This system mostly works except when I want to change the side dishes, and it really is not all that pretty to look at (even with Zach Morris in the corner…). So, a few weeks ago I came across a new idea on Pinterest for a menu board made from a collage photo frame. I loved it and had to try it out for myself.  So here is what I did…

Materials:

• 8 Photo Collage Frame (I got mine at Michaels for $10)
• Transparency Sheets
• Scrapbook paper
• Chalk Ink Marker

I wanted to be able to change out the background paper with the seasons/holidays, so I decided to use transparencies for my “Days of the Week” instead of printing right on the scrapbook paper. (You can feed transparencies straight through your laser printer or copier at Kinkos.) Using my word processor I made up 3″x5″ signs with the days of the week centered at the top (keep in mind the different orientations of the frames). Once I got these printed up on the transparencies, I used my paper cutter to cut them out to fit the frames. And then, I did the same with the scrapbook paper.

Next, pop out the lovely photos that come with the frame and lay down the transparency on top of the glass, followed by the scrapbook paper and finally the frame backing. And voila – you have yourself a fancy menu board/ weekly planner!

I prefer to use Chalk Ink Markers for writing on the glass instead of dry erase because they have no odor, don’t smear or smudge if you touch them and wipe clean with a wet paper towel. Plus they come in all sorts of fun colors! (You can find a wide selection of Chalk Ink Marker colors in my shop here.)

Happy Menu Planning!

I’ve been busy all weekend adding lots of new items to the shop, so I am excited to announce that I will now be carrying Washi Tape, Deco Tape and Rubber Stamps in additional to many  other great crafting supplies, such as muslin pouches, unfinished wood and kraft labels.

To celebrate the new additions, I am sponsoring a Washi Tape Giveaway! Enter below to win a mystery bag of 5 Rolls of Washi Tape. The giveaway begins at noon on 2/25/13 and will end at noon on 3/4/13.

Don’t forget to stop by Snuggly’s DIY Supplies to check out all the great new tapes and stamps! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Embossed Favor Bags

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here is a quick and easy tutorial on how to make these pretty embossed gift bags. I used them for my girls’ Valentine’s gifts this morning, but they could easily be used as wedding favors or for bridal or baby showers, birthday goodie bags or anytime you need a pretty and simple packaging idea!

Supplies

What you will need:

• Embossing Tool of your choice (I used my Sizzix Big Shot with Texturez plates)
• 5″ x 7.5″ Kraft Paper Bags
• 2″ Round Unfinished Wood Gift Tags
• Versacraft Wood Stamping Ink
• Stamp
• Baker’s Twine
• Hole Punch

Start off by embossing the bags. I used the “Heartz” Texturez plate by Sizzix with my Big Shot, but you could use whatever embossing tool you like best. If you are using a Sizzix, here is the “sandwich” order: Multipurpose Platform open to Tab 1, Texture Plate with the design you want facing Up, Kraft Paper Bag, Silicone Mat, Black Embossing Plate. Once you have your sandwich set up, crank it through the Big Shot.

I experimented with trying to do more than 1 bag at a time and you really lost some of the texture, so I found it better to do it 1 bag at a time.

Next grab your wooden gift tags, stamp and ink. I am a big fan of Versacraft because it is so versatile. You can use it on paper, wood, fabric … it has beautiful, rich color and dries pretty quickly. Stamp your tags with the image of your choice.

I wanted a pretty “rustic” look, so I left the tags with their natural finish, but you could easily rub on some beeswax polish or the stain/sealant of your choice for a more “finished” look.  Now it is time to fill your bag with goodies!

Once you have filled your goodie bag, fold over the top of the bag about 0.5″-1″ towards the back. I used a mini-hole punch to put two small holes in the center of the folded top but you could use a regular size punch.

Thread the Baker’s Twine through the holes, tie on the stamped wooden gift tag, tie a pretty bow and you are done!

There are so many embossing plates out there that you have lots of options for personalizing these bags to your needs. You can also rub them with a chalk ink pad or colored pencil to bring out the design, add personalized labels… the possibilities are endless!  I offer a ready to go kit in my shop that will give you enough bags, tags and twine to make 25 favor bags.

DIY Favor Bag Kit

Happy Crafting!

Snuggly Monkey Eye Pillows will help you relax after a long day or at the end of strenuous yoga workout. It can also double as a Wrist Rest/Pad to help alleviate tired wrists after a long day at the computer. This eye pillow can be used for hot and cold therapy for pain relief by either microwaving it for 30-40 seconds to warm it up or storing it in the freezer to keep it cold.

U N I Q U E F E A T U R E S:

* Removable, Washable Cover made of high-quality 100% cotton fabric with serged seams to prevent fraying in the laundry

* The cover features a 1 inch flap on the back to secure the inner pouch in place for maximum comfort during usage and to prevent the muslin pouch from sliding out of the cover.

* Generously sized eye pillow measures 4 inches x 10 inches (10 cm x 25.5 cm)

* The inner pouch is made from a double layer of cotton muslin that is double stitched for durability

* Available in either…

- Unscented (pure 100% organic Flaxseed Filler),

- Lavender Scented (Organic Lavender Buds are mixed with Flaxseed as the filler),

M A N Y U S E S:

* Excellent for Migraine Pain Relief

* Yoga/ Meditation Pillow

* Wrist Pad/Rest for your computer mouse

* Great for Sinus Pain Relief

* Scented varieties provide soothing Aromatherapy

CUSTOM ORDERS and WHOLESALE INQUIRIES are WELCOME!

These lovely eye pillow/wrist rests make wonderful gifts and party favors as well! Each one comes individually packaged and ready to gift. Great Birthday Party Favors, Bridal Shower Favors, Hostess Gifts, Baby Shower Favors, Etc. I would love to work with you to create the perfect item for YOUR special occasion. Please contact me for more information. Quantity discounts available.

Cake Topper by Kelly Gunn

I love to see my customer’s creativity on display. This adorable wedding cake topper by Kelly Gunn of Kreations was made using two of the Tall Peg Dolls available for sale in my shop.

I find it amazing that Kelly starts with this,

And comes up with this!

Be sure to visit Kelly’s Facebook page to see more of her amazing creations!

ABOUT SNUGGLY MONKEY BADGE REELS….
All of my retractable badge holders are carefully handmade with a commitment to high quality.

All of my reels are guaranteed for 30 days. If the button pops off during normal usage, just send it back and I will send you a new one!

If you love to paint, stamp, sew, or experiment with a little bit of everything you will find plenty of high-quality supplies here to keep you creating and inspired. From unfinished wood pieces to exceptional Japanese crafting ink (Tsukineko) to packaging and shipping supplies, I offer a wide variety of items to help you in your crafting needs. Whether you are looking for supplies to make wedding favors, kids crafts, party favors or items for your Etsy shop, I hope you find what you are looking for in my shop.

I use all of the supplies I sell here in my own life and work, so if you ever have any questions on how to use something or want to chat about how to make an idea you have work, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here is a small sampling of the high quality craft items available for sale in my shop.

Please visit Snuggly’s DIY Supplies on Etsy to view the over 150 items currently for sale.

A little bit about Pearl Love…

pearl. love. is a collection of handcrafted jewelry featuring Tahitian pearls strung on custom leather cord. pearl. love. sets the precious and coveted against the rustic and earthy to create a collection that reflects the beauty of natural juxtaposition. The pieces are designed to evoke the feelings of fluidity and exotica its designers feel in the pulse of the ocean and absorb from the natural world.

So, I hope you have a few minutes to take a poke around the new site. Lots of new features that I’ve been wanting to add for awhile. Perhaps the part I am most excited about is the new “Project Gallery”. One of my favorite parts of running a supply shop is hearing from past customers and receiving photos of their finished projects. I’ve wanted to share those with folks for ages, but just wasn’t able to do it on my old blogging platform. So the new Project Gallery is a space where I will be posting about not just my own projects, but my customers projects and sharing their amazing creativity with all of you. Please be sure to check back regularly for some inspiration and fun ideas.