Holiday S'mores Kit with 'HOME' Wood Block

Christmas is less than a week away now and I'm scrambling to finish some small gifts for neighbors and friends. Today I'm sharing with you a new variation of a gift that I put together a couple of years ago--remember the S'mores Kit's?  We live in a new town now so I guess one of the perks of moving is that I can recycle old ideas and use them again on new friends and neighbors--saves me some thinking time! ;)

I purchased the cute snowman gift sacks at Wal-mart for .75 each.  It turned out that the colors were exactly the same as the colors that I used for the s'mores tags--lucky!  I glued the kit contents tag to the side of the bag (and added one staple at the top for good measure), cut out the circle tag, and tied it to the bamboo skewers with red satin ribbon.

Download the free printable tags here.

Kit Contents:

• 1 package of graham crackers 
• 20 marshmallows in a clear cello sack (check your local dollar stores) 
• 9 snack size Hershey's chocolate bars
• 4 bamboo skewers for roasting the marshmallows over a stove plate (with an adults permission and supervision of course).
• 'HOME' Wood Block

I thought it would be fun if the chocolate bars looked like little "brown paper packages tied up with string" so I placed them on a piece of the cardboard packaging that they came on and tied them together with some string (from Lowe's).

Last month I saw the cutest little wood block that simply said 'HOME' on it at Lovely Little Snippets and thought it would be a nice addition to the kits.  I was able to make 16 six inch blocks with one 2x3x8 that only cost $2 (that's .13 each for the wood).  I used black paint ($3 Valspar paint sample from Lowe's), contact paper for a stencil, and added a piece of burlap and string from my stash.  If you would like more detailed directions on how to make the HOME block, directions can be printed here.

I added a 'HOME' block to each kit, cut 1 sheet of tissue paper into four smaller squares (so it fit better), and they were done.  You could add another small item instead of the stenciled wood block to save time or just throw in the s'mores ingredients and leave it at that.

Do you make small gifts for your neighbors and friends for the Holidays?  Are they done or are you scrambling to finish them too???

Today's Fabulous Find...S'mores Kit with 'HOME' Block

Check out these places for more fun ideas!

Six Sister's Stuff  Link Party Palooza at Lil' Luna

Hello and Goodbye

Hello!  It's been awhile!  I can't believe that it's been over four months since my last post.  Crazy!  I thought I'd pop in and fill you in on what's been keeping me so busy for the last several months.  In the middle of March we listed our home, in mid April we accepted an offer, and by the middle of May we closed and moved most of our furniture, etc. into storage units.  We're currently in-between homes and staying with family until September when our new home will be ready for us, so all projects have pretty much come to a screeching halt.  I've really missed not having a home to decorate!  I'm looking forward to posting some projects in the coming weeks though that I finished awhile ago but never shared with you, so it's all good. :)

Photo of new little Lilac blooms in my backyard--one of my favorite things!

I've never followed a set schedule with posting, I post when I have time and when I have something to share, so I'm pretty sure that most of you who read this blog follow via e-mail or through a reader.

Now that we'll be saying Goodbye to Google Reader and Google Friend Connect this Monday I thought I'd share some other ways that you can read posts here on Today's Fabulous Finds--if you want too. :)

Facebook--Updated with a direct link to each post.
Feedly--I just checked Feedly out yesterday and I really like it so far!  I'm still working on getting a subscription button to work on my main page, but if you click on the link it will take you to the main Feedly page where you can sign up.
Bloglovin'--Bloglovin' is new to me, so I haven't used it much, but it seems to be a popular replacement for Google Reader.
Pinterest--All new projects will be posted on my Today's Fabulous Finds Board.
Feedburner--Enter your e-mail and read posts via e-mail.  There is a subscription box on my sidebar.

I haven't been able to be consistent with posting lately and it won't be consistent for awhile, but I'm not ready to give up on this blog yet!  Thanks for hanging in there with me and thanks so, so much for reading!!!

Today's Fabulous Finds...Feedly and Bloglovin'

Dancing Monkey Gift Idea w/Printable Gift Bag Toppers

The other day I was browsing around Dollar Tree and saw these little solar Monkeys (they had bears too).    I'm pretty sure I recall hearing my elementary school teachers telling the class "no more monkey business" a time or two so I thought it would be fun to pick up a few for my kids to give to their teachers for a Valentine's Day gift.

Here's a little video of the dancing monkeys.
You will need to click over to the actual post to view it if you are reading this post via e-mail or a reader.

I gathered some cello sacks, a notepad and pen, green paper Easter grass, and some Hersheys Bliss and Dove Chocolates, packaged it all together and added a bag topper.  My kids wrote a little message on the notepad to their teachers to personalize them.

Here's a simpler version with just the Monkey and chocolates...

I brain-stormed for quite some time to come up with several different sayings and in the end, this is what I came up with.  What fun phrases did I miss?

The image above can be printed as a 4 x 6 print and used for smaller gift tags.

Click on this link for information on how to download the images.  All images are designed to be printed as 4 x 6 photo prints.  You will need to trim the sides down on the bag toppers to fit the top of the party size cello sacks.

I'm posting these images to be used FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE ONLY, you are welcome to pin or feature any of the images above, but please do not post the original images below on your website, thanks! :)

The name of the title font is called Janda Silly Monkey so of course I had to use it! 

If I was more on the ball I would have posted this two weeks ago instead of right on Valentine's Day. There are a few tags though that could be used anytime so this gift idea doesn't really have to be just for Valentine's Day.  Hope your day has been a good one!

Today's Fabulous Find...Dancing Solar Monkeys

Happy Valentine's Day!

Printable Valentine's Day Card (Blank Inside)--I Adore you!

I came across this adorable photo while searching for images for a little Valentine's Day gift I'm putting together for my children's school teachers (I'm hoping to post it later today--we'll see, it might be tomorrow.) and thought it would be so cute on a Valentine's Day card!  Aren't those eyes so sweet!?

For Personal Use Only--please do not post the images on your blog, thank you!

The image above can be printed as large as 6"x 8".

The images below are perfect to print as a 4" x 6" print and can also be printed as large as 8" x 12" and still maintain full resolution.

To make a card:  Print the image on photo or glossy paper, fold it in half, and then insert another piece of paper inside (that is cut just smaller than the card), fold and then glue together down the center.

Visit this post for directions on how to download and size the prints.

Are you busy today finishing up last minute Valentine's too? 

Free Prints: In A Family Love is Spelled T-I-M-E

In my last post I showed you the quote plate that I made with vinyl that was inspired by a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf who said:  "In Family Relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e.  Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home." (Of Things that Matter Most)  and from this short inspirational video (5 min.):  To A Child Love is Really Spelled T-I-M-E.  I know that I personally have already benefited from reading this little reminder each day and hope you will enjoy these prints in your home as well!     

Tutorial for the Interchangeable Photo/Quote/Recipe Block

In case you missed it...

In A Family Love is Spelled T-I-M-E Quote Plate
{Tutorial on using contact paper to apply vinyl.}

I included prints that will fit perfectly on a square block from a 2 x 4 (measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2").  The block with the picture of Christ is finished, but the quote is only taped onto the other block (over a photo of my son) to show you how it would look. 

There are five color choices; grey, blue, mustard, tan, and black and white.  Narrowing it down to only five was so tough for me, so keep reading and I'll share a link with you on how to recolor a black and white image to any color you choose.  

FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY

Prints are not to be sold or used on any items for sale.
*You do not have permission to post these prints on your blog or website.
*You do have permission to Pin them if you'd like.

The black and white prints can be used to:

• Copy onto scrapbook paper or a solid colored paper to Mod Podge onto a wood block, tutorial on the technique here and here.
• Recolor the image, tutorial here.
• Use the tracing feature in the Silhouette program to cut it in vinyl or with contact paper to use as a stencil, tutorial here.

How to save the prints:

To save a full resolution image to your computer, right click on the image and click to open it in a new tab. Then right click on it again and choose to save it as an image to your computer.  Now you can use your picture manager program on your computer to print it at home or you can send/take it to a photo shop to have it printed.

How to size the prints:

Save the print to your computer as an image then insert the image into a document (I use Microsoft Publisher, Word works too).  Size the image according to the directions in the program you are using and print.  (Tip:  Dollar Tree sells 8 1/2 x 11" premium photo paper for 8 sheets for a dollar that I really like.)

The large images can be printed up to an 8 x 8 and the smaller images (3 x 3) are saved to print as a 4 x 6 print.

Have a great day!!!

Today's Fabulous Find...
In a Family Love is Spelled T-I-M-E Quote

Linking up to:  Tator Tots and Jello    The Shabby Nest

'In a Family Love is Spelled T-I-M-E' Quote Plate

We finally got a few glimpses of sunshine yesterday (Yay!), so I hurried and took a few pictures of the little 'Valentine's plate' that I made to set in my living room.

It was inspired by a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf who said:  "In Family Relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e.  Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home." (Of Things that Matter Most)  and from  this short inspirational video (5 min.):  To A Child Love is Really Spelled T-I-M-E.

I wish that I could have bought a whole stack of these plates for gifts, but sadly there was only one left at Ross ($2.49) so I guess I'll just have to be happy that I got the last one.  It measures 8" square and  has the cutest little hearts in the 'lace' edging.  The stand is from a dollar store, I bought a bunch of them a few years ago, so the total cost of the project was $3.49 + vinyl that I already had and of course tax.

One of the features on the Silhouette (cutting machine) that I love to use is the tracing feature.  I can make up a design in Microsoft Publisher, save it as an image, and then open it with the silhouette software to trace around and cut out in vinyl.

This is the first time that I've tried using clear contact paper to apply the vinyl instead of transfer paper and it worked so well!  I first found out about this tip at Occasionally Crafty.  Because the contact paper is clear it's much easier to center the vinyl when you set it down in place--so much easier!  It costs less than transfer paper too.

How to Use Clear Contact Paper to Transfer Vinyl

(Image Top Left) Peel back one corner of a piece of contact paper, line it up, and stick it down on top of the vinyl.  Slowly peel off the rest of the backing.  Rub over it with your fingers or a credit card to ensure the vinyl will stick to the contact paper.  (Image Top Right) Carefully peel off the paper on the back of the vinyl.  This is a view of the sticky side of the paper.  (Image Below) Flip the contact paper over and stick the vinyl to the plate.  Rub over it so the vinyl is smooth without any air bubbles.  Gently pull back the contact paper.  You might need to use your fingernail in a few places to help the vinyl detach from the contact paper.

I wanted the birds to be the focal point so I cut them out in red vinyl and placed it over top of the black vinyl, this way if I want a change from the red I can just peel it back off--I think.

If you'd like to make one with the Silhouette and tracing feature you are welcome to use this image.  Leave me a comment (and a link to your project) if you do, it will be fun to see how it is used!  The bird clip art is from SweetClipart.com.  

FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY

(Do not sell this image or use on any items for sale.  Please do not post this image on your website.)

I've made up printable's for the quote as well for those of you who don't have access to a vinyl cutter or would rather print it (to Mod Podge onto a block or to place in a frame) and will be sharing them soon! 

Updated:  Click here for the prints, available in five colors.

Today's Fabulous Find...

Using Clear Contact Paper to Transfer Vinyl

Sharing here!

I Heart Naptime   Be Different Act Normal   Sugar Bee Crafts   Home Stories A to Z

Under the Table and Dreaming    Tator Tots and Jello    My Repurposed Life

Past Valentine's Projects you might be interested in:

Valentine Mantel  

Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries   

Valentine Burlap Bubble Wreath