Happy Birthday Gift Bag {The Twinery / SRM Stickers}

I don't know if you've noticed, but to me it seems that there are a whoooole lot of birthdays happening this time of year. 

And where there are birthdays...there are gifts. 

And where there are gifts...there is a need for cute gift bags.

Enter The Twinery and SRM Stickers:

I took a plain glassine bag and jazzed it up with some birthday border stickers. Then I turned the flat glassine bag into a dimensional gift bag by folding it along the three closed edges (the same depth of fold on each side). When I opened up the bag, I just folded in the bottom corners, and voilà!

The finished product is perfect for giving a small gift, or even to use as a party goodie bag. And, of course, The Twinery's twine is perfect for tying (pun intended) it all together.

Happy gifting!

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Blue Lagoon - Limited Edition); 
Bag and Stickers: SRM Stickers (Flat Glassine Bag, We've Got Your Border - Birthday); 

Need a necklace? No problem! {The Twinery}

It's no secret that I love using twine. I use it for crafting, of course, but I also love to use it for quick and easy jewelry. (You can see some past jewelry projects I've done with twine here, here, here, and here.) I love using The Twinery's twine for jewelry because it is so soft and lightweight, and it adds a great pop of color.

Recently I was looking for a last minute addition to my outfit, so I simply grabbed my spool of Solid Mandarin twine and went to work. I started with three strands of twine, knotted it in several places along the middle section and then braided both ends. I made it extra long so that I can also wrap it around a couple times as a super skinny belt, but love using it as a multi-strand necklace as well. 

With so many colors of twine available from The Twinery's shop, I've got lots of options for additions to future outfits...and you do, too!

Multi Strand Spine Bookmarks {The Twinery}

If you've been around my blog lately, you know that one of my favorite "crafts" is Bible art/journaling. It seems like at any given time there are a couple of particular passages that are in the queue for future pages to be done, and this is a pretty way to mark those places. 

These bookmarks are particularly useful for a large book like the Bible, but they can work for any book. 

And even better...they aren't just regular bookmarks - they can tuck right into the spine of any hardcover or case bound book. 

They were simple to make, too:

1. To start, I cut a strip of paper just a bit more narrow than my Bible's spine. (I used patterned paper for mine so that they will look good as regular bookmarks, too.)

2. I wanted to add a little sturdiness to these, so I did my very sophisticated laminating technique (aka - adhere clear packing tape to both sides and trim). This will not only help protect the paper piece, but will act as reinforcement for the punched holes.

3. Next, I punched a few holes near the top of the bookmark to give me a place to thread my twine.

4. Then, I threaded the holes with twine and and finished them off by a combination of braiding and/or knotting. You can choose any method for this that strikes your fancy. You can even add beads and/or buttons to the ends to give them some weight. 

(Photography fail - I meant to show the steps in order for making a bookmark, but you'll just have to tell your eyes to go right to left.)

If you want to tuck these into the spine of your book, it is probably easiest if you lay your book out open and flat and slide the paper portion into the spine. You can even insert two (or more) to get more place holders.

Once the bookmarks are inserted into the spine, just use the twine place holders as you would a ribbon bookmark that comes adhered to your Bible or hard cover book.

 Happy reading!

Supplies: 
Patterned Paper: Heidi Swapp (Favorite Things 12x12);
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Stone, Solid Caribbean, Solid Pink Sorbet, Solid Mandarin, Solid Honeydew);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); We R Memory Keepers (Crop-A-Dile);
Other: (Clear Packing Tape);
Bibles: Zondervan (NASB Note-taker's Bible); Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);

Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Easter Treat Bags {The Twinery}

Easter is almost here and I just love to celebrate such a joy-filled holiday. 

In our family we try to remember that Easter isn't about eggs, bunnies, or candy, but about the fact that our Lord was raised to life and that He lives! (And we are certainly thankful that He gave us eggs, bunnies, and candy to enjoy.)

These decorated bags are a simple reminder - and as a bonus they hold a little treat.

Each treat bag is topped with a paper doily and tied closed with The Twinery's twine. (I used Solid Marigold and Solid Lilac.)

I love these quick, easy additions to any celebration (just change out the stamped images and these are perfect for any party and/or holiday). Simple to make but add such a great handmade touch.

What special way(s) will you be celebrating Easter this year?

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Lilac, Solid Marigold); 
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (The Lord Is Risen, Worship The Lord); 
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Colored Pencils: Prang;
Other: Wilton (Paper Doilies); Gartner Studios (Woodgrain Favor Bags);
Tools: Fiskars (Scissors);

Distressed Foil Embellished Onesies {The Twinery}

Today I've got a fun project to share with you...distressed foil embellished onesies!

Foil is so popular right now, and I love the fact that it can be applied to fabric. I wanted to create a fun gift for two of my newest nieces, and I thought decorated onesies would be perfect. My sisters-in-law like vintage and/or shabby chic styles, so distressing on the hearts was the perfect look.

This may look like a difficult and time-consuming project, but it really wasn't. In fact, it went something like this:

Step One: Punch shapes from Hot Melt Adhesive.
*Step Two: Feed the kids.
Step Three: Iron Hot Melt Adhesive punched shapes onto onesies.
*Step Four: Change a diaper.
Step Five: Iron Deco Foil onto onesies.
*Step Six: Put baby down for nap.
Step Seven: Peel back  to reveal finished design.
*Step Eight: Think to yourself, "Wait...you're not finished. These are cute. You should make one for your own baby."
*Step Nine: Repeat steps one through seven.

*Some steps may not apply to all crafters. Feel free to insert a chocolate break instead.

To get that fun, distressed look, I simply set the iron to a higher temperature than was recommended on the package when ironing on the foil. (It will dull some of the high shine of the foil and alter the amount of adhesion, so you will only want to do this if you are wanting the distressed look.)

After I created the onesies for my nieces, I went back and made another onesie, this time choosing a star embellishment for a "little sheriff" look.  

And, of course, no gift is complete without being tied up with The Twinery's fabulous twine! I chose Solid Lilac and Solid Peapod for the heart onesies, and Copper Shimmer twine for the star onesie.

If you are looking to do a distressed foil look on paper, that is possible, too. Simply place parchment paper over the foiled image (after you've peeled the transfer sheet off), and use firm pressure with an iron, being sure to move it back and forth. This will wrinkle and dull the foil - a perfect distressed look!

Before you go...I don't mean to alarm you, but it's come to my attention that some people are using irons for things other than craft projects. I just felt the need to spread the word incase you come in contact with one of these people. They are out there.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: 
Transfer Foil: Therm O Web (Deco Foil - various colors);
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Peapod, Solid Lilac, Copper Shimmer); 
 Tools: Fiskars (Squeeze Punches, Scissors);

Valentine Treat (Peanut Butter Balls) {The Twinery}

Hi there! 

Today I'm sharing a delicious treat with you!  

Okay, it's not easy to share homemade, chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls through the internet...but I can at least share the recipe with you. (And the recipe makes plenty to share with friends and neighbors.) 

You can find the recipe here:

Recipe:

4 cups natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt...no sugar)

8 cups (2 lb. bag) powdered sugar

2 cups butter

2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients and chill in refrigerator until firm.

Scoop into balls and place in fridge or freezer until firm.

Melt 2 pounds chocolate chips with 1 stick (1/4 box) Gulf Wax paraffin wax in a double boiler (or a dish over a pan of hot water).

Dip each peanut butter ball in chocolate coating. Place on tray that has been covered with wax paper & return to fridge or freezer to firm up. Dip tops in melted chocolate (if needed) and return to fridge or freezer to firm up. Store in fridge or freezer.

This recipe is pretty forgiving. Add more peanut butter, more butter, more sugar...more chocolate...whatever you want. 

And I don't pretend to be some master chocolatier - these aren't the prettiest things. (In fact, my friends and I call them my "peanut butter blobs".) 

But they sure do taste good!

Once you've got all those treats made, it's time to wrap them up.

I created these quick and easy boxes that each hold three peanut butter balls:

And, of course, I used The Twinery's twine to add an extra pop of color (and hold the boxes closed).

...delicious treats all packaged up and ready to pass out for Valentine's Day! 

(If you don't eat them all first.)

Enjoy!

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Charcoal, Solid Honeydew, Solid Pink Sorbet); 
Patterned Paper: Heidi Swapp; Jen Hadfield;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); We R Memory Keepers (1-2-3 Punch Board);

1-2-3-4 Whipped Body Butter {The Twinery}

Hello!

'Tis the season for homemade gifts and today I wanted to share with you this easy homemade whipped body butter, packaged in a cute little mason jar that is tucked inside a handmade box.

To start, I first whipped up (pun intended!) a batch of body butter. 

I came across a few homemade body butter recipes and wanted to give it a try, but didn't want to go through the whole double boiler/heating process that they all required. I gathered a few basic ingredients and went to work. Here's my recipe...no melting required!

1-2-3-4 Whipped Body Butter Recipe

1 tbsp. almond oil

2 tbsp. coconut oil

3 tbsp. shea butter

4 drops essential oils

Step One: Blend ingredients together with immersion blender until well combined. (Mixture will be watery.)

Step Two: Put in freezer for 30 minutes.

Step Three: Scrape down sides and blend with immersion blender until mixture is a whipped consistency.

Step Four: Place in fridge for 15 minutes to set.

The recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, quadrupled...you get it. Just keep it in a 1-2-3-4 ratio.
Also, you can choose whatever essential oils you prefer for your scent. I like lavender and/or grapefruit...and peppermint would be a great choice for the holidays!

Once the body butter was set, I transferred it into a small mason jar. (You know how I love mason jars!)

I wanted to make a cute coordinating package for gift giving, so I also created a decorative box.

Both my box and mason jar are finished off with some of The Twinery's Solid Caribbean and Gold Shimmer twines.

An easy homemade gift, perfect for giving during the winter when our skin needs that extra moisture.

What is your favorite homemade gift to give for the holidays?

Please share in the comments.

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Caribbean, Gold Shimmer); 
Patterned Paper: Heidi Swapp (Hello Today - 12x12);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors, Ornament Squeeze Punch); We R Memory Keepers (1-2-3 Punch Board);

Handmade Holidays - Stamped Monogram Napkins

With four kids, let's face it...I don't have a lot of time to get my craft on. Quick and easy handmade gifts are right up my alley, and recently I have really enjoyed giving hand stamped cloth napkins. These are perfect for hostess gifts, neighbor gifts, gift exchanges, gifts for your child's teacher...

The process is fairly simple - start with plain cloth napkins. (I prefer cotton napkins.)

You will want to make sure that you are using a permanent, fabric safe ink - you don't want your work to wash away with the crumbs! Then just ink up your stamp(s) and stamp straight onto the napkins and heat set.

For this set I went with a monogram, but any stamp will do. 

Once you've got your ink heat set, it's time to get it "wrapped". I prefer to keep my hand stamped napkins the star of the show, so I simply tie up a bundle of stamped napkins with some of The Twinery's twine. (I used Solid Charcoal for this set.)

Since I already had my stamps on my block, I went ahead and created a quick coordinating tag - this gives you a small space for a quick note to the recipient.

Easy, peasy, and ready to go!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Charcoal); 
Stamps: Unity Stamp Company (Liz Hicks Alpha, Blossoming Thoughts & Wishes - March 2015 Sentiment Kit);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);