Appreciation Gifts:Flower Pen Tutorial

Last week was teacher appreciation week - and although I didn't get this tutorial up in time, I did get my oldest son's teacher a present on time! (Clapping and cheering from the moms out there with 3+ kids!) So, what did I make? Well, after scouring the internet, I stumbled upon Skip to my Lou's "Teacher Appreciation Ideas" and I was inspired by Somewhat Simple's Candy Gram Bucket of Fun....but I didn't have any candy, and I wanted to use a coffee mug. So....I whipped this up instead:

And believe me, if I can do it, you can, too! The best part is you don't have to wait until next teacher appreciation week to make one of these cool gifts....it would make a great Thank You gift for anyone! You could even make one for yourself, or make one for your church or school office...the possibilities are endless.  So, on with the tutorial (not that you really need one, it's pretty simple!

Flower Pen Tutorial:

What you'll need:

Container for "flower pens" (I used a cute Paula Deen mug I got at Michael's for $2!)

Artificial Flowers (I bought a cluster of 5-6 for $1.99)

Floral Tape

Pens (the retractable kind work best)

Mug "filler": I used coffee beans since it was a coffee mug and I had some that I was saving for just this project, you could also use sand (beach theme), split peas (a pretty green!), kidney beans, black beans, small pebbles or smooth glass stones

Directions:

1. Gather supplies.

2. Cut flowers from the "bunch". Leave stems as long as possible.

3. Hold Stem and Pen together, and then wrap with floral tape starting from mid-pen (where bottom of stem is). Continue wrapping floral tape around pen until you reach the top of the pen. When you are at top, wrap around a couple times to secure. Repeat for remaining pens.

4. Fill Mug 3/4 with your "filler". Place pens inside mug and arrange to your liking.

5. Fill the rest of the mug!

6. Embellish outside, if you want: tie a ribbon around it, attach a note, or attach a flag to a pen with your note: "Thank you, Teacher!"

Tuesday Tip: Meal Planning, again!

I've addressed meal planning already, but not many people took me up on my FREE offer! I spent too much time on this beautiful planner to let you miss out on it, so here it is again:

Meal Planning is a frontier that a novice mommy rarely entertains. But not YOU, you wise and thrifty, mom of 2+ kids with cheerios on your floor and a pile of laundry at your feet, you know better. You know that a little meal planning goes a long way in helping to fight the dinner doldrums and angry mobs of children who don't want to eat peas and carrots again.

So, in the spirit of sharing, I'm going to let you in on my secret meal-planning weapon. A Meal-planning worksheet that makes it sooooo simple to look like a kitchen pro! I made it myself, because I like things cute, and functional, and I couldn't find anything else on the web that suited my purposes. If you do use it, please leave a comment, or link back to me.

Download it here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/54725424

Made by Me Monday: Felt Bookmarks

Obviously, I've been on a felt kick for quite some time now. I made these cute little bookmarks for some church girls who are near and dear to my heart. Each one is personalized (with their initials on one side, and a picture that symbolizes them on the other).

They are quite simple to make - super easy if you are looking for a last-minute gift!

What you'll need

Felt Scraps in assorted colors

Embroidery Thread (I use the thread used for friendship bracelets)

Embroidery Needle

Ribbon in assorted width

Sewing machine (optional)

Pattern for picture (if you aren't good at winging it!)

Directions

1. Cut 2 shapes from felt for the background of the bookmark. The size I used was about 2 in. square. Cut 2 smaller pieces of felt for bottom of bookmark. (Use any shape, I used a square, star, heart & triangle on mine). Cut a piece of ribbon that is about 8-10 inches long (thin ribbon is fine, but I personally like the way the thicker ribbon looks).

2. Applique (by hand probably is easiest, but you can machine, sew, too if you're patient!) a design on one piece of felt and an initial (or initials) on other piece of felt.

3. Assemble: Sandwich ribbon between larger pieces of felt - you can add some permanent fabric glue to help the ribbon stay, but it probably isn't necessary. Do the same thing with smaller pieces of felt at bottom

4. Sew outer edges of large felt pieces (Hand or Machine), then sew smaller pieces together at bottom.

5. Give your bookmark to it's lucky recipient! (Or keep it for yourself, I won't tell!)

Friday Blog Hop!

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Tutorial Thursday: Meal Planning

Meal Planning is a frontier that a novice mommy rarely entertains. But not YOU, you wise and thrifty, mom of 2+ kids with cheerios on your floor and a pile of laundry at your feet, you know better. You know that a little planning goes a long way in helping to fight the dinner doldrums and angry mobs of toddlers who don't want to eat peas and carrots again.

So, in the spirit of sharing, I'm going to let you in on my secret meal-planning weapon. A Meal-planning worksheet that makes it sooooo simple to look like a kitchen pro! I made it myself, because I like things cute, and functional, and I couldn't find anything else on the web that suited my purposes. If you do use it, please leave a comment, or link back to me.

Download it here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/54725424

Enjoy!

Thrifty Tuesday: Fabric & Yarn Steals!

Score! I wasn't even planning on going on a Thrift-Store Treasure hunt today, but L had a dentist appointment, so I was out already, and happened upon the Opportunity House Thrift store. Wonderful place, friendly people, and great finds. I scooped up some fabric, a few pillowcases and a duvet cover with a cool pattern (I'm thinking apron!)....and some vintage Rug Yarn - a whole bag for $2.50! Since I've just started crocheting and knitting, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the yarn, but they will add to my growing "stash!"

I also picked up a really cute mug (to replace my 3 other short-lived ceramic mugs!)...and some other little toys for the boys.

What kind of treasures have you found?

Made by Me Monday: Custom Coffee Cuff

Coffee "cuffs" are not a new idea, and in fact, I was inspired by Lauren Coughlan, who made them for last year's Batten's Boutique (www.bdrsa.org to read about this debilitating children's disease). They were just too adorable not to make some for myself and a few friends who requested some customizing. By the way, Lauren is Noah Coughlan's sister, who is currently about halfway into his cross-country RUN to raise Batten Disease awareness. You can follow his journey here: http://site1.battenjourney.com/

The idea is simple, a reusable coffee "cuff" so you don't have to waste those flimsy cardboard ones at your favorite coffee shop - be the envy of other coffee cups! Inside is insulator-material, and it closes with a simple elastic and button.