Creative & Crafty Ideas

Adorable Paper Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Love this super-cute discovery at wenderly.com. This is such an adorable blog, you simply must subscribe! Check it out at http://wenderly.com/ and "like" the Facebook page.

Have you ever made no-bake cupcakes?

They are delicious.

Not especially nutritious.

And you don’t even need to be ambitious.

In my book it’s the perfect way to make somebody’s day. Now don’t get me wrong…I adore to surprise friends and family with baked goodies but sometimes it’s just not practical either because of time or distance or both. Not to mention there’s just something magical about mailing a sweet note to someone knowing that they will open up their mailbox to find a handmade, handwritten note that’s just for them.

There are just situations that call for more than an email or direct message.

I’m old fashioned like that.

In case you didn’t already know, I used to have my own handmade greeting card business. Yep. For 9 years I designed and manufactured handmade greeting cards. I spent hours creating little images of the things in life that brought me delight and then hot glued them onto cards. Much to my amazement many of the things that brought me delight also delighted others and hence a business was born. The other day I decided to make some cards for some special people and I rediscovered the hundreds of designs that have been tucked away in boxes for over a year now. I decided to share one of my very favorite designs and thought it might be fun to post about some of my other favs from time to time to give you some inspiration to make your own.

This is all you need to make some cute little cupcakes on paper. The ingredients if you will.

Mini cupcake liners, small rosettes (you can find them at the craft store) a few cotton balls and some chenille.

I would also recommend a hot glue gun because everything can be satisfactorily adhered with a hot glue gun.

I. LIVE. for. my. hot. glue. gun.

Seriously.

I’ve even been known to hot glue place mats, tablecloths, hems of pants…you name it, I hot glue it.

But if you don’t happen to have a glue gun no worries, any craft glue should do the trick. Just make sure that the glue is really dry before you move on to the next step.

Next you’ll need a blank card. Try to find one that is made from a sturdy card stock.

Because you know what they say about sturdy stock?…I don’t know either, really.

Except for the fact that my family has always said that we are indeed from a sturdy stock.

So I figure it must be a good thing.

Right?

Eh hem…anyway, back to the cards.

You’ll want a sturdy card so that the cupcakes won’t make the card bend after you glue the little cuties on to it.

So to make (not bake) your cupcakes, first cut a wedge out of a mini cupcake paper. Then take the chenille and cut a half circle so it’s a tad smaller than the width of the cupcake paper. This will help it nestle into the cupcake paper like a real baked cupcake does. Does that make sense? Good.

Next comes the cotton ball. I messed around with many different ideas trying to figure out how to make my cupcakes look 3 dimensional and I ended up using cotton balls! Just glue about 1/4 of a cotton ball to the back of your chenille leaving some cotton exposed on the bottom edge where the paper liner will go. Then glue the chenille onto the card and then the paper liner on top allowing it to slightly cover the bottom of your cupcake.

See? It really looks like a cupcake dontcha think?Top it off with a rosette cherry and you’ve got yourself a cupcake on paper!

It’s easy, calorie free and I can guarantee that it will bring a smile to somebody’s lips.

Happy No- Bake Cupcake Making!

Wenderly

via wenderly.com

bee in our bonnet: Cupcake Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 05:43:00 +0000

How absolutely adorable are these little cupcake stands!

via beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com

I made my best cupcake recipe, best frosting and toped it with a white chocolate snowflake.
I made the snowflakes the same way I made my turkey feet and chocolate hearts, on

Then I put them in these cutest little stands. They are kind of a combination of an apothecary jar and a mini cake stand. I'm in love with them. They would work with any food, but afterward, you can put any adorable decor in it and put it on your shelf. A simple Christmas ornament would be

To top it off, I added some cute ribbon, tied in a simple

And there you have more than a simple cupcake.
You have something to get really excited about taking.

I also needed to find a way to deliver 18 cupcakes. Carrying in 18 stands to one person might be cumbersome, so I found these adorable blue cupcake boxes online.

Chocolate cupcakes on the bottom.

Vanilla cupcakes on the top.

And the deal is sealed with some more cute peppermint ribbon.

Doing this project has confirmed that:
I love blue and red together.
I love making and decorating cupcakes.
I can't get enough of cute glass jars!

via beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com

Cool Crafty Tools: Hot Glue Gun Helpers!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:30:00 +0000

My New Hot Glue Tools!

Finally, after a year of dreaming, working and tweaking details, I am pleased to announce the first designs in a set of new hot glue tools we are making with Plaid.
The tools are designed to help prevent hot glue burns and make working with hot glue a little easier. The first part of the line will be unveiled tomorrow at the CHA Craft Supershow!

The craft mat and tools will be sold as a set and will available at retailers soon.

Here is a sneak peek! I hope you like them.

Craft On!
Cathie

What are Hot Glue Gun Helpers?

Craft mat and tools for working with hot glue.
Protect your work surface and your fingers.

Heat-resistant and non-stick.

Use a small drop of glue for tiny gluing.

Press into hot glue with no risk of burns.

Also works with
Mod Podge
FolkArt Paint
Embossing
Craft Glue

The Craft Mat
Protects work surface.
Acts as a landing pad for a heated glue gun.
Heat resistant mat that hot glue will not stick to.
Cooled hot glue peels clean from the mat.
Washes clean with soap and water.
Can be rolled for storage.
Stain resistant.

*********************************

Finger Caps
Multiple Sizes - S, M, L, XL
Protects tips of fingers while pressing.
Hot Glue will not stick to the finger caps.
Allows for “faster crafting”: your fingers are protected.
Heat resistant and nonrestrictive.
Helpful for beginner crafters.
Helpful for crafters with arthritis.

*********************************
Pointed Paddle
Heat resistant and non-stick.
Tip end allows for using a small drop of glue.
Paddle end allows for a soft press.
(Floral crafts: The paddle will not crush the petals.)
The long wand allows for the user to reach into “nooks and crannies.”

*********************************
Non-Stick Tweezers
Allows the user to place small items (rhinestones & beads) into hot glue.
Heat resistant tip that Hot Glue will not stick to.
Better placement of items: the tweezer offers more control than fingers.

*********************************
Press Wand

Heat resistant and non-stick.

Allows for a firm heavy-duty press.
Easy for the user to grip around or press from the top.
Allows the user to smear hot glue.

via cathiefilian.blogspot.com

hggh_flyer.pdf (207 KB)
View this on posterous

These are now available! Enter a giveaway here - http://hotgluegunhelpers.blogspot.com/2010/11/hot-glue-gun-helpers-have-arriv...

Days Until Christmas Kit Display ~ Tip & Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:27:00 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, (Can you believe that December is here already?) it’s time to start counting down the days until Christmas. And a perfect way to do it is with our popular Days Until Christmas Kit! Here are a few application tips and tricks to help you make it look its best.

STEP 1 Trim off excess paper around registration diamonds and expression on both part 1 and part 2.

STEP 2 Align part 1 and part 2, with part 1 on top and center them on the tile together.

STEP 3 Tape down part 1 using tape only on the registration diamonds.

STEP 4 Slide out part 2 from underneath part 1.

STEP 5 Using the hinge method, apply part 1 to the tile. (To view application instructions for the hinge method, see the instruction video below)

STEP 6 Apply part two, lining up the registration diamonds.

STEP 7 Add chalk wall.

Order this adorable Christmas Countdown Kit from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Life's Sweet Project Board

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:21:00 +0000

via wordsforliving.uppercaseliving.net

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare part 1 of expression and remove backing paper.
Burnish expression onto metal board and remove transfer tape.
Repeat steps 1–2 for part 2 of expression.
Apply Vinyl Effects--Shimmer to hearts and cupcake; let dry.
Adhere pink rickrack to top and bottom of metal board.
Adhere red rickrack around edge of metal board.

SUPPLIES

Metal board, 30.5" x 14.5"
Red ¾ rickrack, 2.5 yards
Pink ¾"rickrack, 1.6 yards
Strawberry magnets (3)
Embellishment glue
UL Transfer Tool (comes free with every order)

To order all items for this project, go to the project recipe page.

ADORABLE Christmas/Winter Coasters You Can Make!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 01:50:00 +0000

via wordsforliving.uppercaseliving.net

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare first expression, and remove backing paper.
Lightly spray coaster with Mistick and apply expression.
Using the UL transfer tool, press the tool down in the center of expression and drag tool to one edge, this will squeegee out excess solution. Repeat, but drag tool to the other edge. Note: use paper towel in-between to soak up excess solution.
Wait 3-5 minutes before removing transfer tape if normal application method was used; wait longer if there were more sprays.
While removing backing paper, blot excess solution with paper towel. Note: don’t burnish expression after removing backing paper, instead use paper towel to smooth out larger remaining air bubbles. The smaller air bubbles will decrease over time as it dries more.
Repeat steps 1-5 for each expression.

SUPPLIES

· Paper towels
· UL Transfer Tool (comes free with every order)

To order all items for this project, go to the project recipe page.

Create this Let It Snow Square Charger Display!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 01:18:00 +0000

via wordsforliving.uppercaseliving.net

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare expression and remove backing paper.
2. Burnish expression onto charger and remove transfer tape.
3. Apply vinyl effects to the word “snow”; let dry.

SUPPLIES

· UL Transfer Tool (comes free with every order)

To order all items for this project, go to the project recipe page.

Create Snowflake Mugs with Vinyl Embellishments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:32:00 +0000

via wordsforliving.uppercaseliving.net
2010-2011 Idea Catalog pg. 120

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare first expression, and remove backing paper.
Lightly spray mug with Mistick and apply expression.
Using the UL transfer tool, press the tool down in the center of expression and drag tool to one edge, this will squeegee out excess solution. Repeat, but drag tool to the other edge. Note: use paper towel in-between to soak up excess solution.
Wait 3-5 minutes before removing transfer tape if normal application method was used; wait longer if there were more sprays.
While removing backing paper, blot excess solution with paper towel. Note: don’t burnish expression after removing backing paper, instead use paper towel to smooth out larger remaining air bubbles. The smaller air bubbles will decrease over time as it dries more.
Repeat steps 1-5 for each expression. Note: Vinyl is not dishwasher safe.

SUPPLIES

· White mugs (4)
· Paper towels
· UL Transfer Tool (comes free with every order)
To order all Uppercase Living items for these snowflake mugs, go to the project recipe page.

You Warm My Heart - Adorable Snowman Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:33:00 +0000

via wordsforliving.uppercaseliving.net
2010-2011 Idea Catalog pg. 138

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Paint board; let dry.
2. Distress board edges with paint; let dry.
3. Prepare part 1 of expression and remove backing paper.
4. Burnish expression onto charger and remove transfer tape.
5. Repeat steps 3–4 for part 2.
6. Attach ribbon with staples or tape and hang.

SUPPLIES

· Staple gun or heavy duty tape
· UL Transfer Tool (comes free with every order)

To order all items for this project, go to the project recipe page.

Handmade Scented Pine Cone Projects for Christmas Holiday Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:52:00 +0000

The crisp, fresh smell of morning air after an overnight snowfall that has blanketed the world in white. The savory sage aroma of a turkey roasting. The sweet, spicy scent of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven or hot mulled cider simmering on the stove.

It is not just the sights and sounds of the season, but the familiar aromas associated with holiday celebrations that evoke warm memories of Christmases past and set the stage for a wonderful Christmas present. Is there anything more Christmasy than the smell of fresh baked gingerbread cookies? (Okay, maybe the aroma of pine trees...)

If you love the seasonal scent of sugar and spice, you'll love these decorative cinnamon-scented pine cone projects!

Pine Cone Ornaments

Skill Level 1: No experience necessary

Crafting Time: 45 minutes

Supplies & Tools

-- 1 pkg scented pine cones

-- 1 pkg holiday picks with pine & berries

-- 1 bolt 1/2"-wide ribbon

-- Scissors

-- Wire cutters

-- Glue gun and glue sticks

Directions

Refer to photo (or view pdf available on Joann.com).

1. Select pine cones with open areas between each row.

2. Cut an 8" length of ribbon. Form a loop and glue ends together to create the hanger. Center and glue to top of the pine cone.

3. Cut fifteen 5" lengths of ribbon. Glue cut ends together. evenly space and glue 5 or 6 loops for the first row at the top of the pine cone. Repeat 2 more times, alternating loops between each row.

4. Cut the pine picks into 1-1/2" pieces. Glue each piece evenly spaced on pine cone to fill out the top.

5. Cut the berries into smaller pieces and glue to pine cone to fill.

Pine Cone Place Cards

Skill Level 1: No experience necessary

Crafting Time: 1 - 3 hours

Supplies & Tools

-- 1 Krylon® silver leafing pen

-- 1 small block of floral foam
-- 1 pkg Perfect Pearls, silver

-- Low melt glue gun and glue sticks

-- Red or green cardstock

-- 1 large pine cone

-- Small pine sprig

-- 3 Small berry picks

-- 1 mini tin container

-- Small paintbrush

-- Small paper punch

-- Sharp knife

-- Scissors

-- Wire cutters

-- Floss

Directions

1. Tightly fill silver bucket with foam.

2. Glue pine cone to center of foam.

3. Refer to photo (or project pdf available on Joann.com) often when placing all materials.

4. Using a small paintbrush, apply silver Perfect Pearls to all pine cone petals. Reapply if more color is desired.

5. Cut three berry picks into individual pieces. Fill around the bottom of pine cone, glue and push into foam along the edge of bucket.

6. Cut mini pieces of pine sprig and glue in place among the berries.

7. Cut place card out of cardstock. Punch hole in the end with small paper punch. Write name with Silver Leafing Pen. Attach to handle of bucket with floss.

Pine Cone Favor Bag

Skill Level 1: No experience necessary

Crafting Time: 1 - 3 hours

Supplies & Tools

-- 1 pkg 9" Ivory bridal tulle

-- 1 spool Printed ribbon, 7/8" wide

-- 1 bag cinnamon scented pine cones

-- 1 pkg Mini pine cones

-- 1 pkg Floral wire

-- Low melt glue gun and glue sticks

-- Thread to match tulle

-- Sewing machine

-- Scissors

-- Wire cutters

-- Ruler

Directions

1. Cut a 50" length of tulle. Fold in half lengthwise, then in half again to approximately 9" x 12".

2. Pin together.

3. To create the bag, sew 1/2" seam allowance, starting at the folded edge on both sides. Trim seam allowances close to seam lines.

4. Refer to photo (or project pdf available on Joann.com) in placing all materials.

5. Fill bag with three to four cinnamon-scented pine cones.

6. Cut a 7" length of ribbon and tie tightly around top of bag.

7. Use a length of ribbon to make a 4-loop bow and wire to the top of bag. Trim ribbon ends at an angle.

8. Trim excess tulle from the top of bag.

9. Glue two mini pine cones to the bow.

Pine Cone Garland

Skill Level 1: No experience necessary

Crafting Time: 1 - 3 hours

Supplies & Tools

-- 2 bags cinnamon scented pine cones*

-- 3 strands Red glass beads*

-- 2 spools Swiss dot red ribbon, 3/8" wide

-- 1 spool Floral wire

-- Brown floral tape

-- Scissors

-- Wire cutters

-- Tape measure

*Bags of pine cones and strands of beads create a 5" garland. More may be necessary for longer garland.

Directions

1. Cut long length of wire. Additional length can be added at any time.

2. Make a 4" loop on one end of wire. String four beads onto wire and push to loop end.

3. Add pine cone next to beads, wrap the wire around the widest portion of the pine cone twisting tightly to hold.

4. String three beads on and push next to Pine cone.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until reaching desired length.

6. End with four beads. Twist wire to form the end loop.

7. Use ribbon to create large loops for easy hanging, or a bow. Attach to end loop with wire.

NOTE: If you're sensitive to odors or don't like the cinnamon scent, you can purchase plain pine cones or gather some from your backyard (just be sure there are no critters lurking).

When you're done making your holiday decorations, be sure to share pictures of your creations in our Jo-Ann Fan Gallery on Facebook.

For more ideas on handmade ways to make your Christmas merry, visit Joann.com/projects.

Resources

-- Project: Pine Cone Ornaments

-- Project: Pine Cone Place Cards

-- Project: Pine Cone Favor Bag

-- Project: Pine Cone Garland

-- Get Inspired with Projects on Joann.com

-- Product: Cinnamon Scented Ponderosa Pinecones

-- Product: Panacea 8" Heavy Duty Wire Cutter

-- Product: Surebonder Mini Glue Gun Kit

-- Find Us: Jo-Ann Store & Class Locator

-- Shop: Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Online

-- Like Us: Jo-Ann on Facebook

via my.joann.com

How to Make Container Candles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:46:00 +0000

I’m a candle addict. I love to have a scented candle burning all the time, but that gets to be expensive and sometimes I’m snowed in. So about six months ago, I bought the stuff to start making my own candles. I’m a visual, hands-on learner, though, and I kept waiting for someone to magically show up to teach me. Or I was procrastinating about trying something new. Either way, I’m not sure why I was scared of making candles–it’s easy! Especially if you make container candles. And, I finally did! All by myself. Which means–so can you!

How to make Container Candles:

What you need to get started–
candle wax
a double boiler (or facsimile)
thermometer
wick assemblies and tacky wax
candle scent
candle dye
containers

You can make container candles out of various types of wax, such as soy, gel, paraffin, or specially prepared “container” wax. I’m using container wax here.

Start by preparing your containers–you can use anything that will withstand heat. I have plenty of glass canning jars with lids to seal and retain scent for the candles I won’t use right away. You can buy pre-waxed wire wicks, which make wicking easy. Put a dab of “Tacky Wax” on the bottom and it will make the wick stick to the bottom of your jar nicely so you don’t have to worry about it moving around when you’re pouring the wax.

I don’t have a double boiler, plus I wanted to melt my wax directly in the pouring pitcher (cuz it’s handy). I used a medium-size stainless steel pot as a base pot. Three wide-mouth canning rings fit just right in the bottom, creating a makeshift trivet or rack to set my pouring pitcher on. (Heating wax over direct heat can cause overheating and, possibly, a fire. Don’t do it!)

Pour water inside the base pot and heat the wax to the degree directed for your specific wax (for container wax, 180 degrees).

Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. (A candy or cheesemaking thermometer will do.) When the wax reaches its pouring temperature, add candle dye, which comes in liquid or solid form. (The dye package will direct how much to use for its specific formulation.) If you’re using solid dye, cut it up before adding it so that it will melt faster.

After the dye is mixed in, turn off the heat and quickly add the scent. You can use one scent or a combination to create custom scents. I used combinations to make cinnamon-spice and snickerdoodle.

It’s fun to play with dyes and scents, and you can make your candle scent as strong as you like by adding more scent. You can also alter the color by adding more or less dye (or even mixing dyes). I didn’t like how light my candles came out in the first batch using the recommended amount of dye. I used double for the next batch.

Pour the wax into the containers (reserving about a cup of wax for topping off later), being careful to keep your wicks centered.

You may need to support the wicks. I used knives positioned across the tops to keep the wicks in place until the wax set.

Let cool for 30-45 minutes. Reheat reserved wax to pouring temperature then top off the candles.

Allow candles to cool for a couple of hours, then top off again. Repeat as necessary

Trim the wicks and you’re ready to light candles!

This is one of those things like making my own laundry detergent or making homemade vanilla where, once I did it, I realized I’ll never buy candles from the store again. Making container candles is quick (outside of cooling time–actual worktime to create the candles is minimal), it’s easy, it’s cheaper than storebought, and it’s fun! (My favorite combination!)

I can’t wait to play with more dyes and scents and make more candles! (I played a little here making one with a lighter color on the bottom of the candle and darker color on top–but I was just experimenting. I’ve got a lot of practicing to do!)

You? You ever made candles? If not, are you thinking of trying it now?

via http://chickensintheroad.com/crafts/how-to-make-container-candles/

Vintage Welcome Sign Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:46:00 +0000

Create a cozy welcome sign that feels like home just by adding a touch of personal handmade appeal.

To create the faux metal keyhole plate, first trace the heart-shaped keyhole from the expression onto the tracing paper to be used as a template. Then, glue several sheets of black cardstock together, and pound dents into the paper using the back of a craft knife. Using your heart template, cut the shape out of the cardstock, paint the heart with pewter paint, and tack it onto the expression for a charming addition. Make this project with these supplies:

• Free “Welcome” expression #15877: Shoreline Blue (9054) - This Welcome expression is a FREE gift with a purchase of $50 or more during the month of March!

• Vintage Embossed Metal Board—Crème (300196)
• Trimmings™ Ribbon (300105)
• Glue dots
• Black cardstock
• Glue stick
• Tracing paper
• Craft knife
• Pewter paint
If you like this project, check out other project recipes and also check out more ideas in the online catalog.

Download now or preview on posterous

3 March 10_incentive_rev.pdf (133 KB)

Posted via email from Uppercase Living

Cook's Helpers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:31:00 +0000

via marthastewart.com

Three handy charts: baking pan substitutions, measuring equivalents, and candy-making temperatures. Turn each one into a refrigerator magnet or a laminated card. Either way, the information will be at your fingertips.

How-To
These charts can be made into magnets or laminated cards. You'll find the necessary materials at office-supply stores.

To make magnets: Download charts and print them onto magnetic sheets. Cut out with scissors.

To make cards: Color-photocopy or download and print charts onto heavyweight matte paper; cut out. Laminate according to package instructions; trim.

Posted via web from Creative & Crafty Ideas