Shaker Cards, Tags and Ornaments

 Hello my friend,

Christmas is coming sooner than I would like.

I don't know where the time goes.

I've been shopping and decorating-

Going to parties!

One of my favorite parts of the season is

WRAPPING GIFTS!

I wanted to make some unique tags this year.

This is a photo copy of one of my own Shiny Brite boxes.

I printed out some labels and

cut out the center to create a window.

I save scraps of cellophane packaging.

You can use envelopes, cracker and cookie bags.

I found a piece to cover the window.

It was trimmed and glued to the back side.

I like to used Fabric Tac.

I found these sequins at the Dollar Tree !

Just $1.25 each.

The are a beautiful assortment of colors.

You can make your mix of colors as you go-

I did a little at a time.

Mixed in a small bowl -

Leave one side open to fill- then glue closed.

For this box lid I added a small piece of tinsel garland

behind the cellophane.

I glued an old photo inside.

The boy has on a winter hat and coat.

These photos are from an old friend who passed away.

I helped her clean her home when she moved to assisted living.

Her family did not want them, I didn't have the heart to

toss them.

On the back of the photo -

1st xmas 1938

I used a silver

 chenille stem behind the cellophane window,

to create a mini sparkling tinsel icicle package.

To create a tag I add an eyelet and ribbon.

I used Distress ink along some of the edges.

The box of cookies had such adorable graphics....

I held on to it until I got inspired!

I used small scissors to cut out the mini Gingerbread Babies,

I just knew they would look good in the window

along with some small seed beads.

I cut this one below a bit shorter and filled it with sequins.

I also wanted to make a see-through window.

I used a poly bag used for postcards.

The window was cut and than a pattern cut for the back.

It made a nice ornament for the tree.

These can be tucked in a card or package.

The tags with the sequins are fun to shake!

I just couldn't stop- I was having so much fun!

So I'll be using these for Christmas gift tags this year.

I will probably tuck a few inside Christmas cards.

They are just the right to make a pocket for a gift card.

Thanks for the visit!!!

xo Lisa S

I even made a couple of Birthday cards!

Tip-

Do you dislike glitter?

Try emptying your paper punch.

Paperback Book Turned into Christmas Decor

  Hi there !

My library has paperback books for 10 cents.

I thought it would be fun to  make a folded ornament shape.

Remove the books cover.

I didn't do any counting of pages. I folded 3 top to bottom, then 3

bottom to top.

          

You may like the shape at this point.

I went back and did a second fold every 3 top to bottom.

I had a wood scrap and an eye screw...put together it made a ornament

hanger.

This picture shows my mistake- an extra fold was necessary

but I don't think it will be noticeable.

To cover the base, I added some some beads to a button

then glued it in place.

You know I'm not crazy about glitter but I went ahead

and added it to some of the edges with white glue.

This one is glitter mess.

Thank you for stopping by !

It is always great to hear from you.

xo Lisa S

Cranberry Walnut Bars

     Hello my friend !

Here is a simple and delicious dessert. 

Cranberry Walnut Bars

2 eggs,  beaten

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup flour

3/4  cup sugar

1- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

 ( no need to thaw )

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Butter a round cake pan or 8" x 8"  square

Bake @350 degrees for 40-45 min.

Icing

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1Tbsp. lemon juice

Serve cake warm or cold

When cake cools a bit drizzle with icing

Directions:

To start melt butter

Add eggs to butter and beat.

Add sugar and flour, mix

Add chopped nuts and cranberries

Batter will be very thick,

spoon into baking pan

Bake@350 for 40-45 min.

Cool and cut into wedges or bars.

                                                                   Serves about 12 slices

Make the icing

Add lemon juice a little at a time.

If it's too thick add more juice, too thin add more sugar !

Drizzle on each slice before serving.

I give big pieces !

So good!

I hope you like this recipe-

Other options:

You could add some orange zest or white

chocolate chips to your bars.

Thank you for visiting!

xo Lisa S

Lavender Hearts

 Hello,

Thanks for visiting!

Let me show you how I used some lavender 

from my garden.

They were picked in the summer and now the buds are dry.

I found a large cardboard box and cut out some 

heart shapes- about 4'' tall.

I had some lavender colored ribbon,

white glue and a tool to poke a hole for the ribbon.

You will need some dry lavender, hopefully you have some

or can get some from a friend.

A piece of parchment paper will be helpful.

I store my lavender in an antique oak seed box.

These are easy and fun to make.

Cover the heart shape with glue and cover with buds,

press to hold in place, and then glue the edges and

cover the sides.

Lay on parchment paper.

It's a bit sticky if you are impatient like I am.

Allow to dry.

Poke a hole for the ribbon hanger.

After the glue dried, I checked them over

to make sure everything was covered completely.

You can always go back with a little glue and add more buds.

Here's a close-up

I have these small bags and clear mailing seals

 that I bought at the DOLLAR TREE

I had some bags just about the right size.

I used scissors to cut a 'V' at the bottom of the bag.

Then pulled the ribbon through the hole.

You can still smell the fragrant lavender buds.

I am hoping this will help with

less mess when handled at the craft show.

I sealed the bag with the circle dots.

I like to have a large variety of items on my table

in a wide range of prices.

They can be picked up by the bag or the ribbon.

Small items at the craft show always sell out 

and that makes me happy!

They can be used as stocking stuffers,

 tree ornaments or package toppers.

Here is a Lavender Wreath, some  Embroidered Lavender Sachet, 

and How to pick lavender for Stamped Muslin Bags.

Just recently, how to make Sugar and Lavender Scrub.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Your visit is always appreciated.

xo Lisa S