Re-post: Wrapping paper photo frames

Do you have scraps of wrapping paper too nice to recycle?
Upcycle them into these pretty photo matts.

 Image source: http://www.chatelaine.com

I love this project from Chatelaine. Really easy, and lots of impact. My favourite kind of project. You can find the details here 

It doesn't have to be just Christmas paper, use any paper at all. Metallic paper for black and white wedding photos, birthday paper, floral, graphic. I can think of some many iterations.

Lovely idea for an inexpensive gift, for Christmas or anytime!

Universal Gift Registry

 Image source: Microsoft Clip Art

Personally, I don't really like gift registries. I like the concept of them, but in practice I find them awful to shop from. Traditional stores for registries-ie. department stores tend to be pricey. Often, I can find the exact same product at a better price at a store like Winners or Home Sense but then I struggle with the dilemma of buying it and risking a duplicate-since the other store can't update the registry or suck it up and pay full price. For myself, I didn't want one, but we had sooo many questions that we caved a selected a few things from Home Outfitters for our wedding Registry.  I picked very practical things I would have bought myself anyway, such as towels and sheets.

What about things you won't find in stores such as coupons for dog walking, baby sitting, pedicures, car washes, etc. 

This year at Christmas, my sister-in-law created a google document spreadsheet for her children's wish list. Great idea, but really time consuming and there are no helpful photos, prices or links to stores. 

I just found the answer! Universal gift registry. I did some research and found these sites, I hope you find them helpful.

For anything:
http://www.mygiftlist.com/

For baby:
http://babyli.st/index
http://www.onebabyregistry.com/

Honeymoons:
http://www.honeymoonwishes.com/

http://www.honeyfund.com/

For family (birthdays, Christmas, etc)

http://www.giftpickle.com/


Happy shopping!

Craft idea: Wooden Shapes

I bought some unfinished wood shapes from the dollarstore. One package of flowers, and one of butterflies. 10 shapes for $1. Not bad. But what to do with them? Here are some fun and frugal ideas. They make great gifts and are simple enough for children to make. This can also be incorporated into a party, as both an activity to occupy guests and as a take home favour.


Fridge Magnets

Materials:
Unfinished wood shapes
Craft paint in assorted colours
Tray or palette for mixing colours (try an ice cube tray!)
Paint brushes, smaller are better
Adhesive craft magnets

Step one:
Lay down some newspaper, especially if you want to do this craft with children. Assemble the painting supplies and pick out which colours to use.

Step two:
Paint your wooden piece with a base coat. I found the paint soaked in, so two coats are usually needed. Don't forget to paint the edges! This is where it can get a bit messy.

Step three:
Once the base is try, it's time to add the details! This is the fun part. Use a small brush and take your time. Do darker colours first, then add the lighter colours. Let dry thoroughly.

Step four:
Once completely dry, flip your peice over and attach a small magnet. I used a roll of adhesive magnet and snipped off a small piece of maget for each shape. Ta da! That's it! Super easy, right?

So, what else can we do with these?

Gift Bags:
Glue a shape on to a plain gift bag. Bonus if you make a magnet first, and then tape it to the bag.

Ribbon garland:
Glue the shapes onto a ribbon for a fun garland. Great for parties. Why not a christmas themed one to decorate your tree or fireplace?

Mobile:
Carefully poke a hole into each shape with a large needle or awl. Hang the shapes from an embroidery hoop with string or fishing line. Hang some longer and some shorter, being careful to balance the weight so it hangs evenly. It would make a very inexpensive and customized mobile.

Christmas decorations:
Poke a hole into each, thread with metallic thread and hang on your tree. Use shapes such as stars and snowflakes.


Try it out! It's fun and cheap!