Two Angels

Hi guys, I haven't told you this but 2018 was another sad year. 

In April, my father passed away -- 6 days after my birthday and 15 months after my mother's death. It's hard for me to even write this post but this event is etched heavily in my heart and will be the one thing that defines 2018 for me. 

This Christmas, my brothers and I are orphans. And while we're all grown up, married, and independent, it's difficult not having our parents around.

Last Christmas, I made this angel ornament to represent Mama who's now our angel in heaven. The heart she holds is Papa, and the three smaller hearts are me and my brothers. 

I wasn't expecting to make another angel so soon.

As I had mentioned in last year's "100 Day Project", arts and crafts has been my distraction for loneliness. So today, I'll show you how I made my new angel ornament.

It's basically a clothespin doll dressed up with felt and fabric.

I used a wooden bead for the head and a permanent marker to draw the hair and face.

For the angel's robes: white fabric trimmed, folded, and secured in place with hot glue.

I made arms using the same fabric.

 Angel wings cut out from felt plus a shimmery outline using glitter glue.

Little red hearts to represent the family.

The biggest heart represents Mama. 

And the little hearts are the children, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Then I glued on the angel wings and fashioned a loop so I can hang the ornament on the Christmas Tree.

Mama and Papa are together now. We have two angels in heaven watching over us.

Holiday Greens

Hey ho! Or should I say Ho-ho-ho? If you're still at a loss on what to give your friends or co-workers for the holidays, I've got an idea for you.

Why not some small potted plants? Succulents to be exact because they're low-maintenance and are a very lovely addition to a desk, shelf, or coffee table. They're eco-friendly and they're gifts that keep on giving: clean air, good vibes, something to care for (in a not-so needy way).

I got these at my farmer's market. You can also check a garden store for the best variety.

I'm using some craft stamps and an ink pad to add a handmade touch.

Make as many tags as you need.

Cut them to size and punch a hole in the corner. You can even personalize it with a handwritten message and a short list on how to care for their new plant.

Attach the tag on the pot.

And everyone will be dreaming of a green Christmas...TADA!

Easy Holiday Gift Tags

I know these days are busy, so thank you for stopping by to read my post! 

Today, I'm playing with these craft stamps. The theme is just positive: joy, love, peace, and hope. 

These can be used anytime of the year, but more appropriately for the holiday season when we want to spread good wishes.

I'm recycling some cardboard (the one that's unprinted on both sides). I used a craft punch to make the circle but if you don't have one, use a bottle or can, trace this on the cardboard, and cut around it.

Stamp the image on the cardboard.

TADA! Joy with all its flourishes!

Punch a hole on top and add some ribbon or baker's twine.

Easy, instant tags for all your carefully chosen and beautifully wrapped gifts...TADA!

How To: Holiday Gift Box

Hi there! How is your holiday shopping coming along? Today, I've got some inspiration for gift wrapping.

It starts with cheese...

I was ready to throw this box away. It packaged individally-wrapped cheese wedges. Then I thought, "This makes a good candidate for a blah to TADA! project".

I really liked its shape and the cardboard is quite sturdy.

I took off the sticker labels on both sides and replaced them with these festive cardboard circles (made from scrapbook paper and traced with a can).

I used All Purpose Glue to attach them to the box.

While letting this dry, I made some embellishments:

An image using rubber stamps, an ink pad, and kraft paper.

I cut around the image and attached it to the box with more glue.

With some natural twine, I made a handle.

I inserted it through the existing hole and made a few knots to secure it.

Inside, I tucked in a little present (wrapped in gift tissue).

And here is my holiday gift box...TADA!

Washi tape on the outer rim will keep the box closed until Christmas Eve.

Happy shopping, happy wrapping!

Travel Tags

Nice to see you guys today!

I found this chocolate wrapper too cute to throw away. So I saved it and transformed it into...

A luggage tag...TADA!

I still had some paper left-over for a new craft.

We'll need these acrylic key rings (I got them from the craft store).

You can put anything inside like photos or kiddie drawings.

I cut two rectangles out of the chocolate wrapper.

Then I put them inside the key chain frame and locked it in place with the acrylic backing.

Now, I've got a luggage tag and matching key chain in this chic, graphic print...TADA!

A New Luggage Tag

One of the things I always keep in my pantry is a bar of dark chocolate. Whenever the craving hits, I know I have a hidden stash that'll hit the spot.

Plus points if the chocolate bar is artisinal and beautifully wrapped!

This one originates from Brooklyn. The pattern imprint on the chocolate shows that no detail was compromised.

Even the inside of the package tells a story.

I always, always save pretty packaging. They're very useful for crafting.

 Today, I made another luggage tag out of it. Here's how:

I bought these self-laminating luggage tags on-line.

Cut a piece of the package to match the size of the ID card.

Glue the paper onto the ID card.

 Fill out your information on the other side.

Insert the card between the plastic, carefully seal to close, and attach the handle through the slot.

I have a new luggage tag ready for my next trip. And these ones are all made from chocolate wrappers...TADA!

Please stop by tomorrow for another idea. See you then!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am very grateful to sit down, give thanks, and enjoy a sumptous meal with family. I wish you and yours good health and an abundant table (today and everyday). Happy Thanksgiving!