Talk Crafty To Me » Christmas

Handmade Gift Ideas: For Pets

kelly — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:11:35 +0000

Don’t forget your furry friends this holiday season… they’re part of the family too! Pamper your pets with these adorable handmade gifts.

1. Pet Food Canister: Recycle and old tin into a handy and stylish pet food container.

2. Stamped Metal Pet ID Tags: Mentioned this technique in the gifts for her post, and think it works just as well for pet tags. Check out this great tutorial on stamping metal to create your own.

3. Cat Nip Mice: A great way to use up fabric scraps and a perfect toy to keep your cat entertained this holiday season.

4. Dog Paw Stocking: Who says stockings are just for people? This cute dog paw stocking is a great way to include your furry friend in the festivities.

5. Dog Bed: Tired of sharing your bed or couch with your pooch? Why not make him his own comfy bed?

6. Rope Toy: This is a super easy gift and cheap too! All you need are a few dish towels and a couple minutes of time, and you’ve got yourself a new rope bone perfect for tug-of-war!

7. DIY Dog Collars: Is your pup in need of a new collar? Here’s a great tutorial for a cute collar sure to put a little bounce in your pups steps.

8. Dog Bowl Stand: You dine in style so why shouldn’t your pooch? Why not make him his very own dining table?

9. Cat Scratching Pad: Keep your cat away from your furniture and give her this cute fish shaped scratching pad.

10. Doggy Rain Coat: Pamper your pup and keep him dry on your winter walks with his very own rain coat.

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Handmade Gift Ideas: For Kids

kelly — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:58:32 +0000

Why not skip the expensive, battery operated, mass-produced plastic toys this year, in favor of something more unique and personal. Handmade toys are a great way to encourage creativity and activate your children’s imagination. These great ideas are inexpensive and easy to make, plus they’re sure to provide hours of entertainment.

1. Felt Alphabet Letters: Help your little ones learn there ABCs with some cute felt letters.

2. Homemade Play Dough: Create a rainbow of colors and watch your children’s imagination run wild with this easy to make play dough. This is also an easy project to do with young kids and would make a great gift for their little friends.

3. Crayon Art Folio: Perfect for that budding artist on the go!

4. Car Caddy: Another great gift for little one’s on the go, that also helps encourage them to pick up their toys so you’re not stepping on them.

5. Felt Tool Box: Put your little helper to work on the home repairs with their very own tool set.

6. Molded Crayons: These fun crayons can been made is any shape or size, all you need are some fun molds and a bunch of crayons. How about spacemen & rockets or ballerinas and zoo animals.

7. Felt Stuffed Animals: Who wouldn’t love a cute and cuddly little friend for the holidays?

8. Snowman Kit: This is such a cute idea for little ones who love to play in the snow.

9. Painted Wooden Blocks: Build em up and knock em down. Your kids will have endless hours of fun, and may even learn to spell.

10. Fort Kit: I love this idea. This kit includes everything you need to build a fort, like sheets, close pegs, suction cups, rope and even a flashlight for when it’s all built. Perfect rainy day fun!

11. Buttoned Baby Boots: Help keep those little toes warm this winter, with this adorable little baby boot pattern.

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Handmade Gift Ideas: For Him

kelly — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:02:05 +0000

Lets face it… when it comes to giving handmade, girls are easy. It’s the men on the other-hand that are a little more difficult to make for. But, never fear, we’ve got some great gift ideas you can make for the special men in your life.

1. Bacon infused Vodka: I don’t know a man alive who doesn’t like bacon. Combine that with booze and you’ve got a winner on your hands.

2. Bay Rum Aftershave: Give your man a manly smell with this Bay Rum Aftershave. Get the recipe here.

3. Mustache Etched Pint Glasses: These would make a great gift for the beer lover on your list. Check out this tutorial on how to etch glass to see just how easy it is.

4. Beef Jerky: Another classic manly gift. Package it up in a nice jar and you’ll surely put a smile on your guy’s face.

5. Bicycle Brake Clock: Does your guy love mountain biking and all things out doors? Why not make him this bicycle brake clock for his office so he can count down the hours till he can hit the trails.

6. iPad Sleeve: A handmade iPad Sleeve doesn’t have to be cutesy or girly. Use rugged and durable fabrics like wool and leather to create a sleeve that’s functional and masculine.

7. BBQ Rubs: Does your guy love to grill? Here are some easy recipes for yummy rubs, complete with downloadable labels.

8. Black & Tan Beer Soap: No lavender and rose petals here… this soap is all man.

9. Typographic Coasters: Skip the lace and doilies in favor of cork and plywood with these typographic coasters.

10. Screen Printed Tie: Spruce up a plain tie with unique screen printed designs like these ones from Etsy seller 20twenty. Or check out this screen printing tutorial to learn how to make your own.

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Handmade Gift Ideas: For Her

kelly — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:10:17 +0000

December is officially in full swing, and it’s time to start talking gift ideas! First up in our handmade gift ideas series are gifts for her! Whether that’s your mom, or your sister, your girlfriend or your bestie. We’ve put together a list of easy gift ideas you can make yourself that are sure to impress any woman on your list.

1. Personalized Coffee Sleves: Cute and reversible, the perfect gift for your coffee loving bestie!

2. Rosette Bracelet: A great accessory to dress up jeans or any outfit for your fashionista friend.

3. Stamped Metal Jewelry: A crafty yet stylish way to express yourself, and your friendship.

4. Handmade Lip Balm: Got lots of girlfriends on your list? Lip balm is an inexpensive gift you can make in bulk.

5. Homemade Bath Salts: What girl wouldn’t love some homemade bath salts to help unwind after a busy holiday season.

6. Stenciled Mugs: Dress up plain dishware to reflect your friend’s style and color pallet.

7. Monogrammed Tote Bag: Encourage your family and friends to say goodbye to plastic with this personalized tote bag.

8. Knit Cowl: Spread the love, and warmth this year with a cozy knit cowl.

9. Matching Apron & Tea Towels: Got a foodie on your list? Why not make them an apron with matching tea towels. Check out this screen printing how to.

10. Ruffled Throw: Give someone a bedroom makeover with this unique ruffled throw.

11. Spoon Rings: Looking for a way to recycle extra silverware? How about turning them into rings?

12. Paperclip Earrings: Super simple and super cheap, these paperclip earrings are also super cute.

13. Fabric Clutch: A girl can never have too many handbags, and this easy to sew fabric clutch is no exception.

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DIY Tree Skirts

kelly — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:34:25 +0000

Now that you’ve got some inspiration for decorating your tree, how about creating something to cover that unsightly metal tree stand. Give your gifts a cozy place to rest until Christmas, with a handmade tree skirt.

1. Heirloom Wool Tree Skirt: This simple tree skirt is made of wool, making it a little more durable, for those of us who have a tendency to spill a bit when watering the tree. Dress it up with some sequins and beads, to make a classy addition to your tree.

2. Christmas Craft Tree Skirt: This tutorial uses yarn and felt to create a simple and inexpensive tree skirt.

3. Simple Scalloped Felt Tree Skirt: Print out the template and sew together to create this simple scalloped tree skirt in your favorite colored felt.

4. Burlap & Lace Tree Skirt: I love the mix of hardy burlap, and delicate lace in this vintage inspired tree skirt. See the tutorial to recreate the look.

5. Patchwork Hand-tied Tree Skirt: Do you have lots of leftover Christmas fabric from over the years? Why not use it to create a cute patchwork tree skirt like this one?

6. Christmas Tree Tree Skirt: Another great way to use up some fabric scraps with this Christmas tree, tree skirt.

7. Multi-layered Tree Skirt: A great way to mix and match fun co-ordinating christmas fabrics. This one is a little more time-consuming, but the outcome is worth it.

9. No-sew Ruffled Tree Skirt: Not much of a sewer? Never fear… here’s one you can throw together without a sewing machine!

10. Ruffled Tree Skirt: I just love the fullness created at the base of this elegant tree skirt. Check out the tutorial to see how it’s done.

11. Scalloped Felt Tree Skirt: I can’t actually find the original source for this tree skirt, but using some of the techniques in the tutorials above you could easily create your own DIY version.

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Handmade Christmas Ornaments

kelly — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:00:59 +0000

I seriously can’t get enough of handmade ornaments. Every year a tone of new creative ideas pop up and I can never pick just one favorite. Here are just a few to get your creative juices flowing, and inspire you to create your own.

And… once you do, don’t forget to share it with us on TalkCraftyToMe’s Facebook page. We’d love to see what you’re creating this holiday season!

1. Oh Felty Christmas Tree!: A great project for you and your kids. Just cut out decreasing sized circles of felt and stack them together to form this tree shape and top with a star.

2. Set of 6 handmade ornaments: Don’t have time to create your own ornaments this year? Check out this set of 6 from Pretty Plush on Etsy.

3. Mistletoe Tutorial: Let the smooching commence, with this cute felt mistletoe!

4. Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread: This gorgeous pair of felt characters are hand stitched and would make a great addition to any tree.

5. Bird Softies: Done up in Christmas fabrics this free pdf pattern would make cute ornaments.

6. Felt Cutout Ornaments: Download the template to create these quick and easy candy cane, snowflake, and bell-shape ornaments.

7. Button Tree Ornament: Super simple but ultra cute ornament. All you need is a bunch of varied sized green buttons, and a cute little star for the top.

8. Mitten & Snowman Ornaments: Another tutorial for this cute winter themed ornaments.

9. Whimsical Bird Kit: Purchase everything you need to make these little bird ornaments in one handy little kit.

10. Snowflake Christmas Tree Ornaments: These elegant ornaments are simple to make with Crayola model magic and a cookie cutter!

11. Felt Ogee Ornament Tutorial: Bring a modern touch to your tree with this felt ogee ornament.

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Holiday Card Roundup 2011

kelly — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Let’s face we’re busy. We don’t always have time to make our own cards or gifts, but that doesn’t mean you have to give generic-store-bought stuff. You can still give handmade and help support other artists and crafters at the same time. Here’s a round up of fantastic holiday cards that you still have time to order.

1. Folk Pattern Christmas Cards: Inspired by a love of paper cuts and folk patterns along side the magic of Christmas.

2. Happy Merry Joy Collection: Set of 6 illustrated cards from Kathryn Whyte.

3. 3D Trees: This card is sure to stand out in a mailbox full of boring 2D cards!

4. Blissful Bears: I love how elegant this minimalist letterpress card is, classic and timeless.

5. Merry Fishmas Cards: Order online and customize the message inside these scuba inspired cards, perfect for the underwater enthusiast on your list.

6. Rudolph Card: This cute Rudolph is hand-drawn and printed on recycled kraft paper, for a natural and organic feel.

7. Letterpress Hedgehogs: This set of six bright and cheery holiday cards will bring a smile to any friend’s face!

8. Peace, Love & Cupcakes: This cute card has hand drawn calligraphy by Sarah Parrott, letterpressed into it.

9. Candy Cane Greetings: This modern candy cane pattern is printed on bamboo paper, and 1% of sales is donated to environmental causes via 1% For the Planet.

10. Favorite Things Card: Inspired by a few of Rifle Paper Co.’s favorite things… and Anna’s illustrations are definitely one of my favorite things.

11. Snarky Santa Card: A cheeky Christmas card from Sweet Perversion.

Read the original post here: Holiday Card Roundup 2011

A guide to quick and easy Christmas Photo Cards

kelly — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:20:07 +0000

We’ve been talking lately about holiday cards, more specifically about making your own. While everyone loves receiving something handmade, lets face it, some of us just aren’t as handy with scissors and a glue gun as we might like. But that doesn’t mean you have to resort to cookie-cutter store-bought cards, you can still create your own unique and personal cards with the help of these great sites. Designing and sending greeting cards has never been easier! Here are my top pics for the best sites and apps to help you turn your family photo into a one-of-a-kind Christmas photo card.

1. Apple Cards: Create and mail custom letterpress cards with your own text and photos — right from your iPhone or iPod touch. Choose a recipient from your contacts list or you can type in a name and address from scratch. Apple will add the postage and mail the card for you.

2. Shutterfly: Most people know Shutterfly for the photo storage and print services, but they also do greeting cards. They have a huge selection of cards to choose from and will also stuff, address, stamp and mail your cards for you.

3. Tiny Prints: Tiny prints is all about customization. Start with your favorite design. Then choose from flat or folded cards, square or rectangular. Customize them from front to back with photos and text. You can even choose tri-fold cards, circle cards and rounded corners. Plus you can order matching gift tags and address labes, and just like Shutterfly they’ll even take card of mailing them for you.

4. Sincerely Ink: Send photo or illustrated cards directly from your iphone, ipad or android for as little as $1.69 each including postage.

5. Red Stamp: With Red Stamp, you can email, text, post, or send a paper card to your recipient.

6. Moo: I’ve ordered business cards and stickers from Moo in the past, and have always been super happy with them, but did you know they also do greeting cards? You can choose from one of their pre-designed cards, or if you have some design skills you can create your own to upload.

7. Vista Print: Do you have a long list of recipients for your holiday cards? Looking for a bargin? At Vista Print you can get 10 cards for a low as $3.99!

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Free DIY Printable Christmas Ornament Advent Calendar

kelly — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:40:19 +0000

Still haven’t gotten around to putting together this year’s advent calendar? Don’t worry there’s still time. Download TalkCraftyToMe’s free, printable advent calendar, for an easy project you can do this holiday weekend. Simply print out the pattern, cut out the 24 ornaments, fold and stuff with a Christmas treat. Then string them together as a garland, or use them to decorate your tree.

Take a break from all the cooking this weekend, and make the most of a house full of company. Get your friends and family to each cut out an ornament or two and you’ll be done in no time. This project is so easy, you can even do it while you’re watching football!

Don’t forget to send us pictures of the final project, or add them to our facebook page!

- Click here to download the Christmas Ornament Advent Calendar (pdf)

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Quick and easy handmade holiday cards

kelly — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:00:22 +0000

Apparently the general consensus on when you should mail your Christmas cards seems to be the first week in December. That means if you’re planing on making your cards this year, it’s time to start thinking about them.

I know, I know, it’s still November and seems way too early to be thinking about Christmas, but as the weather starts to turn and the days get shorter and shorter, why not get started early before the real rush of the season kicks in and you get distracted by all the fun holiday parties!

Here are just a few great examples of how you can get creative with your own holiday cards. Combine these simple techniques and let your imagination guide you.

1. & 2. Modern Holiday 3D Tree & Ornament Cards: Use bold trendy patterned paper to make these modern holiday cards really stand out.

3. Sewn Bunting Holiday Card: These whimsical cards are so cute and easy to create. Simply cut small triangles out of scrap material and sew to the front of your cards.

4. Pop-up Reindeer Card: Although this card looks a little more complicated, Samir’s great tutorial makes it easy for you to recreate to this cute pop-up card yourself.

5. Modern Christmas Tree Card: Another modern, but simple card, made by wrapping embroidery floss around a card. Little whole punched notches help hold it in place to create a decorative tree.

6. Shape Punched Holiday Cards: These cards are made easily by punching out shapes in card stock. You can find all kinds of craft punches at your local craft store.

7. Thumbprint Reindeer Card: This cute idea is perfect for kids. Use your thumb to stamp reindeer heads your card. Then glue on googly eyes and pom-pom noses, and finish by drawing on the antlers.

8. Happy Snow Stamped Card: Vivian from Polka Dot Robot, shows you how easy it is to create a unique holiday card with just a couple of stamps and some imagination. She also beautifully decorated the inside of the envelope with some co-ordinating patterned paper.

9. Die Cut Ornament Card: A great idea for those of you with lots of people on your mailing list. This card uses a die-cutting machine to create the ornament shapes, but you could use craft punches to create a similar look.

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Talk Crafty To Me » Christmas

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