Mini lunch bags for sketch challenges...

I need to work on wrapping some small gifts, I have a personalized notepad in one, and personalized post-its and pen in the other. I have these cute mini lunch bags by Martha Stewart that are perfect for quick wrapping a small gift.

The first one (top) is Beate's sketch (WSC66) and I didn't stay true to the sketch but tried my best. First, I was going off memory from early this morning, plus my bag was so small after deciding what I'd use for the main "rectangle" focal point. So I moved my little jewels, which are from Collected Objects for Creative Minds, which I purchased from Stampington & Co a few years ago. The rectangles are frames by Tim Holtz in the Salsa color package, the green fit right into the red. I just added ribbon, ric rac, and a scalloped tag.
This other bag I did for Taylor's sketch (TECC42) and pulled out of the unused archives some Stampin' Up Metal Edge Tags. I punched some scrap cardstocks, again used a Tim Holtz red frame, but this time I put a simple stamped candy cane from Stampin' Up's Merry Minis.

Yay! I'm so excited about Christmas this year. I'm excited that I can actually make stuff for people this year. Last year I was pregnant (very sick and always sleepy) and not functional. So this year I'm pumped up! Happy weekend!

Fabulous Flapjack Mix for gifts...

<---First, have you seen my poll? Take a moment to respond!

Ok, now that that part is over, let me tell you about the fabulous flapjacks, they have oatmeal, cinnamon, wheat, brown sugar... they're so hearty and yummy! I found the gift mix idea from a Gooseberry Patch Merry Mixes booklet many years ago, and I tried it (they call it Fantabulous Flapjack Mix). It was love at first bite. We added blueberries before cooking them up. I gave the mix as gifts that year, and had requests for it the next year! We even keep a big French canning jar full of this prepared mix in the pantry, for when the urge to make pancakes comes. I have already started preparing this mix for gifts this year, and wanted to share some ideas for presentation.

The picture up top is my favorite. I found the bucket/tote in the Target dollar spot. The snowflakes are already stitched on and are so cute! I put the bag of mix in it, a perfect fit, added some shiny red confetti-like filler, a wooden spoon with a bow, and created this tag (close up on the left). I used a snowflake eyelet that my aunt gave me a while back. I used the Snowflakes stamp set from Stampin' Up stamped in turquoise, and some Stickles to make it sparkle a bit. I stamped Merry Christmas and the bottom of my big Sizzix die cut tag I scalloped using the scallop punch. I hung it with a little silver cording. Voila! I *LOVE* red and turquoise for Christmas colors!

This little bag tote was also at Target and came with the mittens and snowflakes! For this one I added some tissue (and of course a wooden spoon) and a tag.









Lastly, (below) I sewed up a little bag with some plaid fabric I had in my stash. It's a Flapjack in a Sack! It only took about 1 minute to whip this thing together with my serger, and I trimmed the top with my pinking shears.

Twill tape and ric rac to tie the sack shut, and a tag I made hanging on the spoon with linen thread and a clip. This was such an easy project and look how cute it came out! One recipe makes enough for 4 gifts!

Christmas is 6 weeks away! Get busy!

Ok, so today I was setting an appointment for 6 weeks out and realized that's the week of Christmas! Yikes! Are you ready? Need some ideas? Need some inexpensive gifts? I think I can help. Maybe... Above is a simple way for me to wrap up my calendar creations (here, here and here). For teachers, I've added in a simple teacher magnet with the calendar. The tag I created using my Sizzix die cut, scallop punch, scissors, ribbon, silver cord, and a sentiment from Stampin' Up!

A little tip for you: If you're using tissue as your wrapping paper, and it's not long enough to reach around the entire gift, tie your ribbon around the gift itself instead of above it! I did it here b/c the white wouldn't reach.

Here is a little something I did up for a simple yummy gift. I call it Lunch in a Crunch. I had a stamp custom made for the tag:



I thought the expression Lunch in a Crunch was catchy, and that people would appreciate a lunch on the go, in between meetings...
often times in this busy world we get caught up and forget to eat, well not me, but a lot of people I know do!

So, here are 2 of my original creations for Lunch in a Crunch:

I have 2 original soup in a mug mixes, potato soup and vegetable soup. I had business cards made with instructions. I am selling these (without the mugs) in my Etsy store. I have tested these and they are yummy!

Tip for do-it-yourselfers: You can find mix ideas online and in cookbooks, but PLEASE TEST THEM before you give them as gifts. I made that my rule a long time ago, and it has paid off. I have encountered a number of not so great results in the process, and am thankful for not giving them as gifts. My mixes above are very customized by me, original creations.

Another tip: People don't want to have to add much, if anything. My soup mixes above are "add water and microwave". The fewer the number of ingredients that the recipient has to add, the more likely they will use their gift! It's a FACT!

Ok, last idea for the night. You've probably seen it in the stores, it's so easy to do yourself. Hot cocoa mix. I made the tag with some stamps by Stampin' Up! and simple ribbon and cord to tie it up. Have a fantastic night!