Yarn Wreaths

I've been seeing lots of yarn wreaths around the internet lately.  I found these that I thought were crazy cute.  These first few are ones available to purchase, and the last few are tutorials for how to make your own.

Cakoons on Etsy uses great colors and interesting textures on these wreaths available for purchase.








ItzFitz on Etsy uses a simple color for the body of the wreath with rich colors in the felt flowers attached.  Available for purchase.



HOW TO MAKE YARN WREATHS


Danielle Burkleo gives a step-by-step tutorial for creating these wreaths and the felt flowers attached to them.






For another take on the yarn wreath, Michele at The Scrap Shoppe Blog shows you how to make this cute yarn wreath with flowers and a monogram.



Now go get some yarn, and start wrapping those wreaths!

Journal Gifts

This year I had a total of 15 (yes, 15) teacher gifts to give.  With all those teachers, you might think I have a whole mess of kids.  You'd be right, if you think two kids = a whole mess of kids.  I just didn't want to leave anyone out.  I also didn't want to spend my usual $25-30 per teacher this year, since I'd like to keep my husband's head from exploding when he gets the bank statement.  So I came up with something I thought was pretty cute instead.

First I printed out guided journal pages I found at Grace is Overrated. They're free to print, and they're all so cute and insightful. Since I had so many to make, I took them to be copied at the local office supply store.


You can print them with or without the borders, and with or without the color.  I chose borders with no color so they'd be pretty and the recipient can color them in if they like.

I included this birthday page.

This was followed by a couple of blank pages of card stock for photographs (or whatever).

(I have since found this Day in the Life page and regret that I didn't include it in my gifts, but if I do this project again, this will go in too.)


Each section began with a blank sheet of card stock.

The first batch I made, I had them spiral bound at said office supply store.
The second batch I did, I used the Zutter Bind-it-All and did it myself.

After they were bound, I printed out the words "Journal," "Birthday," and "Photographs."  I cut them out and adhered them to each dividing sheet of card stock.  Then it was time to decorate the covers.  Since I used solid colors for the covers, I just kind of winged it with the decorations.  I cut out a coordinating paper to fit as a stripe along the side.  I inked the edges of the paper, and adhered it to the cover.  Then I added an embellishment or two, wrapped them up, and gave them out!

These would be great for teacher's gifts, a little extra for yourself, stocking stuffers, or just-because gifts for a friend or family member.  Have fun!

Teacher Gift Idea

Last year I got my daughter's four elementary teachers all the same gift:  this lovely music box.  You can use the included monogram design, or you can insert a photo, drawing, letter, card, or other type of monogram to personalize it.  It opens to reveal a nice storage area, and it plays the song "What a Wonderful World."


This is a favorite to give and to get at a very affordable price.  I like these so much, I'm thinking I might get the teachers these again this year.  Different teachers, so it'll be a new gift to them!  Also this is a special song to me, so I might just have to get an extra one for myself!


(See this item at Amazon.com by clicking here.)