Wrapping gifts can be fun or stressful depending upon how many presents and how much time you have. I have posted previous articles on the typical gift-wrapping options, but this time I thought it would be nice to see several “outside the box” ideas. Let’s go….
Bottle & Jar Wrapping
Bird’s Nest Bottle Topper
Homemade Chocolate Box for Candy
Homemade Chocolate Box for an Engagement Ring
Hinged Ornament for Gift Inside
Decorative Cigar Box
Cloisonne Box
Hand Crafted Baskets
Specialty Flower Envelope
Hat Box
Ice Cream Waffle Cone for Homemade Candy
Kwanza Holiday Fabric Wrap
Novelty Lingerie Bag
Mug for Baked Goods or Candy
Multi-Compartment Container for Serving Baked Goods or Candy
Nested Dolls
Origami Box
Puzzle Box
Santa Sack
Stuffed Animal with Zippered Compartment
Set the Stage – (e.g. Gnome on a Wall)
Decorative Take-Out Container with Edible Roses
Tissue Paper Wrap & Flower Topper
Mini Travel Trunk
Trinket Box
Umbrella Raining Money
This concludes our exploration of unusual gift wrapping/presentation ideas. Many of these can be reused, which is great for the environment. Please let me know your favorites. Have you come up with interesting ways to wrap gifts? Please share them in the comments.
Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!
What I miss the most during the colder months are the beautiful colors in nature. The winter sky is so gray, the trees are dormant, and the flowers temporarily disappear for a long winter’s nap. Evergreens defiantly retain their glorious shades of green regardless of the weather. To brighten your home decor, you can add a little evergreen and it will never need to be watered.
How to Paint Wooden Pine Trees
This painted craft is very easy to complete in a short amount of time and it’s great for beginners too!
Raw Wood Trees
As with all raw wood, a little sanding may be required, especially along the edges. The pre-drilled holes are for lights in a later step.
Supplies Supplies:
Wooden Pine Tree (17” high x 9” wide x 1/2” thick) (Base is 9” wide x 2” deep)
Acrylic Paints – green, white
Paintbrushes
Sandpaper
String of 20 lights
Apply Green Paint
Paint each tree green, ensuring both sides, all the edges and the base are painted.
Define the Branches with Snow
In nature, snow gathers on the branches. To give these trees a more three-dimensional appearance, add patches of white paint to imitate Mother Nature.
Tree Lighting
Those pre-drilled holes were made to hold a strand of twenty white lights. The lights can only be pushed through from one side of the wood frame. You may need to secure the last light at the bottom with a piece of tape to keep it from pulling out from the weight of the electrical cord.
Finished Trees (with and without camera flash)
All you need to do now is choose a spot to display your handiwork and plug in those lights. I place my trees in the living room windows to enhance the rest of the outdoor decorations. When the holidays are over, they can remain on display throughout the winter.
Pom Pom Alternative
As an alternative to lights, you can turn a simple pine tree into a Christmas tree by gluing on multi-color pom poms as ornaments.
I hope you enjoy this project and have fun decorating your home for the holidays.
Thanksgiving Day is upon us. People travel far and wide to visit and dine with family and friends. The beauty of autumn inspires the color palette and flavors of this vibrant and entertaining holiday. Let’s look at ideas for décor and food for Thanksgiving Day.
Seasonal Home Décor: Welcome Flag
Pumpkins & Chrysanthemums
Pumpkin & Gourd Wreath
Fabric Pumpkins
Hand Blown Glass Pumpkin
Create bold contrasts to all the oranges & reds by using blues and greens.
Pumpkin Place Setting
Use a Sharpie marker to turn tiny pumpkins into seasonal place cards.
Pumpkin Paper Napkins
Besides using these for appetizers and dining, decorative paper napkins can be placed in bathrooms as disposable hand towels.
Cornucopia Centerpiece
Candles create a welcoming atmosphere, warm light and fragrance.
Seasonal Flavors: Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Cranberry is a great option for beverages, baked goods and of course cranberry sauce.
Spicy Mulled Wine
Butternut Squash Soup
Turkey & Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes
Although these are usually served as a side dish, sweet potato pie is a delicious dessert.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cinnamon Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
After Dinner Activities: Relaxation
If you ever felt a turkey “coma,” you know a comfortable recliner can be your best friend. Of course, a wide-screen television for watching football is also a must.
Family Challenge – Let the Games Begin
If you have leftover pumpkins from Halloween, you could start a new tradition competing for prizes in creative pumpkin design and/or carving.
Thanks for Reading, Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Crafting!
Did you know that many of your favorite candies can be made at home? Recipes for those shown below can be easily found online, and I have included tips for making these delicious treats. Let’s get started!
The Basics of Candy Making:
Milk Chocolate Candy Melts
Homemade candy usually begins with candy melts, which come in many flavors, including milk, white and dark chocolate, strawberry, mint, and caramel. Melting can be done on the stove or in a microwave.
Hand Dipping Chocolate
Question – What can you dip in chocolate? Answer – Everything from marshmallows and strawberries to Oreos, potato chips and Twinkies. Many candy confections require dipping as the final step.
Candy Molds
Simply pour melted candy into the mold and refrigerate. Candy molds are available in an extraordinary variety, including those for making solid chocolates, truffles, candy bars, hard candies, and lollipops.
Solid Chocolates:
Halloween Candy
Solid chocolate candy is the best place to start for beginners. Seasonal candy molds are available for every holiday. You can change the color and flavor by choosing different candy melts.
Chocolate Lollipops
Colorful accents can be added to chocolate in two ways: Prior to pouring the melted chocolate, place small candies in the bottom of the mold, or hand-paint mold details with candy melts in alternate colors.
Filled Chocolates:
Rolos
To make Rolos, melt chocolate, and pour it into the mold, coating all sides and the bottom. Pour out the excess chocolate, add the caramel center, and top with more chocolate. Refrigerate, and enjoy.
Andes Mints
Andes Mints are made in shallow molds by alternating layers of dark chocolate and creamy mint filling.
Malted Balls
Malted milk powder is the key ingredient in these poppable candies, which can be shaped by hand or with piping bag and then dip in melted chocolate
Peppermint Patty
Dark chocolate and peppermint extract are perfectly balanced. Shape the mint filling into balls, flatten them like coins, and then dip in chocolate.
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are made by coating the bottom and sides of the mold with chocolate. Add the peanut butter filling and seal the top with more chocolate. Refrigerate and enjoy this delicious combo.
Chocolate Pralines
Chocolate pralines are a mixture of chocolate and cream with hazelnuts, almonds or pecans. Depending upon the recipe, you can drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper, or use candy molds.
Popular Candy Bars:
Hershey’s Chocolate Bar
Hershey bars have been favorites for ages. They are also the number one choice for making S’mores. Simply melt chocolate, pour into the mold and refrigerate.
Nestle Crunch
Mix melted chocolate with Rice Krispies, pour into mold and refrigerate. Yum!
Milk Way Bars
These candy bars can be made using molds, or a parchment lined pan. In a mold, layer chocolate, caramel, and chocolate marshmallow. Top it off with more chocolate and refrigerate. If using a lined pan, layer caramel and chocolate marshmallow. Refrigerate, cut into bars, and dip in melted chocolate.
Three Musketeers Bars
Pour melted chocolate into a mold to coat bottom and sides. Mix chocolate marshmallow filling, press it into a mold and then top it off with a layer of chocolate. Refrigerate, release from mold and dip in melted chocolate. These can also be made in an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Butterfinger
Believe it or not, most recipes for homemade Butterfingers are made by melting candy corn and mixing it with peanut butter, which is pressed into a mold, and refrigerated. Dip in melted chocolate.
Twix Bars
For Twix bars, follow a shortbread cookie recipe and bake in a square pan. Allow it to cool and then cut into individual bars. Spread caramel over the top of each cookie and dip in melted chocolate.
Kit Kat Bars
Are Kit Kat bars your favorite? Dip crème filled vanilla sugar wafer cookies in melted chocolate. It’s easy and delicious!
Hard Candy & Lollipops:
Hard Candies
For homemade hard candies, most people use a cookie sheet instead of a mold. Change the flavor or color as desired. Flavors include various fruits, mints, and caramel.
Rock Candy
Rock Candy requires sugar, a jar, sticks, and lots of patience – it takes 1 to 2 weeks for crystals to form.
Swirled Lollipops
To make swirled lollipops, the warm candy mixture is worked by pulling and folding, creating ropes, which are twined together, and wrapped into spirals. Add sticks & enjoy.
Gummies:
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears appeal to kids and adults. They can be easily made at home with a gummy candy mold, and you can use fruit juice instead of sugar.
Presentation is Everything:
Chocolate Tulips
Just like bunches of fresh cut tulips, these multicolor chocolate blooms are haphazardly stacked in an eye-catching display to tempt your willpower.
Chocolate Tools
Creative chocolate molds, such as the ones used to make these tools, have strikingly realistic details, and the rectangular display resembles a toolbox. The chocolatiers have done an incredible job making these life-size “metal” tools, but I think the realism has been taken a bit too far. Although I know they have been dusted with cocoa powder for a well-worn appearance, rusty items do not appeal to my sweet tooth.
Chocolate Cell Phone
Want to know a stress reduction secret? Less technology and More chocolate! Remember, “stressed” spelled backwards is desserts! Enjoy!
Gingerbread cookies are a favorite treat any time of year. Decorating gingerbread is a great activity for the whole family. For a real challenge, why not try designing, building and decorating a gingerbread house? Before we look at some finished houses, let’s take a closer look at a few of the important details.
Decorating Gingerbread
Whether decorating cookies or building a gingerbread house, the first skill you will need is piping icing.
Piping is the Key
From the smallest detail to the walls and roof, royal icing is the edible glue that holds everything together.
Candy Decor
Any type of candy will do. If you tend to nibble while you work, you might want to have extra candy on hand so that you don’t run out before the project is finished. (lol)
Architectural Details
This budding architect has carefully defined the details: candy cane columns; stamped brick wall pattern; piped & candied landscaping, door and window trim; M &M roofing; and candy accents.
Festive Elf
Don’t forget to have fun with your creation.
Be Adventurous
Let your imagination run wild. Come up with interesting details. This artist darkened the windows to add depth and carved wood grain into the door. Make your project as unique as you are.
Humorous Little Details
Be sure to include the unexpected, such as this fondant cat on a snow-covered roof.
Miniature Gingerbread Houses
There’s nothing wrong with starting small. This house was made entirely from gingerbread cookies. It’s quick and easy to put together and can be used as ornaments, or as gifts for visitors. You could even pipe names on each one as edible “place cards” at the table.
Chalet
Instead of candy, decorated gingerbread cookies adorn this simple A-frame house.
In the Doghouse
Icing is the main decoration on this adorable doghouse, with only a few candy accents.
A Bright Idea
This cottage may be small, but it has two interesting qualities that make it really stand out: 1) LEDs provide a soft glowing interior. 2) The reflective high gloss tray resembles ice or water. As an alternative to lights, you could place sheets of fruit roll ups over the inside of the windows and doors to create a cozy glow.
Accessible Design
Holding a piping bag and defining tiny details can be difficult, if not impossible, for those with limited mobility. Decorating can be made easy by simply spread icing with a spatula over all the walls and roof. Place decorations wherever desired, and the icing will hold them in place.
Log Cabin Village
These gingerbread houses remind me of the colonial log cabins in Valley Forge National Park. Instead of candy, piped icing was used throughout the design, with a sprinkling of sugar snow.
The North Pole
Leave it to Santa to create a quaint village, where even the North Pole is edible!
Cabin in the Woods
Like something from a fairy tale, this cute little snow-scene has a soft pink and blue color scheme complemented by a welcoming fire glow from inside.
Cozy Chalet
Almond cookies adorning the roof and chocolate door & chimney set this chalet apart.
Midnight Cabin
The contrasts between light and dark give this gingerbread house a spooky feel like something you might see in a dark lonely forest. The gumdrop posts appear to be glowing, while the almost obscured windows make you wonder what might lurk inside.
Gingerbread House Kits
You could make gingerbread houses from scratch, but kits, which include all the candy, walls, roof, and icing, are a great place to start for beginners.
A Grinchy Christmas
The Grinch gets an upgrade from his old cave home to this perfect gingerbread tribute to Dr. Seuss. From the whimsical tree to the asymmetrical door, the spirit of the story comes to life before our eyes.
Angelic Lace
Delicate lace-like patterns harmonize with tiny gold dragées, while mini string lights illuminate the tree as well as the interior. A very steady hand is required to keep the lines soft and fluid.
Guiding Light
Gingerbread can be made into any type of building including castles, churches, and lighthouses. If you can imagine it, anything is possible.
Chocolate & Gingerbread Cottage
You seldom see chocolate decorations on gingerbread, but this artist has done a wonderful job combining the two into an exquisitely detailed showstopper.
Feast for the Eyes
There’s a lot going on here, but it’s beautifully balanced. The snow drips from the roof and the evergreen tree is decorated with colorful balls and a star on top. The upright pinwheel candies make a lovely border, while the cheerful gingerbread man and his snowy friend are sure to please. Every detail in this sentimental gingerbread home was made with love to warm the heart.
Your Reward
What is the best part about decorating gingerbread? Eating it! After all that hard work, you deserve a tasty treat. If you don’t have the heart to munch on your creation, have a few decorated cookies on the side as a reward for a job well done. I hope you are inspired to give gingerbread building a try. Good luck and remember you can always eat your mistakes. (lol)
We deal with so many details every day. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some craft photos to demonstrate how small changes can make such a dramatic difference. Let’s go!
Acrylic Painted Rabbit
This cute rabbit has blended fur colors, but a rather blank expression.
Acrylic Painted Rabbit with 3D Details
The 3D paint creates facial depth, and provides a twinkle in eyes filled with personality.
Acrylic Painted Flamingo
Flamingos are so colorful and unusual. The color scheme captures the essence of the bird but lacks the textured feathers.
Acrylic Painted Flamingo Layered with 3D Texture
Now he appears to be staring back at you while he proudly shows off his brightly colored plumage.
Two-Tone Green Man
Mother Nature’s counterpart doesn’t look very happy, does he?
Two-Tone Green Man with Metallic Gold Highlights
After brightening the whites of his eyes, he had his “hair” highlighted and now he looks rather pleased with himself. lol
Black & White Photo vs. Colorized Photo
The black and white portrait is nice, but look how soft, warm and romantic the second photo is thanks to the addition of color and dreamy special effects.
Metallic Silver Octopus
Metallic silver is an odd choice for such a fluid sculpture of a living animal.
Full Color Octopus with 3D Details
A vibrant new color scheme brings this blue ringed octopus to life, and the three-dimensional suction cups add texture as well as a more realistic approach to this wriggling octopus.
Gnome House vs. Bamboo Tropical Hut
Originally this little house was part of a collection of gnomes. A bamboo pattern combined with a few brightly colored silk flowers transformed it into a tropical hut for an ocean-themed centerpiece.
3D Painted Celtic Cross
Celtic designs are famous for their knot work. The three-dimensional green paint contrasts nicely with the black background and textures the entire surface.
3D Painted Celtic Cross with Metallic Gold Accents
The introduction of three-dimensional gold accents brings a bit of sparkle and opulence to the design.
Acrylic Painted Seahorse with 3D Accents
Seahorses are known for their brilliant colors and textured bodies. The 3D paint adds a bit of texture along the contours of the body and upon the spiny back.
3D Painted Seahorse
By using only 3D paints, the entire seahorse springs to life in glorious color and texture.
Fashionable Snowman
No snowman is complete without a few knitted accessories.
Fashionable Snowman with Lights
The addition of lights not only adds sparkle, but also enables him to shine at night in any window to complement your exterior decorations.
Halloween Witch vs. Christmas Elf
How can a Halloween decoration become one of Santa’s helpers? The answer lies in accessories! Cover the hat and tuck in the hair, add a scarf and candy cane and voila you have a Christmas elf.
Instructions for most of these items can be found on the “How To Projects” page.
It is said: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Little details have a strong influence over our perceptions, but sometimes we become so accustomed to our surroundings that we barely notice. Look at your home from a new perspective. Check out those little details to see if something could use a touch of color, a bit of whimsy and a little tender loving care. You’ll be glad you did!
With a title like that, you’re probably looking for a good time. And that you will have, but probably not in the way you were expecting. Lol Today we’re going to talk about skeletons and swings.
Halloween is a skeleton’s favorite holiday.
Love at first sight does not require sight. Even after death love lives on.
They like to lounge around on Sunday afternoons.
Skeletons can be silly and have a playful sense of humor.
What could be more fun than riding a swing? The idea of skeletons and swings inspired our next project.
How to Make a Skeleton Swing:
Halloween Sidewalk Edging – (lightweight plastic)
I bought this at the dollar store. It is supposed to be used as spooky edging along your front sidewalk or to serve as a perimeter fence around a Halloween graveyard display. This works great as a seat swing, and I kept the stakes for their menacing appearance.
Large Link Chains – (lightweight plastic)
This dungeon-like chain also came from the dollar store. A note of caution, these fake chains are only for show and cannot hold any weight. Compensate for this by using heavy twine, as you will see in the following steps below.
Assembled Swing
Tie chains to each side of the seat using heavy twine. As mentioned above, you will need to add support, and this depends upon the type of skeleton you choose. To prevent the chains from pulling apart: tie heavy twine to each side of the seat and weave it through the chains to the top and then tie it together so it can be placed over a branch or slid onto a wall-mounted flagpole.
Human Skeleton on Swing
Human skeletons have a loop at the top of the skull, which will support the full weight. He will appear to be riding the swing if you clasp his hands upon the chains, allowing the seat to simply lean against his backside. You may need to adjust the chain length to accommodate his height. For a humorous touch, you could add a baseball cap or a fashionable scarf around the neck.
Dragon Skeleton on Swing
Here’s another skeleton option, and as you know I love dragons, so I returned the human skeleton to the store and chose this dragon instead.
Finished Dragon Swing
To protect the dragon’s animatronic eyes, jaws and sound effects, I opted to keep the swing indoors and hung it from an existing plant hook in the ceiling. To reinforce the swing to hold his weight, I attached additional twine to the four corners of the seat. I also tied his feet to the seat to ensure he stays firmly in place. Everybody loves this new addition to our Halloween décor. I think he likes it too!
I hope this project will inspire you to think outside the box with your Halloween decorations. Please let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
Thanks for Reading! Happy Crafting! And I hope you have a very Happy Halloween!
Welcome to part two of this costume post. What do you want to be for Halloween? This playful celebration is for “kids” of all ages. Become the actor you always wanted to be. Let’s continue our exploration of characters and costumes…
Medusa: Legendary Monster
Mesmerizing Beauty
Mother Nature: Tranquil Beauty
Powerful Protector
Nurturing Creator
Queens: Ethereal
Cold as Ice
Evil
Pumpkins: Playful
Creepy
Terrifying
Scarecrows: Funny
Frightening
Steampunk: 19th Century Retro
Futuristic Glam
Mad Hatters: Playful
Twisted Beauty
Vampires: Sexy & Unpredictable
Dark & Foreboding
Werewolves: Cute
Fierce
Trees Creatures: Dark & Unnerving
Ferocious
Group Costumes: Not All Who Wander Are Lost
Who Ya Gonna Call?
The Family That Plays Together Stays Together
Halloween is a time to let your inner child come out and play. I hope this post has helped you to find inspiration for your next costume. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
Deciding what you want to be for Halloween is an exciting occasion. It may require makeup, masks, accessories, and/or full costumes. There are also a variety of options for the type of character you want to portray. For example, you could be Casper the Friendly Ghost versus the Ghost of Christmas Future. This two-part series will look at some of the possibilities.
Aliens:
Star Wars Jawas
Predator
Wildlife: Monarch Butterfly
Cat Woman
Panda Storyteller
Bigfoot
Character Combinations: Rock & Roll Alien
Anime Witch
Skeleton Warrior
Warrior Princess
Couple’s Monster Costumes: Frankenstein’s Monster & his Bride
Dracula & the Countess
Zombie Bride & Groom
Day of the Dead:
Ancient Egyptian: Egyptian Princess
Egyptian Pharaoh
Fairies: Fairy Queen
Woodland Fairy
Goddesses: Atlantis Goddess
Greek Goddess
Zen Goddess
Warriors: Spartan Warrior
Tribal Warrior
Viking Warrior
As you can see, there are lots of opportunities to express your creativity. Personalize your character, and remember attitude is as important as the costume. Please let me know your favorites in the comments and stay tuned next week for part two of this post as we continue our exploration of costumes.
Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
Eerie & Otherworldly
No Halloween display would be complete without a skeleton or two. Each one has its own personality.
Unexpectedly Playful
Culturally Festive
Bone-Chilling & Terrifying
Every year manufacturers introduce new items to thrill, amuse or frighten avid Halloween fans. With a few easy steps, you can personalize store-bought skeletons to express whatever style or attitude you desire for your Halloween décor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Fierce Makeover:
Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
This skeleton is based upon a real life deep-sea fish called an Anglerfish. To attract prey, a bioluminescent fishing lure is cast in front of its head and in no time, those strong jaws snap shut as vicious teeth make short work of consuming the meal. Check out the illuminated photo below.
Illuminated Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
As a Halloween decoration, it certainly is more unique than the usual offerings. When lit, the lure is bold yellow and the stomach has an eerie purple glow. While he does have a menacing appearance, I think we can do better! I really like the purple glow but when the lights are turned off, the bones are a neutral color without any contrast. In other words, he needs an upgrade!
Fish Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Deep Sea Fish Skeleton (8” high x 17” long x 5” wide)
Acrylic Paints – linen, metallic periwinkle blue, & black (not shown)
Paintbrushes
Fish Tail – Before
Fish Tail – After
Paint the tail and tips of the spine with metallic periwinkle blue. Notice how the bones stand out against the metallic blue. The reflective quality of metallic paint contrasts well with matte finish bones.
Fish Head & Fins – Before
Fish Head & Fins – After
Paint the eyes black. Paint the webbing of the fins and crevices around the eyes with periwinkle blue. The fleshy, darker contrast makes the eyes look meaner in a zombie-like fashion. Linen paint can be used to touch up unwanted marks on the head.
Finished Fish
The individual bones in the tail and fins really show up now, resembling creepy skeletal hands for seizing prey or curious trick-or-treaters. See fish 2025 updated version below.
Illuminated Finished Fish
Portraits – Before & After
The first photo is the original fish and the second is the finished makeover. The purple glow now extends across the entire body. With a ferocious expression and intimidating attitude, this Anglerfish is ready to strike, perfect for a Halloween scare.
Fish Update 2025
Sometimes I like to live with a finished craft for a while to ensure I’m satisfied. I decided this fish needed a meaner look, which required additional painting. I think I accomplished my mission. What do you think?
Fantasy Fashion Makeover:
Spider Skeleton
Spiders often have a very creepy aura and you could certainly go in that direction. This lucky lady prefers a haute couture makeover and we know just how to bring it!
Spider Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Spider Skeleton (6” high x 8” long x 13” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic blue sapphire, metallic copper, & pure black
Paintbrushes
Spider Head & Feet
Darken the eyes with black paint, and paint the facial details and feet with metallic copper. Feel free to experiment with the colors.
Spider Joints & Spine
Turquoise and brown are a very fashionable color combination, making metallic blue the perfect complement to the copper. This bejeweled spider is ready to make her debut on the fashion runway! lol!
Finished Spider Pulling Wagon
Why not show off her new look by participating in a Halloween parade with a few friends?
Fairy Tale Makeover:
Frog Skeleton – Before
This little guy has a heartwarming smile. I believe we can add a little more charm.
Frog Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Frog Skeleton (3-1/2” high x 5” long x 4-1/2” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic peridot green & pure black
Paintbrushes
Frog Skeleton – After
Sporting his new color, he’s bound to win hearts and maybe even garner a few kisses for luck. Who knows – maybe he will turn into a prince?
I hope you enjoy these fanciful skeletons and apply these ideas to your Halloween décor..
Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
Crafts Inspire Me 