Hilary Kanwischer

Recycled Valentines Gift Bag...

Hello everyone!  Have you started thinking about Valentines Day?  I can't believe February will be here before we know it!  So to start you off with a fun and quick, Oh....and resourceful Valentines project, I thought I'd show you one you can create in no time.  This is soooo simple, you'll want to make them, not only for Valentines Day, but also for Birthday parties, Teachers, Friends and other Holidays. I used, of all things, a recycled paper tube from a roll of paper towels and I also used Therm O Web's 1/2 inch SuperTape to create this project.  I hope you enjoy!

Below are some directions to help you in creating your own.

First, cut the tube from a paper towel roll to approximately 3 1/2 inches, (or however long you'd like the bag to be).  Then wrap Therm O Web's 1/2 SuperTape around the top of the tube and down the middle of the back.  Lay your tube down on a piece of pink felt and roll the tube using an exacto-knife to trim the excess, and making sure the edges of the felt are secured in the back.  Then pinch the bottom of the tube and machine stitch it closed.  Then to finish the bag, simply embellish with felt flowers, gingham ribbon, a hand-dipped / hand stamped "I love you" tag, lace trim, buttons, twine, and a white glitter heart.  Then fill your tube with chocolate kisses.

I hope you enjoyed this project!!  Have a great week everyone!! ;)

 

No sew Christmas gift bags....

Hi everyone!  Are you all ready for Christmas?  I cannot believe how fast it's approaching, it seems like yesterday I was trick-or-treating with my kids and now I'm wrapping presents, it's just hard to believe.  For my project this month, I thought I would create some very quick, no sew gift bags, and for those of you that know me, know that it's hard to create anything without my sewing machine.  These, however are so sweet and easy to make, you can make a bunch of them in no time, you just need a few ingredients from your stash of supplies.  I used pattern paper from Echo Park, some gingham ribbon, glittered trees, (which are gift tags that I found at Pier 1 Imports), glittered bells, some bakers twine a small circle punch, trim and some chenille and tinsel pipe cleaners.  The Therm O Web adhesives that I used, include SuperTape, Sticky Tape Runner, and 3D Zots, (basically, my standard adhesives when I create anything these days, they are all awesome!).  Below you will find some photos to help you create your own, along with some directions.  I hope you enjoy!

 

Here's how you make them.

First cut 2 pieces of pattern paper 5 1/2 x 11, score and fold.  Then using Therm O Web's 1/4 inch SuperTape, tape along each side, and another small piece on the top of the other edge, remove the red layer, add a pipe cleaner and press down.  (Don't tape the top however, don't laugh, I've done it before!!).  Then using a small circle punch punch a notch out in the top of your gift bag.  After completing these steps, it's just a matter of embellishing the front of your bag. I diecutted 2 circles from cardstock and pattern paper, used 3D Zots and my Sticky Tape Runner to adhere them to the front of my bag.  Use 3D Zots to adhere the glittered Christmas tree and sentiment, then top with a glittered bell, tied with bakers twine. To finish, adhere a strip of SuperTape around the bag and add trim. When you are finished, fill the gift bag with treats and give to a teacher, a neighbor or a friend.

Below are some photos to help guide you in making your own.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Yummy marshmallow snowmen...

This past weekend, I was up in Tallahassee for our big "family" Christmas, which was a lot of fun, because I hadn't seen my brothers' or sister or even my mom and Aunt and Uncle for a very long time.  My sister hosted the event and what a great turnout we had.  The house was bustling with kids of all ages, (including myself...haha), and the weather was cool and crisp, (something we don't get to experience very often here in S. Florida).  So because I was going to be surrounded by numerous nieces and nephews, I wanted to make them a yummy treat, in addition to the Sundae Crunch Cookies and homeade fudge that I slaved over the night before, so I thought I'd try my hand at some fluffy marshmallow snowmen, and I have to admit...I think they turned out rather cute.  Totally easy to make, all you need are marshmallows, chocolate chips and kisses, strawberry fruit roll-ups, pretzel sticks, royal icing and toothpicks to keep the marshmallows together.  I then sprinkled the plate with shaved coconut, created a "North Pole" candy cane sign, and stuck a bottle brush tree in the middle to create a north pole paradise.  I hope you enjoy!!  They sure did!!! Before I had a chance to grab my camera and photograph them eating them up, they were already devoured, so enjoy the "before" pics.  

Have a merry week and thanks for stopping by! ;)

Winter Wonderland...

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I could create Christmas decor all year long and really never tire of it, it just brings me joy! So for my project today, I created this sweet little Winter Wonderland scene, on top of a wooden block, complete with a picket fence, snowflakes, a flying reindeer, a white bottle brush tree, snow and glitter. I used several different types of adhesives from Therm O Web, including my favorite, SuperTape, and 3D Zots and also, Super Stik permament glue stick.  This was very easy to make, you just need a few different items from your stash.  I used a small wooden block, (about 3x3), papers and chipboard embellishments from Cosmo Cricket's "Mitten Weather" collection, a small bottle brush tree from Melissa Frances, glitter letters from K&Company, tinsel ribbon and a white wooden picket fence from my craft store, buttons, SnowTex snow, and chunky glitter from Martha Stewart. I hope you enjoy!

Here is how I made my block.  Measure sides of block and cut pattern paper to fit all sides.  Then using your SuperTape, tape all the sides, including the top, peel the top red layer off, then lay your papers down.  When all sides are completed, lightly sand edges for a perfect fit, then distress the corners with distressing ink if you so desire.  Adhere a wooden picket fence to the back of the block, using hot glue.  Adhere bottle brush tree to the center using a 3D Zot.  Then adhere snowflakes to the fence and block using SuperTape.  Using the SuperStik glue stick, adhere "Joy" letters to the front, then adhering smaller snowflakes to the bigger ones using 3D Zots.  Wrap tinsel ribbon to the bottom of the block adhering it with 1/4 inch SuperTape.  Then to finish of your project add SnowTex snow to the sides of the block, fences, snowflakes and reindeer, and finally sprinkle glitter on the snow before it dries, shaking off the excess.  Below are some examples of how I used the different adhesives.

I hope this project inspires you to create your own little Winter Wonderland block.

Vintage Christmas tags with red, glittered bells...

I absolutely loved these tags when I first saw them on Beatriz Jennings' Etsy shop and instantly had to have them. I've been waiting for a chance to use them and when I signed up for a Christmas tag swap, I knew right away, these were the ones I was going to use.  I simply downloaded the tags, printed them out, inked the edges, and added a white scalloped border on the edge.  For the tops of the tags, I added red gingham ribbon, red glittered bells and bakers twine.  To finish them, I stamped "to" and "from" with black ink and added a vintage epoxy charm in the bottom corner. I hope you enjoy! ;)

here are some close-ups...

And to include in the swap, a little gift for Gloria who was gracious enough to host the swap.  I wrapped up one of my handmade gingerbread, and wrapped it up with a mint-chocolate candy cane.  

I hope you enjoyed this little project.  They were ultra-fun to make.  :)

 

Creating a Christmas Catchall...

With the Holiday Season in full bloom, I thought I would share a fun Christmas project with you.  I'm sure many of you have already started with Christmas projects and this one is, as usual, very easily adaptable to fit any Holiday or Season.  I think I may use this to store my Christmas cards this year, I never seem to know what to do with them when they arrive in the mail, and throw them away??? NO WAY!!  So this little Catch-All will be perfect to hold those wonderful cards that grace me during December.  This is very easy to make, but I can't take full credit for the actual design of the Catch-All, that came from Linda Albrecht, I just altered it for Christmas.  I hope you enjoy! :)

here is the side view...

First I used a scalloped chipboard shape from Melissa Frances, then using heavy chipboard I cut 2 more pieces, one 5x7, (for the front), and one 2 1/2x7. You'll then want to cut the 2 1/2x7 in half on the diagonal, (these will be your side pieces). Cover all the chipboard pieces with pattern paper using Therm O Web's 1/2 inch SuperTape for the scalloped piece and Sticky Tape Runner for the rest of the pieces.  Lay all the pieces in front of you so you can begin to see the design, then embellish the front piece with buttons, trim, rub-ons, crepe paper, vintage tinsel, Christmas bells, pinecones and sprigs and of course a little candy cane.  Also, be sure to add a diecut sentiment, popping it with 3D Zots.

Below are some photos to help you create your very own.

To finish, adhere all the sides together using hot glue and let dry.  Poke or punch 2 holes in top corner and thread a length of heavy gauge wire through the holes twisting up and around to secure.

I hope you enjoyed this little project and I hope it inspires you to create one of your own.

Thanksgiving is in the air...

Hello everyone!  Can you believe Thanksgiving is a mere 3 weeks away?  Where has the time gone and is it really November already?  All I can say is, "Wow"!!!  Time really does fly!  Anyway, as Thanksgiving approaches I've decided to create a card to celebrate the day, and if you are hosting on that special day, I've also made some place cards for your holiday table and a small gift box to hold a small little gift just for saying, thank you for coming.  I hope these projects inspire you to create a more "handmade" holiday.  All of these projects were created using my favorite adhesives from Therm O Web, 3D Zots and Sticky Tape Runner.  I hope you enjoy!

When I made the gift box, I first painted a chipboard tag and a paper mache round gift box with Magnolia White Acrylic Paint from Delta.  Then when the pieces were dried, I sanded the edges, distressed them with Vintage Photo Distressing Ink to give them a rustic look.  I wanted to keep the theme neutral so I stamped the images with the same distressing ink, then cut them out.  Adhering them was easy, I simply used the Sticky Tape Runner to adhere the images to the tag, then for added dimension, I used 3D Zots.   For the place cards and Thanksgiving card I used the same adhesives in basically the same way, adhering first your images, then popping them with dimension.

Have a wonderful, handmade Thanksgiving!! :)

Halloween Candy Cone...

This is such a fun project to make and you can easily alter this to fit any occasion, whether it be a Holiday, a Birthday or a sweet little gift to brighten a day. Make sure you use a very strong adhesive so your papers and embellishments don't fall off when you hand this over to your recipient. :) I used Therm O Web's, Super Tape and 3D Zots for my Halloweeen Candy Cone. Below you will find some helpful instructions when it comes to making your own.

and here are a few close ups for you to enjoy...

Here are some helpful instructions for making your own cone. First purchase a paper mache cone at a craft supply store. Place a 12x12 sheet of pattern paper print side down on your table and using a pen, roll and trace your cone to make a template and cut out. Using Thermo O Web's Super Tape, place tape along the top and bottom of cone and along side one edge of your paper, then carefully adhere your paper to the cone.

To make a paper rosette, simply trim a strip of paper 1 1/4 x 12, and score every 1/4 inch or so, then accordian fold the entire length. On one end, apply a strip of Therm O Web's Super Tape and join the ends together. Using a scrap piece of cardstock adhere the flower down. Ahere a Therm O Web 3D Zot to the front and add a super cute cat sticker to the front. Using another piece of Super Tape on the back, as shown below, adhere the rosette to your cone.

To finish the cone, apply a strip of Therm O Web 1/4 inch Super Tape around the top and bottom of the cone, and adhere crepe paper trip trim. Using a small dab of hot glue, glue a rusty bell to the bottom and an orange and black pipe cleaner for the handle. Fill cone with confectionary delights and sit back and admire what you made. Make sure you make one extra of these if you plan to give them away, because you'll want to keep one for yourself. I hope you enjoyed this fun little project. :)

Briar Rose

I love, love, love this new Fall kit from Cupcards {to go}!  It has sooo many beautiful papers and embellishments you'll use every inch of kit for your designs.  Make sure you check out the gallery here to see many more ideas from the ultra-talented Design Team.  Enjoy!!!  Below are my designs.  :)

I hope you enjoyed!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!!! ;)

For your trick-or-treaters...

As if Halloween isn't fun already with all the costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, imagine how fun it would be to receive a treat in a cool little treat bag! ;)  This was really simple to make.  I used just a plain 'ol kraft gift-bag with handles, and trimmed off the bottom then sewed around the edges.  Then just spritzed it with some glimmer mist, and embellished it with some fun papers, crochet trim, tags, downloaded images from Iralamija, rub-ons from Stampin Up!, and one big 'ol white button.  :)  I adhered everything down with my favorite sticky tape runner from Therm O Web.  Enjoy! ;)

Fill this little treat bag up with some old fashioned, flavored candy sticks and your recipient will thankyou forever!!!  Yummy!!! ;)

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great week! ;)

Birthday goods...

I recently made some Birthday cards and goods for someone very special to me and for about 3 weeks, I thought they had been lost in the mail, but somehow...luckily...they made it to Australia and into the hands of my TJ.  I had a lot of fun making these and except for the little fact that these are a little on the feminine side, I don't think he minded.  :)  I used papers and digital downloads from Iralamija, crochet trim, twill, buttons, hand-dipped walnut inked tags, glitter, distressing ink, paint, chipboard, rub ons, and my favorite sticky tape runner from Therm O Web.  I hope you enjoy! ;)

Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day everyone! ;)

Halloween Treat Bags...

I soooo love Halloween!!!  Everyone who knows me, knows I do, so creating Halloween goodies this time of year is one of my favorite things to do.  I made these little treat bags, (or gift bags), from a Sissix die from Stampin Up!, papers from Pink Paislee, (and I need to order more, cuz I love this line and I'm almost out, oh noooo!) :)  I also used digital download images from Iralamija, tinsel ribbon, buttons, twine and floss, and Super Tape and Sticky Tape from Therm O Web, (that's the best adhesive ever and believe me, you'll want to use really strong adhesive for these projects so your treat bags don't fall apart).  :)  I hope you enjoy! :)

here are some close ups...

Oh and I couldn't resist a close up of this little guy...these are soooo yummy!!! (he won't last long in my house)!! LOL!!! ;)

Thanks so much for stopping on by!  Have a great week everyone!! ;)

Primitive Halloween Clay Pumpkin Head Ornaments...

I swear I could make ornaments every day of the year and never, ever lose interest.  :)  I just love making them soooo much!  So this time, I decided to take out my clay and make some more.  I adore primitive Halloween decorations so I made a bunch of these little primitive pumpkin heads.  I used oven bake clay from Sculpey, acrylic paints, antique medium and some heavy gauge wire for the hangers.  I hope you enjoy! :) 

Thankyou all so much for stopping by!  Have a great week!! :)

Little vintage Halloween candy boxes...

Hey...did you all know that candy corns are one of my all-time favorite candies???  I love em'!!!  So when I see them in the stores, it can only mean one thing....Halloween is coming!!! Yeah!!!  And...did you all know that I am totally, crazy, in love with Beatriz Jennings' digital downloads too??? I have created yet another project using her yummy digitals, (which you can find here), in these little vintage-style matchbox, Halloween candy boxes.  I also used pattern paper from Pink Paislee and sticky & super adhesive tapes from Therm O Web.  The diecut I used for this project is from Stampin Up!.  I hope you all enjoy! :)

I think they turned out super-cute and I hope to make a ton more to give out on Halloween.  Thanks so much for stopping by everyone, have a great week.  :)

Vintage style Halloween ornaments...

Yeah!!!  It's time to start crafting for one of my favorite holidays, Halloween!!! :)  And for those of you that know me....you know I LOVE to make ornaments, and Halloween is no exception!  :)  I found these digital images on Beatriz Jennings' Etsy shop and if you'd like your own, just click on the her name and it'll bring you to her site.  I'm addicted to them! :)  Anyway, I found them to be the perfect size for these cute little Halloween ornaments.  In addition to using her digital die cuts, I also used; foam board, tinsel ribbon, and black & white satin ribbon.  These were so super easy to make and I made about 9 of them in just under an hour.  I hope you enjoy!! ;) 

I hope you enjoy!  Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great week everyone.  :)

Boutique...

Hello everyone.  I'm sorry it has taken me a while to post my July designs for Cupcards {to go}.  This kit has sold out on the day it debuted, and for obvious reason...it's gorgeous!!!  The July kit is called, "Boutique" and you can see all the designs in the gallery just by clicking here.  I had a lot of fun with this kit so below are my designs and I hope you enjoy them.  :) 

For this next project, Sonda sent me a blank canvas album and told me to do something with it.  LOL! :) She was actually very sweet about it.  Anyway, after looking at it for quite some time, I decided just to make a small mini album with it.  I sprayed the canvas first with Key Lime Glimmer Mist then stitched papers onto the pages and adorned it with photos and embellishments.  I hope you enjoy! 

I hope you enjoyed everything.  Thanks so very much stopping by and have a great week!! ;)

Little wooden, 4th of July Firecrackers...

I think they look like little mini firecrackers huh? Anyway, they are made with wooden spools, papers from Websters and Bo Bunny, heavy gauge wire, german glass glitter, stamps, and glass beads. I decopaged the papers to the spools and inked around the edges. Stars were punch then covered with glitter, flags were stamped and beads were added to the wires. Becky Shander made a different version of these as place settings in the newest issue of Somerset Life. Enjoy!!! ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great week everyone! :)

Gratitude...

Just a quick little card to show you before I send it off....The girls on the Therm O Web Design Team have decided to send some cards off to our service men and women oversees to thank them for their courage and dedication.  This is all part of Scrapbook etc's "Craft it Forward" program, and to find more about that just click here.  So this is my card to show my appreciation and I hope it brings a smile to a soldier.  I hope you enjoy.  :)

For this card I used papers from Websters and Bo Bunny and embellishments from Bo Bunny as well, rub ons from Melissa Frances, buttons, cardstock and twine from Papertrey Ink, digital downloads from Iralamija, (Etsy), paper flag, trim from Jo-Ann's and ink from Ranger.  

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a great weekend.  :)

"Cherish Every Moment" crafting kit and some very exciting news...

I had a lot of fun with this kit.  Amy, from Frost it Pink, put together some great embellishments and papers for me to create with and I hope you enjoy what I came up with.  This kit is now available to purchase here, though you will need some extras that are not included.  Instructions for each project come with your kit and there actually is soooo much included, you will have tons left over for additional projects of your own.  

The next project, this little mini-teacup album is included with your kit, and I had soooo much fun putting this together.  The photo's are of my ultra-adorable little niece, Rebekah.  She let me take lot's of fun photos of her while I was in Vermont last year.  :)

And as promised some very exciting news!!  I have made the Therm-o-Web Design Team!!  I was sooooo excited to get the email the other night.  And wait till you see the list of talent that will be joining the team as well.  Some of the girls, I worked with before, and others I've admired from afar, and I simply cannot wait to get started with one of the best manufacturers on the market.  Here are blog links to the other girls who made the team:

Stephanie Barnard  Melissa Bullock  Rachel Carlson  Sesil Carlson  Jennifer Cowles  Daniela Dobson  Vanessa Goertzen  Alice Golden  Rebecca Keppel  Brianne Nevill  Heather Preckel  Debbie Sherman  Pat Sloan  Tammy Tutterow  Erin Yamabe

Congratulations everyone, I can't wait to work with you all.  :)  

Thankyou all so much for stopping by!  Have a great week!  :)