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Wedding candles are easy to make and are perfect for using as decoration throughout the wedding and reception area. They can be made to match exactly with the rest of the wedding décor, and can double as favors for your guests.

Materials Needed:

1. Pillar candles of the same color or in colors that match the rest of your wedding decorations
2. Vellum stickers or stickers without a background color that match your wedding theme or colors
3. Plastic cup or paper cup
4. Popsicle stick
5. White glue
6. Decoupage paste (directions to make this are steps 3-5)
7. Paintbrush

Directions:

1. Begin by placing the vellum stickers on the candle in a random arrangement. If you are using border stickers, they look best along the top or bottom of the candle.

2. When you have finished placing the stickers where you would like them you can make your decoupage paste.

3. Put about a tablespoon of white glue in the plastic or paper cup.

4. Add a tablespoon of water.

5. Mix with the Popsicle stick.

6. Paint over the candle and stickers with the decoupage paste.

This same thing can be done using flower petals (fake or real), or even fabric stuck together with glue dots.

1. Rectangular wooden sign with holes in the top corners and one in the bottom center
2. Three wood hearts two with small holes in the top
3. Three buttons in colors that match your bow
4. Cream paint
5. White paint
6. Black paint pen
7. Raffia
8. Bow
9. Acrylic paint in two colors that match your bow
10. Wire
11. Hot glue gun
12. Wire cutter
13. Scissors
14. Small heart paint sponge

Directions:

1. Begin by painting the sign cream.
2. While the cream paint is drying, paint the three hearts in desired colors.
3. Stamp the sign with the small heart stamp dipped in white paint.
4. Plug in the hot glue gun.
5. Cut a piece of wire about 10 inches long.
6. Put the wire through one heart and twist the end of the wire so that it does not come off.
7. Cut another piece of wire about two feet long.
8. Use the black paint pen to write a saying of your choice onto the sign.
9. Cut a couple of pieces of raffia and make a bow.
10. When the paint is dry on the sign, glue the buttons and small raffia ribbon on.
11. Put the wire with the heart on it through the bottom hole and put the second heart on the other end of the wire. Twist the end of the wire so the heart does not come off.
12. Put the long piece of wire through the top two holes of the sign so that it forms a handle. Twist the ends so that it holds the sign.
13. Tie a raffia ribbon to the top of the handle. Use the hot glue gun to keep it in place.
14. Glue the bow to the top of the raffia ribbon.
15. Glue the third heart to the center of the bow.

There you have it…an easy craft with lasting family memories.

Handicraft Gift Idea:  Make an Apron

If you are looking for a handicraft gift idea to make for someone special, perhaps that person would like an apron.  When we think of aprons, we often think of mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen, but men can often benefit from having an apron as well.  They often enjoy barbecuing, for one thing.  They also can use an apron in the workshop.  Children, too, can use an apron for many of their activities, such as arts and crafts.    Here are simple instructions for making a handicraft gift of an apron that can be adapted for anyone.

Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the individual for whom you are making the handicraft gift.  The fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap 1/2 to 3/4 of the way around them and long enough to cover them from collar bone to just above the knee.  For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about right.  A slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, but if they will be wiping their hands on the sides of it, they might appreciate the extra width.  An apron for a child of 10 could start with a piece of fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long.

The best types of fabric to use are sturdy cottons, such as medium weight denim or twill.  Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin are all right in the kitchen, but will not last long, and would not hold up in the garden or workshop at all.  Other materials you’ll need are thread and a sewing machine.  You will also need enough extra fabric to make a strap to go around the neck, ties for the back, and pockets.

When designing the handicraft gift, you can be as creative as you like with pockets.  Every apron is more useful with pockets.  A person who cleans houses, for instance, can use pockets for odds and ends they pick up as well as for their spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes.

To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric lengthwise.  This will allow you to cut the shape with one cut, making the two sides symmetrical.   What you will be shaping when you make the cut will be the bib section of the apron.  The bib for an adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide.  Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches.  This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a hem.  The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where the ties will be attached.  The length of the half bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric.  When these pieces are cut off, the result should be an apron shaped piece of fabric.

Now decorate the apron with pockets and any other decorations you desire.  After this it is time to fold under the edges all around and stitch down with sturdy stitching for a nice hem all around the handicraft gift.  Cut two pieces of fabric a yard long by two inches wide.  Fold lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside.  Press and stitch down along the length to make the ties.  Attach the ties at the waist of the apron handicraft gift.  (If these ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people like to bring the ties to the front and tie them there.)  Cut another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches long by 5 inches wide fold in half lengthwise and press.  Press again with the raw edges of the long side tucked under 1/2 inch.  Stitch down the open side.  Attach this piece to the sides of the top of the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and topstitching on the front side of the bib.  Be careful not to twist it when you attach it.

People who work hard at homemaking, barbecuing and in the workshop will appreciate a handicraft gift of a sturdy apron.  Mostly they will appreciate the effort and design you have put into making a handicraft gift that they can use.

Mobile phone covers make great gifts for teenagers and grown-ups. Embellish with seasonal items for gift-giving all around the year. Bright colors, flowers and butterflies (above) will make it perfect for spring and summer, orange and burnt color fabric for fall (end of this page) and an angel doll (right) will make this a perfect gift for Christmas.

You can use leftover scraps of fabric and felt to make these mobile covers.

Materials:

scraps of fabric/felt
embellishments
buttons
round elastic
material for lining

Directions:

1. Cut 3-1/2″ x 10-1/4″ pieces out of fabric or felt in your choice of colors.

2. Cut lining of the same size.

3. Sew the two short ends together with right sides facing each other. On one short side place the round elastic to form a loop.

4. Turn inside out and sew the 2 sides folding the strip to form a bag.

5. Sew a button in front to adjust with the elastic loop.

6. Sew a loop at the back for putting key ring.

7. If necessary, sew a string when stitching the sides to have a hanging mobile cover.

8. Embellish with little felt patches or little characters taken off children’s hair pins or headbands.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and that special someone deserves to know how much you care. Maybe you have given up on the commercialized gifts that are available today or maybe you just can’t find something perfect enough for your Valentine.

Whatever your reason, you’re looking for something unique, personalized, creative and one of a kind, right? Look no further and grab a pen and paper because you’ll want to write down the materials needed and the very, very, very simple instructions to this adorable photo frame. In no time at all you will have this frame finished, wrapped, hidden away, and will be back in the arms of that special Valentine before you know it. After all, isn’t loving your loved one what Valentine’s Day is all about?

MATERIALS:
- One picture frame, preferably in a light color, with minimal detailing or decoration
- Red acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Heart-shaped cut-outs (you can purchase these small, flat, hearts at your local crafting store, they are  usually wooden and come in packages of 10 or so. You may opt to create your own cut-out out of heavy paper or cardboard. If you do create your own, be sure to make several.)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks or tape

1. To begin, remove the glass from the photo frame and place it to the side.

2. Cover your work space with some newspaper or other protective material as not to damage it while working on your project.

3. Using the heart shaped cut-outs, decide how you would like to arrange the hearts on the frame. The cut-outs will be removed at the end of the project so that the natural look of the frame shows through the paint on the frame! Depending on the size and shape of your frame you may want to add a few hearts or several. You could even purchase or make different sized heart cut-outs to use.

4. Once you decide on a pattern you can begin to attach the hearts to the frame (temporarily). In this project I used wooded cut-outs and attached them to the frame with hot glue. The hearts were quite easy to remove from the frame once it had dried.

5. When you are sure that you have the heart shapes attached well and there are no visible areas were paint could sneak under the heart shape, you can begin the painting. Depending on the finish on the frame, the original color of the frame and other factors, you may have you use several coats of paint to cover the frame completely. In this project I used a frame with a natural wood finish. I applied only a sheer coating of red paint to give it that popular “weathered” look.

You have many options! Don’t forget the sky’s the limit. Be sure to let your own personality as well as your Valentine’s shine through in your work.

6. Set the frame aside to dry. I recommend letting the frame dry overnight. In the morning it’s safe to remove the heart cut-outs and view your completed creation!

7. If there are any areas where the paint may have blotched up you can take a small paint brush and fill in some of the spaces. For my frame I embraced the “mess-ups”! They add to the uniqueness!

8. Wrap this adorable photo frame up for that special someone and make this the most Happy Valentine’s Day yet!

These Dough Angels are as adorable as it gets.

Finished size is 3×5 inches.

Materials: Flour, salt, and water; Garlic press; Aluminum foil; cookie sheet; No. 20 gold crafts wire; Acrylic paints; Artist’s brushes; Fine-tipped permanent marker; High-gloss polyurethane.

Instructions:

Dough: Place 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup salt in a bowl. Add about 6 tablespoons of water and blend with dry ingredients. Dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead until all of the salt is worked in and the dough feels smooth.

Cover cookie sheet with foil and work directly on the foil. Note: Moisten dough with water between all joints as you add pieces to the ornament.

Angel: DRESS-—Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a golf ball. Press dough between your fingers to flatten it into a ½-inch-thick dress shape. Dress should measure about 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. Pinch and fold the dress waist, gathering it to a width of 1 inch.

For sleeves, roll two 1/2-inch-thick pieces of dough about 1 1/2 inches long. Bend and attach to dress. Pinch off a small piece of dough for the neck ruffle. Flatten it into a thin strip that measures 1/2 x 1 ½ inches. Pinch one long side to gather the ruffle and fasten it over the dress and arms.

ARMLOAD FIGURES: For the teddy, roll a ½-inch ball of dough for the tummy; add 1/4×1/2-inch legs at bottom of tummy. For head, attach a slightly flattened ¼-inch ball to the top of the tummy. Add a flattened piece of dough for muzzle; add ears. Attach bear between angel’s sleeves.

Add 1/8 x¾ -inch arms after angel’s hands are in place, so the bear’s arms hang over the angel’s arms.

For the sheep, push dough through garlic press to form a ½-inch-thick “fleece” for body; body should be 1 inch in diameter. Attach four legs, each measuring ¼ x¾ inch to body bottom. Roll a 3/8 -inch-diameter ball of dough for head; attach to upper body. Add ¼-inch ears and “fleece” to top of head. Place between angel sleeves.

For stars, cut 1/8-inch-thick rolled dough with miniature cookie cutters or cut out stars with a paring knife. Attach four or five stars to angel dress between sleeves. Add a few more after angel’s hands are attached.

For basket, roll a flattened shape for basket bottom; it should measure 1 inch wide at the basket top and ½ inch deep. Attach to angel’s dress front. Fill basket with greens (dough pushed through garlic press). Add a 1/8-inch-thick handle over the greens and angel’s sleeve.

ANGEL’S HEAD: Roll a piece of dough into a ½-inch-thick flattened oval shape that measures ¾ x l inch. Attach to neck ruffle. Place a tiny piece of dough at the center for the nose.

ANGEL’S HANDS: Form two 3/8-inch-thick balls. Flatten slightly and cut four slits with paring knife to form fingers and thumbs. Attach to angel around armload.

FEET: Attach ½ x ¾ -inch feet to center of the dress hem. Add three 1/8-inch-diameter toes to each foot.

WINGS: Shape two ½-inch-thick triangles from dough that measure 1 inch wide at the bases and taper out to a length of 1½ inches. Attach to angel’s shoulder, layering one wing over the other.

HAIR: Push dough through garlic press; style hair as shown in photograph.

HALO: Wind gold wire around a thick pen to shape a circle. Clip ends, leaving ½-inch ends. Twist ends and insert into the top of the angel’s head.

Bake the ornaments at 275 degrees for about 3 hours; check periodically. Ornaments are done when they are completely hard. Allow to cool before painting.

Paint the Ornaments with acrylic paints, using the photograph  above for color ideas. Draw eyes and animal mouths with a fine-tip marker. Coat the painted Ornaments with a high-gloss polyurethane.

Handmade Mulberry Paper Card Materials

- 1 8.5 x 11 Yellow Mulberry Kozo Paper (heavierMulberry paper)

- 1 12 x 12 Wheat Vellum

- Gold Thread

- Picture (photo or scanned)

Instructions:

1. Trim unwanted portion of picture off (use it all if you like)

2. Fold Mulberry Paper in half

3. Cut a piece of vellum 10 x 7.5″

4. Cut another piece of vellum 3.75 x 4.5″ (or the right size to matte your picture & greeting).

5. Print poem or message for inside of card on right half of large vellum (cut a piece of whitepaper 10 x 7.5″ and test print on it first)

6. Fold vellum in half.

7. Print message or greeting on small vellum for front of card the same way and set foldedvellum inside handmade paper.

8. Put gold thread on a needle & sew a large ’stitch’ through vellum & handmade paper on thefold to hold them together. Start at outside so you can tie the gold thread on the outside ofthe card. You can also sew a small stitch starting at the inside in the top corners of thevellum if you like (tie on inside). Alternatively vellum can be glued in place. Make sure youchoose an adhesive that won’t show through the vellum.

9. Glue small piece of vellum to the front of the card. Use a glue stick or glue that won’t show through the vellum. Glue picture on the vellum below the message.Variations:There is an endless variety of cards you can make this way by using different mulberry papers and vellums, such as:

- add stickers or other embellishments
- substitute stickers or embellishments for the picture
- have the vellum insert just on the right side of the card
- cut the mulberry paper in half for a smaller card.
- use cardstock instead of handmade paper.

Gifts can be store bought or home-made. Some have sentimental value shared by the giver to the recipient, while others mirror a person’s interests, likes and preferences. A package that is thoughtfully wrapped and presented or placed under a tree will share delight even before it is opened.

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Many can now be purchased in a rainbow of colors. If you purchase or have a solid color box, cut out patterns such as snowmen, snowflakes, or other designs and line the box with tissue paper that is in contrast to the color of the box. This way the cut-outs will be shown with the hint of the tissue paper just behind. Use an X-Acto knife for best results - available at any hardware or craft store.

Also remember that if you can’t find tissue paper in the exact color you are searching for, layering the paper will increase the depth and magnitude of the shade that you are trying to achieve. Too dark – remove a tissue or two; too light - add more.

To add a special touch to your package or gift tags, choose a design that has features you can outline with a glitter pen. Then the sparkle and shine will add so much to the gift.

Raffia has been a staple accent for packages in the last few years. Cut 6″ pieces and bundle in the middle with a twist tie. Make several of these bundles for a more pronounced showing; fluff out; and attach to the package with a glue gun. You can attach a small felt ornament to one of the strands or a jingle bell.

Wallpaper also makes a nice gift-wrapping material if you can find some really interesting designs. Using those metallic star stickers that we are all familiar with and a plain index card, create a Christmas tree, wreath, or star and use as an attractive gift tag.

Creating your own gift-wrap from plain white paper and embellishing with designs can be an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Use light-weight felt or fleece and tie with yarn - add cut out snowflakes or other designs.

A light-weight towel (bath or kitchen) adds a special second gift.

Christmas material can also be purchased by the yard to use as wrapping paper.

Drapery tassels can be used to “tie” up a gift and give it a “Victorian” feel.

Paper doilies over solid color gift wrap gives a package a “delicate” feel.

A very large gift in a very large carton - spray paint the box (removing the gift first), and then replace the item. Add some features such as stencils or other effects and no paper is needed. Tie with festive cord and you are ready to go. There is no end to the possibilities.

The most important gift is your love and your time - creating your own wrappings, cards, tags, etc.
gives the recipient double the gift value – ENJOY!

Foam Turtle Soap Bath Toy

Materials:

Sheet of Craft Foam – select the most porous type available
Needle
Sewing Thread
Bar of Ivory or Other Soap
Black Permanent Marker
Scissors or Pinking Shears

Pattern:

Download Turtle Pattern in PDF

Directions:

Cut pattern and arrange on sheet of foam. Arrange carefully and you can create two turtles from sheet of craft foam or a large and small turtle. Cut two body pieces, four feet, one head and one tail. If using thin foam that will tear easily, double feet, head and tail; this is not necessary with most craft foam, however.

Trim feet and head so that piece if more egg-shaped. The head narrow to create a neck and the feet should narrow to create legs.

With right-sides facing out, beginning ½ inch from one end and ½ inch from edge along one short side, begin stitching body together using small, strong stitches. If necessary, double the thread to create a strong seam.

Sew the tail into center of seam; continue sewing to within ½ inch of end of foam.

Turn corner and continue stitching along the first long side. The first foot will be added into the seam beginning at 1 inch from end of foam (not from beginning of stitching). Simply place the leg into the seam, allowing plenty to extend beyond the seam to provide strength.

Continue sewing seam, adding second foot so that it end at 1 inch from end of foam at other end. Stop stitching ½ inch from end of foam.

Turn corner and add head in center of short side, again stopping ½ inch from edge of foam to turn corner.

Leave needle and thread hanging and insert soap into opened side, pushing firmly toward sewn seam, leaving foam to meet and create final seam. Include last two legs into seam, knotting thread securely once stitching is completed.

After stitching is completed, trim body to create curved corners if desired.

Use permanent black marker to create eyes and nostrils.

When soap inside has been used up, open one side seam and place another bar of soap inside.

Today, candles are a must in any home’s decor. Not only do they add a lovely and colorful touch to the room’s surrounding, they introduce an inviting aroma to the whole house. At home decor stores, you could spend anywhere from $5 to $25 or more on beautiful and unique candles. If you hate to spend that kind of
money, but long to have elegant candles in your home, here’s a quick and easy solution. Decorate your own candles for pennies on the dollar!

This crafting project will allow all the creative leeway you want and it is a perfect idea for gifts as well! In only a few easy steps you will be enjoying the glitter and gleam of your own homemade designer candles.
What will I need?

- Small crafting pins (I used small sequin pins)
- Beads
- Plain, inexpensive candles

How do I do it? To get started, you will want to choose the candle you will be working with. Find a plain candle in any size, shape and color at a local crafting store or discount retailer. There are literally thousands
of options to choose from. You could even pick up a few and make a collection of candles. Next choose the beads you want to add to the candle. There is a wide range of beads to choose from and most come in packages of 20 or more.

When purchasing your crafting pins be sure to take note of the size of the hole in the beads you choose. You will need to make sure that the head of the pin is large enough to securely place the bead onto the candle.

Packages of crafting pins can also be found at your local crafting store and usually come in packages of 100 or more. These pins come in both silver and gold tones, so you can choose which color best compliments the beads and candle you choose.

1. Decide on a pattern that you will be applying to your candle. You can place the beads randomly around the candle or chose a striped (or other) pattern.

2. If you decide create a pattern on your candle, use the point of one of the crafting pins and map out the pattern by making small pin marks into the wax. Not too deep though, you may decide later to change the pattern.

3. Using a crafting pin place the bead onto the candle by inserting the pin through the hole in the bead. Press firmly until the pin is inserted entirely into the candle. Due to having to insert the pin all the way into the candle you may want to choose the smallest length of pin that will allow you to place the bead onto the candle.

4. Repeat until you have completed your pattern or have placed the desired amount of beads onto the candle.

You’re done!

You now have a charming decorative candle for the fraction of the cost! Family and friends will delight in this thoughtful and creative gift. Additional tips for this creative crafting idea:
- Make a matched set of candles. Purchase the same color of candles in differing sizes, or the same size of candles in differing colors.
- Display your candle collection on a glass plate (you can purchase these inexpensive candle trays at a local discount retailer or save even more money and look at the price of plain glass dishes. You can usually pick up a good sized glass plate for about a dollar).
- Add several different beads to one candle.
- Forgo using the beads and use just the crafting pins inserted into the candle as decoration.
- If you want to make a really fancy pattern on your candle, use a stencil and map out the pattern.