Flashback: Pull Tab in Case of Chocolate Emergency

With everyone looking for Valentine's inspiration, I thought I would share one of my most popular posts from last year, my "Pull Tab in Case of [Chocolate] Emergency.

Beware:  This craft is addictive. 

You will find yourself creating these altered juice cans for many occasions! 

[Don't say I didn't warn you.]   

While a bag of chocolates sits in the pantry, package torn open, ever so slightly, it is just too easy to sneak a piece here, nab one there, a few later...until the next time, when you find the bag is completely void of any chocolate remains except for the slight aroma of cocoa.

"Who ate the last piece of chocolate?" she screamed, echoing down the long carpet-less hallway. "Not me!" replied Thing 1. "Not I," yelled Thing 2. The dog? Thankfully, not. That could only leave one suspect: "Yes, I confess, Mommy stole the last of the wonderfully decadent chocolate kisses once again." [Sigh] 

Where is the willpower?   Sadly, I have none. 

What's this girl to do?

Answer: Create an altered art project.

Thanks to Erin at Making Memories, this project fits the bill.

All you need is a [small] can with a pull tab, a can opener

and an UNOPENED bag of chocolate.

[The blueberry muffin is optional. It tastes good with the juice.]
The first thing to do is turn the can upside down. 

Using a can opener that doesn't leave ragged edges, carefully open the

bottom end of can and set aside.

Drink the contents.

Gather fun scrapbook paper and embellishments with a chocolate theme. 

For this project, I also used a tag punch, twine, stamps and a sticker.

Measure the circumference and length of the can,

adding 1/2" to circumference, allowing for overlap.

Cut paper and adhere to can. Add additional paper if desired.
[I like polka dots.]

Punch tag shape from solid cardstock. Stamp chocolate sentiment on tag. 

This one reads,

"CHOCOLATE: It's not just for breakfast."

Tie onto pull tab. I used twine cord.

Using your computer, type and print

"Directions: In case of sudden chocolate craving, pull tab."

onto cardstock. Cut out and adhere to can.

Add additional embellishments. I added a sticker and ric-rac.
Seal paper with Mod Podge.

This is the difficult part: 

Open bag of chocolate kisses [or chocolate of choice], and fill can to top.

Do NOT [let anyone see you] eat any chocolate during this step.

Using hot glue gun [Since my original post, I found that a thin layer of Mod Podge on both surfaces actually works better], adhere bottom end back to can. 

That's it! 

Only you and I will know how you got the chocolate in there! 

This makes a great gift, don't you think?

Or....
I might keep it on my own desk
for emergency chocolate cravings....just in case.

 

Sharing inspiration here and 

The Crafty Blog Stalker

My Repurposed Life 
Catch-as-Catch-Can
Blog Hop at Clippie Dip
Serenity Now
One She Two She
An Original Belle

Be My Valentine

I l.o.v.e. this time of year. 

Rainy days, hot popcorn,

catching up on movies,

and

crafting!

Right around early February, I invite friends over for a Valentine's craft-fest, also known as Creative Therapy!  I provide inspiration and all the supplies they need to create an altered art project. 

Next week we're going to make this adorable Valentine's gift, embellished with ribbon, rub-ons, wood hearts, tags, stamps and, of course, CHOCOLATE!  [I thought that would get your attention.]

Starting with a plain tin "take-out" style box (which comes in red, white and silver), I added an "only YOU" rub-on to the front of the container. Then I glued a wooden red heart to the clasp that locks the lid in place. I found some puffy stickers, and adhered a "Be My Valentine" sticker on this heart.

Ribbon adds so much color and texture to a project.  I gathered a combination of red, white and black ribbons, and tied about a dozen 5" strands to the handle.

Then I stamped "sealed with a kiss" onto a circle tag, embossed it, and tied it to the handle as well.

The last step is adding the chocolate kisses! I lined the bottom of the tin with shredded paper, and then filled it to the top with red & silver Hershey Kisses. 

I got a GREAT DEAL: when the holiday candy went on sale [50-75% off], I bought several large bags. After eating removing the green pieces, I used the red & silver wrapped kisses for this Valentine's project. [No one will be the wiser.]   If there are any leftovers, I'll save the green kisses for St. Patrick's Day!

The best part of these craft-fests is that everyone has their own style when it comes to choosing their ribbons and embellishments.  This means that every project looks different, making it truly unique.  I love spending a few hours together with my friends while we relax, chat, and craft.  Creative Therapy is just what the doctor ordered!

 What are your crafting plans over the next few weeks?

Want more Valentine's ideas? 

I [Heart] You Mailbox

 

You Had Me at Hello

A Coordinated Ensemble

Find me having fun at these linky parties

and

Life With Lorelai Home Matters

French Country Cottage

Art is Beauty

Organized 31

I Gotta Create

From My Front Porch to Yours

Knick of Time Vintage Inspiration Party

Fox Hollow Cottage

Cupcakes & Crinoline

Whipperberry valentines-day-link-party

One She Two She

An Original Belle

Furniture Redo with Parisian Flair

[Note:  This post originally appeared as part of my Crafty Contributor Series on The Ivy Cottage Blog.  That blog is no longer published, so please click here for my updated post with tutorial.]

 

 

Do you enjoy finding and restoring old pieces of furniture? 

If so, I've got a great post for you over at

The Ivy Cottage Blog. 

Head on over and check out this little side table I found at the thrift store

to see how I

transformed it into a French themed table

for our Parisian Powder Room.

 

You might also like to see how I gave this 

pugly step stool

a new lease on life!

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

Crafty Scrappy Happy

The Gunny Sack

My Weekend at CHA

 

Like a kid in a candy store, I strolled through the halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, taking in   all the bright colors and textures of the new arts & crafts products being showcased at CHA 2013 Trade Show.  I lingered at booths, breathing in the beautiful aromas of decoupage and hot glue while drooling over the numerous gorgeous new products and projects on display.

 

I was fortunate to attend CHA thanks to the wonderful people at Plaid, who invited me to demo their FolkArt Adhesive Stencils and Enamel Paint. 

 

I met such friendly, creative people who stopped by the Plaid booth where they enjoyed a Make & Take stenciled Mason jar.  It was such a pleasure to showcase Plaid's products.

 

 

 

I'm also a huge fan of Mod Podge.  This bottle should last me awhile!

 

I absolutely l.o.v.e. Plaid's decoupaged [lo-cal] cupcakes!

One of my new favorite companies I came across is ADORNit.  They feature coordinating fabric with matching scrapbook papers!  I already have several project ideas in my head for these products.

Look at this gorgeous handmade pillow using fabrics from one of their collections.

While I was salivating all over ADORNit's products, I met two lovely women who will be opening up a brand new store called Scrapbooking Forever.  And what a coincidence....it is only about 20 minutes away from where I live!  I am so excited for them and can't wait to visit. 

And Canvas Corp never disappoints.  Burlap and canvas?  Yes, please!


Gotta check out this new papercraft company:
FarmHouse Paper Company

 

 A little Tim Holtz with your tea?

                                      

 Another must-have:  rolls of colorful burlap

I ended the day at ClearStamp's booth and had my caricature done.  The drawing will be made into an acrylic stamp!  I can't wait to use that on my handmade cards!

CHA was a whirlwind of crafting heaven.  I'm already looking forward to next year!  But first, a long nap.

 

 

 

 



Plaid, CHA and Me!

 

 

I'm so excited to tell you that I will be one of

 

Plaid's crafty demonstrators

this weekend at CHA!  

 

Plaid is bringing together several of your favorite craft bloggers to lead craft demos in their booths.  I will be demonstrating Plaid's Folk Art Enamel Paint and Adhesive Stencils on Monday from 10 - 1.  If you will be at CHA on Monday, please stop by, say hi, and stay awhile to try these amazing products.    

 

I'll try not to act like a groupie, but I will tell you I'm looking forward to meeting Jen from Tatertots & Jello and Amy from Positively Splendid, two of my favorite crafting bloggers!   Both of these incredible women featured Altered Artworks when I was just starting my blog; and I will always be so appreciative of them!

 

There will be three full days of make & takes and craft celebrities.  Plaid will also be giving away awesome prizes including four iPad Minis.  For those of you who won’t be attending the show, you can still get in on the fun and enter for your chance to win an iPad Mini online. 

 

The online giveaway entry form opens Friday, January 11th. 

Just click www.plaidonline.com/CHA2013 to enter.

 

 

                 

Hope to see you this weekend at CHA!

Aspire, Alter & Create

Happy New Year

Altered Artworks followers! 

 

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  After a busy month of [not so wild] parties, sleeping late, and indulging in [too many] sweets, I'm so glad it's now January.  Time for calm, reflection...and CRAFTING. 

To set the year in motion, seems like everyone is choosing a word or phrase that will help bring meaning and direction for the year.  I've chosen the word "aspire."  

 

as·pire
/əˈspaɪər/ Show Spelled [uh-spahyuh r]   

verb (used without object), as·pired, as·pir·ing.

1. to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, especially for something great or of high value (usually followed by to, after, or an infinitive

2. Archaic. to rise up; soar; mount; tower.

---

Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English (< Middle French aspirer ) < Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, pant after, equivalent to a + spīrāre to breathe.

In 2013, I aspire to carve out more time for creativity.  I have a tendency to spend too much time thinking about being creative, and not enough time in the actual creative process.  I also aspire to learn how to use my new Silhouette Cameo.  However, I'm afraid that once I open the box, nothing else will get done! 

Last year, I was so excited to be chosen as a Crafty Contributor for The Ivy Cottage Blog.  You'll find me there twice a month sharing my love for altered artworks.  My first post for 2013 is a tutorial for re-purposing an old cutting board.  I altered it into a kitschy calendar and note holder.  I've even included the word "aspire" at the top of the board to help keep me on track! 

Come on over to The Ivy Cottage Blog to see the full tutorial and photos of my altered cutting board.  Let Amanda know I sent you!

 

Sharing this project at many of these parties
as well as
Between Naps on the Porch
Cozy Little House