'Hello' Gift Card Set {diy}

At the end of February a dear friend of mine is packing up her belongings and following her heart to the other side of the country. Upon her departure I really wanted to give her something special, something that would remind her of home on those lonely/homesick days and something that could be used to send a little 'hello' message to her loved ones. I decided to put together a journal (which I'm still working on) with photos of her friends and family, as well as some inspirational quotes which I've been collecting over on Pinterest. I also made her this 'hello' gift card set as I know she's rather fond of sending a hand written note.

This is how I made them.....

Materials:
Old envelope of your choice (this will be your template)
Pencil
Scissors
Double sided gift wrap
Thin double sided tape
Kraft card stock
Cardboard
Craft glue

Steps:
{envelopes}

1. Open out the old envelope and place it onto the double sided gift wrap . Trace around the outer edge. Cut out and fold up - following the fold lines on the old envelope/template.
2. Use double sided tape to secure the envelope.

{cards}
1. Make a 'hello' word template by drawing the letters onto a small piece of thick cardboard and cutting it out. Place the template onto the double sided gift wrap and trace around the outer edge. Cut the words out using small sharp scissors. Use craft glue to stick the word to the front of the card. Once dry, rub out any pencil marks around the outer edges.

Quick. Simple. Effective. Win!

I'm planning on making a few more of these sets for gifts throughout the year. Are you working on any crafty papery projects at the moment? 

Happy days to you!

Melinda x

Note: the double sided gift wrap I used is from one of my favourite online shops - bespoke letterpress. I bought the assorted 6 pack of gift wrap before Christmas and have gotten so much use out of it. The patterns are beautiful and the quality is second to none!

Pinboard: Handmade Gift Ideas

Top Left: from here. Bottom Left: from here. Bottom Middle: from here. Bottom Right: from here. Top Right: pinned here.  Middle Right: from here.

I know it's only early days but so far my goal of making more handmade gifts in 2014 is going swimmingly. A few weeks ago I made this dachshund softie for a work colleagues new baby and at the moment I'm working on a mini journal and a gift card set for a friend who's following her heart to the other side of the country.

I'm on a roll and I love the feeling of 'completeness' I get when a project finally comes together. And best of all, other than time and a lot of love it really doesn't have to cost much to make a handmade gift. To assist my gift making over the coming months I've been collecting lots of crafty ideas over on Pinterest. I've compiled some of my favourites above. What do you think? Have you come across any great DIYs lately?

Happy days to you!

Melinda x

O Starry Night Clay Tags {diy}

{Gift wrap in top image is from bespoke letterpress}

Gift wrapping and Christmas are two of my favourite things, so it's no surprise that I love to make handmade cards, tags and gift toppers for my Christmas presents each year. Last year I made paper pinwheels using red rose gift wrap from Love Mae and this year I decided to make little glittery star tags from air-dry clay (because you can never have too much glitter at Christmas time). I love how these turned out and I can't wait for my next crafty air-dry clay adventure.

Here's how to make them.....

Materials:
250g air hardening modelling clay
PVA glue
Fine gold glitter
Small star shaped cookie cutter - approx 3cm in diameter
Wooden skewer
Paintbrush
Baking paper
Baking tray
Rolling pin

Steps:
1. Prepare your clay according to the directions on the packet.
2. Place your clay onto a piece of baking paper and use a heavy rolling pin to roll it out until it is approximately 3mm thick.
3. Use the cookie cutter to cut star shapes from the clay.
4. Place a small hole in the top of each star using the wooden skewer.
5. Place the stars to dry on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
6. Leave the stars to dry for 24hrs - or as long as directed on the packaging of your particular clay.
7. Once dry, use the paintbrush to apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the top of each star. Dip each star into the glitter to coat. Use the wooden skewer to clear the glue and glitter from the hole in each tag.
8. Tap the star on the bench to remove any excess glitter and leave to dry.
9. You're now ready to adorn your gifts with lovely handmade glittery stars.

Are you making handmade toppers for your gifts this year? I'd love to know what you're creating.

Happy festive season to you!

Melinda x

Festive Headband {diy}

A few weeks ago I was invited to a Christmas party and it was requested that we come dressed 'looking festive'. I immediately started thinking of bauble necklaces, flashing earrings and red/green clothing but then I came up with the idea of making a festive headband. Not only does this headband make a fine festive accessory, it would also make a welcome addition to any little girls dress up box!

 

So.....lets get crafty!

 

Materials:

Star template - approx. 5cm wide from tip to tip

Ribbon - I used a 12mm vintage ribbon

Natural coloured linen

Polyfil

Sequins

Metallic Thread

Sewing thread

Sewing machine

Scissors

Hand sewing needle

 

Steps:

1. Make a star shaped template using thick card. Use this template and a small pair of sharp scissors to cut 6 star shapes from the linen.

2. Place 2 star shapes together, wrong sides facing, and use your sewing machine and matching thread to stitch a 3mm seam around the edge. This will create a raw edged star. Be sure to leave a small opening on one of the straight edges to allow for stuffing. Continue with the other star shapes until you have 3 complete stars.

3. Stuff each star with a small amount of polyfil and then use your sewing machine to stitch the opening shut. Use your fingers to 'tease' the raw edge of each star so it creates a fluffy edged appearance.

4. Cut your ribbon to the required length. Make sure it is long enough to go around your head and tie in a bow at the back of your neck.

5. Turn the ends of the ribbon up twice (double roll) to hide the raw edge and hand stitch in place using a matching thread.

6. To position the stars on your ribbon, tie the ribbon around your head as you would wear it. Position the first star just left of the centre and the other two stars next to it. Stitch the stars to the ribbon using your sewing machine - a few stitches in the centre is sufficient. Try the headband on to ensure you are happy with the position of the stars.

7. Embellish with sequins and metallic thread in whatever pattern your heart desires.

 

I'm hoping this is the first of many more crafty diy's here on the moose & bird blog. If you need any extra instruction (or I've missed something vitally important) please feel free to leave me a comment or email me at mooseandbird@gmail.com.

 

I hope your week is a lovely and festive one.

 

Happy days to you!

 

Melinda x