::THANK YOU KRISTIN::

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::Fabulous Valentine's Day Gift Ideas::

Hello Everybody!

Here are some fabulous DIY gift ideas that you can make for your Valentine that personal and sweet!

TEA BAG TAGS: Remove tea bag tag carefully. Cut two matching hearts or other Valentine's themed shapes out of a sturdy paper such as card stock. Write a sweet message and trim the edge with glitter glue if desired. Put glue on the back of one of the hearts and place the strng on it then place the second heart on. Think of this as a string sandwich with the hearts/shapes acting as the bread! Enclose one in a Valentine's card to a favorite friend or relative, or make a box of of them for your tea time sweetie.



HEIRLOOM PHOTO PLATES: Buy a clear glass plate in a size and color of your choice. Next, make a photocopy of a favorite photo. Spread a collage glue such as Modge Podge over picture and place face down on center of plate back. Smooth out any bubbles (you could use a bone folder). Let dry this dry completely. Next, spread another coat of Modge Podge all over the back of the plate. Layer tissue paper over the entire surface. Smooth and tap down removing any air bubbles. For a lighter background, layer white or light colored paper down first and for a darker background, use darker papers. Experiment with different shades, shapes, or patterns with strips of different hues. When dry, trim the edges with a craft knife or sharp scissors. Now you are ready to seal your work. We set out sheets of newspaper and placed full soda cans on the paper on which to balance the plates. Place the plates face down on the cans and spray the backs with a sealer and let them dry completely. Don't stack the plates for a few days to make sure they are really well cured, you don't want them to stick together! Even though the plates have been sealed, don't put them in the dishwasher or in a bucket of suds. Spot clean with moistened paper towels and gently towel dry. These plates are best for things like chocolates or chocolate dipped strawberries. Voila!



VEGGIE ROSE STAMPS: When you think of Valentine's Day, you always think of roses. Here is a clever, inexpensive, and easy rose stamp idea for all your paper goods! It's perfect to stamp roses on cards, envelopes, love letters, gift tags, etc. Take a head of Radicchio, fresh Brussels Sprouts, or even Romaine Lettuce found at your local supermarket produce department. Rinse them and dry them completely. Using a very sharp knife, trim the veggie a few inches from the stem, be sure to make sure the cut is even and level. Next, wrap a rubber band around the leaves to hold the veggie together while you use it. Press the cut side onto a stamp pad and stamp onto your paper. You should have a nice rose shape. Blot on paper towels between presses.

::HAPPY HOLIDAYS::

From our family to yours!

Create Your Own Snow Globe

Try this quick and simple idea to make your own personalized snow globes at home!

1.) Pick out a jar with a screw top.

2.) Take the lid and sand the inside so that glue will stick.

3.) Glue a figurine or whatever else fits to the inside of the lid. Set aside and let it completely dry.

4.) Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, a pinch (or more) of glitter, and a few drops of glycerin (available a drugstores).

5.) Apply a ring of glue to the mouth of the jar and screw the lid on tightly. Let dry completely.

6.) Turn over and voila! A snow globe!

Fast Festive Napkin Rings

Here are two ideas to add a little holiday cheer to your cloth napkins.

1.) Slide your napkins thru holiday cookie cutters.

2.) Glue minature ornaments to wide velvet ribbon and create a loop (glue the ends of the ribbon together) to slip your napkin thru.

After the holidays, you can store your napkin rings on an empty cardboard paper towel tube!

::Sugared Fruit Feast::

Add a festive touch to your holiday tablescape with fabulous sugared fruit! Here's how:

1. Gather small pieces of fruit, such as Seckel pears, lady apples, and grapes.

2. Prepare powdered egg whites according to the package's directions. Brush apples and pears with whites and roll in course sanding sugar; shake off excess. Let dry on parchment-covered sheet pans for 3 hours. Store at room temperature in a non-humid environment for up to 24 hours.

Holiday Centerpiece Idea

Here is a great idea for a quick and festive holiday centerpiece with items you have lying around the house. Collect a few glass vessels. We used a small cylindrical vase, an over sized martini glass, and an unused trifle bowl. Next we gathered up all the left over glass Christmas balls that didn't make it on the tree. Next, we filled each of the vessels with ornaments. Finally, we arranged the trio on a circular silver place mat to add a modern touch. See what you have laying around the house and have fun being creative!