{Party Favor Friday} Make Your Own Gift Box

So you've found the perfect little gift to give to someone special for a birthday, a wedding, or perhaps a housewarming party. Now what do you put int in? A plain white box is well . . . a plain white box and you're looking for something with a little more "oomf", or is it "oomph"?


Well look no further than your local craft store or maybe even your own craft room for some "oomf" colored card stock of your choice and coordinating ribbon. CraftStylish.com offers a very cool pattern and tutorial for creating your very own gift box. What better way to add some extra personalization to your gift than a handmade gift box to present it in.

I made my own box to test out the level of difficulty and on a scale from 1 to 5 with five being the most difficult, I would rate it at a three. The best thing about this box pattern is no need to glue. It's a very clever design that fits together. It did take me a minute to figure out the box top but my brain eventually kicked in :-) I certainly recommend reading the tip on scoring the box pattern on the tutorial. If you do, you're in good shape and you've got a cute little box.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Computer Dads are Totally Rad

With Father's Day coming up on June 20th. I want to pay omige to all of the computer loving Dads out there including my husband. PCs, Macs, hard drives, software, network, programming, internet, you name it. They love it all and we love them. Here are some handmade gift ideas for Dad on Etsy that are truly Geek Chic.

a.b.c.

d. e. f.

g. h. i.

j. k. l.


a. Floppy Disk Pen and Pencil Holder from GeekGear
b. Short Circuit - Microfiber necktie from projector
c. Computer Keyboard Father's Day Card from CraftyCrocs
d. Dotted - Blue Circuit Keychain from beadworkbyamanda
e. Turn Off Your Computer Men's T-Shirt from mediumcontrol
f. Computer Mouse Cufflinks from Nostalgiclinks
g. Business Card Holder Clock from Recycled Hard Drive from TECOART
h. Yes I'm Cool Ice Cream Mousepad from heartsandlaserbeams
i. Google Pillow from Craftsquatch
j. Floppy Disk Coasters from TechnoChic
k. LEGO Computer Screen Tile Tie Tack Clutch & Chain from Cufflinks
l. Fly Fishing. Vinyl Decal Laptop from mediumcontrol

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Reading, Writing, and Appreciation

Today kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week. I don't think anyone would argue that everyday should be Teacher Appreciation Day but I'm glad we have a week where everyone can join in unison and do something extra special for our teachers.

I was honored to be asked to create two FavorCakes for the teachers at Scottville Elementary in Michigan. I can't wait to hear how their celebration goes and will post an update on the blog.

In the meantime, here are some clever and tasty ideas from SkiptomyLou.org to say thank you.

• "You are out of this world" tag attached to a Milky Way or Mars candy bar
• "You deserve an extra payday!" tag attached to a Payday candy bar
• "There is no 'sub'stitute for you!" tag attached to a gift card for the local sub shop
• "You are 'extra' special" tag with a pack of Extra Gum
• "We appreciate the 'mounds' of work you do!" tag attached to a Mounds candy bar
• "Thanks a 'latte'!" tag with a gift card from local coffee shop, special coffees or travel mug
• "You are 'souper'! - soup mix, custom decorated soup bowls or homemade soup
• "You are a 'treasure' tag with Treasures candy
• "You are the apple of our eye" with a basket of apples (construction paper leaves with nice sayings---A+ teacher, you're special etc. can be hot glued to the stems)
• "You are 'tea'rrific!" tag with a selection of teas
• "You deserve a 'break' today! Thanks for your hard work" tag with a Fast-Break candy bar or McDonald's gift certificates
• "You are a smart cookie" tag with homemade cookies
• "Thanks for a 'picture' perfect year" tag with movie coupons or nice picture frame
• "You are o'fish'ally the best!" tag attached to Goldfish Crackers
• "We are fortunate to have you!" tag with a Chinese take out box filled with fortune cookies
• "You are a joy!" tag attached to an Almond Joy candy bar
• "You rock!" tag with pop rocks, rock candy, Rock Star soft drink or painted rock for a paperweight
• "We are 'nuts' about you!" tag attached to some nuts
• "You are worth more than a 100 grand to Blake!" tag attached to a 100 Grand candy bar
• "You 'mint' so much to us this year" tag attached to some mints
• "You were 'mint' to be a teacher!" tag attached to some mints
• "You are an 'amazing' teacher" tag attached to an Amazing candy bar

For more Teacher Appreciation gift ideas, visit SkiptomyLou.org

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How Ya Like Them Apples?

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7 and fast approaching. Today I thought I'd share some fabulous handmade gifts on Etsy.com that bring a whole new meaning to the saying "An Apple a Day. . ."

a.b.c.

d. e.f.

g.h. i.

j.k.l.


a. Mosaic Apple from halvorsons
b. Apples Turquoise Stone Fruit on Leverback from polishedtwo
c. Apple love x Brooch from PolishedFish
d. An Apple A Day Keeps Teacher's Away Keychain from ButterflyGem
e. Apple A Day Fabric Stationary Set from Lockette
f. BooBoo Red & Blue Apples For You Large Market Tote Bag from BadkittyHawaii
g. 10 Plantable Note Card Set w/Parsley Herb Seed Paper from GreetingsthatGrow
h. I is for INSPIRE - Scrabble Tile Pendant from designsbyappletree
i. Apple Jacket in Berrylicious with Lime Green & Dark Pink Button from Handamade
j. Red Apple Dot Tissue Cozy from bagsbymelanie
k. Happy Apple 1 Inch Pinback Button from Buttonhead
l. Denim Coffee Cozy - Apple from TiffanyMagee

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