Everyone knows inspiration can strike at any time. Sometimes it’s obvious, such as a sunset or a pretty vista. Other times it’s a subtle feeling. Occasionally inspiration sneaks up on you when you least expect it, but there are some very frustrating times when it seems nowhere to be found. Below are a few examples of project inspirations to get your creative ideas flowing:
Artwork on a Case of Beer inspired…Cold Beverage Coasters.
These coasters were easy to make. Cut out the artwork and laminate each piece. Seal the edges with black duct tape. Glue each coaster to a cork backing and you’ll have a nice little gift for the beer lover in your family.
A festive Fox Toy inspired…Santa Claws Guiding his Sleigh.
In this case it was the missing items, namely a tail and a hat, which inspired this Santa Claus centerpiece. Foxes are known for their thick, beautiful tails. Who knows why the manufacturer neglected to provide one? It was easy enough to fix with a little faux fur. The hat was an obvious necessity, since the fox was already decked out in Santa’s finest coat, pants and boots.
Love of Chocolate inspired…Homemade Crispy Chocolate Caramel Bars
Who doesn’t love chocolate? It’s amazing how tempting a little piece of chocolate can be. These candy bars are so easy to make. I’m inspired to make a batch right now, but I better finish this post first! For instructions, please click here.
An ornately decorated Easter Wreath inspired…an Ocean Wreath.
The colors, textures, and intricate details were eye-catching and beautiful, but an Easter wreath has a very limited time frame. By switching to the aquatic theme, the wreath can be displayed throughout the spring and summer. For instructions to make this ocean wreath, please click here.
For more inspirational project photos, please click here to visit the new Inspiration page on our website.
I hope these photos will inspire new project ideas. Magazines, online searches, and a visit to the craft store are also great resources. With an infinite supply of inspiration and a few well-chosen supplies, you will be on your way to creating your next masterpiece.
Good Luck & Happy Crafting!
It’s the night before Christmas, and little feet tiptoe toward the tree for a sneak peek at the presents. We may not have done this, but we thought about it a lot. It’s human nature to wonder -What’s inside the box?
If your name is Mrs. Claus, you probably don’t need help wrapping gifts.
In fact, Mrs. Claus probably has a gift-giving closet that looks like this one. For the rest of us, there’s still a lot of shopping to be done and presents to be wrapped. Department stores typically offer gift wrap, but it can be pricey. Many retailers have eliminated this service and the gift boxes as well. Shopping malls offer gift wrapping, but the lines can be very long. Fortunately there are lots of solutions to make your gifts look beautiful.
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 last minute a gift bag is easily on hand.
These burlap bags are dressed up with the addition of berries and glitzy red ornaments.
This red and white gift bag has a built-in drawstring.
Amazon provided these festive gift bags, which my family passes back and forth for various occasions all year long. Unfortunately there’s no way of knowing which color you might receive, and some items are wrapped in paper instead of a bag.
A metal box is an intriguing way to package a gift.
Porcelain boxes come in a variety of shapes and colors for every occasion. These are perfect for jewelry or other small items, and can also be used to conceal a cash gift.
For the baker in the family, this fluted glass jar and lid will hold your gift now, and will be perfect for holding baking ingredients in the future. It could also be used as cookie jar.
Gift baskets filled with the recipient’s favorites is always a welcome surprise. You can purchase a roll of colored cellophane wrap or use regular plastic wrap to cover the entire basket, and tie a bow on top.
Some stores provide colorfully printed boxes, which are suitable for gifts any time of year, and can be stacked and tied with a pretty ribbon.
When using standard wrapping paper, you can always wrap the lid separately. By doing so, the box can be reused for years to come.
A floral pine cone stem and some ribbon were all that was needed to complete this package.
Don’t forget to add a gift tag. Some people save the pictures, from last year’s holiday cards, and use them as gift tags on this year’s presents.
For an all-natural look, recycled paper can be used, with twine instead of ribbon, some evergreen and a pine cone from your backyard.
A silver bow makes a statement on this aqua and silver wrapped gift.
A glittering gold bow makes the perfect topper for this dancing reindeer package.
A 3-dimensional snowflake has sprung to life from this pretty wrapping paper.
For a glamorous look, combine sparkling red paper, gold studded ribbon, and a shiny gold bow.
This perfectly coordinated metallic ribbon and paper is suitable for gifts any time of year.
Sometimes a really great topper steals the show. A bow like this one will be appreciated for sure, with its petal-like layers in full bloom and wisps of green ribbon leaves peeking out beneath. There’s a very interesting pattern of wildlife, holly sprigs, and guitars intertwined among the curvilinear vines.
Crafts Inspire Me 