Feel good gifting

I wanted to get a blog out before everyone ran out and bought Christmas gifts this year. In the past, I've enjoyed giving gifts that also help someone/something else. A few years ago many people got Invisible Children bracelets, and although they weren't the most awesome, I found that everyone liked the idea that they were made by African children/women, and the proceeds went straight back there. So, I thought -- why not give others some feel good gift options? I will try not to go on and on and on....buttttt I'm not making an promises :)

1. Toms Shoes. duh.  You've got to be living under a rock...ok, a big rock... not to know about Tom's shoes. Website here They've really gotten creative, and there's a shoe for everyone! Even the babies! I personally want some cordones. Mom, are you reading this? :)

2. Scarfs by Worn. Order here These scarves are made by refugee women living here in the U.S. This project is headed by Catholic Charities Fort Worth, any my very dear friend Sara works there. This is such a neat website, be sure to read about The Women and Our Movement. 

  the website does better justice. 

3. (Red). Shop (Red) products here

Help raise money for an Aids Free Generation in 2015 by shopping at the Product(red) store. You're bound to find something on someone's list. They have Red Beats by Dre, Red iPhone covers, Red Belvedeer, Red strollers, Red Converse....there's no reason not to find something on someone's Santa list! 

4. One Hope Wino's shop here!

This is pretty neat. 50% of the proceeds go to one cause of your choice: Fight Against Autism, Supporting Our Planet, Fighting Against Breast Cancer, Supporting Our Troops, Fighting Against Aids, or Supporting Children's Hospitals. This would be a neat gift to take to a house party, or to add to a wine lover's gift basket. OR to buy for yourself :)

5. World Vision. Click click click

Guys -- I can't even begin to tell you about this awesome organization. You want to buy a cow for a small village? Go for it. You want to provide money for a well to provide fresh water? Why not! You want to sponsor a young child's education or provide money for necessary medications? Be my guest. There are over 100 unique gifts you can provide, and when donating for a gift, you make a donation with your gift recipient's name. This is such a cool idea for the person that has everything (yes, Dad, I mean you!). 

6. Invisible Children. I.C. Store

I truly believe this organization -- that began with young men traveling with no plan and a videocamera -- made me want to pursue social work. So, needless to say, I have a very soft spot in my heart for this organization. If you haven't seen the film, you really should. The LRA is still strong in Africa. Anyway -- buy the film, buy a shirt, messenger bag, or bracelet. 

7. World Wildlife Fund Animal Lover's Gift

This is so sweet. For those that cry EVERY TIME that awful ASPCA commercial featuring the SADDEST Sarah McLachlan song EVER, this may be the best gift. You can pick a species, from giraffe's to seahorses, and pick a $25, $50, or $100 donation in someone's name. With a $50 donation, you will get a plush animal, photo, and adoption certificate. Who wouldn't want this little guy?

8. Blank Cards. Autism Unicef

The autism cards are drawn by children with autism. 

UNICEF aims to improve the lives of children world wide.

9. Feeding America feedingamerica.org

Buy a needy family groceries for needy families. You can donate anywhere from $25  to $1,000. This would be great for those that want to see local cities benefit from our charitable efforts. 

10. Eco-Generation Kids For the Greeny's out there!

These kids tee's are made with water based inks and dyes. And they're cute :) 

11. Alzheimer's Association For those that love purple.

25 % of al proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. It's $20.00. It's unique. Did I mention it's purple? 

12. Same Sky wrap bracelet www.samesky.com

This is really cool -- 100%, yes, 100% - total, all, everything, EVERY CENT, goes back to this company. Rwandan women hat survived the 1994 genocide make these bracelets. 

Hope you guys have gotten some good gifting ideas. Happy holidays! 

Yearnin' for Fall Yarn Wreath

Ok guys -- fall is here - with the fickle weather and all :) I wanted to do a wreath that is versatile and can be used throughout the year if desired.

Supplies: foam wreath (mine was 10 inches), yarn (I got the cheapest kind I could find, it was $6. Note: I bought two, however only used one), hot glue gun (or Fabritack [not shown]), fabric cutting scissors, felt (.35 cents a sheet!), felt balls or buttons for the center of the flowers. Not shown: highlighter/marker/pen for tracing.

Step One: Print out a template for a felt 3D flower. Mine was a poppy flower template found on good ole google. And I have found other poppy templates I will try later. Anyhow --

Using your desired writing utensil, trace the template. Then cut out the pieces. TIP: Cut INSIDE of the outline, that way you don't have any of your highlighter/pen/pencil on your cutout. Cut out all of the pieces (there are 4 layers, and one leaf that is optional).

They will end up looking like so. Beautimus! This really doesn't take much time. From there, take your hot glue gun and attach the four layers. Then, attach the center of our flower (felt ball/button/whatever you pick!) using the hot glue gun. I am officially in love with these.

Now on to the wreath part. Get ready to use up a lot of your patience. This will take a lot of time, so I suggest doing this over the span of 2-4 days. I think I worked on it for 3 days, a little at a time. Tie the wreath around the wreath, then wrap it around several times. You want to keep the yarn tight and try to keep it neat. Mine didn't start out so neat, so that's where I placed my flowers :)

It gets easier and more neat as it goes. Just to reiterate - this takes quite some time...in order to keep it fun, spread it out over a few days or longer. I used the whole package of yarn. Make sure you can't see any of the underlying white of the wreath. The good thing about it is you can adjust as you go. And - I made sure I kept my yarn in place by using my thumb as I wrapped it.

TADAHHHHHH!!! I want to make a few with other colors. This is a fairly inexpensive gift and it's always better to get a CUTE handmade gift than a cheapie bought gift.

Until next time --
stay crafty :)

Beersday

Ok guys, pictured below are the tools you will need to complete this project. There are some things missing that I got later, such as: Masking tape (substituted for painters tape, which would work best), chalk (absolute must have), markers (color of choice - for writing) and fine grit sand paper. Pictured above: card stock craft paper, sponge, twine, scissors, chalkboard paint, ad a hole punch. Oh, did I mention beer? Because you can't do it without the booze! Beer can be substituted with wine, too -- just depends on your poison :)

 I was super excited about this project, and I wanted it to be extra fab because it's for one of my besties Leslie's birthday. So, here we go. Get your 6 pack of beer (Leslie's adventurous, so I got a variety pack from Kroger. For this project you need 7 beers, so I got a big one (you'll see why later).

Step 1: Rip off those labels! I got lazy so I filled big cups up with warm water and submerged the beers sans label in for a few minutes. Then i just scrubbed the glue off. You can use a sponge, fingernails, whatever. Let them dry and let's  move to the labels!

Step 2: I just printed off a gift tag template from google images. There are several options to choose from. So, my card stock is double sided (decorative plus!). I just traced (very lightly) the template onto the back of the craft paper (the back of the side I wanted to use). I then cut it out carefully. Do this x7. I like using different papers, but do as you wish :) After you're done, punch a hole with in the round part of the tag. Now, add your quotes. I wrote drinking quotes, naturally :)  

Now - add the twine. I cut 7 strings about 8-9 inches long. Fold them in half, knot them any way you'd like. You have to knot them twice to make sure the knot is big enough. Feed the twine through the hole punch, and viola! Done with your tags!  

Now, back to the beer. Tape off a rectangular portion of your choosing. Be sure to really press down on the edges enclosing the rectangle, so paint doesn't seep through. Pay special attention to the corners.

Using the fine grit sand paper, gently scrape the area that you'll be painting to ensure the paint will stick. Then, using the sponge, paint the enclosed area to make a chalkboard square. Promptly after painting, s-l-o-w-l-y (we're talking like a snail, people), remove the paint (I did vertical tape first, and horizontal stripes second). If you don't do it slowly, the paint may come off with the paint.

Do this x7. Let it try overnight or at least 4-5 hours. Then, repeat this at least once. I did this a total of THREE TIMES. TO summarize, not a quick craft. So glad I broke this project up into a few days. We're getting close to the end!! :)

       
 

 

Now -- almost done so stay with me! "Prime" the chalk by writing on the backdrop and then smudging it, that way it doesn't look brand new.     

Poof -- ordinary, lame-o beer has been transformed into the prettiest beer ever. I am thrilled at how this project turned out. It wasn't necessarily inexpensive, but it's just a really unique way to give booze as a gift. Plus the gift tags can double as wine or beer charms when you have company. Score.

Picture Perfect

Hey guys! This post is dedicated to frames. I tried some new techniques today that (thankfully) worked in my favor :) Frames are probably my favorite things to decorate because they're easy, and super cheap to make.

My go-to supplies: Mod Podge, sponges/paint brushes, hot glue gun, craft paper (preferably the thinner kind, not the card stock thickness), antique-ing ink, exacto knife, scissors, and paint (not shown).

 

 

So, gather your supplies and let's get started :) There are two frames, different styles, so we will go over the easier one first.

1. Get your frame and remove the glass. Turn the frame upside down, onto the back of your craft paper. Trace the outline of the frame, as well as the inside. Then, use your Exacto knife to cut an X in the center, so that you may cut it easier.

 

 2. Cut out the outlined paper. You will then use a emery board (yes -- a nail file! -- thanks Brooke for the pointer :)) to smooth out the edges, giving it a softer, blended look.

 

3. Using your sponge/paint brush, apply Mod Podge to the front side of the frame. I use my finders to make sure the craft paper makes it into the grooves of the frame. For beginners, I recommend trying frames with the LEAST amount of ridges or grooves. 

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 4. Let the Mod Podge dry, and apply another coat to the top of the craft paper. It will look milky, but it will dry clear. Once that dries, I applied a coat of shellac for added shine and protection, however it's  not necessary. Once the shellac dries, apply any embellishments you like. I love flowers and buttons, which both were used here. I use a hot glue gun to apply any extras.

 

*Note: When giving frames as a gift, if you don't want to put a picture in it, be sure to jazz it up by using colorful craft paper or something. It really adds a lot.

Another frame idea:

1. Fancy up your matted frames by covering it with craft paper. Use the same technique (using the Exacto knife to cut out the center, wrap it around and secure with Mod Podge). I had to use paper clips to help mine stick, as I used the thicker craft paper.

 

2. Next -- painting the frame. I would suggest sanding the frame first to avoid painting it a million times!! I painted about 5-6 layers, letting them dry in between. Then, using sand paper, lightly sand areas to make the frame look weathered. Again, you guys have the option of applying shellac to protect the frame. 

 3. I decided to use distressing ink to make the craft paper part look a bit older. This was super easy. Just rubbed it with my fingers until I was satisfied. Again, I added some craft paper until I can find a picture to match the greatness that is the frame! My dad thinks he's a good candidate :)

Until next time - stay crafty!

-Kat D.

The Whole Caboodle - Intro

Hey readers!

I'm really excited about this blog and hope everyone enjoys it.

I will be focusing on crafts, fun running stuff, and fun/healthy food recipes. Who knows, it may expand from there. Eclectic, I know....hence the name of my blog.

Anyway, I will be posting weekly projects/posts. If anyone has any ideas they'd like to see me try, please let me know. I will always give credit to the cites I find any ideas from -- it's only fair.

Until then,

Kat D.