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

{Spooky} 2x4 Pumpkins

On October 8th I guest posted at Pocket Full of Pinks' Monster Craft Bash and showed how to make these 2x4 pumpkins.  They're also part of my new Fall 'Mantel'.   Notice the shelf is black in this photo and white in the charger photo?  More on that coming up. :)  Here's the post in case you missed it. 

Two years ago I was inspired by some pumpkins at It's A Daisy Day (a private blog now) and made the 2x4 pumpkins pictured below.  I've set them out for two Fall seasons now, so this year I made just a couple of small changes to make them feel new to me again. 

Before I get into the changes, this is how you make the 2x4 pumpkins...

Start with a 2x4 cut to 3 1/2", 6", and 8 1/2" tall. 

Directions:
1. Paint the 2x4 blocks. (I used Pumpkin Orange, a darker orange would look nice.)

2. Sand all edges.
3. Apply a brown wash with a rag or sponge brush by brushing it on and then wiping the excess off with a dry rag or paper towel.  (To make a brown wash add a squirt of dark brown paint to about 1/2 cup of water.)
4. Cut off 3 pieces of a dry branch for the stems. (Large pruners work great for this.)
5. Put a very large dab of hot glue right where you want the stem and then push the stem down into it.
6. Cut a piece of wire then curl the ends by wrapping the wire around a screwdriver or pencil. Wrap it around the stem to hold it in place.
7. Glue moss around the base of the stem.  Tie a raffia and ribbon bow then glue them on.

...so simple...now onto the changes...

The first thing I did was to darken the pumpkins by rubbing on some Valspar Antiquing Glaze (in the color Asphaltum) with a rag...a little change that made a huge difference! 

Then I remembered an idea (from a wedding photo) where a 1 1/2" to 2" slice from a log was used to group the items used for a table centerpiece.  I instantly loved the idea and thought, "wouldn't it be so fun to cut a slice from a log for my pumpkins?"  How hard could it be, right?  Well...I hurried out to the wood stack to find the perfect log to cut for my project.  When I got there I realized that they were all previously split for burning, drats.   I wasn't willing to give up the idea though, so I chose a larger (split) log with interesting bark, grabbed my hand saw (with a small, dull blade) and eagerly got to work.  I have to tell you, it was more work than I anticipated, as you can imagine cutting through this by hand.  As I cut, the log basically fell apart into pieces, ugh.  I was pretty sure that it could be put back together with wood glue, so I kept at it until I finally made it all of the way through the log.   My advice for you...cut the log with a power saw, or use a good hand saw!

In the end, it was well worth the effort. :)  A slice from a log is a fun way to bring the outdoors in and now that my sore muscles have fully recovered, I can honestly say that I didn't pay a thing for it. ;) 

Now...lets say that you want to temporarily change the pumpkins up a bit for Halloween.  Just add a little creepy crawler spider and some artificial webbing and you've got yourself a spooky little pumpkin patch.

Check out Karen's Monster Craft Bash, all through October, for some fun Halloween craft ideas and giveaways!

Today's Fabulous Find...Spooky 2x4 Pumpkins

I'm entering the CSI Projects Halloween Challenge.

Square Block Pumpkin {Tutorial}

I mentioned in the Fall Subway Art post, that I thought it would be fun to display the prints in a new way and decided to just tape the print to a wood pumpkin.  I didn't take pictures of the steps this time, but I think it's pretty easy to see how it's done if you decide to make one.  

Supplies

Square block of wood
(This block is from a 2 x 6 which really measures @5 1/2" square.)

Paint and Foam Brush

Scrapbook Paper

Ribbon

Sand paper

Distress Ink or Dark Stain

Mod Podge and a Foam Brush to apply

Small piece from a branch

Reindeer Moss (or whatever you have on hand)

Leaves to embellish (wood, fabric, or artificial)

Craft Wire

4" x 5" Photo (optional)

When I was at JoAnn Fabrics the other day I saw this bunch of painted wood leaves.  They were priced at $7.99 and then were 40% off.  I already had a purpose for the larger leaves and thought the smaller ones would look great on a little wood pumpkin. 

Directions

1. Sand the edges of the block (an electric sander gets the job done quickly)
2. Wipe off any sawdust with a damp rag or paper towel.
3. Paint.  (I bought one of Lowes sample paints in black to try and was impressed with how much nicer the paint looked when applied than acrylic craft paint.)
4. Allow paint to fully dry. 
5. Sand all of the edges and corners to distress.
6. Wipe over the edges with an ink pad (dark walnut works well) or with some dark stain on a rag.
7. Cut out a piece of scrapbook paper about 3/8-1/2 inch smaller than the wood block.  Run an ink pad over the edges to give it a distressed look.  (I used scrapbook paper from a book by My Minds Eye, that was discontinued, but I just saw some really cute Fall prints at the craft store.  I'm sure you'll find something that you'll like, most likely even cuter than the paper I used.)
8. Apply Mod Podge to the front of the wood block and press your scrapbook paper down over it.  Allow to dry.
9. Mod Podge over the scrapbook paper running your brush in the same direction.  Then with a dry brush, run it in the opposite direction to give it a mat look.
10. For the stem, cut off a small section from a branch (large pruning shears will work or a small hand saw) and hot glue it to the top center of the block.
11. Use wire to attach the leaves.  Curl the ends around a pencil.
12. Hot glue moss around the stem.
13. Cut a length of ribbon long enough to go around the block and hot glue or tape it together in the back.  (I bought this ribbon at JoAnn's in the Fall section.)
14. Tape or use sticky tack to add a photo, quote, etc.

When I was done, my daughter said, "Mom, you know that pumpkins aren't black don't you?"  Yes, it's true, generally pumpkins aren't black, but I painted the block thinking I'd make something else with it and then was too lazy to repaint it orange when I decided to make a pumpkin with it instead.  I'm okay with a black pumpkin, I'm really not too picky, at least when it comes to pumpkins.  ;)

 For more ideas, here are links to the [orange] 2x4 pumpkins that I made last year.

2x4 Pumpkins

 Fall Pumpkin Patch

Today's Fabulous Find...Wood Pumpkins

Linking up to these fun parties...

Under the Table and Dreaming --Annual Pumpkin Parade Party
The DIY Showoff

Tator Tots and Jello

Chic on a Shoestring

Funky Junk Interiors
Home Stories A to Z
Creations by Kara

Featuring: (2x4) Wood Block Photo Frames and Note Holders

Look at what Stephanie Lynn at Under The Table and Dreaming made!  It's amazing that she made these cute photo blocks from a 2x4! 

There's so much to love about them, including the fun patterns, how easy they are to make, and their low cost.   Go take a look at Stephanie Lynn's Photo Blocks, and then check out her other projects, she's so talented.  Her blog is one of my very favorites, I think you'll like it too!

Today's Fabulous Find...Wood Block Photo Frames and Note Holders

 

Featuring: Foam Sticker Wall Art (Before & After)

When I think of foam stickers, naturally I think of kids crafts--you too?  Well let me tell you, not anymore!  Cyndy at The Exchange has created a way to fancy them up and it's nothing but amazing.   I first saw her idea featured on The Creative Crate.  

Just move your mouse across the picture and see the foam transform!

(Those of you viewing in a reader will need to click in first.)

You're not thinking of foam stickers in the same way now either, are you!  You can learn all about how to make this wall art in her tutorial. 

My thanks to Cyndy for allowing me to share her fabulous idea with you today!

Today's Fabulous Find...Foam Sticker Wall Art

Printable Signs

Today I want to show you how to make a sign that has the clean look of vinyl lettering without actually using any vinyl.  Printing the quote onto photo paper is the key to getting nice true colors.

The elements and paper that I used are from free digital scrapbooking kits.  Shabby Princess has some fun free kits you might like or just run a search for free scrapbooking kits.  You can design your own sign using Microsoft Publisher, Photoshop, or another similar program.

 Directions:

• Cut a board that measures 3 1/2" x 6".  The print is 3" x 5 1/2".
• Use an electric sander to sand the edges of the board to give it the chunky look.
• Paint the board and then sand the edges to distress them.
• Print the quote onto photo paper, trim if needed, and Mod Podge it onto the board.  Directions here.
• Drill two small holes, add the wire and curl the ends.
• Tie on a raffia bow.

For Personal Use Only(The scrapbook paper and elements used in these prints came from free kits from various designers.) Will you do me one favor?  If you download or copy either of these prints, please click on the box at the bottom of the post that says 'going on my list of things to make'.  This will help me to keep track of what you like for future printables.  Thanks! 

Fonts:  Girls are Weird and Whackadoo

 Best printed onto photo paper, but you could also print them onto white card stock.

Font:  Girls are Weird and CAC Futura Casual

Click here for four more prints!

  

Be creative. 

Make a print with a name on it, a favorite quote, or a scripture.  Take a photo and add a quote or important date to it for special occasions like a birthday, baptism, or wedding.  Use pictures from a favorite children's book or from a cereal box.  Prints are everywhere.  Involve your kids. My daughter made one with a My Little Pony print from the front of a fruit snack box.My son made a fun 2x4 block with a Lightning McQueen print on it from wrapping paper.   

 Today's Fabulous Find...Printable Signs and Free Scrapbooking Kits

Linking up to some of these parties:

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