Homemade Thank you Notes.

I knew that I wanted to include a photo of the kids that attended Brodie's party in their thank you notes.  Each photo was a 5x7 (I used an online photo service), so many of the normal thank you cards you find in the store....

Stocking Tutorial

I started out with this painter's drop cloth from Lowes.

I traced an old stocking onto a piece of paper, to get the right size for the stocking.  I adjusted the shape to fit the look I wanted.

I used the traced shape as a template.   I traced the shape onto the drop cloth 6 times (for 6 stockings- I made an extra), flipped it over onto the other side and traced another 6.   Flipping halfway through ensured that all trace marks would be on the inside when completed and not show.

Place the two sides, ink marks OUT, together, and sew- leaving the top of the stocking open.

At this point I hopped on Word and printed my names onto fabric transfer paper.  Make sure you print them in mirror image.

I traced the cut out names onto cardboard to make a template for the name tags.

I cut out the pieces of fabric to size, using the template as a guide.  I then ironed on my names.

After turning the main part of the stocking right side out, I placed it on another sheet of cardboard, to create a template for the cuff.

I traced the cuff template onto the drop cloth fabric, 6 times using one side, 6 times using the flip side.

I then pinned them together, once again ink side out, and sewed up the two outside edges.  You'll noticed I left the top and bottom unsewn, and I also used a pin to identify which side was the top.

Next I made the pleat.  I actually cut the drop cloth every 1.5 inches and then ripped to create the ragged edges.    Then just run through the sewing machine, folding as you go.

I pinned a hem onto the bottom of the cuff, placed the pleat onto the cuff, and sewed it on- continuing around to create one long hem seam all the way around the cuff.

I then attached the top of the pleat, sewing just the front.

Finally, I pinned on each name tag.

After sewing all the way around the tag, I pulled some of the threads to create a fringed look.

I placed the cuff over the main body of the stocking, pinning it into place.  After sewing all the way around the top of the stocking, I again fringed the top.  You could also fold the top of the cuff into the main body of the stocking, and then sewing, creating a more finished look.

I attached a ribbon to hang each stocking from.

I then attached a stocking charm to each one, which I bought at Walmart for only $1 each.  LOVE them.

Thank you for looking!

-Courtney

Linking to:  http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/2010/12/making-monday-marvelous-35.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FXZIo+%28C.R.A.F.T.%29

Kid-Made Gift Idea

My kids love to paint.

LOVE. It.

They actually love all art projects.  Paint - oh yeah.  Coloring - sure.  Break out the scissors and glue- you'll have their attention for hours.

So, I knew having them paint custom art work would be a great gift idea for some of our family members last Christmas.

I cut several thick cardboard pieces (not the box cardboard that is hollow in the middle, but the thick/dense type that is attached to the back of sketch pads/notebooks) to a 5x7 size.

I then broke out the collection of craft paints and brushes and let them go crazy.  While they were busy being creative, I got busy snapping photos of them at work.

haha.

I picked one photo of each child painting, that showed their face well, and also showed the painting well.

Oh, and if you do this- make sure you thoroughly clean your child's face beforehand.  LOL!  I noticed after the fact that both kiddos still had dinner on their face! 

I uploaded the photos to an online print resource - I used the photo lab at Walmart.com (I love their 1hour pick up), but you could use any online photo lab, or even use your home printer.

While I was at Walmart picking up the prints, I swung by the frame aisle and picked up two frames made to fit two 5x7s.

Each frame was fitted with the artwork on one side, and the photo of the child creating the artwork on the other side.

These projects were a big hit. 

I plan on doing a rendition of this project again this year.

Mom, pretend you never saw this. haha ;)

-Courtney

Gift Tag tutorial

Today I'm sharing with you a really simple way to make your own personalized gift tags with your home computer, using Word software and simple white address labels.

I use labels that come 30 to a sheet.

Step 1

With your Word software open, click on Mailings, and then Labels

Step 2

Make sure you have 30 labels selected.  If you want to use a different size label, you can change that under options.  Click New Document.

Step 3

After the template loads, make sure your mouse is in the first box.

Step 4

To insert a graphic, you can use a file of your choice located under Insert, and then Picture  OR you can do as I did and use a preloaded clip art graphic.

Step 5

After the clip art search box loads to the right of your screen, enter a search term.  I used the word Christmas.  About halfway down the choices, I found several trees I wanted to use.  Just click on the image you want to use.

Step 6

The image you click on will load in the first box. If you want to add more than one image, as I did, just continue clicking on the images until they all load.

Step 7

Unfortunately I did not Print Screen this image, but the next step is to add the Name.

Make sure you are still under the Insert tab, then click on "Text Box".  When the options pop up, click on "Draw Text Box" located near the bottom of the options.

Step 8

Draw the text box in your label by clicking and dragging.

Step 9

Type in name, and format as you wish.  I used Algerian, size 24.

Step 10

The next step is to format the text box to that no black line shows and so that the background is transparent rather than white - This will enable only your text to be seen, rather than a white box, if your graphic is large.

Right click inside the text box and select Format Text Box.

Step 11

Use the drop down arrows to ensure that No Color is shown under both Fill Color and Line Color.  Select OK.

Step 12

Place your mouse over the dashed line at the top of your first box.  A small black arrow will appear.  Click and it will select the row as shown below.

Step 13

Right click inside the blue area and select Copy.

Step 14

Right click, once again, inside the blue area, and this time select Paste as Nested Table.  This will copy everything that appears in that first label, into all of the labels below it. 

Step 15

Place your mouse above the second column as you did the first until the black arrow appears once again.  Click to highlight the whole second column.  Once again, right click on the blue area and select Paste as Nested Table.  Do this to the third row as well.   Your image will now be in all of the labels.

Step 16

You can now print onto Sticky Address Label sheets according to the directions on the label package, or you can change some of the names as I did.

My sticky labels are clearly labeled as to which way to insert into the printer, and I just print as I would on a normal sheet of paper.

If you have messy handwriting like I do, this is a great way to keep your gifts looking neat and put together.

You can also type in your address rather than a name, and have cute personalized return address labels for your Christmas cards.  :)

-Courtney