Another Dollar Store Discovery

Last week I hurried into the Dollar General store located near my daughter's home. Inside the door was a display with some exceptionally beautiful cards, note pads and packages of 20 gift tags. They are from the "The New Grace Collection" company. I must admit there are many times that I visit the Dollar Stores, and leave empty handed. This time I did not. I purchased packs of these "thank you cards", although they do not say thank you on them which works for me. I can use them to send any message that I want to express. When I brought them home, I removed the outside packaging paper.

Then I took my wonderful "Quickie Glue Pen", which is a staple in my home. It can be purchased inexpensively from any craft store, and my small, never ending container of FINE glitter, from the Martha Stewart collection at Walmart, and proceeded to embellish my already beautiful stationery.

I added light touches to the flower centers, and sprinkled them with glitter(I wish it would be clearer on the picture). I allowed them to dry for an hour, and I was done. To the other pack of note cards, I used touches of the pen and glitter to the butterfly and the centers of the purple flowers on the envelopes. Why do I do this? Just because I think the touches of this fine glitter add so much to already finished paper products. The little glue pen and glitter last for a long time, but for me they are used so often. I use the fine glitter because I only like light touches of glitter.

To complete my project, I put each pack of note cards in clear cellophane bags(from the paper store), tied a matching pen in with a coodinating colored bow. Now, I will put these away to use when the need arises...hostess gift, small birthday gift, thinking of you....or whatever.

I wanted to show you these adorable packs of 20 gift tags that were on the same display area. Think how pretty they would look tied on a bag of cookies, or tied with ribbon on any package. I referred to these when I did my lunches in a box. They are one of the Dollar General purchases that I made that really excited me, because of their uniqueness and beauty. I am aware that it is hit or miss with the Dollar store adventures, but I thought you might enjoy seeing one of my recent "hits".

A Bouquet of Well Wishes

Early last evening I had the opportunity to visit a new, improved, and larger store in our area called "Tuesday Morning". I understand from talking to one of the ladies at the store, that they have locations throughout the United States. I find it to be quite a fascinating store containing many items that are unique and they offer a huge variety of products. When I walked in the door I noticed on the one shelf many tied clusters of real looking, faux flowers. I purchased one of clusters for 10.00. Now, first of all I will always favor real, from the garden flowers. In the summer I am always cutting bouquets and having them in my home or giving them away. But, these looked fairly real, and I knew that I had three old milk bottles that I had purchased for .50 each at a flea market, last fall. I brought this one cluster home, divided it into three clusters, added water to my milk bottles(at first due to the colorings on the stems, the water turns slightly green, so let the flowers stand in it for a few minutes...empty the water and add clear).

So, here are my three bouquets of flowers...ready to be given to people that I know are going through some rough things right now. Like one of the friends is having an unexpected biopsy, and the others are struggling with other painful issues. I thought they just might be blessed with the thought that someone is thinking of them, and this is almost as inexpensive of a way as dropping them a card. It is just an idea that came to me because bouquets of well wishes are always meaningful.

I folded a large unlined index card in half, and used my stamp and ink to make a simple card. I keep stacks of the unlined cards and often use them with ink and clear stamps to make cards. Easy to write messages in the inside too.

I found this pretty floral tin at this store also, for 2.00. It will be filled with cookies or peanut crunch, for a birthday or a thinking of you gift. Thought I'd share these fun finds with you, just in case you need any small gifts, or want to brighten your kitchen counter.

The "Very Fashionable" Grandma's Apron

A month or so ago, I was having a lengthy talk with my sister-in-law. You see, we are now both empty nesters. We are at a point in our lives where we, like many of you, are looking for new direction, and new avenues of interest. She, my dear sister-in-law is one of the most talented, creative and skilled people that I know. Her mother is a seamstress, and passed the ability onto her daughter. For years she won awards in the local 4-H clubs, sewing beautiful outfits, modeling them in fashion shows, and receiving compliments every time she would wear them. The workmanship was always perfectly done. As her children were growing up, she made them clothing that resembled those purchased at expensive boutiques. As the children became teenagers, her sewing skills were put on the back burner. Soccer games, basketball games, transporting children, many parties of teenagers became the norm. Those years are past now. At this empty nest stage, I suggested that she should somehow, in some capacity, resume the sewing skills.

Both of us grew up with mothers and grandmas that wore aprons in the kitchen. Both of us love to bake, cook and have people to our homes for meals. I told her that she should create an apron that we would feel comfortable wearing for the evening, when having guests to our homes. Well...that conversation took place as I said, about a month or two ago. Last week I went to her home, only to discover that she had run with the idea...and did she ever run!! Look at these GORGEOUS aprons and matching tea towels that she created. I was speechless!! Who wouldn't want to wear one of these? The workmanship is so meticulously done, the colors are so perfectly coodinated, and the patterns that she chose(or in some cases made up on her own), are so very flattering! What would our Grandmas say if they saw these aprons? Oh, they would have been so very excited to wear something so beautiful.

I ordered these from her, and it just so happens that I am a black and white person. That is why I chose all of the black and white ones that she had made. She also made ten other ones that are equally as outstanding, in many different colors and patterns. Some vintage, some more contempory and some that resemble beautiful pastel sundresses. I cannot tell you how impressed and amazed I was when I visited her home last week and saw what she had produced in such a short amount of time. I will tell you now why I ordered the three aprons that I did. First of all, I wanted to be the one to give her the first order of aprons. I decided to use these for my three pay-it-forward gifts that I am committed to in this blogging world. These three aprons and the coodinating tea towels, will be sent out to the three women that I owe the pay-it-forward gifts to. She will be featuring these aprons in gift shops in our area, and I know for a fact that any women who gets one, will wear it proudly. "Aprons by Julia" came to be.

Pens and Marbles

Thanks to the Dollar Tree, I now have this fun pen holder in my kitchen. Details for this are included below.

I had a jar of old marbles. I read that they work in holding pens and pencils. I used this glass container, filled it half full with marbles, and it served as an effective, vintage looking pen holder.

Another idea I tried, is to take a painted flower pot, add the marbles, decorate with a glued ribbon, flower and pearl and added the pens.

My dollar store purchase, which was made to help eliminate the inconvenience of needing a pen and not being able to locate one. I found this black and white picture holder at the Dollar Tree. I hot glued four marbles to the bottom of the holder. I cut out four photos and inserted them, glued a black and white dotted ribbon, and it was completed. This could also be a fun gift for a student or a friend at work. If photos were not available, you could use verses or quotes in each photo section. The colorful pens were purchased at the Dollar Tree, six in a pack. For some reason, when Spring arrives, I find myself on an organizational binge in my home.

Centerpiece and Favors For A Special Birthday Party

Many times over the years, I have received requests from family and friends, to create centerpieces and favors for special event parties. I really enjoy this type of thing, and find it quite challenging to create and color coordinate, while all the time trying to keep the price at a minimum. For the centerpiece of this particular party, I used one of my white ironstone pitchers. I filled it with real looking blue hydrangea stems that I found in the floral section of The Burlington Coat Factory. I would much prefer real hydrangeas, but this just is not the right time of year, especially if one is attempting to keep the cost low. I did consider it a compliment when the Birthday girl asked if I bought the hydrangeas at market that morning? I am amazed at how real looking some of the faux flowers are today. This party was held in a private room of a restaurant. The linen tablecloth was white, the napkins were a soft blue and white, which is why I went with this choice of centerpiece and favors. It was for 10 women. The birthday girl has a somewhat flambuoyant personality, and loves colors and flowers.

In my small bread pans, I baked loaves of chocolate chip, banana bread. I put each on in a clear cellophane bag, and then wrapped it in a white 100% cotten tea towel. I had purchased a pack of 10 tea towels one time at Marshalls, for $7.99. It was a great deal for such nice quality tea towels.

I took one of the hydrangea stems and cut it into small pieces. I wrapped the bread enclosed in cellophane, in a tea towel, wrapped the darker blue ribbon around it, added a small piece of the hydrangea flower, and a wallet sized photo of the birthday girl, that I glued onto a card tag. For this feature I took a flattering photograph of the birthday girl, scanned it into 10 wallet size photos. Sometimes I ask for baby photos and a recent photo and alternate those on the favors. I cut them up and glued them onto the tags, and tied it along with the flowers. The photos always add an indiviual touch to the favors. This was a simple, inexpensive way to add personalization and pizazz to a fun celebration for a special person.

The Gift That Takes A Week To Open

If you ever happen to find yourself in a situation where you want to give a gift to someone who has a long hospital stay, or is attending college far from home, or is moving cross country, and you are unsure what to give, this may be an idea for you. At a local pharmacy you purchase a plastic pill case with the days of the week printed on it. You will find that there are many different sizes of these cases, but I prefer the bigger ones. They are only a dollar or two. Pictured above, is how I took one of these simple, plastic containers and dressed it up for giving.

I first of all chose a color scheme, purchased two colors of tissue paper, and a pack of attractive stickers. I cut 4x4 squares of tissue to fill each of the compartments with. Then I cut pieces of tissue paper the size of each small lid, and glued each piece to the lids with a glue stick. I added a sticker on top of each lid, and the shell of the project was complete. How quickly the transformation was made!!

Now I have the fun of filling each compartment with little gifts for the person that I have in mind. Each day they will be able to open a lid and find something special from you, to remind them of your love and thoughts for them. Above, I have pictured a few of the gifts I use; a beautifully beaded book thong from Border's Books, a tiny coffee decorated card with money inside for a coffee drink at Starbuck's (or wherever), in some compartments I fold papers with messages from my heart to them (such as verses, letters, poems...), small packs of candy(whaterver their preferences), quarters for the laudromat if they are in school, a pair of earrings...the list is endless. What makes this gift unique, is that they open only one lid a day, giving them something to look forward to the next day. When you are far from home, or facing an extended hospital stay, this may help to encourage hearts.

So, there you have it, one simple, plastic pill holder...but filled with love, care and treasures to brighten someone's life. To present this to the recipient, I wrap it in clear cellophane and add a color coordinated bow and a card with instructions on when to start(the upcoming Sunday), and to only open one day at a time!

These Flowers Don't Need Water

Since I have been blogging for almost a year, I am sure some of you have come to realize my true appreciation for photography and for flowers. When the two of them come together as they have many times, I find myself trying to find ways to display them rather than keeping them stored in the "My Pictures" file of my computer. Above, are six gorgeous, up-close photographs of flowers captured by my Uncle's camera and stored in my file. Since" Spring" seems to be just around the corner, I decided to share with you an idea for displaying their beauty. I copied each of the photographs on regular computer paper, into the 4 x 6 inch size.

I took six plastic water bottles from Target.

I cut out each 4 x 6 inch photograph, and glued it on to the uncut end each individual paper, then I cut off the end where the photo had been. I put double sided scotch tape on the two ends of the paper and wrapped it around the plastic water bottle.

I added a bright pink ribbon, cut name tags out of plain white index cards, punched a hole in the top, and tied a drinking straw onto each one. Now I can display the beauty of each of these exquisitely created flowers, whether at one of my casual dinners, at a picnic, a birthday party...however I choose. Whether I choose to use a centerpiece of fresh flowers to compliment these decorated bottles or not, the table will still be brightly decorated . This concept can be used with photos of a loved one, at a birthday party, or photos of any theme you may be using for a party or a picnic. Definitely, an inexpensive, very simple, and quick way to use photographs plus add pizazz to any casual occasion. Just looking at these brilliantly colored flowers makes me so excited for "Spring" and the new growth that will soon begin to break forth.

"Don't Wait!"

I sat through the Memorial Service of a friend recently, and listened as many shared all that this friend meant to them throughout their lives. Kind, heartfelt sharing took place that day, in the quaint looking sanctuary. I thought to myself as I was driving home and feeling the sadness of the morning, if her friends had taken the time to share all of those from-the-heart sentiments with her, while she lived her life on this earth? It served as a perfect reminder to me then and now, to once in a while, let those I love and care deeply about, know it. I have had this happen to me throughout my years here, and I can tell you that it was the best way to turn an ordinary day into an extra-ordinary day...just by a simple message of friendship and love. Is there someone in your life who adds "joy" to your existence? "There are two kinds of people--those who cause happiness WHEREVER they go and those who cause happiness whenever they GO." A small package of "Almond Joy" bars and a note along with it, might just brighten someone's day.

How would you feel if you found this package sitting at your desk, or placed on your bedside table?

Simple note, with a BIG message...taped to his mirror, or their(children or grandchildren's) mirror, or to the mirror of someone very special to you.

A plain wooden sign, purchased at the dollar store, sprayed black and messages of friendship tied to it...one way to let your friends know what their friendship means to you. I took this as a hostess gift when I visited a dear friend's home recently. I just set it on her shelf for her to find after the party was over. All of these are only one of many, many small ways of letting those who are truly special in our lives, know it, before it is too late to tell them. I close on this bitterly cold Saturday morning, with this quote I read one time, "One kind word can warm three winter months". An old Japanese proverb.

More Simple Touches With Rub-ons

A simple white plate from the dollar store, a black stand from the dollar store, and rub-on letters from a stack of rub-on mongrams, in tablet form from the craft store. How very simple and inexpensive. Whatever message you want to create, the letters are there. In this pad there are 320 letters, 8 styles of each of the 26 letters of the alphabet, and embellishments to go with. I washed and dried the plate, cut out the letters that I wanted to use and laid them lightly on the plate. Then I rubbed each letter carefully with provided popsicle stick. I picked out the embellishments I wanted to add and did the same with them. I added the black and white ribbon with a touch of hot glue, a glass votive holder and I now have a display for my foyer table.

Another plate from the dollar store, and a small brass stand from the craft store, and I created this finished plate. The rub-ons I chose to use were from some that I had on hand. I thought the saying was a needed reminder for me, so I will put this in my master bathroom. The hearts were rub-ons, to which I added touches of glitter when I was finished. I added the bow as a finishing touch, although I think I liked it better without, so I might remove it.

This is a white wooden picture frame that I have add on hand for a long time. It was beautiful when it was plain white, but I took it and added this rub-on saying since it was appropriate with the picture of my middle daughter and granddaughter(forgive the glare on the glass). It says" Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feelling warm inside because you're close in heart." I added some touches of pink glitter to the center of each flower. You can see how easily rub-ons can add an extra touch to whatever project you may be working on. At the craft stores there are many Rub-on quote stacks you can purchase, which contain many quotes and sayings which make card creating an easier task. I use rub-ons with glass jars, with boxes, with picture frames, wherever I want lettering that looks more professionally done than my own handwriting. Give them a try and see what you think.

******* And now for a little added bonus to my daily posting******

My new dear blogging friend, Kim (Seasons of My Heart), has kindly involved me in a special "Pay-It-Forward" challenge . I am thrilled to a receiver and can't wait to start creating (and sending!). Kim explained that the first 3 people who left a post would receive something (paying-it-forward) from her...and then we agreed to post this same challenge on our blog. I went ahead and left her a comment. I was the 3rd person to post a comment so now I’ll be receiving a blessing in the mail from her!

Here’s how this works…. the first 3 bloggers to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand-made item from me. Those 3 bloggers promise to post this challenge on their blog (meaning they too will ‘pay-it-forward’, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers that leave a comment on their blog!!) That's a lot of hand-made love being passed around! ; )Here's the part I got really excited about...the gift can be anything you choose and any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item.

A New Nightstand Display

With most of my Christmas decorations put away, I always enjoy looking around my house for things to use to create displays. Since photography is one of my favorite pasttimes, I have collected many miscellaneous photographs over the years, those that did not make it into my photo albums for one reason or another. I also have an array of miscellaneous plates since visiting flea markets and antique malls is another way I enjoy spending free time. I created this display from items I had on hand.

I took this light pink plate and glued it onto an old cream colored plate with "Goop" glue. To cut the photograph into a circle, I found a plastic lid the same size as the circle in the center of the plate. I laid the plastic lid on the back of the photo and copied it with a pencil and cut it out. I glued it on the center of the plate with a permanent stick. I love this picture!! My oldest daughter was 8 years old when her sister was born. She had prayed for a baby sister for 5 years...every night. I remember telling her it would be good to pray for a brother or a sister, but she insisted on praying for a sister. Now, years later, though separated by many miles, they continue to be best friends.

I remember clearly when my middle daughter received her "American Girl Doll" from her Grandma, for Christmas. My mother tried to pick out a doll that resembled each of her granddaughters. I think she did a great job with this match! I remember the hours of time the little girls spent, playing with their treasured dollls. I cut out this photograph the same way as the one above. For the wording, I cut out the words that I wanted to use from my sheets of "Rub-Ons". I have collected several sheets of rub-on words over the last two years. You can find these sheets at most craft and scrapbook stores. It amazes me how easy they are to use and how nice they look on most any surface. The main requirement is that you keep the paper perfectly still while you rub the surface with a popsicle stick(which is included with the sheets). I'd like to find a smaller white stand for this photo. I think the black one is a bit overpowering for this plate.

My youngest daughter was born three years after my middle daughter. She has resembled her dad, and they always had fun clowning around together. His nick name for her, then and now, is "Beanie". I had a smaller white plate which I used for this picture. The plate holders were purchased in different stores through the years, although most craft and dollar stores sell them. It only took an hour of time to complete this display, and now I am off to finish the laundry.

Tonight's Gift Exchange

Tonight is our annual Bible Study Christmas party. Each year we look forward to this special event. We get together, relax, are served dinner, we visit and laugh, and catch up on each other's lives. Following dinner is our gift exchange done in the game style of "now you have it, now you don't...". It is always an interesting and fun way to do a gift exchange. Rules have it, you can take someone's gift from them, but only 3 times, after that, it is yours to keep. Which leads to the purpose of this post. The gift is not to be over $15.00, which addes more challenge to the creating. I know you have seen many beautiful pedestal plates that have been created in the blogging world. This is my version. I purchased a glass pillar candle holder, a white dinner plate and a red bell photo holder, at the "Pottery Barn Outlet". I washed, dried and took off all tags, then glued the glass holder to the bottom of the plate, with my trusty "Goop" glue. It works best for me to turn the plate upside down, put the glue on the edge of the glass candle holder, turn it upside down and adhere to the plate. At this point, I set something heavy on top of the glued upside project, and let it set for 24 hours.

After that time period, I add a paper lace doily, and with a small piece of double sided tape, set the bell photo holder in the center. I made a card using a plain white index card, with a christmas picture from a magazine glued to it. I used my "Merry Christmas" stamp, hot glued some faux holly on it, and added touches of glitter to the card.

I baked my favorite "raisin bran muffins" adding extra chopped walnuts and raisins. I added a red bow around the glass candle holder, and it was complete, and I did it for a bit under the 15.oo. Food gifts are very popular, especially with the holidays approaching. I remember one year working hard to keep the gift I had chosen, of my friend's delicious homemade granola in a old looking glass jar. And another time wanting, but not able to keep an usual purse that my sister-in-law created out of a placemat. You cannot believe how many people tried to take that one home. It is all out of fun and friendship, and evening to look forward too.

Silver Boxes

A few years ago someone dear to me gave me this book. Along with it, she had a small box wrapped in silver, with a sheer white ribbon bow. The contents of this book come back to me, everytime I see my little silver wrapped box. At this time of the year, when schedules are tight, financial decisions regarding Christmas are many, when it seems like demands are being placed on us everywhere we turn, my prayer is...Lord, please remind me of the silver box, and that the words I give to others during this season, are more important than any material gifts can be. As for the book, I do recommend it for your list of books to read, if encouragement is something you need.

This Week's Finds and Feast

I found this set of four breakfast coffee plates, at the "Pottery Barn Outlet" the other day. They sold for 5.99. Being the coffee lover that I am, I was immediately drawn to them. I may keep them and display them in the coffee display area of my kitchen, or I may create some small special gifts with them.

I put the "pecan ball" cookies that my Amish friend baked, added two packs of coffee(although I do not prefer instant coffee), and one of my favorite rubber stamp sayings. I think this would be a perfect gift for a fellow worker, or the lady at the post office, or whoever could use some Christmas cheer.
I found these adorable, perfectly adorned gingerbread people at the checkout of an outstandingly beautiful bakery and tea room downtown. There was a basket of them sitting there just waiting to be purchased. These two were so happy to come home with me. I loved the details on them. The young girl who waited on me, had just graduated from the same pastry chef school that my daughter attends. We had a good time talking about her year of school. Makes me wonder where my daughter will be working in a few months. Speaking of...

...this is what she brought home this week. I have informed all of you that I do not have a sweet tooth. That is not necessarily true...there are certain desserts that do tempt me, and these "out-of-the-world "Cre'me Brulees, were one of them. She said they used torches to get the crunchy effect on top. Wow...they were so delicious!! I must tell you, there are still some in my refrigerator as I post this. Wish you could stop by.

"Festive Confections"

I found these adorable "Festive confections" ornaments, at KMart last week in the Christmas section. They were 2.99, but were 30% off. I think they will be perfect to tie onto boxes of tea, or bags of coffee, that I will give as gifts.

I tied this ornament onto a box of tea. It just adds a decorative touch to an ordinary box of tea, for my tea drinking friends.

I tied this cup on the top of a wrapped tea box, added a tag and a small bauble with a bit of double sided tape.

A few years ago, I found this wire ornament rack at a flea market. Each year I choose different groupings of ornaments to hang on it. I think these confection ornaments look perfect in one area of my kitchen. They also have small green and red kitchen utencil ornaments that would look nice tied onto a plate of muffins or a container of cookies.