Christmas Ornaments

Idea is from Splitcoaststampers.com

The verse is Isaiah 1:8 --
Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be made as white as snow

This one is filled with glitter.  I've made some other ones with sparkly "snow" confetti and snowflake confetti filled behind the transparency. 

Another suggestion:  glue the the ornament top to the ornament to avoid having glitter EVERYWHERE in your ornament storage box.

Diskette Notebook and CD holder

Found these while at Mom & Dad's Museum of the Past (their house).  I don't think anyone in the immediate family even has a computer that can take a 5.25" floppy disk. 

The disk envelope is incorporated inside as a pocket.

This one is a CD holder (oh the irony!) made from CD sleeves.

I am relieved that the younger cousins can identify that they're floppy disks! 

Wishing for SU Top Note Die

Since StampinUp introduced the Top Note Die, I have wanted it in an unforgivable coveting kind of way.  Sure it would be simple to shell out the $22+tax+shipping and suffer through the interminable waiting for delivery.  But wait, my trusty red sizzix can't use that size die.  If I buy a die, I'll have to buy a new machine to go with it. 

There's also the Spellbinders Die(s) of similar shape, and in MULTIPLE sizes with an option to emboss/deboss.  Again, if I buy the die(s), I need to buy a bunch of accessories to go with it. 

Hmm.. that other diecut machine I have under the table.  What's it called again?  Oh yeah, a cricut.  And looky there's this cartridge with a similar shape.  It's time to spend more time with the cricut...

Cards

When life gives you scraps...

 punch flowers out of paper scraps until you get a "bunch."



 ribbon scraps that were headed for the trash get

a new lfie.

The polka dot flower was die cut from a really cute box in

the recycle bin.



Cards made with felt scraps

I had a bunch of felt scraps (e.g. 1" x 2" pieces).  With my trusty old red sizzix, I die cut lots of flowers and here's what I did with them.

"Benevolence" Boxes

These were for church.   "Benevolence Boxes" eventually became "Benevolent Boxes."  Benevolence means to give money to a king, so as to curry favor.  Benevolent means for the good of others.  It was an easy fix -- whew!

Altered Composition Books and a Clipboard

 

Notepads with Library Card

These notepads were almost the same size as the library card.  Don't ask why I have the library cards...

Baby Shower Cards (sized for group signatures)

Here are some cards that I made for several baby showers for guests who contributed to the group gift.  From the pictures, it's hard to tell the size of these cards.  Let's just put it this way -- for the envelope, I used a comic book protector.

Chore Chart

Disclaimer -- we don't use these chore charts anymore.  We've outgrown this system.

Each of the pockets were made using clear envelopes cut in half.   The chore cards were index cards cut in half.  

Each chore card had a visual cue on the front using stickers or diecut letters.  On the reverse side, there was a list of how to complete the chore/expectations for a chore to be considered complete. 

Every morning I would set the cards up in the pocket.  It allowed for some variation of chores based on need, ease, or general rotation.  I always had a stash of blank cards available for new chores.

As the kid completed a chore, she turned it over.  So when ishe asked for afternoon media time, I could tell immediately if all her chores were completed.

No Sew Tutu

If you know me well, you know two things about me:

1.  I love upcycling

2.  I avoid sewing whenever possible.

What does this tutu have to do with these confessions?

1.  I had to ask around if anyone had any tulle because there was no way I was going to BUY tulle to make a fluffy project that no house resident would wear.  Marie and her amazing garage of wonders had some tulle left over from a Anica's baby shower. 

2.  A No-sew project -- yay!  Wait, I lied.  I had to sew the ends of the no-roll elastic together.  A *Mostly* no-sew project!  All you need to know is how to do a lark's head knot (and I bet you do). 

I'm also trying to find cool, usable gifts that the kids can make themselves.  This one can definitely be done for little girl cousins who like fluffy things.

Amigurumi Creations

Chicken

(my pattern)

Hamster?

my pattern -- although I really don't want to take credit for it. 

Originally I was trying to make a bear, but ran out of yarn.

Yoda

(own pattern)

Yoda's vestments are made of felt and ribbon. 

Sticks of Dynamite/Timer holder

(based on this fabulous blog)

Amigurumi Tea Party

(L to R: French Pea from VeggieTales, Hippo, Eaglet, unfinished chicken, piglet)

 

Custom Blank Journals -- Centerville Presbyterian Church Women's Retreat

Acetate cover

Inside with no. 6 coin envelope and ribbon bookmark

half-size journal for Dawn

inside of half-size journal

Graphic supplied by client.  Produced 35 journals for retreat attendees.

Thanks Dawn for the fun project.  It was a pleasure working with you!