Older And Wisor

What's That Smell? {Love Stinks}

2012-01-25T18:33:00.000-06:00

It's that time again. Time for scissors, tape and little (okay, A LOT) of red and pink paper to transform our shop into a cheesy, heart-filled love den. Just the way we like it.

STEP 1: make a bunch of animals (the same way I did these) and each person gets to decorate the face and come up with a matching V-Day greeting. Kindergarten style.

Yes, that is a dolphin with wings and a horn and a Mom tattoo. Anything awesome goes.

Speaking of awesome, Allison made that patterned paper with a ruler and a red marker. Because she's a rock star. And we're cheap.

STEP 2: Take home paper bags, paint on hearts, and punch some holes.

Thread onto some scrap fabric ripped into strips (recognize that from here?) and then hang up everywhere.

STEP 3: Resurrect the wrapping paper shelves, and line the glass doors while we're at it.

{heart garland template from here}

STEP 4: (Fake) apologize to my manager for taking my liberties with his likeness and turning this

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into something amazing.

STEP 5: Find a $25 old school overhead projector (THAT I TOTALLY NEED ANYWAY) on Craigslist and snatch it up.

I'm not into fancy gadgets like Silhouettes and Crickets and Whoo-do-whats-its, but this baby? HECK YES. Especially since it can do magic, like taking this

and turning it into an image 3 feet tall that I can trace with white crayon onto black poster board and then cut out.

Love is in the air indeed.

How To Make a Loopy Paper Flower / Bow / Gift Finish-er Off-er Thing

2012-01-16T08:37:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes you make something and it turns out to be SO EASY that a monster is created because you can't stop, which is perfectly okay because not only is that thing easy, but also SUPER FAST and FREE?

Yeah, me neither.

For anybody who has ever wanted something other than a ribbon (although you certainly could use ribbon) to pretty up a package, this one is dedicated to you. Grab some double sided paper, scissors, a stapler and a glue gun.

That's your first layer. And you can stop there. Or keep going. Since this paper had two sides, I used the back facing out this time*

*each layer needs to have slightly shorter strips. Instead of 11", these are 9" long.

A little circle and a button hot glued to the middle and done.

Book pages have two sides. So does newspaper.

You can make that spiky inside by snipping a strip of paper. Roll it up, foof it, and glue it down.

Kids construction paper works too. If you make a circle loop at the top, it transforms into something more bow-ish.

Of course, you can use regular ol' scrapbook paper and glue pieces back to back. Or leave it as is. If there's any complaining about the white showing inside the loops, TAKE THE GIFT BACK. And get some new friends.

Dr Pepper middle from a can in the recycle bin. Also note: only one layer. Perfectly okay, folks.

Mr. Owl from back here got put in an ultra fancy box that a blanket came in.

When I say "ultra fancy" I mean that it was the right size. But it was SO PLAIN and since Miss Courtney, the birthday girl, is anything but PLAIN, I used the same bow technique, tweaked a bit for bigger loops. Instead of both ends to the middle, the strips got bent in half, then glued to a circle.

Next layer in pink.

And then a layer of green, followed by a brown circle and cut out "C" from scrapbook paper,

all glued in this. At least, the LID from this.

Seriously, people. Use what you have.

How Fitting To Welcome In The Year With An Owl Since I Just Said In My Last Post That They Aren't My Thing

2012-01-09T08:32:00.002-06:00

First things first:

My mom came to visit during the holiday break, and snapped a quick photo as we left church Christmas day. Not planned, as evidenced by the hodge-podge/boys hair not fixed/wear whatever you want as long as you are READY TO LEAVE IN FIVE MINUTES look we all have. In other words? The way we look every Sunday.

Real life. It's a beautiful thing. And because I don't think we've had a family photo since 2008...also snapped in front of church....

....I guess we were overdue. For all of you who would've gotten Christmas cards in your mailbox had I actually done them this year (or any year since 2006), consider yourself Happy Holiday-ed.

* * *

The short break from work and school and sensible eating left lots of time to get busy. Not that kind of busy. Crafty busy. Making stuff busy. A whole other post worth-o-busy that I'll get around to soon. Suffice it to say that the sewing machine was out for......uh....well, technically it's still out. So it was no surprise that when a {girl}friend of Hayden's had her 8th birthday coming up, and I had this bookmarked from Make It and Love It,

Directions and Pattern here.

it was the prefect time to roll up my sleeves. Literally. I didn't have enough fabric to use for the body piece, but a hot pink shirt that was handed down to me fit the bill perfectly. For anyone who doesn't know me in real life, I DON'T WEAR PINK. Unless it's in my hair. Which doesn't count.

A lovely shade for making fabulous hooters, no?

{In my head there was gonna be a mama/baby combo, but after sewing with that blasted stretchy jersey that likes to argue with my sewing machine needle and not stay where it's supposed to, my dreams were crushed and I only did one hoot.}

{With no feet, since I didn't have any orange fabric. I also omitted the middle-y piece, making it just a front and back instead of a front/back/middle.}

{Basically, I took the pattern and did whatever I wanted}

I had the stuffing, and the little pieces were just scraps of patterned fabric, felt and old jeans -y'all know about the denim hoarding already. The final cost = Zero dollars.

Mr. Owl got put in a big ol' box that I needed a big ol' bow for, and instead of ribbon I played around with paper and tried one which was SO EASY that I've kept making them for no reason other than to experiment. My life is full of deep, meaningful activities like hot gluing paper obsessively. But that will also be another post. HOW TO MAKE A LOOPY PAPER BOW. It'll be captivating.

* * *

Lastly, if owls ARE your thang, HoLo's got super cheap owl-ified ribbon. Which gives you the perfect excuse to bust out a tag with googly eyes.

Owls are definitely Jessica's thang. So yummy she might eat them.
(Good luck in your move to Korea, girlfriend.)

Owl Be Home For Christmas

2011-12-20T00:13:00.002-06:00

I don't like trends. I detest them. Abhor them. Consider them a sign of the weak and easily influenced. But when I saw this guy

in the fall clearance section, marked down from this

to this,

I said YES PLEASE. It was less about me falling in love and more about not being able to pass up a smashing deal. Ninety percent off is almost 100% which would be FREE. So practically free, is what he was. Consider me an official owl fan.

(even though most of them freak me out)

(this one included, but for PRACTICALLY FREE, I'll get over it)

Since the kiddos shower curtain has owls and other woodland creatures in it, I knew the hall bathroom was gonna be his perch. Lair. Hole in the tree. Whatever an owl home is called. Plus, I wouldn't have to look at him everyday. He couldn't stay all stained glassy and spooky eyed though, so he got a coat of spray paint.

Much better. And even better still with a Santa hat, because what isn't?

Owl have a blue Christmas without you....

He seems to be fitting in quite well, and doesn't mind the cotton ball snow or tacky Q-Tip snowflakes (asterisks?) one bit.

In other news, my mama is flying in tonight and I can hardly wait. She's been warned that I've got big plans for getting our craft on, and I'm even taking some time off of work so I can do important things like take naps while she's busy taking the kids to movies I refuse to sit through (I'm looking at you, Happy Feet 2). What I won't be doing? Cleaning.

Oh yeah - and blogging until the new year. So from our family to yours: Have a Very Happy Holiday.

(Yes, that's a rhino in the "manger." Just because it wasn't mentioned in the Old Testament doesn't mean it didn't happen.)

P.S Here's a little something to jingle your bells....Merry Christmas.

Wrapping Paper + Scissors = A Christmas Kitchen

2011-12-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

I swear I'm keeping it simple this year.

There's a few boxes of Christmas decorations I didn't even take out of the attic. Even though I'm enjoying not having all the stuff around, the kitchen was feeling a bit.......bland. Inspired by the icicles/udders I made for work, I thought I'd try a variation here at home making sure to keep it:

*quick
*easy
*FREE
*awesome

I gathered up my supplies,

and then realized it would be SO MUCH FASTER to get straight lines with a scrap piece of wood than a ding dang itty-bitty ruler. If you're super smart (which isn't the case here) you can use paper that has the grid on the back. Dollar Tree paper doesn't.

I used the bowl to make scallops, layered a bunch of strips together so they could all be cut out at the same time, and snipped away.

Looped some tape and stuck it up.

And stuck up some more.

"I like it. It's like a candy store from the cartoons."

Camden, age 9

{If you don't have open cabinets, a bookcase or entertainment center would just as well}

Come December 26th, I can just throw it away. Sweet.

Animal Prints Are In This Year {the flamingo returns}

2011-12-14T14:26:00.000-06:00

She's back. Last year's diva.

And this time, thanks to a bit o' craft paint, she's got stripes.

Behold the zebringo. Or flamibra. I haven't made up my mind yet.

And look-y look what I got in the mail from my sister. How she knew I was going trashy this year, I'll never know. So unexpected. But she could feel it with her sisterly vibes and vortexes and such and knew that a trailer trash tree isn't complete without a random shopping cart parked in it's boughs.

Or can only holly have boughs?

In any case, FAVORITE. ORNAMENT. EVER.

P.S. Sarah's having a Tree Party starting tonight - go get inspired.

Sylvester McMonkey McBean: A Stars Upon Thars Mantel

2011-12-11T09:45:00.001-06:00

What do you do when you normally decorate above your fireplace with presents, but since you're doing a family trip to California next summer in lieu of presents, you HAVE no presents to use, and therefore your mantel is feeling neglected?

You see Cindy's wooden stars and get inspired. That's what.

{Now that I just uploaded her photo, I'm looking at the way the lines of her star overlap, and if I would've PAID ATTENTION in the beginning, mine prolly would've turned out better. Whatever.}

She bought hers because she's a cheater, so I was on my own for figuring out directions. I played around with some popsicle sticks before I got too carried away and verified that I could actually MAKE a star shape. It looked doubtful for a few minutes.

How cute would these be spray painted and stuck on a package?

A trip to Lowes to get some wood (or sticks, as I call them, which are also made of wood and are therefore THE SAME THING) that I could bang together in a holiday fashion put me back about $8 total (3 pieces of 6 foot lengths at $2 something a piece)

{These were all cut 28 inches long, mainly because I didn't take into account that because they slant a little, the finished shape would be SHORTER than that. That would've required foresight and geometry skills, neither of which I posses. Again? WHATEVER.}

A quick coat of walnut stain to bring out their knot-iness,

and then whacked into place with a hammer. The nailheads were left as is 'cuz it looks more rustic that way, but you could certainly dab on a bit of brown paint to hide them. The plan was for it to sit leaning back on the mantel, but since it was shorter than planned...or not planned....it hangs from a nail.

My dusting skills leave much to be desired as well.

Oh yeah, another important tip: some of the cross over lines are gonna have a space because they're laying at an angle, and you won't be able to nail the top piece into the back piece without a gap, so sandwich a little scrap in between the two before you secure it together.

Impossible to explain, but you'll figure it out.

Notice there are only four stockings?

I've picked them up one by one as I've found them each season, but 1.) haven't been able to find enough for everybody and 2.) their quirkiness doesn't really jive with the kinda formal(?) style we've got with the personalized velvet ones that I did way back in 2000. This year the misfits got hung front and center and it's perfect: one for me, one for Roger, one for Grandma (who'll be visiting for Christmas - yipee!!), and one for Mesa. Even though she prefers hanging out with the kid's stockings that got booted to the stairs.

The children are thrilled with the new arrangement: the stockings are hanging in an ideal position for sneaking-a-peek-inside-before-mom-and-dad-get-outta-bed-on-Christmas-morning. And sprinkled in the garland......their own stars.

Using What You've Got {Christmas} Decorating: The Work Edition

2011-12-08T16:35:00.002-06:00

I have the most perfect job in the world.

Cinco de Mayo 2010. That's me in the sombrero making everybody to wear my sharpie-scribled-on-paper-then-cut-out mustaches.

I get to send the kiddos off to school, and then go play. Sure, I deliver catering orders. Yes, I make 592 sandwiches a day. But mostly? I PLAY. Teasing customers coming in on their lunch break, singing loud and off key with our live musicians, and all around having a helluva fun time. AND being home in time to see my babies walk through the front door in the afternoon. See? Perfect.

(Okay, ALMOST perfect, as it doesn't leave much time for regular blogging. But you already knew that part.)

Celebrating Thanksgiving with our paper bag turkey. Getting to wear my awesome hats is just icing on the cake.

As a super-de-duper bonus, my girl Allison and I are the {self appointed} Holiday Coordinators. If there's a season, we'll be decorating for it.

Dollar Store rats getting a chocolate shake fix at Halloween

Made up occasions? We celebrate those too.

"Sean Day" aka photoshop co-worker's face on Superman and hang way up high where it will remain until the end of time

When we decided to wrap up presents as part of our Christmas decor this year, I thought it was the perfect time to practice what I preach in the wrapping of crap department: you really can USE ANYTHING. Like paper menus.

Reindeer silhouettes,

fan thingy-s and penguins,

bows,

and pinwheels.

(click on the links for directions)

But you don't just have to limit your paper fetish to fake gifts. There are a ba-jillion other things you can do, and even though we like to use paper because we have no budget, you can use the same ideas at home too. FREE DECORATIONS, PEOPLE. FREE.

How about a tree topper (2 cut out stars + embroidery thread)?

Or a butt load of regular ol' computer paper cut into snowflakes and icicles that may or may not also resemble cow udders?

When your manager's last name is "Coz", there's gonna be trouble. I will not be stopped.

Allison's holiday pennant banner,

and remember my trash initials? Same technique (cheerio boxes and wrapping paper), then taped on the back to a piece of twine.

That "wreath" (since we couldn't have anything 3D on the door that swings all day and would drop stuff on the ground) is posterboard covered with cut out holly-ish shaped leaves. Peace, Love, and Potbelly.

Paper bags transformed into stockings,

and maybe my favorite thing in the whole wide world: snow. Especially because it's the fake kind. Cotton balls and fishing line, baby. Best. Snow. Ever.

Like Lingerie. For Your Mail.

2011-12-04T13:46:00.003-06:00

I save containers.

Call me cheap.

Call me a hoarder.

Either way, you'd be right.

{soda bottle directions here}

But oh do they look cute in your mailbox. The hardest part is getting off the label,

and once you're free of that mess (and your kitchen smells citrus-y fresh thanks to all that Goo Gone), go to town and fill 'er up.

You can coordinate the address tag if you feel like it, but you don't hafta. No rules here.

Just the simple fact that you can SEE INSIDE provides all the surprise you need.

(Or, I guess technically, no surprise at all, since you can....see inside. But still. WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO FIND THIS ON THEIR FRONT PORCH?)

{Heather, you said you liked coconut, but I didn't know if you were an almond fan. So I played it safe with girl candy. Girl candy = no nuts.}

If what you're sending is small enough, you can go the extra mile and wrap it up too. Baby clothes can be bundled tight enough that they can still fit through the lid.

(tag printed off of the computer with this image)

Add a Mr. Giraffe,

and an empty Cheese Ball plastic jar,

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and you've got a sendable {see-through} zoo.

Perhaps it'll be cute enough to make up for being EXCEEDINGLY late?? Hunter was born months ago. He's practically in college. I love you Ben and Jessica - even if I am a slacker aunt in the sending-of-baby-shower-presents department.

Winner Winner, Penguin Dinner

2011-11-21T08:07:00.001-06:00

(There must be a way to embed this instead of taking a photo of the computer screen, but there you go.)
(since one of the comments had been deleted by the author, I used a total of 38 instead of 39)

Number 4. Heather Was Here - that's you.

Pocket Penguins {toys from recycled clothes}

2011-11-18T07:42:00.005-06:00

It's my berf-day. I'm 35, and you know what?

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But we'll get back to that in a minute. First, check out these trouble makers.

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Their imperfection is so yummy, I could eat it with a spoon. When I spotted this variation on Pinterest, I got goosebumps.

(when I get excited, I shiver. don't ask.)

I mean COME ON. Scrumptious.

I clicked over to check out Jill's directions and she even had a free printable template. And, obviously, some kind of special kool-aid (that I must have sipped) because I got the notion that I could TOTALLY DO THIS. Especially since I already had this thrift store shirt that I scored for 99 cents. I snatched it up even though it was a small, because hello? Cute, stripe-y and perfect for layering.

Or at least it WOULD be perfect for layering. IF YOU WORE A SIZE SMALL. But now I'm tired of dealing with my teenage angst of loving something that I just. can't. have. and have realized that sometimes things come into our lives for reasons that we can't always see at that exact moment.

{cue music}

The time was now.

So.

I took my template and some scissors (that I could use just fine, even with my non-small hands) and went to work.

I opted out of adding feet because they gave me too much trouble, and instead of felt arms and back, I used bits of leftover black apron fabric and some denim. Because everyone knows I can't throw away worn out jeans.

I left the top of the pocket open so it's still functional. Maybe a tooth fairy pillow? A place to keep worms dug up from the backyard? Whatever you want it to be. The "Room of Requirement" of penguins. In this case, I needed it to be a baby gift.

Now that y'all are experts in wrapping, you recognize my madness. An initial and scrapbook paper carries on the denim/black & white theme without being....themey. He can travel in style to his new home.

Speaking of traveling, did I mention Mr. Penguin had a friend?

He does. Or at least he did, before I split them up. Since it's MY BIRTHDAY, I hereby decree that it's present time. FOR YOU.

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite color (or whatever else you want - I'm not picky), and I'll randomly pick a winner to get a penguin and a piece of birthday cake.

Okay, no cake. But yes to the penguin.

Open through midnight on Sunday, Nov. 20th.

Following Up

2011-11-04T08:45:00.008-05:00

Item of Business #1:

When I shared my craft room that I hodge-podged together, there was a little bit of hesitation.

Not so much because I wasn't happy with it, but because I've seen so many BEAUTIFUL, PERFECTLY EXECUTED spaces, and I didn't want to hear about how it would've been cuter with a fabulous rug. Or some trendy chairs. Or some curtains that hadn't been hanging in there forever, in desperate need of lining (yeah - likes THAT'S ever gonna happen).

Those things are true.

Those things also cost money.

Call me crazy: I'd rather have groceries than cute metal bins.

But guess what I found out? Lots of y'all don't have budgets either. And it gave you inspiration - which is exactly what I hoped to do.

Sweet.

Today my second hand den of iniquity is being featured over on Roadkill Rescue.

A whole blog about repurposed found stuff?? Halleluyer. It would seem I'm not alone in my slowing-down-the-car-and-checking-out-trash-on-the-curb-and-putting-it-into-my-trunk disease. (My children LOVE when I do that, by the way....especially on the way to drop them off at school. Nothing oozes "cool" like yo' mama in slippers hoisting some old wood fencing into the minivan because it's beautiful and she can't believe that someone would just THROW IT AWAY.)

("Of course they would? It's junk.")

("And can you hurry and get back in the car? Someone is gonna see you.")

{And thank you Jessica for letting me know that you spotted it over on Craftzine too. I also got a few commenters that said they had linked over from Apartment Therapy (where my name is Rachael?) and Everything Etsy. I don't live in an apartment, or have an Etsy shop, but hey - that's cool.}

Item of Business #2:

I had so much fun doing the Wrap Your Crap series.

(from my inspiration folder on my computer, long before pinterest - let me know if it's yours)

YES, I have gotten your emails. I'm working on a permanent page that will list all the ideas together. Seeing that I am not blogger savvy, this could take until the end of time.

NO, I will not be doing anything of that scale that requires that kind of time commitment again anytime soon.

However.

Perhaps a "stuff that's awesome/quick idea for present wrapping/why didn't I think of that" every so often post? I kinda did that anyway, but this time it would be intentional.

Once a month? I dunno.

What say you?

Way #31: That Was Random {50 More Gift Wrapping Ideas}

2011-11-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

THE OFFICIAL WRAP UP POST

You didn't ACTUALLY think that I'd try to cheat y'all out of a day, did you? When I said 31, I meant 31....even if that means that the last post is in November (already???). Today, it's a bunch of stuff that I couldn't fit into any other topic. Or stuff I found AFTER posting about that very idea, and I'm too stubborn (read: lazy) to go back and edit old posts.

Just in case you found nothing in the last month that was inspiring - or if you're like me and can never have too many ideas - here are 50 more inspirations photos to get your motor running.

And P.S : Thanks for stickin' with me. I'm thrilled to get back to my every other week/whenever I dang feel like it posting (un)schedule.

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And always remember:

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Way #30: Talking Trash

2011-10-31T07:50:00.000-05:00

I don't do Halloween.

The costumes? Yes. The candy? Heck yes. But the decor? Nope. Not my thing.

(unless you count window silhouettes)

When I saw the bats over on MADE last year, I filed it under my mental list of to-do projects for this year. Since I already had black paper, it was free. Who doesn't love free?

(Bats on the wall, pumpkins on the table, and I call it decorated. The random plastic bag under the chair only adds to the spookiness.)

What in the world does this have to do with how to wrap a package? Everything. When I was done, I had piles of little bat droppings.

Curved bits of paper that I could've thrown away, but being that it's ME.....well....you can see where this is going. I used a hole punch on two pieces that were the same (one flipped so that they were the mirror image of each other),

taped it onto a wrapped box,

making sure that I could still bend up the edges enough to thread through some ribbon, criss cross (JUMP! JUMP!) style. So instead of trash,

we have.....okay, kinda trashy, but in an OO-LA-LA kind of way. Hello Bridal Showers.

There are some times when you don't wanna disguise your recycled goodness. I saw this ad in my hubby's ESPN magazine and you bet your sweet aspercreme he got ripped out immediately. I'm helpless to resist that face.

Some glue sticks, a plain box, and a printed up message: so easy, even a caveman could do it.

It's just a gift, not brain surgery. HAVE SOME FUN.

If you order a bunch of kids meals at Sonic, they bring them out to you in this bag. Instead of going in the trash, it went to a party. No bow, no tag, just 3 sheets of tissue paper and called it done.

If you wanna help others go green, put your goodies in a reusable shopping bag. There are tons of cute patterns out now,

with even cuter prices.

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If you've got a garage full of plastic shopping bags, you can recycle them too.

Tutorial here

Way #29: Stacking The Deck

2011-10-30T12:15:00.000-05:00

{Every Saturday and Sunday this month is Gift Wrap Links I Love}

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Way #28: Picture Perfect

2011-10-29T10:05:00.001-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday this month is Gift Wrap Linky Love}

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(tutorial here)

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Way #27: Strip Tease (Fast Friday)

2011-10-28T08:05:00.001-05:00

You don't always have to cover up a present - showing a little skin can be exciting. And muy rapido.

(somehow "really fast" sounds sexier in Spanish)

(French would probably sound even more seductive, but I didn't do that in high school)

(the language, that is)

(sorry Mom)

Tie on a piece of fabric and call it done.

(pencils and pad from the $1 bins at Michael's)

How about a (bur)lap dance? That'll push his buttons.

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If you're gift isn't so hot au natural? Join the "modest is hottest" movement, cover up, and put your strip on top.

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If you don't have fabric scraps, never fear. Random leftover bits of wrapping that you always end up with (or expensive paper you don't want to use up too quick) work just as well.

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How 'bout a strippy bow? Scrap bits of whatever you can find, tied together.

Tutorial here.

Way #26: Tag, You're It

2011-10-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

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You don't have to have cute wrapping paper to make a package special. Sometimes it's easier (and faster) to let the tag do all the hard work. My shortcut? Use what you've already got.

These have been sitting in my drawer for years. See that clearance sticker? 98 cents for 24. At that price I can afford to cut one up without feeling guilty.

We've talked about using paper scraps for shapes before, now we're just working with a smaller canvas. Which means, if the shape is simple, you (or should I say, "Even I, the worstest drawer EVER") can freehand it.

Need more inspiration?

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(Okay, so technically these neapolitan bars aren't tags, but wouldn't they be charming?)

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Way #25: Awesome Blossoms

2011-10-26T00:15:00.000-05:00

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I love flowers.

Not so much receiving them, as my hubby has learned after 16 years of marriage ("You spent HOW MUCH on something that's gonna die in a few days?"), but making them? Oh yes.

Maybe it brings back fond memories of elementary school, when my sisters and I used to glue sunflowers onto barrettes and clip them in our hair. Or girls camp, when we turned seed beads into daisy chains.

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Or perhaps they're so scrunchy and imperfect that it's impossible to mess them up.

Yeah. I REALLY like that part.

Especially when you can use things you've already got around the house (pages from dog chewed books) and just play around, ending up with something that's kinda cool for having no skill.

Tutorial (if you can call it that) here.

That being said, I certainly have no problem cheating. Just pull the bloom off of a store bought stem and hot glue it on.

You can roll 'em,

Tutorial Here

or go full out Edward Scissorhands.

(I know....another Johnny Depp reference)

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Make them outta crepe paper,

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or tissue paper,

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or add a some tulle.

Tutorial here.

Not in a hurry? Hand stitch some felt blooms,

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or bling up a simple poinsettia.

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I've never bought wax paper before , but I'm adding it to my grocery list.

Tutorial here.

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I am SO doing this.

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Here they've been mounted to canvas, but I'm squinting my eyes and pretending they're gift boxes. Lovely.

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For once, 3-D that doesn't give me headache.

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Even the craft impaired can do this. Three circle-ish shapes and a button? Love.

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Way #24: Versatility Is Your BFF

2011-10-25T00:19:00.001-05:00

(One Box, Ten Ways)

My tip for purchasing stuff: make sure that you can use it for lots of occasions.

Don't put your money into a 900 yard roll of snowman ribbon when it's gonna sit for 11 months out of the year. Sure, it'll last you forever, but do you really want to see that pattern for the next decade?

No. No you don't.

When simple designs, like black and white polka dot paper, go half off? Grab a roll. Sure, it's labeled "Christmas Shoppe," and of course you can use it for holiday wrapping, but THEN come spring, it can be your no-brainer choice for baby showers too. Or birthdays. Or weddings. Or whatever.

Just for fun, I thought I'd take the same box with the same "base" and see what I could come up with. Nothing fancy, just kraft paper and a leftover piece of red gingham fabric. Pretend that it's ribbon. Or don't, and realize that you can use fabric scraps instead of ribbon.

They're the perfect ingredients for Christmas,

and then come January they won't have to be banished to the attic. Those two can get you all the way through the year. Play on, playas.

Way #23: Party Animal

2011-10-24T09:31:00.000-05:00

Put those scraps of paper to use and make a topper guaranteed to bring a smile.

Why does that sound like a dentist commercial?

It's true though. What 8 year old's heart wouldn't melt for this? Alright, it works on 34 year olds too. Mr. Penguin's charm knows no boundaries.

(or you could add a hair bow and it could be Ms. Penguin)

(notice the itty-bitty ribbon scrap covered mini-clothespin? Took no more than 2 seconds.)

I found the pattern here, printed it, and cut it out from bits of extra paper scraps. So easy. Make the kids do it while you sneak in the kitchen and eat leftover cookie dough.

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What if you wanna make something that doesn't have a pattern? Make your own.

*Tip: when doing a Google image search, filter the results by clicking the "Black and White" in the color section and "Clip Art" in the Type section. (Horrible photo of my computer screen, but see where those arrows are? That will get you clear, simple shapes rather than actual photos. Who wants to sort through a buncha stuff that you can't use?)

Same wrapping as Mr. Penguin, just with a piece of scrapbook paper, rick rack and a circle medallion. And if you've been following along the whole series these are THINGS YOU'VE ALREADY GOT IN YOUR BAG O' TRICKS. Which means you're bored and want to see some other animals ready to party.

Wish granted.

Full tutorial here.

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Way #22: Fit To Be Tied

2011-10-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday is Gift Wrap Linky Love}

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Paper versions:

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And the pasta version. Why the heck not?

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Or throw caution to the wind and do the whole shirt.

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Way #21: Button It {and other sewing/yarn/pom pom inspiration}

2011-10-22T00:14:00.000-05:00

Every Saturday and Sunday This Month Is Gift Wrap Linky Love

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Way #20: Hang It Out To Dry (Fast Friday)

2011-10-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

(I can't believe we're already at #20.)

It's Friday, which means it's time for a quickie.

If you've got a minute -literally ONE MINUTE - you've got enough time to slap together a clip to attach your gifts tags and prolly have 13 seconds leftover. It's a last minute wrappers dream come true.

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Here's the brain surgery, rocket science equation.

You can cut the strip of paper into two sections, if you want to be able to see that little swirly metal part, but you don't have to. You could also seal it with watered down glue or mod podge. My gifts don't usually go out to sea, so I'm not really worried about their waterproofed-ness.

BONUS:

You'll have tons of leftovers {they come in packs of 100} so you can go funky with the cheese whiz and create 'til your hearts content.

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Stamp a name,

or a message.

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Change it up with some fabric.

Or lace.

Bows.

Flowers.

More flowers.

Some itty bitty pinwheels (you know how I love those)

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Chalkboards.

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Or, since it's that time of year, why not some spookification?

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Way #19: Ruffles Have Ridges

2011-10-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

Foof and poof. Something that doesn't come naturally to this plain and simple mama of mostly boys, but I can appreciate some tussle and bustle when the time is right.

Never made ruffles before? Dana shows you how better than I ever could here in this post.

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I followed her directions with a 3 inch wide strip of ripped fabric and ended up with this. Just the right size for wrapping around a package. And not too feminine either.

If you don't have a machine, or have one but want to say naughty words every time you use it because the stupid bobbin runs out just as you're getting your groove on because it's stupid and maybe it's your own fault but there's no way it could be because it's the stupid one.....where was I? Oh yeah:

You can buy rolls of PREMADE scrunched up goodness. God is good.

(The pile of thread pieces I forgot to take off before taking the photo are just a bonus.)

(You're welcome.)

Once you've got the idea, the possibilities are endless. You could do baby steps and start with tags,

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graduate to gift bags,

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then go wild and use anything you can find. Scrunched up cupcake liners.

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Crepe paper streamers.

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Even old dictionaries or books. Or maybe $5 newspapers?

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Way #18: It's Pretty Much My Favorite Animal.....It's Like a Lion and Tiger Mixed......

2011-10-19T07:17:00.001-05:00

Okay, so maybe not an animal mix. More like a paper mix....

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Kinda like a gift box version of wainscotting. You can finish it off with a simple bow,

or go a step further and add some embellishment.

(glittery ornament key bought for 50 cents after Christmas)

(another ornament....I told you they weren't only for Christmas)

Step 1: Wrap a box

Step 2: Wrap your second paper, but don't go all the way. You don't want to be that kind of girl.

I usually make the more expensive paper the smaller section so I don't have to use as much, but since these both came from Target Dollar Spot, it didn't matter.

Step 3: Tie a ribbon. And stick something in if ya wanna.

Way #17: Your Biggest Fan

2011-10-18T07:39:00.004-05:00

Actually, I don't know what these circle-y things are called. Accordions? Medallions? No clue. They're circle fans to me.

(Even though you can make cool leaf shapes too.)

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You need two strips of paper. It can be scrapbook paper, book pages, construction paper, even long strips of wrapping paper. Whatever.

The important thing is that the width is HALF the width that you want your finished circle to be.

For this 6 inch diameter circle, I cut mine 3 inches wide by 12 inches long.

(if you don't have 12 inches worth of length, you can just piece smaller strips together after you're done folding )

Fold them up like you're in 4th grade and making a paper fan to cool off/hit boys with,

then glue them together to make one long piece, making sure that you keep the folds going up/down/up/down.

Glue the ends together, making a circle (still keeping the up/down pattern),

then smoosh it flat. Put a dab of hot glue in the middle and squish it together, holding it a few seconds until it dries.

I also hot glue a piece of paper on to the back in the middle for reinforcement to keep it from popping back up.

To cover up the middle (which you don't have to do - you can see in the first photo that my garland circles are left plain), I cut a little robot guy outta some other paper,

and hot glued it on.

You can get all fancy and layer it up with more circles and buttons or whatever else you can find lurking on your messy craft table (Kit Kat wrappers, anyone?),

or go country with a decorative BRAD and some PAISLEY. Yee haw.

Way #16: Gifts With Balls {and other ornaments}

2011-10-17T07:20:00.000-05:00

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Even though scrapbook paper is my go-to way to wrap up crap most of the year, when it comes to Christmas I have another lover. Shiny, rustic, big or small - I'm not picky. Ornaments are the holy trinity of gift wrap: Easy. Fast. Cheap.

(A box of fudge dipped oreos, all wrapped up for teacher gifts)

If you were around these parts during the holiday season, you've already heard about all the reasons why I always pile presents on the mantel. Why wrap up cute gifts just to shove them under the tree?

(If you notice, most of them are ornament-ed.)

Unbreakable ornaments come in tubes at the Dollar Store, and sparkly snowflakes are 5 for a $1 at Target. For 20 cents you add a ton of bling. And if you've got favorite (non-breakable) ornaments, use those too. Once the loot gets opened, they're just stored away for next year. You could even make your own if you felt ambitious. Which I never do come December. But they're super cute. source ("Merry Christmas" from Dollar Tree)

I always stock up during clearance time (or half off at Hobby Lobby right now - they'll be nothing left after mid-December) on stuff that could be used year round. What else could you find this handsome that's already made and ready to tie on for $1.33? Even if the tag says Christmas, there's no rule that says it couldn't go on a wedding gift.

When you look at a sparkly cupcake, do you think "Why is Rebecca so cheap that she's giving me her leftover holiday junk?" or "That's so cute I don't wanna open it?"

Exactly.

Way #15: Going Around In Circles

2011-10-16T01:23:00.001-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday is Gift Wrap Linky Love}

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Way #14: Hello Diane, Take A Look At These Swatches

2011-10-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday is Gift Wrap Linky Love}

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You've already got 'em. Now put the rejects to good use.

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These were intended to be bookmarks, but who said you couldn't use them on a package?

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Way #13: Chalkboard Tags (Fast Friday)

2011-10-14T07:17:00.001-05:00

Or should I say faux chalkboard?

No cutting wood, no painting, no dry time.

Just black cardstock + chalk.

Way #12: Initial Impression

2011-10-13T08:03:00.002-05:00

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Y'all know that I love letters. Mostly because I think typeface is beautiful, but the fact that they're also quick and easy doesn't hurt either.

(Hobby Lobby magnet, tied on to a plain white box holding our homemade monogram teacher gifts. I had to dig deep in the archives for that one.)

You can make initials outta whatever you've got laying around.

Fabric.

Pennies.

("I would've drawn a 'Z' for you, Mom....you didn't have to waste nine cents." - Hayden, age 7)

You could even get all hoity toity and use bedazzled ornaments like Martha does,

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although I prefer polka dots over bling any day. Hopefully the kids teachers last year did too.

When I saw this idea I was inspired to go even bigger.......without getting too big....that "R" is kinda creeping me out.

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I printed up my letter on the computer, then cut it out using the fanciest cardboard I could find.

You could skip the cardboard, but I wanted it sturdy enough that it wouldn't rip.

I grabbed a book from my stash, otherwise known as "Things Our Old Dog Chewed Up That I Can Still Use,"

glued it to the cardboard, then cut it out.*

* If your paper isn't as transparent as mine, you could glue onto the printed side of the box, which would give you a plain white back. I just did both sides.

Add some ink to the edges if you want, punch a hole on top, and tie it on.

Way #11: {Pin} Wheels Keep On Turnin'

2011-10-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

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Pinwheels are usually associated with summer, but I say poo on that.

PINWHEELS ARE NOT SEASONAL.

They're just happy. And that is welcome any time of year. Especially birthday time.

Never made them before? Check out these simple directions. You can mix it up with construction paper, felt, fabric - whatever. Here I used 6" x 6" scraps glued (glued stick-ed? glue stuck?) back to back, and a pencil covered in watered down glue, then rolled in paper. Oh yeah - and a thumbtack.

(It'll turn if you twirl it with your finger, but not if you blow.)

(I don't know how else to word that without sounding naughty.)

(Something I never am.)

With four boys in the house, you know there's going to be a tweaked variation. A "man fan", if you will. This version is strictly decorative (translation= fast).

4" x 4" squares and hot glued flaps, followed by a button. Same polka dot paper, but now instead of cute, it's awesome. Dang awesome.

Way #10: You Don't Know Jack

2011-10-11T07:14:00.001-05:00

Meet Jack.

TWO Jacks, actually.

Number One: Union Jack

Some strips of paper, glued to denim. All those scraps come in handy.

See that stuff that kinda looks like bakers twine? Well, it's not. It's thicker - which I love - and you can find it at Dollar Tree.

Number Two: Jack Sparrow

{Okay, technically a Jolly Roger, but who's gonna say no to a Johnny Depp reference?}

{Not me.}

A google image skull and crossbones printed up (on our almost-out-of-ink-belongs-on-the-poop-deck printer),

cut out of white cardstock and glued onto a scrap of black burlap.

Shiver me timbers.

Way #9: Black and White and Read All Over

2011-10-10T00:35:00.000-05:00

Newspaper. It's a classic.

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Although I've gotta admit- I had never used it before. For the purposes of this 31 Ways challenge, I wanted to try it out. My hubby picked up a paper on the way home from work, but he must have somehow grabbed a double pack because it was $5.

FIVE DOLLARS??

That's a dollar more than my beloved Hobby Lobby wrapping paper (half off) which lasts forever. So if you DON'T get a subscription and think you'll save money over the "real" stuff, think again. As for me, I'm saving every little scrap of that FIVE DOLLAR paper to use in every craft until next year so I can get my money's worth. Hey - at least I've got some front page experience, right?

While you're making a mess anyway, give the kids a list of letters you need and a pair of scissors and let them go to town. They'll be entertained, you'll have coordinating tags, and....your living room will have bits of cut paper everywhere. Happy kids trumps a clean house any day.

You could skip the ribbon all together and get fancy with a newspaper bow.

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Or bundle up a bottle with cute curly-q's on top.

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{I'm sure that there is sparkling cider inside that package. I am in no way, shape or form encouraging alcohol consumption. Because we've seen how ridiculous things get around here without any help from liquor.}

Way #8: Hit The Sack

2011-10-09T01:04:00.000-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday is Gift Wrap Linky Love}

The simple brown paper bag. Just a bit of detail makes all the difference.

Some leaves and scrap fabric.

A stapled doily that looks anything but Granny.

All stamped up.

With an adorable lil' roof.

Dressed up with ribbon.

With a delicate scalloped edge.

Threaded with bakers twine.

A few sewn edges make a homemade gift bag.

Way #7: Make Your Own Bow Outta Anything

2011-10-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

{Each Saturday and Sunday is Gift Wrap Linky Love Time}

See how to make a bow out of anything (magazines, maps, scrapbook paper - oh the possibilities!) on How About Orange.

Got felt scraps? Check out how the same technique can not only dress up a package, but also bring a lil' something something to your wardrobe. Check out the tutorial here on Twig & Thistle.

Way #6: Character Merchandising Is Your Friend (Fast Friday)

2011-10-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

The quickest way to wrap up a "theme" gift? Two words:

Fruit. Snacks.

Go down the grocery aisle and you'll find stuff for girls

and for boys. Stack the box on top of your present and let it do all the decorative work. The hardest part is explaining to your own child why "we're not buying another one to keep at home."

P.S. Kroger (or Smith's/Fry's depending on where you live) has it's own line of fruit snacks (on sale for $1 right now). Dinosaurs, sharks, Build-A-Bear and - for anyone who thought yesterday's post was intimidating- these too.

Way #5: No Shadow Of A Doubt

2011-10-06T07:27:00.002-05:00

I am and always have been smitten with silhouettes. Deep smit. They're the perfect blend of classic vintage and graphic modern, which is a combination that makes my heart oh so happy.

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I suppose it's no surprise that I love them on gifts too. They do run the risk of feeling a little on the feminine side though, at least to me. Soft and dainty, which is perfect if that's what you're going for, but it's not exactly the kind of package my boys would wanna carry in to a birthday party.

Nothing that can't be fixed.

I modified my 5 minute version and printed out this picture on google images,

put it over a piece of black paper and cut. I chose Darth Vader because 1. Princess Leia is a girl and 2. the other guys looked too detailed and I know my limitations.

"Beware the Dark Side."

Then I found Yoda and fell in love, so I made that too. Especially since inside the package IS A LIGHT SABER. Foreshadowing at it's finest.

"Do or do not. There is no try."

A bit more black paper cut out with words printed in this font and voila. The most un-girly gifts in the history of the ~~world~~ galaxy.

Way #4: Baby Birds

2011-10-05T08:16:00.002-05:00

We just talked feathers yesterday, but I think they deserve two posts, with their split personality and all. Sure, they can be posh and elegant and uber traditional.

And yet.

They can be sassy and playful. Which is way more my style.

You know what else is my style? A one dollar price tag.

{from the dress up section of Dollar Tree}

Diva-licious.

Way #3: Give 'Em The Bird

2011-10-04T07:26:00.000-05:00

Feathers. They're everywhere.

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my tree last year

So why not on packages too?

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When I saw this at Garden Ridge (where Christmas begins in early July), it flew into my cart. They had some with actual birds too, but I liked the idea of just feathers vs. that-might-be-a-real-dead-and-stuffed-body taxidermy feel. That's just me. It already had a little clippy thing on it too, which meant it was ready for action. The Chuck Norris of ornaments. Paired with some Target Dollar Spot wrap and leftover trim, it's the biggest impact/lowest effort embellishment ever.

Way #2: Stick That In Your Back Pocket

2011-10-03T07:13:00.001-05:00

I have a denim graveyard. Ripped knees, worn through thighs (who me?) ....I can't bear to say goodbye. I could turn them into something really cool like my friend Kathryn did, but that would take a lot of work and more than one naughty word before I was done. If I ever finished it at all. So they just sit.

Until it's party time.

In the top drawer of my craft dresser I've accumulated this pile o' pockets. Random? Perhaps. But if you heat up a glue gun and run a bead just on the edges, they go from old pockets into HOT pockets. Perfect for sticking in colored pencils, money, or a baby bottle on the outside of a shower gift. Or go for the tried and true favorite: sugar.

Too boyish? Just add pink.

I didn't want to hurt any feelings, so the legs got put to work too.

Wanna make one? Super simple. It took longer to upload these photos than it does to make one. Promise. I didn't have a long enough piece to go all the way around the box, so I sewed two strips together because I was feeling particularly domestic. You could skip that and use hot glue or even a safety pin. Whatever floats your kayak. If it looks like a gift headband, you did it right.

Way #1: Dollar Store Chic {my favorite}

2011-10-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

My go-to technique for two reasons: it's simple and versatile. AND I always have the stuff on hand.

Okay. I guess that's three.

If you've read my blog for .03 seconds, then you know that this is how I wrap most of my gifts. Translation = foolproof.

SUPPLIES:

* plain white boxes (pack of 3/$1)

* rubber cement/glue sticks/tape (I prefer rubber cement because it doesn't wrinkle)

* a piece of scrapbook paper (buy it on sale - Hobby Lobby does 6 sheets for $1 as does Michaels....watch the ads then stock up)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slap it on.

2. That's it.

It can be stacked on top of some diapers wrapped in leftover Christmas paper for a baby gift,

or just tie a ribbon and pin on a tag. DONE. Did I mention versatile? Since there are a billion patterns of paper, the sky's the limit. It also works on those little Dollar Tree party favor boxes.

These foil packs are perfect for baked stuff (or dumping in a bag of Double Stuffed Oreos)

(guilty as charged) Just a rectangle scrap of paper, then use the top as a template for getting the rounded corners. They also have circles. I even foof up wrapped packages, because.....well, I can't be stopped. Black pinstripes can calm down a busy pattern, while Old McDonald and his farm can give a plain polka dot wrap some jazz hands. {see those ripped up jeans? Day 2 sneak peek}

31 Ways To Wrap Your Crap

2011-10-01T11:43:00.002-05:00

We're going to party, karamu, fiesta, forever....wanna come along?

Please keep in mind

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Full disclaimer and waiver of all liability:

#1 I am no expert, nor do I play one on my blog. I adore a thoughtfully wrapped gift, but I am not a snob. Plenty of last minute back-of-the-hall-closet-behind-the-vacuum-cleaner-wrinkled-bags-with-one-handle-missing-and-crumpled-tissue-paper-found-on-the-floor presents have left this house and

I do not and never will think that this is wrong or in any way inferior.

But. Sometimes you want to do a lil' something extra. Maybe the gift itself isn't so fabulous and you've gotta compensate with a great presentation. Or maybe you're like me and enjoy playing with packages just because it's fun.

Ahem.

#2 Kicking it up a notch does not mean spending lots of time, money or having loads of fancy schmancy wrapping paper. None of that hurts, but it's certainly not necessary.

So. All month long we're gonna talk about

*using what you already have

*the little things that can make a big difference and

*simple ideas that you can use as inspiration. Because sometimes you just need the concept and then you can change it up using the stuff that you've got and create your own magic. I'm pretty sure that's in a Disney movie somewhere.

Are you ready? Let's do this.

31 Days Commercial. Yo.

2011-09-28T19:13:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah. I'm doing it. I have a button and everything. And since every series needs a trailer, we've got that too. If the posts are anything like my on-air skillz, this next month will be nothing but polished and professional.

How To Create A {Budget} Craft Room

2011-09-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

And I don't mean "budget" like they do on magazine covers and TV shows or even (say it ain't so!) design blogs. That budget word is thrown around way too much. I realize it literally means that you only have so much money to spend, but by that definition, isn't everybody on a budget? Who has UNLIMITED resources? Even somebody who has $10,000 to spend is still working with a "budget," no?

But I digress.

Suffice it to say, that's not the situation here.

Nope.

I'm looking at an empty space that I wanna turn into a place to play/use/store my junk, but I don't have any money to do it with. I guess that means technically I have NO budget. Crap. So I can either:

* wait years until I save up enough money to "do it right" with cabinets and countertops and the perfect lighting sconces and cute matching storage bins

* go through my stuff and figure out what I could live without

*actually list said stuff online instead of just letting it sit in a pile. For three weeks.

*take that money ($75 when all was said and done - I'M RICH!) and check Craigslist all summer until I had what I needed.....or close enough

*take that close enough stuff and make it work

Guess which option I chose.

Black paint from the garage = Free

Dresser = $25

There was obviously doors in front of these little drawers at some point, and even after a coat of paint, they still looked a little odd. Not odd like interesting, more like,"Hey, shouldn't there be doors there?" So to make them hold their own (get it? drawer? hold? furniture humor...) they each got a number.

Pie safe thing: $25

A coat of paint evens out the mismatched shelves, and now my oppressed hall closet is freed from random pieces of fabric.

Drawer from the alley = Free

Desk = $20 Just a little cream paint and then a bit o' distressing on the bottom. I left the top alone - sanded marks, gouges and all - so I don't have to worry about messing it up. Neat and careful aren't my thing. El Lampo = $5

White Board from the kids room = Free

This guy's finish was so old (dry erase markers + scratchy surface = no bueno) that aside from being a great magnetic board, he didn't have anything else going for him. Nothing that some primer and two coats of chalkboard paint can't fix.

(Constant recognition - is this a need of all middle children or just mine?)

And I can still hang up things that I love.

Old crate from work turned ribbon storage= Free

A piece of something from the thrift store that nobody wanted (because what the heck is it?)= $2.42

I just flipped that top crossbar thing to the back, screwed it into the wall,

and now it's sturdy enough to corral wrapping paper.

Here's what we got when we moved in.

Here it is now.

Linking up to

Weekend Randomness and a Craft Room Cast of Characters

2011-08-18T22:05:00.002-05:00

1.) This Monday: After looking forward to it for months, now that it's almost here I'm about 64.72% sad. I blame the 53 (and counting!) 100+ degree days that we've had this summer. It's clearly made me a sappy, sentimental mess and unable to part with these five sweet, adorable children. Ask me again around dinner time and I'm sure to have changed my mind.

2.) The Nester is inviting people to play along with her 31 Days Of Change and I had the ridiculous idea that it would be fun to do a month long series on gift wrapping (or rappin' if you're a gangsta like me).

A whole THIRTY ONE POSTS IN A ROW coming from somebody that doesn't have the motivation to post more than every few weeks.

The more I thought about it, the sillier it became because I'm lazy and it would be a lot of work. And I'd have to be organized. AND it's a topic that everybody already knows about so the life changing value is zero. Oh, and did I mention? I'm lazy. So....we'll see.

{Although last Sunday I made a list and got up to 27, so maybe with a little help from Pinterest and google images it's almost possible?}

{Or perhaps a series on how to be more reflective/reverent/non-list making during church is what I should be doing.}

3.) The most exciting thing to happen this summer, aside from ending our 5 months of unemployment, is a big ol' empty space that's been converted to Mama's room for......whatever I want to do in it. The big projects are done and I might actually finish organizing all my craft crap by the time the kids move out of the house in 2022.

Okay, if that's really true I shoulda just waited and used their room instead.

Whatever.

In the meantime, here's the starting line-up:

* neutral blank walls * an old dresser which is almost as impressive as the koolaid vomit stain (for those of you who were lusting and coveting our custom car carpeting....and I don't blame you. Quite posh.) * some kind of pie safe(?) thing, although it would take something with a LOCK for a pie to be safe in this house * el lampo, which somehow sounds more exciting/exotic/better looking in Spanish * a desk my friend refused to move with so I graciously took it off her hands because that's the kind of person I am * and a drawer found in the alley by my neighbors trash can. I don't know how this room could possibly turn out anything but glamorous and refined.

Wish me luck.

Super Simple Doorbell Makeover

2011-08-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

(or Things That Happen After I Drop Something Off At Your House and See That Your Front Entry Just Needs A Little......Something.)

Here's the before: And after some help from a computer printer, some clear contact paper and a pushpin, I'd say we have 100000% improvement. {Now Allison, while I don't appreciate the fact that as soon as you found it (a few days later - awesome!) you automatically assumed it was me, I know what you really meant was THANK YOU - WE NOW HAVE THE BEST PORCH ON THE BLOCK.

You're Welcome.}

Repurposing A Repurposed Mantel

2011-07-21T16:01:00.010-05:00

Sierra is off to girls camp, which means that not only am I staying home from work all week (which means I have time), but I also have free reign of her room (which means I can do whatever I want).

Sweetness.

* * * * *

Remember this lovely lady?

And how she got cleaned up, painted and got to hang out in our game room? She even wore party clothes when the holidays came around, and we warmed our tootsies-whatever those are- by her chalk fire.

(No, I never did edit out the stowaway in this photo. Missed it? Check the comments here.)

But we've done some rearranging (shocking!) and there are exciting things happening in this room. Unfortunately, they don't involve her. Meanwhile, Sierra had been living without a headboard forever......and although she strongly dislikes me fussing around in her room....or hates it....I can't really remember which one.....where was I? Oh yeah, I was at that part where I WOULD ask her, but....she's gone.

And when she gets back? No more bed against the wall.

(super sneaky mom's-just-taking-some-random-photos before shot)

Okay, maybe kinda it's technically still against the wall, but certainly an improvement. Hopefully the IKEA Tim Burton-esque fabric on the pillow cases will soften her heart and she'll weep with happiness...or possibly rage. You never can tell with teenagers.

I Enjoy Being A Girl {a baby shower gift}

2011-07-06T20:29:00.000-05:00

Holy cabooses, is it baby season. Everywhere I look there are women ready to pop at any moment, which means two things: swollen ankles (which I no longer have to deal with) and baby showers (which I totally do).

Whenever I hear that there are opportunities for gifts to be given, my brain kicks into high gear and I get all swept up in the possibilities.....conveniently forgetting that OH YEAH I don't sew and can't really make anything much less something that somebody would want as a present, but who are we kidding? THAT NEVER STOPS ME.

Combine this bizarre I-need-to-craft compulsion with a $10 budget and you get...a situation where I do actually need-to-craft. Or just wrap up a pack of onesies, which for the record? Would kill me.

So. A friend of mine is having her first baby and is into "anything pink and girly girl."

What fits that description? A tutu.

The players: two spools of tulle (2.50 each on sale @ HoLo) and some ribbon.

There are a gazillion tutorials on making these out there, but I watched this one. Modified, because I can't stand to follow directions, and didn't want to deal with elastic and things not fitting right. Instead of pulling it up, mama can just tie it on her, which means whether she's 12 months or 4 years old, it'll still fit.

(Or 34. Ask me how I know.) The sparkly white tulle was stiffer and didn't pull through as nicely as the pink, but that could also be chalked up to my lack o' skillz. 10 minutes later it was done and kinda awesome. The hardest part was trying to wrap it up. Yards of tulle = not easy to fit into a box. So I shoved and crammed and basically guaranteed that when it's opened it'll be a big wrinkled pile of fluff. I also wrapped up a box of wipes as a back-up....you know....just in case she hates it.

The plain white box and kraft paper aren't really looking that festive until they're given some scrapbook paper love and stacked, and topped off with a flower barrette made from scrap pieces of silk. Me-ow. Who knew girly girl could be so fun?

Tip #473: Sell What Doesn't Work And Get Something Else

2011-05-15T12:45:00.000-05:00

{How To Buy Stuff When You Have No Money For Said Stuff}

When we bought this house almost three years ago, I needed a table to

1. put lamps on and

2. fill up this long wall space.

Enter Mr. Lovely Rich Wood 5 Foot Long Console that was perfect for all of the above plus gave the kids little drawers for their random bits n pieces. It's taken this long to realize that miscellaneous collections/junk children need to stash/crap that has nowhere else to go/etc takes up much more room than I had imagined. Also? I can't STAND to dust, and this dark wood collected a daily layer that mocked me every time I walked by. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's furniture with an attitude.

A bad attitude, that is.

So onto Craigslist it went. 12 hours later it was gone and I had $100 in my pocket to get something different. But why spend it all when you don't hafta?

For $50 this guy was solid maple and took up less space while having more storage. Since I still had money left over, I threw caution to the wind and splurged on an $8 quart of paint.

{Martha Stewart "Rainforest," color matched}

Just look at that top. I am pleased to report that not only is there less (visible) dust, I also haven't told the kids they can "move in" yet which means all the drawers are still empty.

Something about that makes me happy.

Very happy indeed.

(Idiot Proof) Painted Wallpaper

2011-04-23T18:30:00.001-05:00

This wall with it's multiple personalities and wonky shape has always driven me crazy. It's an entry. It's a hall. It's way too narrow for any kind of table or shelf. I've got big plans for it....eventually. But until the time and money magically arrive via Fairy Godmother, I had to do something. When I saw a pattern for painted wallpaper on Emily's blog, I figured WHAT THE HECK? I printed it up and transferred it to a piece of cardboard, then traced and filled in with paint, knowing that there was a very real possibility it could look like crap and I would hate it. About five minutes in I was formulating Plan B: paint out the whole thing and pretend it never happened. Four episodes of Phineas and Ferb later I was done. And? I don't hate it one bit. How's that for free?

Paper Flowers: The Perfect Way To Wrap A {gasp!} Store Bought Gift

2011-04-08T17:45:00.000-05:00

It's a sad state of affairs when life allows such little free time (or money) for anything crafty that the thought of wrapping a baby shower gift makes my heart go pitter pat, but it is what is it. And I'll take it.

As much as I love me some wrapping paper, there is also something so charming about a simple white box. And when I say charm, what I really mean is convenience: there's always a stash of them in my craft closet.

Of course you could leave it au natural and unadorned, but where's the fun in that?

Besides, that decades old scrapbook paper stash isn't gonna clean itself out. The plain-ness makes a great base to go in any direction you want. Today? I want stripes. Yep, just like in this post.

Taped on some ribbon. And then it was time for a lil' free style. It started out with a few circles out of old book pages (The characters' names totally give it away- any guesses?) and hot gluing them down. Then I cut a bunch more, made slits along the edge, rounded off the corners, crumpled, folded, hot glued....well, you get the idea. No rhyme, no reason, no strategy - my favorite kind of project. Foofed it all up, and finished off with a few buttons in the middle. Call me Marie - I just made Paper Roses. And got a crafting fix. Score.

Who Ordered The Poo Poo Platter?

2011-03-31T19:18:00.000-05:00

Do you know what happens when you don't let fudge set all the way? You get a nice soft blob of (delicious) mush that you can mold into any shape. Even.... perfect for bringing in to work. Or just making your kids gag. Happy April Fools.

20 Years Ago (almost to. the. day.)

2011-03-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

Sierra went to her last day of Spring Break Film Camp this week wearing this. Roger took one look at her and declared that she looked ridiculous. Clearly he and I have different views when it comes to sass. Funkiness. Whimsy. All things that he despises, while I embrace. For the record, all qualities that he admits he fell in love with while we were dating. Just sayin.

While we were *discussing* our opposing sides on the subject, I remembered something. Long, long ago another 14 year old on her Spring Break wearing.....

(wait for it)

STRIPES.

A phone call was immediately put in to Grandma, knowing that she'd have the photographic evidence I needed. And Mom - you didn't disappoint. Is it nurture or is it an inherited.....gift?

I like to think it's genetic, as is the ability to not be bothered by what your daughter is wearing. Thanks for that too, Mom. For the record, I still love polka dots. And colored hair.

I'm also glad to have a shimmer of hope that grumpy teens eventually grow out of their perpetual unhappiness.

Clearly.