Homemade Silly Putty

I've done gak before and silly putty once before but I'm bringing it out again as a gift this year. My boss has a radio show every Saturday, while I work on Saturday's I listen to the show to see what is going on. A few weeks back they were talking about their son loving silly putty. I thought that would be the perfect gift for him, and not the store bought kind the homemade kind!  PBS Kids had the most popular link for the recipe so I'll give them credit. I wish I had some newspaper on hand to show it better but I was out and had to ship this out before the next batch of mail came in. I made 3 colors and didn't get good pictures of making the blue so you see below the making of the pink and the blue final (just having a little fun with you .. lol).

Materials Needed:

1 Cup Elmer's Glue-All multipurpose glue

Food coloring

1 Cup Sta-Flo concentrated liquid starch

Directions:

Mix the glue with the food coloring until the color is even throughout.

Pour the liquid starch into the colored glue mixture.

Stir and let it sit for five minutes.

Pull the putty out of the mixing bowl and set it on a paper towel. Knead the putty in your hands for five to ten minutes.

ALEXIS NOTES: I ended up using regular's Glue (which I've read on several blogs you shouldn't, it worked but I think the All Multipurpose is probably better). I had the Sta-Flo on hand from another project, I've also read you must use this brand.

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Sock Cupcake Gift Idea

I wanted to make a fun gift and found this on my google search. I found these Sock Cupcakes on a Mother's Day Pin it was just a photo so no one to link to and thank for the idea. This is simple gift but so cute!

What you need:

Fuzzy Sock (Currently Old Navy has them 60% off!)

Nail Polish (I love OPI)

Cupcake wrapper (I used Wilton fancy, that is thicker)

Take your fuzzy sock (one), fold in half. Put your polish at one end and then roll. You should have the first part start a little high and then rolling evenly at the end. You want it to look like frosting peaking above a cake (see picture below). Place into a wrapper, I found using normal cupcake wrappers don't work. I find using the Wilton fancy ones are best, these ones had a extra layer so they were thicker.  And you're done, you can put into a clear bag and tie with a ribbon if you would like!

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Candy Cane Dreams Gift Idea (Teacher, Neighbor's and Friends)

I made this last year for the boys teachers but then forgot to post it, so here we are a year later and I finally can post since we are in December!  I like finding fun unique gifts to give to people. I saw several ideas on pinterest and just kind of came up with my own.

What you need:

Candy Candy Hershey's Bar

Candy Candy Marshmallows (put in a fun Christmas bag)

Starbucks Via Latte Peppermint Mocha

Candy Canes

Lindor Chocolate (Peppermint if you can find them)

Santa Cup (Dollar Tree)

Starbucks Gift Card (because everyone wants a free cup of coffee / tea)

Put as much as you can in the cup, the rest I gathered up and put in a clear bag and tied with a ribbon and handed them out to the teachers. Easy gift but a yummy one!

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Super Hero Box Gift

A few months back I saw the coolest gift for a Super Hero Box on Alpha Mom now it was for a father's day gift but I knew it would be perfect for a gift for a boys birthday. I had the chance to build the box this weekend for our neighbor boy. This is a perfect gift for a dad but I made it for a boy and it worked perfect, I added some toys and a movie to make it kid friendly.

What you Need:

Soda (Root Beer or Fav drink)

Jerky

Mints

Nuts / Trail Mix

Large Candy Bar

Candy (I used Skittles)

Chips

Box (Wood or Photo like I used)

Label Sheet

Cellophane Bags (Craft Store / Dollar Tree 25pk $1)

ALEXIS ADD ON'S FOR KID GIFT

Super Hero DVD (Target $5 Bin)

Super Hero Themed Blow ups (Dollar Bin or Dollar Tree)

Step 1. We used Orange Soda, Jerky, a King-Sized candy bar, and various munchies that we transferred to baggies.

Step 2. Using our Downloadable Templates (on her website click link above to take you to page w/ templates), print the labels onto adhesive label paper or print it out on regular paper and use Elmer’s Spray Mount.

Step 3. Cut out the label shapes.

Step 4. Transfer the some of the treats to the Cellophane bags, and some I just left in their bags due to time constraints. Adhere labels to each item.

Step 5. Tuck them all in the wood box (I used a photo box I picked up at Hobby Lobby), put on the address label.

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Dum Dum Lollipop Tissue Flowers

For the Get Well Surgery Basket I posted yesterday I showed the Dum Dum Lollipop Tissue Flowers I made. They were so cool they deserved their own post. I saw in the picture I drew inspiration from for the basket these dum dum flowers. I went on a Google search and found a ton of tutorials. I used the tutorial on Garden Therapy.

What you Need:

Materials

• at least 2 colours of tissue paper
• scissors
• single hole punch
• lollipops
• green electrical tape or floral tape

Instructions

Fold the tissue paper a number of times until you have a 5′ square. Cut a circle-like shape out of the folded paper, ending up with a organically-roundish pieces of tissue paper with a 4″ diameter. Choose a second color and cut another series of shapes with a 3″ diameter.

Pinch the rounds in the center by gently folding them in half. Use the single hold punch to make a center hole in the paper.

Put the lollipop stick through the hole and twist the papers so that the uneven edges are all on different sides.

Scrunch the paper together around the lollipop and use electrical or floral tape to secure the paper to the stick at the base of of the petals. Wind the tape around the stick to make a stem.

Scrunch and fluff up the tissue paper to give the petals a fuller, ruffled look.

Alexis notes: I didn't have green electrical tape so I used regular tape to hold the paper in place. I also just used one color for each flower. I also wanted to add a leaf so I Googled leaf templates and printed on green card stock. I attached with some tape. 

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Get Well Surgery Basket

As you all know by now I'm a sucker for giving unique gifts! I hate just buying something I love to make something and it to be personalized for the person. BUT I also live in the real world and can't spend like $100 for said gift on the internet. So I try to find ways to make gifts and not go broke!

My boss was having knee surgery and I wanted to surprise her with a special gift in the mail (The live in RI and I live in WA so I need something that can be mailed). I googled get well surgery baskets and found a ton of ideas. I found this picture that is not attached to a site to give credit so if it's your's please let me know and I'll link to you.

What you Need:

Bedside Store Caddy

Wet Ones

Hand Sanitizer

Kleenex

Headache Meds

Snacks (Fruit, Nuts Etc)

Candy (Chocolate always heals me .. lol)

Gatoraid

Caramex (Chapstick)

Gum

breath mints

Books / Magazines

Puzzle Books

Dum Dum Flowers (These are cool, I made it's own POST HERE).

I tried to find a cool Bedside Store Caddy like the one in the picture I found. Amazon only had this beige one which was more sophisticated for my bosses decor anyways so it worked! These are so cool they have a flap that you slide between your mattress and box-spring and the other part hangs on the side of your bed! It has a nice spot to fit's a large box of Kleenex. The other items I just fit and made it look nice. The hand sanitzer is the cool kind the you can link on the front.  Most of these items you can find in the dollar bins at Target / Walmart etc. Puzzles and books can always be picked up at the Dollar Tree. 

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Wine Gift Basket

And to end the theme of Wine party is a Wine Gift Basket. I actually made up this gift basket the week before my mom's surprise party for one of my friends who celebrated her birthday with a wine theme also!

What you need:

Wine (I bought Middle Sister Sparkling White Wine)

Cheeses

Meat 

Crackers

Chocolate (because every girl needs some)

Wine glasses if needed (I skipped but easy to put in also)

Basket

I hit up Grocery Outlet, they have amazing deals on wine, cheese and meat. This basket would have cost me around $75 and I bought it all for around $30. Place all items into the basket and bam your done! And a pretty amazing gift for any body who loves wine!

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

College Dorm Survival Kit Gift Idea

My bosses amazing daughter has been excepted into Providence College and I wanted to give her a fun college themed gift for her birthday. This could be a GREAT  going away to college gift also. I found several ideas on the internet for $100+, I figured I could do this myself.

What you Need:
Shower Caddy (Water proof perfect for showers - Amazon $39.99 on sale $12.95)
College Dorm Survival Guide Book (Amazon $11.73 Paperback)
College Tshirt (Providence College for my gift)
Shower Products (Bath Gel, Lotion)
Personal Products (Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, deodrant)
Cotton Balls / Q-Tips
Hair Spray / Mouse
Brush
Gum / Candy etc

Fill the bag with tissue paper to make everything fit nicely. I filled the side pockets with all the fun stuff I bought. Buy things that they will need or special items they like!  I love the book to tie in the theme.  The Tshirt was perfect to tie in the college she was going to also!

Have a GREAT day!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Future Film Maker Gift Basket Idea

My bosses son just had a birthday and he's all into making video's and films.  He's brilliant I must say, technology these days and kids blow my mind! I wanted to do something fun for his birthday and thought a Future Film Maker Gift Basket would be perfect for him.

What you Need:
Popcorn Bucket (Dollar Tree $1)
Bugles 
Assorted Candy (Whatever you want to add)
Popcorn
Caramel Corn
Chips
Action Magaphone (Amazon $5.37)
Hollywood Director's Film Movie Slateboard Clapper (Amazon $8.99)
Award Trophy (Amazon $3.64)

Add your items into the pop corn bucket and tada easy and cool gift!

Have a GREAT day!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Hoppy Easter ... Bunny Bait Polish

And again yes I'm late with this post but save it for next year  .. lol. I found this perfect idea on Homemaking Hacks for Bunny Bait Polish. Super easy to make and was a perfect gift for our tutor and my best friend!

What you need:

Orange Polish

Green Construction Paper

Clear Bag

Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun

White Card Stock

Peep (optional add on)

Wrap the green construction paper around the top of the nail polish.  I used a glue gun to glue it down. I folded my construction in half so it gave a little extra paper to work with. I then made cuts on the paper to look like the top of the polish.  Fluff it up so the paper separates. Print the free printable Dawn made, I printed on card stock then took a hole punch to add to the bag with a piece of ribbon. I use the clear bags (25pk $1) from the dollar tree. I added a extra peep into one bag. Easy and perfect gift!

Hope you all had a GREAT Easter!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Road Trip Gift Basket

Most of you know I take class at the Y religiously during the week, you would think I would be a stick figure after all these class but that is a story for another day ... lol. One of my favorite instructors is moving, her husband is the military and they have been stationed in another state.  They will driving since they have 3 dogs and a daughter so I wanted to make them a road trip basket. Since they are healthier I tried to do healthy snacks, but hey they are allowed to splurge every once in a while too.

What you Need:

Basket

Crossword Puzzles (for the one not driving)

Pens

Toothbrushes

Tooth Paste

Deodorant

Hand Lotion

Drink

Gum

Snacks

Put it all in the basket and you can put a little note in also.  I was late of course that night so no note from me.

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Wine Lover's Gift ... Masking Tape + Shoe Polish Vase

Next on my list of DYI Gifts is one the boys made for my mom.  It started with my mother's day gift, Cole made me one of these really cool vases and we thought it would be the perfect gift for my mom for mother's day also.

I didn't have to search how to since Cole had just did it in class and gave me a play by play but I did find the steps on How to Do Things also.

What you Need:

Wine Bottle or fun shaped Bottle (emptied ... YUP you get to have a drink first)

Masking Tape

Shoe Polish

Modge Podge

Peel off the label off your bottle (first it must be emptied so you can have a nice glass of wine or you can use a alcohol bottle so pour yourself a shot or two).  I'm on my diet so sadly I didn't get to have a drink.  I took a picture of the boys and uploaded to PicMonkey.  I changed the color to sephia, added a heart and the words  We Love Monnie.  I cut the photo down to size and with the sticky of the label left over I placed the picture on the bottle.  I made it look almost like a wine label.  I put some masking tape around the picture to make sure it was secure.  I then got Caden and myself to work on tearing up the masking tape.  We made different sizes and shapes to give the vase some depth.  Cole covered the whole bottle including the bottom and the lip of the bottle.  This took about an 45 minutes to an hour to do.  Once done we took the shoe polish and went over the bottle.  We took 2 coats of shoe polish to make sure we covered every inch (be-careful around the picture).   Once the polish has dried, take some modpodge and cover everything.  You can make two coats of this if you would like.  This will seal the bottle and give it a pretty shine.  

I added some fake flowers to give it a pop of color and gave it to my mom.  It is perfect for any kitchen, especially if it's a family that loves wine it will fit in perfect.

 Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Coffee Lovers Gift ... Starbucks Coffee with Coffee Cup Card

Next on my list to do was a gift for my boss.  When I stayed at their house I noticed he was a big coffee drink like me.  He has a long drive to work so needs coffee on the go.  He was using a small popcorn cup (that I had given to them in a movie themed basket) for his coffee.  When I was at my bestie's house for a party she showed me these Starbuck's Cups that are plastic.  PERFECT for traveling, and Starbucks sells them for $1 YES you heard me right!!

For Card:

Card Stock

Coffee Sleeve

Printer

Scissors

I found this template on Heart on Homestead, this was the only place I found a free template so many other's charge please stop by and thank her.  This is super easy, I printed on heavy cardstock.  Before printing I copied into a word document and then added a little message.  "Brewing up" Birthday Wishes Just for You!  Cut out the 2 parts, the top of the lip you fold in half I added a little glue to make it stay down.  I took a sleeve and cut it down to size and and glued it on top of the paper.  Glue your two cup pieces down make sure you only glue on the side and bottom so you can slide the lid and message piece into the cup.

What you Need:

Starbucks Coffee (I bought at the grocery store on sale)

Starbucks Plastic Cups with Lid ($1 Each Starbucks)

Coffee Sleeves (Free at Starbucks - Grab a handful)

Put this all together in a basket or in a Starbucks bag with a bow on the handle.

 Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Unique Gift Time ... House Warming Gift

A while back a friend from high school got married and bought a new house.  I wanted to do something fun as usual not the normal gift card or a bottle of wine.  So I went on my favorite google search and found a housewarming bucket on Hoosier Party Girl. Simple enough to do, most items can be picked up at the Dollar Tree or Grocery Outlet (a bargain Market here in town).

What You Need:

• Spic & Span Spray
• Spic & Span Liquid
• Palmolive Dishwasher Detergent
• Brillo Pads
• Magic Erasers
• Matches
• Rubber Gloves
• Air freshener
• Light Bulbs
• Furniture Polish Wipes
• Pledge
• Trash Bags
• Duct Tape
• Scented Jar Candle
• Fly Swatters
• Extension Cord
• Level
• Nails (I put a picture hanging kit)
• Measuring Tape
• Furniture Pads
• Lighter
• Champagne – a new house is something to be celebrated!
• Glasses for Champagne!
• Bucket

Happy New Year!

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Unique Gift Time ... Fort Kit (Boy Birthday Gift)

This past weekend we had 2 parties to go to, I wanted to make something fun and not just the normal store bought gift. I googled boy gifts dyi and came across a few sites with Fort Kits (I'll link to one I found on The Painted Home, ton of them on the net and I'm sure I'm not linking to the person who created it but I've had enough nasty grams so I'm linking what I found lol), simple enough to make.  I then printed a tag to attach to the bag that I found on a cool tag on All for the Boys that I printed on card stock and attached with ribbon.

This was a simple but such a cool gift, was a huge hit (well at least with the mom's around who saw it, I bet the kids later will be thinking it was cool).

Materials:

- 2 twin top-sheets

- Rope

- Clothespins/Clips

- Suction Cups

- Flashlight

- Glow-sticks

- Notebook

- Batteries to put in Flashlight

- Treats (Beef Jerky & Cookies etc)

- Bag to put everything in! 

ALEXIS NOTES: I bought one sheet ($7.99 at Fred Meyers), the rest of the items I found at the Dollar Tree.  Gift cost around $20.00.  Put all items in the bag (I found a laundry bag it was perfect).  I tied it with a ribbon and added my printable tag I found and ready to gift!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Tis the Season ... Homemade Butterfingers

Another easy and yummy recipe that can be whipped up and given as a gift.  Who doesn't LOVE homemade candy!  I found some cute Christmas themed bins that I found at the Dollar Tree and packed it up and gave it to the family my women's group adopted for Christmas.

I hit up Winco bulk section for all that I needed.  I've seen this recipe on many sites but I'll give credit to the site I pinned it from, Plain Chicken.

Ingredients:

1 lb. candy corn
16oz jar peanut butter (I used Peter Pan Honey Roasted peanut butter)
16oz pkg. chocolate candy coating

Directions:

Melt candy corn in microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking in 15-second intervals til melted, stirring after each interval. Stir in peanut butter. Spread mixture in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Dip in melted chocolate candy coating. Lay on waxed paper to set.

ALEXIS NOTES: I went to the bulk section and picked up candy corn (thanks to the little scale thingy I was able to get the right amount .. I doubled the recipe).  For the chocolate I used chocolate melts these are my favorite and are cheaper then chocolate chips in a bag (16oz equals 2 cups).  I used a silicone mold that I have that made the perfect bars.  I also experimented and used a snowman and gingerbread man silicone mold.  Have fun with it!

Are you already for Christmas?

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Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Tis the Season ... Mistle "Toes" (DYI Christmas Gifts 2 Ways)

Looking for a simple gift that is very cute?  I made this gift two different ways, I gave one to each of the boys teachers then I made a set to go to my boss and her daughter.  I just loved the cute little tags.  I just knew they all would love them!

The first set I made and put in a box that I shipped to my bosses, just a little something special that I knew would bring a smile to them.  This one I found on Ivy In the Bay, she has a FREE Printable that was super cute also!

What You Need:

Nail Polish

Lotion

Plastic Bag

Card Stock

Printer

Stapler

Print your label on card stock, cut out.  Add your nail polish and lotion to your bag and attach with the label, staple to close.

I later found this one that I made for the boy's teachers, I wish I would have found this and made it for the box I sent to my bosses.  This one has a little more to it and was also super cute.  This one I found on Our Best Bites, she also has a FREE printable that was cute and simple to cut out and attach.  Now I added a few things to the bag, you can add or not add these items :).

What You Need:

Nail Polish

Fuzzy Socks

Lotion

Nail Polish Remover (I added this)

Nail Kit (I added this)

Card Stock

Printer

Stapler

Place all items in your clear plastic, print out your label on white card stock.  Take a stapler and attach the label on your bag.  Give to someone to make them smile!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.