Tag: gifts

Bunny Trail Sidewalk Chalk

Bunny Trail Sidewalk Chalk

Oh my goodness, it’s almost Easter and I feel like I’m so far behind. It seems like St. Patrick’s Day was just a couple of weeks ago. . . Oh wait, it was! With Easter’s early arrival and our spring break adventure last week, I’m afraid all the holiday hoopla has simply taken a backseat to life. Not that I’m downplaying the importance of Easter and the resurrection of Christ, but let’s just say that I’ve been a little lax in my outward display of enthusiasm. Anyone else in my shoes this year?

Okay, so enough of my excuses. We all still have time to whip up a few items just in time for Easter, and this adorable little bunny sidewalk chalk definitely fits the bill. I love this craft because it is easy to make, it fits into many plastic eggs and kids love them. Winner, winner, bunny dinner!

Here’s what you need:

  • Silicone Mold (bunnies, chicks or Easter eggs are all good choices)
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Water
  • Tempera Paint
  • Disposable cups and spoons

Here’s what you do:

  1. Mix equal parts Plaster of Paris and water in a disposable cup.
  2. Add paint to the mixture and stir until you get the desired color. Of course, the more paint the deeper the color.
  3. Pour the colored mixture into the molds. Fill it close to the top, but don’t overflow or you will have to trim off the excess (and that definitely would add oodles of unnecessary work to this super easy craft).
  4. Let the mold set on a level surface until dry, which will take several hours. Your Plaster of Paris container probably will give you an estimated time.
  5. Pop out the little chalks and let them continue to dry for at least a day. You will know when they are completely dry when they are no longer cool to the touch (not that you have to wait quite that long).

As a side note, if you plan to package these fun little chalks in a sealed container, you may want to let them dry longer. I plopped mine in mini baggies and they were a bit moist when I handed them out to the kiddos in the Hollow. The kids loved them but the chalks didn’t seem to last as long. Also, make sure you wash your mold immediately or you might have a hard time getting it completely clean.

Okay, I think that’s it. Enjoy your sidewalk chalk and have a happy Easter!

Put Some Plaid on Your Presents

Put Some Plaid on Your Presents

plaidpackages

Okay, if you’ve been following along lately, you probably already know that I’m “mad for plaid” this holiday season and I’ve been plopping it all over the place, inside and out, because this classic Christmas style just never gets old. So of course when it came to wrapping presents, I decided to unleash the plaidness  and splash some color under my boughs of holly.

After starting with scraps, I quickly found that tearing strips of fabric in different sizes was a quick, cute and efficient way to personalize all the gifts under my tree. I can tear super skinny strips for a twine-type bow or cut a wider piece for those larger gifts. By using a few yards of different plaids, I can completely customize every gift box under my tree and still have a cohesive look. . . if you’re into that sort of thing.

By the way, all that actual wrapping paper you see came from my dollar store. I scored several rolls of that super cute stuff in mid November and love, love, love it. I used string tags from the office supply store for gift tags this year. I simply added a spritz of green Glimmer Mist and inked the edges before stamping names on each one using my Prima Press alphabet stamping system.

Here’s to making the holidays merry and bright (or at least madly and plaid)!

plaidgift plaidgift1

Saturday Sparks — Back-to-School Teacher Gifts

Saturday Sparks — Back-to-School Teacher Gifts

It’s officially August, and that means back-to-school is just around the corner. The kiddos in our area are heading back what seems extra early to me this year, so it’s time to start thinking about teacher gifts. On this warm summer Saturday morning,  I’ve compiled a few ideas to help kick-start your creative spark, some simple and some more flashy (take a look at that school supply cake), but hopefully you find inspiration here to craft something fabulous for a special teacher.

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