Crafts Inspire Me

What's Your Inspiration?

Gift Wrap – Thinking Outside the Box

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

Christmas Stocking

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!

Forever Green

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

Snow Covered Pines
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
Painted Tree 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
Painted Green Trees
Paint each tree green, ensuring both sides, all the edges and the base are painted.

Define the Branches with Snow
Painted Snow Trees
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
Trees with Inserted Lights
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)
Lit Trees
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
Pom Pom Tree
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.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Gingerbread Dreams

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

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
Candy CloseUp
From the smallest detail to the walls and roof, royal icing is the edible glue that holds everything together.

Candy Decor
Gingerbread Roof Close Up
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
Architecture 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
Adorable Snowman
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
Rooftop Cat
Be sure to include the unexpected, such as this fondant cat on a snow-covered roof.

Miniature Gingerbread Houses
Cookie House
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
Gingerbread Chalet
Instead of candy, decorated gingerbread cookies adorn this simple A-frame house.

In the Doghouse
Gingerbread Doghouse
Icing is the main decoration on this adorable doghouse, with only a few candy accents.

A Bright Idea
Lighted Cottage
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
Decorating for Everyone
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
North Pole Village
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
Grinchy Home
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
Angelic Lace Cottage
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
Lighted Church
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
Chocolate Fairy Tale 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
Wintry Dream
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
Eating Gingerbread
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)

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

It’s a Fire Truck!

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

Aside from stating the obvious, I’m sure you’re wondering where I’m going with this post. I have a funny family story to share…

When my brother and I were little, my mom took us to a department store to buy Christmas presents for her. Inside the store was a life-size Santa’s workshop, which looked like a log cabin with fake snow and icicles hanging from the roof. Parents brought their children to purchase gifts for individual family members, with the help of a store employee. To a kid, this was such a cool idea.

A salesperson walked each child around, helped select a gift, and wrapped it up to be placed under the Christmas tree. I went in first and found a lovely pair of earrings for my mom. I felt very proud of myself, shopping just like the grownups did.

While my mom and I waited, my younger brother went inside. For some reason, he was taking a very long time to choose a gift. When we discovered why, we were hysterically laughing. My brother did his very best to convince the salesgirl that my mom wanted a shiny red fire truck for Christmas! And being a thoughtful boy, he said he could play with it when she wasn’t using it!

Ever since, whenever someone receives a present that is really for the gift giver, we call it a “fire truck.”

So, on that special occasion, when you open your gifts, if you see something that reminds you of this post, just smile, say thanks and think… Fire Truck! lol

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Crafts for Every Holiday

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

I couldn’t resist this photo of a kitten swatting a clock just before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Time flies so quickly. I don’t think this little guy could catch it, but that won’t stop him from trying. There are so many creative opportunities throughout the year. Let’s look at some of the possibilities for each of the major holidays:

New Year’s Eve/Day – Specialty Drinks

New Year’s Eve/Day – Homemade Zodiac Chocolates

Chinese New Year – Lanterns & Decor

Valentine’s Day – Homemade Candy & Cookies

Valentine’s Day – Flower Arranging

St. Patrick’s Day – Flower Arranging, Jewelry, & Sewing

St. Patrick’s Day – Cookies

Easter – Dyed Eggs & Wood Crafts

Easter – Cookies & Ceramics

Cinco de Mayo – Hat Design, Beading & Embroidery

Cinco de Mayo – Costume Design, Sewing, Embroidery & Beading

Mother’s Day – Flower Arranging & Jewelry

Mother’s Day – Painting

Mother’s Day – Portraiture

Father’s Day – Wood Sculpture

Father’s Day – Craft Beer

Father’s Day – Illustration & Digital Art

Independence Day – Cake Design

Independence Day – Homemade Popsicles

Halloween – Cosplay Costume Design, Makeup, & Props

Halloween – Cookies, Candy, & Baked Treats

Halloween – Nail Art

Thanksgiving – Centerpieces, Candle Making, & Specialty Lighting

Thanksgiving – Ceramics

Hanukkah – Candle Making

Hanukkah – Jelly Donuts

Christmas – Cupcakes

Christmas – Hand-Painted Nutcrackers

Christmas – Hand-Painted Ornaments

Kwanzaa – Candle Making, Candleholders, & Centerpieces

Whether you make these holiday-themed crafts for yourself or give them as gifts, they are all wonderful ways to express your creativity. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You may discover talents you never knew you had.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

The Christmas Mouse

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Crafts Inspire Me

Years ago, when my brother and I were kids, we added an extra animal to our mother’s cherished Nativity scene, which was proudly displayed on the buffet in our dining room. We wondered how long it would take her to notice. Much to our surprise she liked it! In fact, it became a family tradition every year. We’re lucky to have such a cool mom!

Original Mouse

Now we are adults, and that same adorable critter is in the display, but the years have not been kind to him. His hair is thin and there are some bald spots too. His tail is twisted and torn. This little guy needs some TLC to restore him to the cute furry mouse he used to be.

The Solution – The Hair Club for Mice

Sometimes a mouse’s best friend is…a cat. Lol

Supplies

For this project, we will need gray fur, Elmer’s Glue and white felt.

Partially Repaired Tail

Cut & glue a piece of felt to underside of the tail. The original tail was so fragile, it broke. I glued it on top of the felt, making it stronger and easier to handle.

Repaired Tail

Apply Gray Fur

Apply glue to the top of the tail and push small pieces of gray fur along the entire length. Don’t worry about trimming, which will be done in a later step. Now apply glue to the body and press hair into it to fill the gaps. I also applied hair to the face, which was worn smooth. I allowed it to dry overnight. The next day he looked great, but in desperate need of a haircut.

Trim Fur & Tail

Carefully trim the hair as needed. New eyes were created using black 3D fabric paint.

Restored Mouse

Ta-da! Here is our new and improved mouse. Before the makeover, he looked like a well-worn toy, but now he looks very realistic. Should we try to scare our mom with it? No, she’s always three steps ahead of us. Lol

Our cats have their toy back (shown in first photo) and once again our Christmas mouse proudly sits in the Nativity scene. You never know where new traditions may come from or what you might do to keep it going for generations to come.

Togetherness

Thanks for Reading, & Happy New Year!

Holiday Wrap Up

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Crafts Inspire Me

Dreaming of Christmas
It’s the night before Christmas, and little feet tiptoe toward the tree for a sneak peek at the presents. We may not admit doing this but it’s human nature to wonder what’s inside the box. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, you’re going to give gifts to lots of people, and those gifts need to be boxed, bagged or wrapped in an attractive fashion. Here are a few ideas:

Colorful Gift Boxes
Colorful Boxes
If the thought of wrapping gifts is unappealing, you could buy readymade gift boxes such as these. All you need is some ribbon and bows and no wrapping is required.

Vintage Wrapping Paper
Vintage Paper & Red Twine
Revive memories of Christmases past with vintage designs and twine.

Contemporary Sparkling Gift Wrap
Sparkling Paper
Modern technology has enabled the creation of new textures, colors and special effects never before possible.

Nature’s Wrapping
Nature Wrap
For an all-natural look, utilize recycled paper with twine instead of ribbon and pinecones, evergreen or other elements from your own backyard.

Foil Wrapping

This easy-to-use method only requires the gathering of foil paper and a simply tied bow.

Coordinated Paper & Ribbon
Fabric Ribbon Coordinate Paper
Even though the prints vary, red and white colors unify this attractive gift wrap.

Self-Stick Bows
Self Stick Bows
The invention of the self-stick bow is a wonderful time saver.

Fireworks Bow

What do you get when you combine a metallic pompom and a large white bow – an amazing starburst bow, which makes the perfect topper for an elegant package. (And it’s a self-stick bow too!)

Crinkle Ribbon
Sprinkled Snow Curled Ribbon
Instead of a bow, tie long strands of crinkle ribbon around a package and curl it with a pair of scissors.

Triple Bow & Custom Paper
Triple Bow & Finger Painting
Making your own bows is a sure way to make your gifts stand out. For an added more personal touch, plain white wrapping paper can be colorfully finger-painted, creating wrapping for gifts year round.

Floral Fabric Bow

Sometimes a really great topper steals the show. A floral bow, such as this, will be treasured and it’s reusable. Check out the many bow-making videos online for how to instructions.

Floral Picks

From a distance, this photo resembles a water lily garden, but it’s actually green bows adorned with artificial red berries.

Ornaments

Dress up dollar store ornaments with ribbons or bells and tie onto your gifts and hand-delivered cards.

Handmade Ornaments/Gift Tags
Holly Tag & Ornament
Is it an ornament or a gift tag? It’s both! Write the name & year on the back and attach it to your present. After the gift is opened, it’s ready to hang on the tree.

Gift Bags – Paper
Gift Bag Paper
Gift bags are probably one of the best inventions of all time. They’re sold just about everywhere, including the food stores, so when you’re running around at the last minute a gift bag is easily on hand.

Gift Bags – Fabric
Gift Bags Fabric Amazon
Amazon provided these sparkly gift bags, which are reusable and perfect for any occasion.

Gift Pouch
Christmas Pouch
Gift pouches are ready to use and include the ribbon and gift tag.

Christmas Stocking

If you have several small size items, a Christmas stocking is a fun alternative to traditional gift wrap.

Gift Baskets

A gift basket filled with the recipient’s favorites is always a welcome surprise.

Collectible Porcelain Box

Porcelain boxes come in a variety of designs for jewelry, small items, or cash gifts.

Seasonal Metal Tin

Most people associate tins with cookies or other baked goods, but this large tin could easily hold a pair of pajamas or sweater. The design is adorable and all you need to do is simply close the lid and the gift is ready to give, without the need for paper, bows, tape or scissors! How easy is that?

Glass Mason Jars

Jellies, candy, sauces and anything else you cook up stores well in re-sealable glass jars, which require nothing more than a simple bow or ornament, and can be reused indefinitely.

Handmade Soap & Soap Dish
Hand Made Soap Dish
Many people like to make their own Christmas gifts. Take your creativity to the next level by designing a unique gift presentation, such as this handmade soap and accompanying twig soap dish.

It’s a Family Affair
Festive Dogs
If you can’t get help with all that wrapping, at least you’ll have the companionship and encouragement from your family pets.

Treat Yourself

As they say, “it’s the thought that counts,” but “presentation is everything.” With a few creative choices, wrapping gifts can be a pleasure, and be sure to treat yourself while you’re at it! Thanks for reading!

Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!

Gingerbread Cookies

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Crafts Inspire Me

Gingerbread is popular any time of year, but the holidays inspire all kinds of creativity especially when baking cookies. Let’s review some of the delicious gingerbread possibilities…

Rolled Out Dough & Cookie Cutters

Plain Cookies

Cookie Decorating:
Basic Icing

Intricately Detailed Icing

Icing & Candy

Full Color Icing & Candy

Intricately Detailed Icing & Colorful Sprinkles

Creative Uses for Gingerbread Cookies:
Cocktail Garnish

Hot Chocolate Dipping

Afternoon Tea

Special Occasions – (Oversized Cookies)

Dessert Garnish

Christmas Ornaments

Freestanding Cookie Décor

Gingerbread House Decorations

Gingerbread House Interior Finishes & Décor

Cookie Christmas Tree

This completes our exploration of gingerbread cookies. Who’s hungry? Me too! I hope you are inspired to include gingerbread cookies in your holiday traditions. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.

Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays, & Happy Crafting!

Crafting Day & Night

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Crafts Inspire Me

Eiffel Tower Day & Night

“As different as day and night” is a common expression. When we find ourselves stuck inside, we’re often looking for ways to be entertained. For many, crafting is the answer. A little effort goes a long way, and everyone loves seeing “Before” and “After” photos. These crafts will surprise and hopefully inspire you to create a little crafting magic of your own.

Sledding Centerpiece

Before: Wooden Sled Wall Art. After: Snowman & Friends Centerpiece.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Foxy Santa

Before: Misfit Christmas Decoration. After: Foxy Santa with new hat and tail.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Seashell Plaque

Before: Drab Wall Art Print. After: Seashells, Sea Urchin & Starfish Framed Art.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Piggy Before and After

Before: Colorless Pig Statue. After: Pink Pig with lots of personality.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Before & After Pumpkins

Before: Faded Lawn Decoration. After: Bold Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns
(Click here for how to instructions)

Headless Dog Before & After

Before: Snowman with Headless Dog. After: Restored Dog.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Light House Before & After

Before: Incomplete Candleholder. After: New Lighthouse Roof & “Light.”
(Click here for how to instructions)

Octopus Before & After

Before: Monochromatic Candleholder. After: Blue Ringed Octopus Sculpture.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Candlestick Before & After

Before: Difficult Candle Size. After: Candleholder for Taper Candles.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Leaves Before & After

Before: Dull, “Muddy” Wall Sconces. After: Vibrant Tropical Leaves & Candles.
(Click here for how to instructions)

I hope you enjoyed these projects. Take a look around your home for any items that could use a little refreshing. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. Good Luck!

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Holiday Wishes

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Crafts Inspire Me

It feels like 2023 is flying by. In fact, time seems to go by faster every year.

The presents are all wrapped with care.

The appetizers are made and the table is set, ready for guests.

Wanting to be part of the celebration, the family pet has discovered the centerpiece is edible. Uh oh!

I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and any other holidays you may celebrate! Thank you for sharing this blogging journey with me. It’s wonderful to be part of this community and I look forward to sharing more in the new year.

Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays, and Happy Crafting!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: