Wedding Anniversary GIY Gifts

Feel free to use your skills and imagination. Whether it is your anniversary or you want to make a gift for your friends, it doesn’t matter. You can be sure that these ideas will come in handy in any case.

1. Wooden signs

Wood is always noble, fashionable, expensive, and appropriate. The letters of the names or numbers of dates, carved from wood, will become a pretty decoration for the bedroom. You can use words about love, a quote from the wedding oath, dates of birth of children, or even two simple hearts – what could be more romantic? Don’t be afraid to experiment.

1. Embroidery

They say that if someone embroiders the initials of spouses on the towel, their love will acquire special strength and inviolability. In addition, it is a stylish and beautiful amulet for the house. So, embroider names of loving people, the number and day of their marriage and arrange the panel with flowers because this is a distinctive and traditional gift. A couple will be pleasantly surprised and touched by such a gift.

1. Volume paintings

Buttons, ribbons or plain paper – everything is suitable for making a picture-postcard. You can use scrapbooking or quilling techniques – paper ribbons and cute little things can help fantasy create masterpieces. It can be paintings or just a photo album decor that holds memorable photos.

1. Creative bouquet

Flowers will quickly fade and thrown into the garbage, but what if you take vegetables, fruits and sweets instead of them? Place the fruit on wooden skewers, wrap candy with decorative scotch and glue it. Then combine them and wrap in organza or corrugated paper.

1. Garland of the photo

A small piece of twine, photographs and decorative clothespins are the main items in this gift. Select the most interesting photographs of you and hang them with clothespins on the rope. Despite the simplicity of this gift, such a garland looks very gentle and airy.

1. Wall newspaper

It is cheap and cheerful. All that you need is drawing paper, felt-tip pens, chocolate bars, and double-sided tape. There may be hints that only two can understand – and this is especially touching.

1. A hundred reasons to love you

People often forget or hesitate to talk about their love, but now there will be a great opportunity to say everything: prepare strips of colored paper, scissors, and thin satin ribbons. The essence of this nice surprise is that you will write 100 compliments to your loved one and put them in a cute jar in the form of small scrolls. It is a very simple, but very soulful sign of love.

1. Bouquet of sweets 

A woman will be pleased with any bouquet, even if it is made of artificial flowers. For such a gift, you will need corrugated paper and candy. Try to make woman’s favorite flowers out of paper. The bouquet should be wrapped in beautiful cellophane. You can add fresh plants to the composition. For example, you can alternate artificial flowers with candy and real flowers. Any girl would be pleased to receive the creation of her own man who spent the whole evening creating a gift.

DIY Gifts for Couples

There is nothing easier than to make a beautiful romantic surprise for a loved one. It is really simple, and the process of creating a gift will bring you a lot of pleasure and joy. Here are original ideas on how to raise the mood of your soulmate and give him or her something special, personal and meaningful.

1. Gift certificate for the fulfillment of any desires

This is an excellent idea. Any person will like such a surprise because who can refuse such happiness. Now your loved one can receive everything he/she wants! Of course, such things are given only to the most loved people, and it is worth giving it to someone you want to please and make happy. The certificate can be made from decorative cardboard for scrapbooking, and you can write down any desires because this is purely individual. Choose what your chosen ones want, what they like most, and be ready to fulfill their wishes!

1. Postcard 

Here is one more original and beautiful handmade surprise. Maybe such a gift seems a trifle to someone, but not in this case! This is an unusual, creative and stylish present that will cause a lot of pleasant emotions. And especially it will be a pleasant memorable thing if you add a photo to it! Choose your favorite photos, print them in the right format and stick postcards on the fragments. A wonderful gift for your loved one is ready!

1. Book of desires

It is easy to make, and it will take a little more time than a postcard or other small gift. What desires to write on the pages of the book? Choose it by yourself and let your imagination help you. For example, it can be traveling, jewelry, a puppy, and so on. Write down only what is pleasant to your soulmate and begin to fulfill your common dreams together!

1. Stylish keychain

This is a great option. The right thing, which can even become a small talisman, and will always remind a partner of you! Make a funny keychain that a loved one can hang on the keys or a backpack. It can be made in a couple of minutes. It looks very creative and beautiful!

1. Bracelet

You can easily create a stylish and beautiful bracelet for your chosen one. This accessory will remind of you when you are not together. You can buy ready-made leather bracelets, scratch out your initials and stick rivets for beauty. Make a beautiful accessory, and a loved one will be very pleasantly surprised!

1. Photo frame 

Making a beautiful frame is not difficult and there are a lot of ideas. For example, you can make it with ordinary buttons! Paperboard, colorful buttons, glue – that’s all you need. And, of course, a beautiful photo where you and your loved one are happy together! A person will keep this memorable thing on his or her desk, take care of and often admire, remembering you with tenderness and warmth.

1. Collage

To surprise your loved one, you can spend a little time and give an unusual greeting collage. This is a very creative way to congratulate your lover on any holiday! Take different photos with pleasant words. Then make a collage from these pictures.

St. Patrick's Day Printable

It’s your LUCKY day!  At the end of this rainbow you’ll find an editable St Patrick’s Day label.  You can now edit both the front and the back of the label!

The editable fields are “Cathline is”, “to have a friends like you!” and “finding a friend like you is like finding a pot of gold”.  Now you can say whatever you want, all you have to do is type it in!

Here’ s a list of supplies:

• Wilton 4”x 9.5” Treat Bags
• white card stock
• paper cutter or scissors
• “gold” candy of your choice
• stapler

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Before you begin editing and printing.  Not everyone may have the font “Brick by Boring Brick”  in there font files, so if you don’t, I have supplied the font download here.

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How to edit and print:

Click on the image below and the image will open in Google Docs.  On the upper left hand side of the image page click “File” and then click “Download Original” which will then open the file in “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.

Click on the three editable fields on each topper to edit.  There are two toppers to a page.

Once your done editing, on the upper left hand side of the image page click “File” and then click “Print”.

Your printer options page will come up, make sure that the “Page Scaling” is set to “NONE” and then click “ok” and your printing will begin.

I know it may sounds like a lot of steps but I promise you that it isn’t.  Just want to make sure that no one has any problems printing.  Please contact me if you do.

All that’s left is to cut out your labels, fill your treat bags with “gold” candy, fold down the tops of your bags and staple on a label!

I hope all your friends are LUCKY enough to get one of these!

I would love some Pinterest love!  Please pin the crafts you like from this blog and help spread the world.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Editable Valentine S’more Friends Like You!

Sorry, I know this is last minute.  We have been extremely busy over here as I am sure everyone has.  But, I think you’re going to LOVE this!!!

I’ve teamed up with my husband and together we created an editable Valentine’s Day S’more label… you heard me right, you can now edit “Emily needs” and “friends like you!” to say whatever you want yourself.  

Because we completed this project just in the nick of time I’m sorry that I don’t have a completed craft project picture to add to this post right now.

But… picture it!  This cute Valentine’s Day S’more topper on a 4” x 9.5” Wilton treat bag, with a heart shaped peep or large marshmallow with a snack size Hershey bar and graham crackers. 

The picture above is an example of the Fall and Christmas s’more that we made.  Click here to see step by step instructions.

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Before you begin editing and printing.  Not everyone may have the font “Brick by Boring Brick”  in there font files, so if you don’t, I have supplied the font download here .

How to edit and print:

Click on the image below and the image will open in Google Docs.  On the upper left hand side of the image page click “File” and then click “Download Original” which will then open the file in “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.

Click on the two editable fields on each topper.  There are two toppers to a page.

Once your done editing, on the upper left hand side of the image page click “File” and then click “Print”.

Your printer options page will come up, make sure that the “Page Scaling” is set to “NONE” and then click “ok” and your printing will begin.

I know it sounds like a lot of steps but I promise you that it isn’t.  Just want to make sure that no one has any problems printing.  Please contact me if you do.

I would LOVE to see pictures of your Valentine Day s’more! 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 26, 2012 - National Pancake Day!

Did you know that February 26, 2012 is National Pancake Day?  You read that right…National Pancake Day!

O how I love me some pancakes!  So I thought I would (1) share a family pancake recipe, (2) share tips on how to cook a light and fluffy pancake and (3) tell you where to find free pancakes for a great cause.  So let’s get started! 

Up first is:  The recipe.

My husband does not cook often, but when he does he can make some yummy stuff.  One of his gifts is making pancakes and one of the best times to eat a stack of warm golden goodness is on Sundays mornings.  Do you see how this will all workout?  Mom gets the kids ready and dad is in the kitchen cookin’.  What a way to start a day!

Please see “Introducing Digital Recipe Cards” for printing instructions and gift ideas for the recipe card above.

Next on you list is:  Tips on how to cook a light and fluffy pancake.

1. Fluff your flour with a spoon before measuring it.  Flour that sits in a container compacts over time, which means if you don’t fluff it up before measuring, you might be adding too much to your recipe.  Too much flour offsets the balance of dry to wet ingredients and the result is dry pancakes.
2. To keep your recently fluffed flour fluffy, use a large serving spoon and spoon your flour into your measuring cup.  Next, sweep the top of the measuring cup with a knife to level it.
3. Don’t overbeat your pancake mix.  The batter will and should be lumpy even before adding fruit or nuts.
4. Make sure the griddle is hot but not too hot.  Temperature is another key in getting light, fluffy pancakes.  If the griddle is too hot or cold, the pancakes will either scorch or won't rise.  Preheat your griddle, heavy-bottomed nonstick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to 375 degrees F or until a drop of water dances across the pan.
5. Lightly coat the hot pan with vegetable oil, cooking spray, or clarified butter (regular butter burns too quickly).
6. Don't mess with the pancakes too much.  Let the pancake sit on the griddle and grow and rise by itself.  Don't shake the pan or move it, as that will prevent it from rising.  Let the batter do the work sitting on the pan and flip the pancake just when it starts to bubble on top.
7. Only flip the pancake once.  You can cheat a little, and check underneath and see if you have the ring and if it's golden brown.  But don't flip it too early and flip it back, over-flipping causes the pancake to deflate.
8. While you're impatiently waiting for the second side to cook, resist the impulse to press down on the pancake with your spatula.  Pressing will not cook it any faster and will undo all the effort you've made to achieve fluffy, light, perfect pancakes.
9. Do a test run with one sacrificial pancake and adjust the temperature up or down as needed. If your pancake is scorched on the outside and raw on the inside, turn down the heat.  When you're satisfied that you've reached the perfect pan temperature, ladle in as many pools of batter as your pan will comfortably hold, leaving a little room between pancakes for comfortable flipping.
10. Pancakes are best eaten fresh from the griddle so you can enjoy their fluffy warm goodness.  This may mean serving them a few at a time.  If you absolutely must keep the pancakes waiting, arrange them in a single layer on a cooling rack placed on a baking sheet and store them, in a warm 200 degree oven.  You want to make sure to use the cooling rack and baking sheet to keep the pancakes from getting soggy on the bottom, the cooling rack allows the air to flow through the bottom of the pancakes.

To add some fun to the breakfast table, use a Wilton squeeze bottle to squeeze batter into designs, initials and other fun shapes.  Pour batter into nonstick pancake molds or oiled metal cookie cutters for an extra fancy touch.  Butter and syrup are classic yummy toppings, but try jam, honey, nut butter, powdered sugar, whipped cream or fresh fruit. Better yet, set up a pancake condiment buffet and let everyone build their own.

You can also create your own ready to go pancake mix, just measure several batches of the dry ingredients and stored in air-tight containers.  When ready to use, shake to combine the pancake mix and add your wet ingredients.

Last but not least on out list is:  Tell you where to find free pancakes for a great cause.

And what restaurant do you think of when you think of “pancakes”?  IHOP!!!  Since beginning its National Pancake Day Celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. 

On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes.  In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© and other designated local charities.  Click on this link HERE to find an IHOP near you.

I would love you see your pancake creations and toppings and recipes!

Digital Recipe Card Photo Album Book

Remember the digital recipe cards I started  making?!  Well, if not, go take a peak at the Recipe Index , find a recipe that you might like and follow the instructions on “how to print” here . 

These recipe cards are sooo versatile!  You can print one and attach it to a gift or gift basket. Or, you can print several and use a 4x6 photo book (which is what I am going to show you today) to make a custom mini recipe book or book set for gifts to give to newly weds, college kids, friends and family.  The cool thing about using a 4x6 photo book is that the recipes are protected and safe from spills and drips, which always seems to happen on the recipe that you use the most!

How to print your cards:  When you want to print several of your cards, simply click the card image to enlarge, right click and “save picture as” in a folder designated for your recipe cards.  Next, upload the cards to a photo printing site like York Photo and get 50 free photo prints plus up to 100 prints for just 4¢ each!  Use Code: YGP44 at checkout.  Another one is  Clark Color with the same type of deal.  Use Code: CPG4 at checkout.  There are a ton of photo print sites with great low prices.

Need a card fast?  Download your prints to Walgreens for 5¢ a print, Wal-Mart for 9¢ a print or CVS for 19¢.  As of 1/20/12 I know that CVS will give you 25 FREE prints for signing up!

Need a card even faster?!  Simply click the card image to enlarge, right click and "save picture as" in a folder designated for your recipe cards.  Open newly saved file, and print to your own printer.

I have to say, printing your recipes cards as a photo print really gives them a nice clean and sharp look.

Don’t they look professional?!

Printing the recipe cards as a 4x6 photo at any of the above listed places really give the cards that extra special touch.

All you need now is a photo album that holds 4x6 photos.  I found the above photo album at the Dollar Tree!   Insert your recipes and you got yourself and instant customized recipe book.  Keep it for yourself filled with the recipes that you use the most, make one to pass onto your kiddos filled with recipes and photos of family members cooking those recipes, or give them out as gifts. 

I would LOVE for everyone to share their favorite recipes.  You can either spend me a finished digital card or send me a recipe and photo if you have one and I can create a card for you.

I look forward to seeing what you have created!

Easy Roller Giveaway at Cake Pops and Sticks

Would anyone like a chance to WIN an Easy Roller?!

The Easy Roller is an awesome creation! It can roll up to 21+/- cake balls at a time that are 1.25” in diameter. The perfect sized cake pop in my opinion.

The Easy Roller has a retail value of $270.00…but is PRICELESS in the kitchen.

Watch Jennifer from www.thebestcakepops.com as she demonstrates the Easy Roller in action.

The Easy Roller is made from sturdy food safe plastic and is designed to have interchangeable plates for different shapes.  New shapes that will coming out in March 2012 are: 1” cake ball, the 1.5” cake ball and a cupcake shape.  "Pop" on over to http://cakepops.gluesticksandtape.com/ for your chance to win!

***  REMINDER***

In the future, all cake pop related posts and cake pop related giveaways will be hold at Cake Pops and Sticks a new sub-blog of Glue Sticks and Tape.  Please visit Cake Pops and Sticks at http://cakepops.gluesticksandtape.com/.  Make sure to sign up for Cake Pops and Sticks email subscription and Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CakePopsAndSticks.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Tara Heine