Talk Crafty To Me Just another WordPress weblog

Feliz Navidad from Costa Rica. I’m taking a few days off over the holidays so posting around here will be a bit light, but we’ll be back soon with lots more crafty goodness! Happy Holidays, and thanks for reading!

Place card holders are a fun and festive way to glam up the table and add that personal touch. Here are a few DIY options for your holiday dinner.

Twig and Branches | Christmas Ornaments | Rustic Napkin Holders | Branch Place Card Holder | Eucalyptus Chair Tags | Pine Cone Place Card Holders | Gingerbread Cottages | Paper Tree Place Card

I don’t know about you, but food is one of my favorite gifts to give and to receive. It doesn’t have to be difficult to make, or use expensive ingredients, it’s just the thought and time that makes it special.

1. Cocoa Candy Cane Marshmallows – There’s nothing like a hot mug of cocoa on a cold winter’s night, and what better way to make it special that with these Cocoa Candy Cane Marshmallows.

2. Cranberry Infused Vodka – For those of you who usually give a bottle of wine this time of year, why not try some infused vodka instead. This one is cranberry but you can use all sorts of things, fruit, peppers, spices, even bacon!

3. Gingerbread Caramels – These cute cones filled with caramels make great stocking stuffers or party favors.

4. Cowgirl Cookies – This is a super easy gift that doesn’t require any cooking! Just layer the ingredients into a jar and let the recipient do all the work.

5. DIY: S’mores Kits – Another great gift that doesn’t require cooking! Just assemble the ingredients and decorate.

6. Gingersnap Palmiers – I love the decoration on this jar as much as the contents.

7. Homemade Vanilla – This idea is just beautiful, and you can download the labels to make yours looks just as pretty.

8. Mocha Cocoa – Another idea that just involves layering ingredients

Christmas Crackers are another tradition in my family. They are really easy to make, and since you’re doing them yourself you can make them to match your holiday table… plus I love being able to personalize the little trinkets inside.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lightweight wrapping paper, crepe paper or tissue paper
• Toilet paper rolls (2 per cracker, or one paper towel roll)
• Cracker Snaps (you can buy them at craft stores like Michael’s or online here or here)
• scotch tape
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Candy, toys, trinkets etc. to till it with

Here’s how to make em:

Step 1: Layout your paper, placing one toilet paper roll in the middle. Cut the second roll in half and place one at each edge, leaving about 2 inches between the one in the middle. Use tape to attach the cracker snap lengthwise in the middle of the paper. Tape both ends, but not the middle. (you can also attach the cracker snap in the middle of the rolls, taping the ends to each of the cut rolls)

Step 2: Start rolling the paper around the toilet paper rolls, glue it down as you go, to help keep it’s shape.

Step 3: When you’ve rolled it all the way up, make sure the edge is sealed.

Step 4: Pinch and twist in the paper in the gap between the middle toilet roll and one of the ends. Secure with a ribbon.

Step 5: Fill the open end with candy, toys and trinkets

Step 6: Secure the other end by pinching and twisting like before. Then tie with a ribbon.

And you’re done! If you want you can add additional decorations to the outside, or add the names of your guests and use as place markers at your table.

^{Picture Links: Making Crackers | Reindeer Crackers | Wrapping Paper Crackers | Tissue Paper Crackers}

Opening stockings is one of my absolute favorite parts of the holidays. Notoriously crammed full, and usually spilling out the top, there’s just something about the little gifts, that often feel more thoughtful than the big ones. I’ve had the same stocking since I was little, but if you’re looking for a new stocking this year, try some of these creative ideas.

Knit Stocking Pattern | Striped Piece Stocking | Simple Embroidered Stockings | Recycled Sweater Stockings | Christmas Bloom Stocking | A Rebel Christmas | Babushka Christmas Stocking | Recycled Striped Stocking | Jingle Bell Stockings

Now that you’ve made gift tags and learned how to make your own bows, it’s time to talk gift wrap!

• Kraft paper is always a favorite of mine. Keep it simple with a beautiful ribbon , dress it up with some sequins and string, or add a few stamps for that personal touch. Kraft paper is very flexible and always adds a little handmade feel. (1, 2, 3)
• If brown isn’t your thing, you can use any colored paper you prefer. You can buy Christmas themed stamps at your local craft store, or make your own. Just be sure to pick ink that will show up on your paper. (4, 5).
• Try adding some elements from your own backyard. Pine cones, berry, branches and holly make great decorations and wont cost you a thing. Or fake a little nature with wood grain paper and cut out leafs.(6, 9)
• For an alternative to stamps, try cutting out holiday shapes like this winter scene by Martha Stewart. (7)
• Your sewing machine can also be used to help with your wrapping this holiday season. Sew cute little paper envelopes or re-usable fabric gift bags. (8, 10)

Posted by: kelly

My holiday gift to you! If you don’t have time to make your own gift tags, you can download these snowflake ones I designed.

Place white card stock into your printer and print page one. Then take the same page and flip it over and print page two. This will give you double sided gift tags you can then cut out and address. Use a small hole punch to punch a hole in the top of the tag, then use ribbon or string to attach to your gifts.

- Download Here

Handmade gift tags are another great way to personalize your gift. Many of the same ideas we talked about for holiday cards, can be used to make gift tags too.

The easiest way to cut out lots of tags is with a craft punch. This tag shaped one from Martha Stewart is great, but they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, even a simple circle punch would work perfect. Check your local craft store to see what punches they have and pick something that works for you. If you don’t want to invest in a punch, lots of craft stores will also have precut tags you can personalize, or of course you can always hand cut your own.

^{Tag Punch | Craft Tags | Red & Green Craft Tags}

For paper you’ll want something a little thicker than standard paper, If you’ve got leftover card stock from making your holiday cards this is a great way to use it up. Another idea is to recycle all your old cards from last year, by punching out tag shapes – just be sure to check the back to make sure to avoid any writing. If you’re like me however, and didn’t save any of your cards from last year plain or decorative card stock works just fine.

^{Recycled cereal boxes & holiday magazines | Hand carved stamp on Etsy | Recycled grocery bags | Sewn gift tags | Recycled Christmas cards | Paint Chip Tags | Holly & Berry craft kit}

And of course don’t forget all the amazing handmade tags ready and waiting to be purchased over at Etsy. Just be quick, as holiday shipping deadlines are drawing near!

^{Seasons Greetings | Noel | White Trees | Deer Blossoms | Noel Scarlet + Candy | Merry Merry Christmas}

Hanukkah starts today at sundown, so I thought I’d post a few crafty ideas to kick off your celebration.

• Cookie Menorah from Amy Atlas – Not only is it yummy but it’s also pretty to look at.
• Hanukkah Coasters – representing every side of the dreidel, these coasters make pretty accent to your Hanukkah party.
• Dreidel Gift-Card Holders – These glittery dreidels are perfect for brightening up your giftcards.
• Dreidel Gift Box – Use these paper dreidel boxes to hold candies, nuts, or any other tiny treats.

Receiving a handmade card, always feels great. They don’t have to be complicated, but just knowing that someone took the time to make my card rather than buy a big box of generic cards, makes me feel a little bit special.

Here are some easy ideas to get your creative juices flowing…

If you’ve got a long holiday mailing list, stamps are a great way to create a lot of cards. Most craft stores have a large selection of rubber stamps, but if you can’t find one you like, don’t forget you can always make your own.

^{Picture Links: deeljea designs | CozyMemories | letterknit}

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