party favor???  I had seen this ladybug a long time ago, probably when these Sweet Treat cups first came out and I filed it away.  I didn't realize I had filed it away that long!!

This adorable ladybug is SO fun and quick to make too.  The part that took the longest was waiting for the glue to dry on the stick.  I was thinking that if I had a lot of these to make I would use a hot glue gun for that but then again if you have a lot to make by the time you are done with the last one the glue will be set up enough to handle.  I guess it's whatever you want to do to keep the stick on!!

To make this I just punched out some red card stock, I filled the cup with red candies and stuck the cup to the card stock.  I punched out small black circles and glued them to the outside of the cup.  And for the head I just punched out a 1-3/8" circle and glued it to the back of the red circle.  I used the white gel pen to dot in a couple of eyes. But I think those wiggly googly eyes would be adorable on it too.  I couldn't fine mine so I just went with the gel pen.  When I find the eyes I'll just glue a couple on and she will be even cuter!

These are a great thing that the kiddies can help make too for a class gift or just a single one for a teacher gift.  They are fun and easy to make, not to mention how adorable they are!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Milk Carton Sizzix Die Gift Box

Ok, I know it doesn't look like a milk carton!  I cut the top part off because I only wanted the bottom part.  I wasn't in the mood to make a box myself so I thought this die would be perfect for what I wanted to achieve and it was!  It saved me from measuring scoring and clipping!!  Gotta LOVE that!

I cut this out of white card stock using the Milk Carton die.  I cut the die just above the score line at the top.  The Scallop Edge border punch has a little piece in it that takes up about 1/4" on the edge when you use it.  That part had just a little bit of score on it but it was cut off so you won't see any lines at the top!!

I need to make a bunch of these so I wanted to keep it simple.  I tied a red satin ribbon around the box and I added 3 hearts.  Two are from Real Red card stock and the other is from the Real Red decorative paper pack.  You can decorate these up a lot more but like I said I needed to make a bunch of them and didn't have a lot of time to embellish them more than I did.

When I was done I filled it with those candy conversation hearts. I just used a regular sandwich bag.  I had to adjust the contents, I filled the bag too full the first time.  Once the amount was adequate in the bag I twisted the bag and taped it. I cut off the excess bag at the end and then put that end in the box first. 

This is a fun project for the kids to help with for their class or for the teacher.  They make great co-worker gifts too!  It's a fun Make n Take and it didn't take long at all to do.  I think that the part that took the longest in this little project was the candies.  Oh and trust me, I didn't eat a single one!  YUCK!  Aren't they just dried powdered sugar?  LOL

Have fun making them!

Thank you SO much for visiting,

Wanda

Such a Sucker!!! Tutorial

Here is a fun and quick project for you to play with. I recommend you read through the directions before beginning. If you are unsure of what you are doing use copier paper or scratch paper to experiment with.

Cut card stock 2-1/2" x 7"

Take the 1/4" square punch and insert the short end of the piece you just cut. Starting at the left side, punch out 3-1/2" squares. Line them up right next to each other. What you are doing here is chipping away at the card stock one square at a time. It’s ok if you don’t get it exact. You’ll be able to fix anything once you get them all punches out. Once you’ve finished that side repeat for the other side.

Set the piece in your paper cutter or you can use a scissors and cut straight across on the bottom. Cutting away the piece below the square punched area. See the photo. You are cutting away the bottom piece that reads "cut away."

On the other end measure in ½" and lightly draw a straight line. Taking the Stampin’ Up! Slit punch, line up the flat bottom half circle metal piece on the punch with your pencil line. You are not dropping your paper to the bottom of the punch you are about an 1/8" away from it. Once punched erase the pencil mark.

Now you are going to score the piece. Measuring from the flat short end going in 3-5/8" and score. Measure in 3-7/8" and score again.

In the center of those scores you will be punching a hole that the sucker stick will be inserted. You don’t have to be perfectly centered, just eye it. You will need either a long punch or you can use your Mat Pack and poke a hole in the card stock. A punch is a lot nicer and cleaner but there are times you just have to work with what you have. I tried to use my Crop-A-Dial but it was just a little bit short. The wrapper of the sucker fits this size card stock perfectly so I couldn’t shorten the sides to compensate for the hole. I have a long reach punch so I used that. You can also use the hole maker that is used for punching holes to insert brads.

Your sucker holder is now ready to decorate. Because the back is blank it gives you a nice area to add any wording or business card labels. These are great for a Student Project, Craft Fairs, Make N Takes, Customer Gifts and any other area you think they’d be suitable for!!!

Thank you SO much for stopping by,
Wanda

For the Birds!

Literally!!! This Valentine's Day gift is for the birds. I have had this poem attached to the bird seeds (or is it the seeds attached to the poem?) for a few years now. I don't know if it was from a Stamp Camp or just a stamping project. It's been too many years. But I still like the poem and the concept.

I just printed out the poem on the computer and then stamped the bird in place. I cut around the words and bird and then did my layering from there.

When stapling this together make sure you staple it backwards. You want the long bar of the staple to be on the back and the two bumps on the front. That way when you cover up the front with your wording layers all that is exposed of the staple is the nice single half inch bar of metal. It's a lot nicer looking and you don't have to worry about the prong coming up and poking anyone.

Now if you were to sell these at a craft fair, would you have to put a warning on them??? I suppose you would. I'm sure there is someone out there who may mistakenly eat them and then come back to you about it. I know it's bird seed and you know it's bird seed but then again you have to remember there is a recipe out there for a human consumable treat called "Puppy Chow!" It's just best to be safe than sorry.

So be sure to make some of these up to give to your friends to make for the birds for Valentine's Day. These would also make a great birdy treat for the kids to pass out at school instead of candy. Most schools are trying to get away from the candy giving and this would be the perfect gift. No candy and helping out the chilly birdies!!!

Here's the poem:

I gave a hundred Valentine’s
A hundred, did I say?
I gave a thousand Valentine’s
One cold and wintry day.
I didn’t put my name on them
Or any other words
Because my Valentine’s were seeds
For February Birds!

Thank you SO much for stopping by,
Wanda

Pop, Pop It and a Movie!!! Tutorial

Looking for that perfect little gift to give the babysitter, paper carrier, mail carrier, the kids, etc? Well then it's a good thing you came by here today!!

My friend Peggy made these adorable cover for Jiffy Pop popcorn.

Here is what you need:

Card stock to go with whatever design you decide to do (it doesn't have to be Christmas, whatever colors you need for your occasion/season.

Jiffy Pop

2 Liter Bottle Pop

Movie Gift Certificate

Cut two 6-3/4" circles. You don't have to be perfect on the edges since they are hidden under the edge of the foil pan. For the one pictured here the dark card stock was used for the base so the circle is a full one. The light blue circle was cut in half and layered on top. Only affix it to the dark blue on the edges. You want the center part open for a pocket to place the gift card.

Decorate the top as you'd like. When you are finished take the handle of the Jiffy Pop and bend it at the rounded end. You will be bending it just enough to fit over the top of the pop bottle. You are bending it so it doesn't stick straight out so you'll need to work with it a bit until you get the right bend in it. Add the gift card to the pocket you created and you have a wonderful fun gift. Perfect for teenagers too!!!

Peggy said she got the Jiffy Pop at Target. I can't say I've seen it other places, I don't shop for it to know who has it, sorry. Isn't this just the cutest idea? Thank you Peggy. Your project came at a great time. I burned all the fingers on my right hand today baking cookies and they are too sensitive to work on any projects right now. I was barely able to get the rest of the cookies baked. I had just taken the pan out of the oven and set it on the counter. I was shuffling other pans around and grabbed that one with my bare hand and it went directly onto the floor. What a mess. And the pain. Burns are SO painful. It's slow typing with one hand too!!! Right now each finger (and thumb) is bandaged because the compression of the bandage helps it from burning so much. Touching cold things feels good until the finger warms up again and then it starts to burn all over again so I try to stay away from cold things too.

Not that I'm glad this happened but I'm glad I was able to get this project on the blog before Christmas for those of you who find it just too darn cute and want to make some for those special people on your list. I just think it's a fabulous little gift. It just has a certain kind of "warmth" to it. Curl up on the couch with your pop, popcorn and a movie you picked out with your movie place gift certificate. How sweet is that??? Sounds very inviting to me.

Thank you SO much for stopping by,
Wanda