Vanilla Bottle Labels 2013

I realize that this is just a little late, (wink, wink) but I never got around to posting it back when I made my vanilla labels because there was too much going on. I had wanted to experiment with making my own vanilla extract for at least a year and I finally decided to make some for Christmas gifts. Making the vanilla was easy, as was making the labels. I created the label design using My Digital Studio and then printed them onto sticker paper. As I said, they were oh-so-easy to make. To me, they seemed to have sort of a vintage feel and I love how they turned out! Everyone loved receiving them as gifts.  :-)   Please note that ALL supplies listed below are digital. Thanks for visiting!

Stamps: Meant to Be Designer Kit (Flourish Background), Label This Kitchen Designer Kit (Vanilla Extract), and Frames with a Flourish (Frame 4)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Early Espresso Cardstock Mat
Accessories & Tools: Non-Sup! ribbon

Better Late Than Never

I'm sure that many of you have already seen these "Rag Bags" all over the internet, but I've just now gotten around to making one. I've wanted to make one for a while but to be honest, my sewing machine has been buried in my craft room. For those of you who aren't familiar with these, this bag uses the Scallop Square Die to make the squares. It actually has two handles, but the other handle is hanging over the back side of the bag, so it's not visible in this photo. I found the instructions on Angie Kennedy Juda's blog. Some of the bags I've seen are made with the raw edges on the outside, but I wanted to have a more finished look for mine. I'll try one of the others later. I haven't had my sewing machines out in probably four years, so don't look too closely or you'll see all of my mistakes! :o) Thanks for visiting!

Accessories & Tools: Fusible Interfacing, Sewing Machine, Rotary Cutter, Iron, Pins, Cutting Mat, & Perforated Plastic (All Non-Stampin' Up!), Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Scallop Square Die

Christmas Jam

This is my second post for today, so be sure to scroll down to see the first one.

We had tons of black raspberries on our property this summer, so I decided to make jam. It was the first time I'd made jam and it came out great! (smiles) I ended up making two batches and then later in the summer, I made peach jam as well. We gave these as teacher gifts and I will be putting some in gift baskets also. The box was made using the Scallop Envelope Die and it was really easy to make.

Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla & Chocolate Chip CS, Merry Moments DSP
Accessories & Tools: Scallop Envelope Die, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

Candy Cane Bath Salts

This project uses the same box pattern that I used for yesterday's project, only this time the bottle is filled with Candy Cane Bath Salts. It's peppermint-scented, but Candy Cane Bath Salts sounds much more festive than calling it peppermint bath salts, don't you think?

Candy Cane Bath Salts Recipe:
4 C. Epsom Salts
2 C. Coarse Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
A few drops of red food coloring
A few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

Put everything into a plastic container and shake well.

You'll want to use a disposable plastic container, as the peppermint oil tends to remain in the container, so you don't want something that you use for food or anything like that. I've had people ask me about the food coloring turning skin red or pink. Only 3 to 4 drops are used, so you don't need to worry about that. These make great teacher gifts and they're also the perfect item for a gift basket. OK, I'm off to work on the next project!

Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White & Soft Suede CS, Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper
Accessories & Tools: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, 4 oz. bottle (non-Stampin' Up!)

Christmas Gift Card Holder

Outside

Inside

Here's a card that I made a few months ago. When I first saw this die I didn't know what to think. Now that I've used it, I think it's great! (That seems to happen a lot with me) I had so much fun making this and you have to admit, it is a pretty cool presentation for a gift card. It's perfect for anyone who gives lots of gift cards.

Stamps: Christmas Punch, Season of Joy, Fun & Fast Notes

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun

Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, Chocloate Chip & Very Vanilla Cardstock, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Look Here die, 5/8" Choclate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Curly Lable Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Choloate Chip, Real Red & Garden Green Markers, Aqua Painter, Sticky Strip Stampin' Dimensionals

Yum!

Here's some cocoa to go with yesterday's card. I saw these cocoa holders last year on a couple of blogs (can't remember which ones, sorry) and I decided to give it a try. These are so stinkin' cute! I think I'm going to have to make them for everyone on my Christmas list.



Stamps: Snow Buddies
Inks: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Melon Mambo & Bermuda Bay CS, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Accessories: Clear Rhinestone Brads, Bermuda Bay Polka-Dot Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Jumbo Snowflake Punch, Circle Scissor Plus, Large Cellophane Bags, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals