Halloween Treat Bags

Since I have started working in an office there are lots of opportunities to make sweet treats for my colleagues. I started with these bags this Valentines Day and had a last minute idea to make Halloween treat bags, it started out as fun, but by 2.30am I was definitely flagging!

 I die cut the pumpkins and the gravestones using my silhouette (I started out writing RIP on the stones but chose to go with a more cheerier 'Boo!') but together it just wasn't enough and I was running out of time. I had to pop to the local supermarket and lo and behold I found a set of 50 witches for 99p, originally they make up a game much like an Easter egg hunt, but you have to find the witch with orange stars on her dress, when dressed up together with the other two die cuts they made a 'bewitching' *groan* label.

I used Wilton clear party bags, filled them with various sweeties and tied them with some tinsel or curling ribbon. The wraps around the centre were from the same supermarket as the witches and were meant to make paper chains. I wish I had picked up more because I made a lot more bags than originally planned!

Here they are ready to go in my basket. I wish I had used a more halloweeny fabric though.

 I needed a quick way to adhere so many labels together and it had to be quick drying glue, my hot glue gun wasn't the greatest idea so I went with my Tiny Attacher, it didn't detract from the total look, besides, I don't think the recipients were looking that closely ;)

I overfilled one bag for my friend's little boy and took a bit more time with his tag, I backed the pumpkin with black card stock, die cut and glittered his name, used the 'fancy' witch from the pack of witches and finished her off with some oogly googly eyes.

I was so pleased to hear that it brightened so many people's day, however I think I may have to put a bit more planning into it if I am going to make some for Christmas!

Hope you had a fun, safe Halloween,
Ang

Easter Catch Up!

Ok, I know, I know, Easter was a while ago and I am only just getting round to posting this!

First up is this bee-ee-ay-utiful card from the very talented Nat over at Kool Kitty Musings, isn't it gorgeous? My favourite part is the sweet little nest with the darling blue eggs, just perfect!

I saw these pretty decorated egg cartons on pinterest and it sparked my imagination

Source: dolliesdaughter.typepad.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: uk.images.search.yahoo.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: dolliesdaughter.typepad.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: uk.images.search.yahoo.com via Angela on Pinterest

Here is my version that I sent to the lovely Nat.

 

When I saw these cute chocolate eggs for sale on the run up to Easter I knew what I wanted to do with the boxes. Egg 'n' Spoon from Cadburys, just a teensy bit yummy!

I tried spray painting one of the boxes but the smell was horrendous so I covered the second box in a layer of gesso then 2 coats of white acrylic paint.

I then filled each cup with little treats and goodies. I am so pleased with how it turned out, I have one more box left and I can't wait to make another!

Thank so much for reading, have a great week!

Ang x

PS - How did I forget to post THIS Easter fail?

At the time it all seemed like such a good idea

• ingeniously (and I use that in the loosest possible sense) using passé fibers to create a nest? Check.
• adding hand coloured little feathers? Check.
• badly coloured eggs? Yup.
• poorly executed ribbon banner? Uh huh.

I was quite proud of it, until I looked at the photo and all I saw was a tangled mess of *cough whisper* pubic hair. Poor ink choices, colouring, and the banner? Nope, sometimes you just have to learn a lesson and this lesson was 'throw it in the bin'!

PPS - I also give up on trying to fix the fonts and font colours on this post.

2012 Gift Ideas Part 1

As it gets closer and closer to my favourite time of year, I have started scouring the web looking for some cute little gift ideas that are budget friendly and to also use up my mountain of stash. I have found that one of the easiest gifts is filling up a pretty gift box with sweets. First up are these ADORABLE little owl pillow boxes.

I wish I could take credit for the original idea, but I found these adorable ones on Pinterest and had to have a go! I didn't follow the instructions given to the letter, I simply cut a pillow box, circles and the wings on my Silhouette, punched some hearts for the beak and feet and they were ready to go!

With big tins of sweets such as Roses, Quality Street and Celebrations on offer in most supermarkets for £5 I could have filled 6-7 of these with goodies, and standing at 7.5in tall and 4 3/4 inches wide they make a substantial looking gift.

Well, with those finished, I'm off to look for some more inspiration!

Have a great week :)