Christmas Treats for Your “Sweets”

Hi everyone.  I'm here today sharing a Christmas surprise idea with you.  I made some Christmas treats for my “sweets”. My sweet girls that is and it was so fun to make these and to watch the delight my girls had wondering and discovering what was inside.

I’ll step you through how I made these but I’ll be back next week with the process video I created so you can see it come together in action!

It might be a little hard to tell but these treat bags are bursting at the seams with Christmas chocolates!  These can be used as party favors, advent or just fun little treats for your friends, family and even co-workers. The great thing is that they are really easy to make if you have a pair of scissors or die cutting machine, glue and a few embellishments.

Let’s take a look at how I assembled the Christmas tree. I used my Silhouette CAMEO but you could easily hand cut these.  Either way, you need two identical cut trees. Easy, right?

Next, add brads from the embellished brads set. Alternatively, you can use die cuts, glitter, enamel dots but these brads are just so awesome.  I love the color variations and the gold rim around them.

Next, Starting at the widest part of the tree, which is the bottom, glue the bottom and the edges together until you have a large pocket.  Once dry, fill it with candies. Repeat until you are at the top and your tree is completely filled.

Here’s an example of a treat bag embellished with die cuts.  Simply adhere the die cut with strong liquid adhesive and set aside to dry.

Set them out as a surprise treat for the special people in your life.  They have no idea what’s inside and it’s so fun to watch them open their surprise.

Beware, they will want to open them all!  You could also add in different candies or other small items you think your friends and family will enjoy!

Check back next week for the process video I filmed while creating these Christmas treats for my sweets!

Supplies:

COZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMASCOZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ SANTA LANDCOZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ WINTER GREEN
COZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ MERRY & BRIGHTCOZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ WARM & COZYCOZY & BRIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ FA LA LA LACOZY & BRIGHT DECORATIVE BRADSCOZY & BRIGHT EPHEMERA CARDSTOCK DIE-CUTS ICONS W/WHITE GLITTER ACCENTSCOZY & BRIGHT EPHEMERA CARDSTOCK DIE-CUTS PHRASE W/WHITE GLITTER ACCENTS

Teacher Gift Basket

Hi everyone.  I'm here today to talk about teacher gifts.  With the school year winding down, I always like to give my girls’ teachers a gift card. The problem is that I always feel compelled to enhance it with a bit of personalization.

I decided a gift basket with a journal, gift card and plant was in order.  I’ve been gardening quite a bit lately and I just love how easy succulents are to care for.

I also pulled a card I recently created from my stash as it was a perfect addition, made form the same collection I was planning to use for the gift decor.

Next, I created a bow in colors that coordinated with the journal and succulent I added to the gift basket.  This bow is super dimensional and very easy to make.  You simply cut strips of paper to your desired length.  Note that they fold in half to form the bow so keep that in mind when cutting your strips. So you cut 5 strips the same length and then bend the ends together so that they make a loop.  Secure then with adhesive, liquid glue or even thread. I chose a flower die but but you can add another loop on the inside.

I used this cute ruler crate I found at a dollar spot at one of my favorite stores.  You could easily recreate this but using actual rulers, cut down or drawing the lines with marker.  I added the bow, “thanks” and a few more embellishments!

So there you have it! What started out as a gift card was easily enhanced with a little creativity and heartfelt appreciation.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

xoxo, Heather
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Pinterest

Patio Party Tulips (732905)Dimensional Stickers Butterfly w/Gold Foil Accents (733053)
Patio Party Cardstock Stickers (733781)Patio Party “Flowers” Dimensional Stickers
Patio Party Single Sided 6×6 Paper Pad
Sticky Thumb Adhesive Foam Dots (340272)

DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Tags

Hi everyone.  Before I show you my Christmas Gift Wrap Tags, I want to say that I'm thrilled to be returning to the Pebbles design team for a 2nd year. 

My goal is to inspire you with scrapbooking layouts and all things crafty.  Please let me know what you like about me and would like to see more of from me - cut files, types of layouts, more photos, less photos on a layout, etc. etc.  Just leave me a comment and/or connect with me on social media, which are all listed at the bottom of this post.

 Now, let's get started with today's crafty project...

DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Tags

To get started, wrap your gifts in your favorite gift wrap  or if your package is small enough, using patterned paper that coordinates with your tags.

Gather your supplies

Gather your coordinating tags, die cuts, stickers, twine and anything else you's like to decorate your tags.

Create your tags

Washi Christmas Tree Tag Add strips of Washi on white cardstock, precut to slightly larger than your Christmas tree design that you will be cutting. Make sure to add enough rows and cover the majority of the paper. Cut your design using your favorite die cut, machine or by hand. For all tags, layer die cuts and embellishments. Make sure to write a personalized note to the back of the tags. Then, tie twine around the gifts, making sure to tie your gift tags into the twine. Now, you are set! These can be used as part of your home decor until you are ready to gift them to someone special. 

Thanks for stopping by today. I wish you all a very, merry Christmas!

Heather (@heatherleopard on social media)
Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Twitter 

Supplies: Merry Merry Ho Ho Ho Patterned Paper (733547) Merry Merry Christmas Floral Patterned Paper (733551)  Merry Merry Holly Berries Patterned Paper (733552)  Merry Merry Washi Tape (733561)  Merry Merry Gold Glitter on Kraft Paper (733725) Merry Merry Cardstock Stickers Icons & Accents (733559)  Merry Merry Ephemera Cardstock Die Cuts (733560) Merry Merry Puffy Stickers (733562)

Thanksgiving Gifts | Party Favors

Hello everyone.  While my Thanksgiving guests usually leave quite stuffed, I like to send them off with a treat so show that I am grateful they chose to spend their day with us.  This year, I'm sending them home with a Thanksgiving gift - some delicious home baked bread and since I don't want you to feel left out, I've included the recipe below.
 

Let's start baking!

Gather your Thanksgiving gift supplies and follow the recipe to make your very own delicious zucchini bread. Set it aside while you prepare your packaging.

Let's get crafty!

The Heart of Home collection has the best tags and die cuts for these delicious bread gifts.  They are especially great because they already have sentiments pre-printed on them so it makes this project easy peasy! Pick your favorites and start layering them.

Wrap it up!

Once the bread has cooled, insert them into cellophane bags, wrap some twine and add your tags. Now you have a delicious Thanksgiving gift to treat your guests to. Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have a blessed week! Heather

Supplies: Heart of Home Family Tree 12″x12″ Patterned Paper (733744) Heart of Home From Me to You 12″x12″ Patterned Paper (733745) Heart of Home Wild Daisies12″x12″ Patterned Paper (733755) Heart of Home Ephemera (733769) Heart of Home Dimensional Stickers (733765)

DIY Mother's Day Bath Salt Recipe

Hello lovely friends.  I'm here today to share a pampering DIY Mother's Day idea. This is a perfect way to treat any guests you welcome to your home for this weekend's celebration, or any time for that matter. It's also a sweet idea for those moms who may be a bit hard to buy for.  Or, maybe you just want some time to yourself. Either way, this DIY project is sure to please!

Not only do these DIY Mother's Day bath salts add an extra spa-like element to your bathroom, they are also fun and easy to make!

Supplies:

• small jar(s) to hold the salts
• twine or ribbon
• Patterned paper for decor
• 1 Cups Epsom salt (unscented)
• 1/2 Cup Coarse Sea Salt - if you don't have this, add another 1/2 C Epsom Salt
• 1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
• 6 - 8 drops of your favorite essential oils - consider lavender, peppermint, citrus, geranium, frankincense, chamomile, or your favorite blends.
• Food coloring (optional) If you do not add food coloring, the bath salts will be white in color.

Begin making your DIY Mother's Day gift by adding all ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl; stir together until well blended.  If you choose to use multiple scents, mix everything but the oils together. Split the mixture into separate smaller bowls.

Add the oil or oil blend of your choice.

Add a few drops of food coloring if you choose to add color to your salts.

Once dry, add the salt mix to your containers. Store in airtight container for up to 6 months.

Lastly, add a little note and pretty bow to make them pretty. I used these from the Tealightful collection. Display in your bath and you're all set to relax!  Just turn on your favorite spa music and get ready to tune out the rest of the world for the next 30 minutes.

Fill the bath with warm water and add 2 - 3 scoops (approx. 1/4 C.) to the warm bath. Enjoy pampering yourself!

Supplies: Tealightful Tea Party Sentiments 12" x 12" patterned paper (733536), Tealightful Puffy Stickers Puffy Icons (733542)

DIY Decoupage Succulent Planter Teacher Gift

Hello everyone. Today I am going to walk you through creating a cute decoupage succulent planter as a teacher gift. I want to say thank you to all the teachers out there! As the school year is winding down, I'm thinking about ways to show my daughters' teachers some appreciation. Since they are an integral part of my daughters' development and growth, I thought it only fitting to create a one-of-a-kind teacher gift. See how to create this cute teacher gift to show your appreciation for all your kids' teachers do.

Begin by selecting a patterned paper from the Simple Life collection.  I wanted something that was neutral colored but also nature-themed, so this page was perfect for my vision!

Cut your chosen patterned paper in various pieces.  Here's just a sample of how I cut it.  I ended up using the entire sheet for the project.

Apply a liberal amount of decoupage mixture and adhere the paper to the clay pot. I worked all the way around the pot like this, ensuring there was enough overlapping the top and bottom of the pot.

I covered the entire pot, then went back over the top with more decoupage mixture to really seal the paper.  Repeat this step a few times, especially on the inside.

Next, fill your new planter with your favorite flowers or succulents. Finish off the gift with a couple small signs to insert into the pot.  I chose a sentiment and a butterfly from the Simple Life collection.

Do you think my daughter's teacher will like it? I'll add a coordinating gift card, but in all honesty I kind of want to keep it for myself! This project is the perfect gift for a teacher of friend who needs a cute gift for their kitchen or desktop.

Supplies: JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12"X12" (733469), JEN HADFIELD SIMPLE LIFE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDSTOCK 12"X12"SIMPLE GREETINGS (733475)

Quick Fall Hostess / Teacher Gift Idea

Hi everyone, I have a fun fall hostess gift idea on the Pebble blog (and here) to share with you today that you can whip up in a matter of minutes.

It's basically fall in a jar and it's bursting with traditional falls colors.  I'm going to let my girls give these to their teachers but they're perfect for a hostess gift or a little treat for your co-workers.

Supplies:

• mason jars
• your favorite Pebbles fall collection - pattern paper, die cuts, wood veneer
• Twine
• Paper piercer or hole punch
• Sticky Thumb Sticky Dots
• candy or trail mix

To create these, fill the mason jars with candy made up of the your favorite Autumn colors. Then, cut leaves using whatever tools you have.  I used my Silhouette CAMEO.  Then mix and match the leaves with a sentiment cut from one of the pattern papers in the 6x6 paper pad.  Punch a hole in them and tie them together with twine. Wrap around your mason jars and then add wood veneer using Sticky Dots.

You're halfway done at this point! Next, grab a few smaller leaves and a cute little wood veneer character. Adhere the leaves together, folding them the way a typical leaf would be folded. Adhere them to the top of the mason jar lid using another sticky dot.

Add a little bow to your character to give it even more character.  Adhere to the top of the lid using a stick dot.  I also attached a piece of cardstock as a base to the back of the wood veneer to help it stay standing upright.

And there you have it, two quick gifts using my favorite fall colors. I only hope my girls' teachers enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making them for them.

Pebbles Supplies: Woodland Forest Apple Cider pattern paper (733430) Woodland Forest Fall Florals pattern paper (733434) Woodland Forest Pears pattern paper (733428) Woodland Forest Wood Veneer Shapes (733439) Woodland Forest 6"x6" Paper Pad (733441) Sticky Thumb sticky dots (340274)

DIY Fall Candle Wrap Decor

Hello everyone. Fall is upon us and I'm enjoying decorating my house with all the gorgeous autumn colors.  This project was recently featured on the Pebbles blog. The Pebbles Woodland Forest collection is the right mix of everything you need for a little fall ambiance, like this Fall Candle Wrap home decor.

Once I had all my supplies, I was able to complete this project in under an hour.

Using your favorite die cut machine, cut leaves in various shapes and sizes using your favorite colors. Select the leaves you want to use on your candles and set them aside. Select a few cardstock shapes for additional candle decor.

Spread the remaining leaves on the plate. You may adhere the leaves together to prevent them from moving around.

Cut a strip of burlap approximately 2" high. Make sure to cut it long enough to wrap around the candle. Adhere to the back of your candle using Sticky Thumb sticky dots.

Add the leaves and cardstock shapes you set aside to the front of the candles. I used sticky dots to adhere these. Repeat for all your candles.

Display in your home or office and enjoy a little bit of the outdoors wherever you are.

Supplies:
Woodland Forest Stitched Floral pattern paper (733429)
Woodland Forest Apple Cider pattern paper (733430)
Woodland Forest Leaf Toss pattern paper (733426)
Woodland Forest Fall Florals pattern paper (733434)
Woodland Forest Pears pattern paper (733428)
Woodland Forest Printed Cardstock Shapes (733437)
Sticky Thumb sticky dots (340274)

You're So Sharp DIY Back to School Gift

Hello everyone. I'm here to show you how I created unique Back to School pencil boxes for all the kids in our cul-de-sac, who recently returned back to school.

The majority of the kids in our part of the neighborhood are still in elementary school. They are so excited to go back to school to see their friends and teachers. These little pencil boxes are just a small gesture from us to add to their excitement.

I used this pencil box cut file that I downloaded from the Silhouette store. Using a combination 3 different Pebbles collections, I mixed and matched colors and patterns to resemble a pencil. Then, I used the same color palette to decorate the crate that will hold the gifts. This will also serve as part of the back to school decorations in my house until we hand them out.  I'm getting a 2 for 1 deal here.

I found this crate in the Dollar isle at Target and had to get it because it's so cute.  You could easily recreate this yourself with a couple of rulers and wood glue.  It didn't need much more decorating but I wanted to add a bit of color. To do this, I added a cute little banner to the top and a school sentiment to the bottom corner.

This project involves a bit of paper piecing work but there's only 5 elements and it's so cute and really simple to do. I added little tags to the pencils so that I could add a sentiment on the front and who it's from on the back.

If you want to mix it up a bit for the pencils you could really use any fun pattern you have on hand. Afterall, pencils come in all sorts of fun prints these days.

Pebbles Supplies: Jen Hadfield Warm & Cozy Tweed Pattern Paper (733415) America the Beautiful Patriotic Posies (733346) Fun in the Sun 6×6 Paper Pad (732862) American Crafts Cardstock