DIY Birthday Card

Here's my go-to DIY birthday card...

Print a photo of a birthday cake wishing the recipient a happy birthday (e.g. Happy Birthday Heather).  For example, do a search on Google with the words "birthday cake Heather."  Click images.  Search for a photo you like.  Save it.  Print it on Kirkland Signature 4"x6" photo paper from Costco.  Fold a 9"x12" piece of contruction paper in half to create a card.  Using a bone folder, press along fold to smooth.  Affix photo on front of card using two super tiny (probably 1/8"x1/8") foam mounting squares, from Michaels Arts and Crafts.  Write greeting inside card.  Attach card to gift bag using colored plastic or plain wooden clothespin.

Letter "X" & Color "Tan" Day

We practiced making the color tan with brown and white paint to paint our letter X.

DIY Baby Shower Gift Bag

Baby shower time! Okay, so I went to grab a gift bag, which would be appropriate for a baby shower and what do you know? I didn't have any! Yikes, okay, time to think fast, again... I had a plain white gift bag and white tissue paper—not very exciting. Although, with a little creative thinking (necessity is the mother of invention, you know?)  and help from my kids colored pencils, I drew imperfect, vertical, blue pinstripes on one side and scribbled on the other side.
I frequently print photos when making gift cards, so I thought, "Hey, why not use a photo on the gift bag?" I went to the expectant mother's Facebook photos to search for an ultrasound photo of her unborn baby. Great, I found it! I printed two copies and cut the edges with craft scissors to make them look a little nicer. I then affixed one photo with two super tiny (probably 1/8"x1/8") foam mounting squares, from Michael's Arts and Crafts, in the center of each side of the bag. To top it off, I found some blue ribbon in my ribbon drawer.  I tied two bows and glued one to the top each photo using a Glue Dots brand 1/2" adhesive dot.  Oh yeah, and I finished it with some of that white tissue paper sticking out.  Voila!  A DIY baby shower gift bag!

Apple Gift for Teachers (Sunday School, Speech Therapy, Homeschool Co-op, Etc.)

Okay, so at the last minute, I realized it was the last day of my daughter's speech therapy.  Quick!  Think of an end-of-the-year "thank you" gift!  Let's see...  Hmmm...  I had some nice Pink Lady apples, construction paper, a drawer full of random ribbon and string.  With a little help from Pinterest, this is what I came up with...

Place apple in one gallon 10" x 14" "Great Value" brand twist tie bag from Walmart (available in increments of 100 on Ziploc isle).  Cut leaf shape out of green construction paper for gift tag.  Punch hole in end of leaf.  Write note (e.g. Dear Teacher, You are the apple of my eye! Love, Student) on "leaf."  Tie bow around bag using curling ribbon and jute.  Secure "leaf" to bag with curling ribbon.  Cut top off of bag.

Happy gift making! :)

F is for Flag

E is for Elephant

D is for Duck

Cut out stars for the duck's feet and a heart for the duck's bill!