My Christmas Wreath & Ribbon Flowers

Embroidery hoop + Garland + Ribbon = 
My Christmas Wreath!

Total cost = $3.25

I picked up a large embroidery hoop from a thrift store, then wrapped it with an evergreen garland from the Dollar Store.  On top of the green is a roll of a wooden trellis-type "ribbon" from Michaels that's been hanging around my craft supplies just waiting for the right project, followed by 25 cent ribbon from Hancock Fabrics that's looped around the wreath and made into a rose. Isn't she lovely? 

A close up of the Ribbon Rose, 

my first time making one out of wired ribbon.

I kinda got addicted to making more flowers out of wired ribbon.

Directions:

Gently pull out the wire from one edge and gather the ribbon, 

then roll up the ribbon on the gathered side to make the flower.

I dabbed hot glue as I rolled the ribbon in order to secure it along the way.

A loose ruffled edge makes a rose, 

while a more tightly gathered one makes a carnation.

This last one wasn't wired but was a lovely two toned ribbon from Martha Stewart's line.  

I made two small rosettes and stacked them up on top of each other...

thinking of turning them into cocktail rings!

 I'm linking to these parties - 
check out the other fabulous projects!

Get Your Craft on at Today's Creative Blog

My Decorated Candy Tins

In my previous post, I shared a perfect idea for a delightful but inexpensive Christmas gift for teachers or a stocking stuffer.  Tragically, I was unable to join the crafting fun that day...  But my dear friend who shared this idea with me hosted another gift making day, so I had the opportunity to make my own Decorated Candy Tins!  I also wanted to make sure I linked back to the original blog post where this idea was featured:  My Paper Creations by Niki Estes. (I'm sorry, Niki, for not giving you credit previously - I didn't know that this idea was from your site but corrected it when I found out the source.)   

To review, here are the supplies you'll need to make these tins:

• Rectangle Clear Top Tins (.875"H x 5.5"W x 3.7")
• Hershey's Nuggets (one bag fills three tins)
• Decorative Paper (we used 12x12 scrapbook paper)
• Ribbon, Stamps, Cut Outs, Shape Punches, etc.
• Adhesive

Instructions:

1. To wrap the tin, you'll need to cut the strips of paper 4x12.
2. To wrap the nuggets, you'll need to cut the strips of paper 1x3
3. After you wrap the candy and the tin, then embellish the outside with ribbon, stamps, cut outs, shape punches, etc. We embossed our stamped labels, making them sparkly.

Here are the tins I made for my kids' teachers (shh, don't tell them!)

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Get Your Craft on at Today's Creative Blog

Decorated Candy Tins, A Perfect Gift!

FYI, I found out that the inspiration for these candy tins came from another blog, My Paper Creations by Niki Estes, and wanted to make sure I gave her credit.  Thank you for such a fantastic idea, Niki!!!

Soooo Cute, don't you think?
Finding a creative pal in Colorado has been a huge blessing.
After a long-distance move, 
you wonder, you hope...
you desperately want to connect with someone who has similar interests.
Soon after meeting at church, Lilah and I discovered that we enjoy making things
and have gotten together several times to Create.
Unfortunately, I missed the latest gathering (drat!) 
because I was teaching a Photography Workshop but wanted to showcase 
this clever, adorable, wonderfully creative, PERFECT gift
for a teacher or as a stocking stuffer.

Supplies:

Rectangle Clear Top Tins (.875" H x 5.5" W x 3.7")***

Hershey's Nugget Chocolates (one bag fills three tins)

Decorative Paper

Ribbon, Stamps, Border Punches, Cut Outs, etc.

Adhesive

Here's Lilah...

1. Decide what yummy ribbon and paper you are going to use

2. Cut a 4x12 inch strip of paper to wrap around the tin itself...use a border punch on the edges.

3. Cut 12 - 1x3 inch strips to wrap around the nuggets

4. Adhere all your papers with adhesive.  The nuggets first, then wrap the tin itself.

5. Embellish as you wish with ribbon, a Christmas stamp, or various cut outs.

6. Give to your children's teachers, neighbors...or keep them for your self because they are too cute to give away!

***Lilah purchased her tins online at Papertrey Ink for $2.00/tin, and I also found other sources that offered them for a great price including Specialty Bottle for about $1.00/tin.  I haven't ordered from them yet, so I don't know anything about their level of customer service.  When shopping around, look for a tin that is (.875" H x 5.5" W x 3.7").

I'm joining these parties:

Feather Lashes, Oh My! Mondo Inspired PR Outfit

Drumroll please...

Presenting the Mondo inspired Project Runway Finale Party ensemble:

The specific details were laid out in this post,

and I added a peacock feather pin I made as well as a new zebra bag that was a gift!

BTW, I wore the same outfit for Halloween

because I'd always intended to go as a Project Runway Design.