Hats off to You!

AP tests - check.

Prom - check.

Senior Awards Night - check.

GRADUATION!

As promised, here is my second project for graduation gifts. 

What better way to say "I'm so proud of you" than with a jar full of chocolate?

Supplies needed:

1 bag* Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

[*note:  If you can resist eating any of the candy yourself,

then you only need 1/3 of a bag.]

 4-1/2" tall Glass Hinged Jar ($1 at Mike's)

Scrapbook Paper in school colors

In addition to blue cardstock,

I used graduation-themed paper from TC Studio's "Hats Off" Pad.

Coordinating Ribbon

Graduation Stamp Set

Gold Brad

Embroidery Floss

Square, Circle & Scalloped Punches

Small Charms

(I made two versions.  This one uses two coordinating papers.)

Wrap jar with  1-3/4" x 10" strip of paper.

Add narrow strip of contrasting paper, if desired.

Punch scallop circle and plain circle, stamp with "Hats off to You" image.

Place ribbon behind stamped image.  Adhere to jar.

Punch out another scallop circle and adhere to top of jar. 

Punch out square cardstock, attach floss with brad.

Adhere to peanut butter cup, and adhere to jar top.

Add coordinating ribbon and charms to hinge.

I used a star charm and a tiny metal "congrats" tag. 

Here is the finished project:

These jars are so versatile, and can be embellished for any occasion. 

Click here to see the ensemble I made in February.

While I whipped up this candy jar, I decided to quickly transform the graduation photo frame I posted a few days ago, giving it a feminine touch. 

Either way, I hope your graduate will like it! 

Here is a preview of my third altered artworks graduation project.

Check back soon to see how I alter this mini spiral notebook.

Any suggestions?

Catch this tutorial for a special DIY graduation memento:



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Pomp & Circumstance

Pomp & circumstance...and a cupful of [happy] tears!  Yes, it's graduation season.  Whether your child is graduating from kindergarten or college, it's an emotional time for us Moms.  Where did the years go?  Wasn't she just starting to crawl?  walk?  talk?  ride a bike?  sneak out of the house wearing make-up?  borrow the car keys?  go off to college?   Quick -- hand me the Valium!

Thanks.  I feel much better now.  Actually, the best Rx for times like this is

CREATIVE THERAPY! 

Here is the first in a series of graduation projects I would like to share, beginning with a photo frame.  

Here is the before-and-after picture.

I used a 10-1/2" x 4-1/2" MDF frame from Michael's. 
It holds a 4" x 6 photo. 

Assemble as many graduation-themed items from your stash,

or treat yourself to a quick trip to your local craft store. 

Choose paint to match your school colors. 

 

Remove the glass insert and set aside.  Paint the entire frame and let dry. 

Stamp graduation sentiment onto glossy paper.  Adhere to frame.

 [Hint:  I use Mod Podge to adhere most of the items to the frame.]

[Disregard streaky look in photo above.]

I am a sucker for my Label Buddy, so I typed out "Class of 2011." 

Stickers and rub-ons will work too.

Adhere to bottom of frame.

Add dimensional quote.  I chose the definition of  "wisdom."

Add decorative embellishments.

[I used stickers, silver sparkles and grad cap and diploma buttons.]

Lastly, I inserted a 4" x 6" graduation-themed scrapbook paper

[which will be replaced with a real graduation photo]. 

Replace glass insert.

Voila! 

Now pass the tissue box and save me a seat at the ceremony.

Linky parties:

Yesterday on Tuesday Crafty Soiree

http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

The Answer is Chocolate BFF

http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2011/05/ffa-friday

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Three Cups of Coffee

Coffee.  Caffeine.  Java.

It's not morning in my house until my first cup o' Joe.  After that, you can try talking to me; however, you'll be better off waiting until I've had my second round of caffeine.  OK, now I see you.  Good morning!   Oh, you want to have an interactive discussion?  In that case, pass the coffee pot so I can fill my mug one more time. 

If you are also a caffeine addict, or know someone who is, then this altered canvas project is perfect.  I call it "Three Cups of Coffee."

This project starts with three [printed] canvasses I found in the $1 bins at Michael's (before they raised their prices to $1.50--what nerve!).  Each canvas measures approximately 6" x 6" square. 

I painted the canvas sides and front (1" in on all edges) in French Roast and Mocha tones.  I wanted to go with a coffee theme, so it was easy to choose my color palette.

Once the paint was dry, I Mod Podged my paper (cut just slightly smaller than the canvas) onto the front of the canvas.

I used coordinating coffee-theme paper on the other two canvasses as well.  After the Mod Podge dries, embellish away!  Here is what I did:

Canvas #1 

"Caution HOT Beverage" punched from a coffee cup sleeve, using my tab punch, fastened with two brads; paint chip sample collaged on top of a Peet's gift card; coffee cup images stamped on printed paper, cut out and collaged on top of paint sample; a wooden numeral "3" that I painted, finishing it off with a small chipboard tag painted, stamped and edged with liquid chalk, and tied on with hemp. 

Canvas #2

Embellishments include coffee bean linen ribbon, stacked buttons, a Starbucks gift card, flower transparency and a beautiful vintage floral button. (I have been saving this piece for years!!)   Check out the detail on this exquisite treasure.

Canvas #3

Embellished with strips of coordinating paper (used on first two canvasses), "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" gift card, a metal corner, Prima flowers topped with a clear rhinestone, and a clock transparency that I collaged right on top of the word "coffee break." 

And my other treasure is a vintage silver spoon, which I picked up in an antique store many months ago. 

I used Mod Podge and my hot glue gun to adhere everything, and made sure to give each finished canvas a final sealing of Mod Podge. 

And that's it!  What's great about this three-piece set is you can arrange them on a wall in many ways:  horizontal, vertical or on a diagonal. 

You could even stand them up on small easels.

Now that I've finished this blog post, I am craving a delicious latte.

Make mine with low fat milk, an extra shot of espresso and thick foam please!  Now where did I put my gift cards?

Linky parties:

Alderberry Hill Make the Scene Monday

Home Stories AtoZ

Chic on a shoestring decorating

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skip to my lou made-by-you-monday

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