Once They All Believed in Dragons

Excerpt from 2011 Dear Diary -

December 23rd

Today one of my co-workers gave me a little Christmas gift. Nothing expensive, just unexpected. I should have just said thank you and left it at that. But no, the guilt blossomed like a rose in a too hot room and I said, “I have something for you, but I left it at home”. Had to stop at the store and buy something for him. New Years Resolution is to make a ton of little gifts so I don't have to fib!!

I remembered what happened last year and I am determined to follow through with my promise. No one is going to taunt me with "Liar, liar pants on fire." Umm...something just sparked my creativity (pun intended) and I'm thinking fire and two Viva Las Vegastamps - If you can't stand the heat and
Knight burned by dragon.

Before



After

Side/Back View

Supplies
Plain Old Box of Matches
Scraps of Checker Board Paper, Coordinating Paper, Red Glitter Paper
Viva Las Vegastamps - HERE and HERE.
Miracle Tape
TH Black Soot Distress Ink

Directions Remove the match drawer and set aside. No need to paint the box, just cover the top and bottom of the box using your trustworthy Miracle Tape. Apply the Checkered Paper on the top and the Coordinating Paper on the bottom. Let the red edge of the box show through. Cut strips of the Coordinating Paper and attach to sides of box. Be sure not to cover the sandpaper strike area. Stamp your VLVS images and distress heavily. Add TH Black Soot Distress Ink. Cut a square of the Red Glitter Paper. Attach all with the Miracle Tape. Cover the front and back of the match drawer with paper and fill with the matches or red fire hot candy. Repeat over and over again until you have a full stash of Dragon Decorated Match Boxes.

This little 15 minute gift is both fun and practical. What I really mean is this little gift is both cheap and easy. Remember that the next time you get that unexpected gift!

A Christmas Cracker

Hello Fans :) VLVS! Marketing and Artistic Director DeeDee here today - I've been busy keeping track of the store for a few days while the boss is on vacation so needed a quick "GET IT UNDER THE TREE ALREADY" gift for everyone...

... I always love to give everyone their favorite candy, and usually throw it in their stocking, but that sure seems like A LOT of candy. It donned on me a few nights ago I should make CHRISTMAS CRACKERS! They're the perfect vessel for a few of everyone's favorite morsels and are nice and festive at the same time!

So I've been making Christmas Crackers.. and here is one of them for you to view :) 

I started with an empty cardboard tube... could be old wrapping paper, a paper towel or toilet paper tube. I covered it in an old vintage pattern, and tied it off with May Arts Ribbon. 

I used a VLVS! NOEL stamp, VLVS! Ultra High Gloss EP, Archival Ink, Distress ink in vintage photo and hot glue. 

I'll have more crackers to share at a later date!!

The Mystery of the Giant Eye

I love Halloween. There are many reasons but first and foremost, it’s the candy. Not the eating of it, but the giving and getting that makes it such a fun holiday.

I work for a large non-profit but in my neck-of- the woods, the second floor, there are around 50 folks. Most days, especially around Halloween, our communal kitchen is filled with candy. I occasionally take a few miniature candy bars for 911 moments, but usually just pass them up – too mundane.

This year I wanted to do something special for my co-workers. My inspiration was the story that was sweeping the Internet last week - the errie eyeball that washed up on a beach in Florida.

Supplies

Cellophane Bags

Eye Ball Candy

Skeleton Eyes A Poppin Stamp

Black Ink Pad

Scalloped Punch

TH Baroque Die

Stapler

Spooky Paper
White Cardstock

Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Miracle Tape
Mini plastic bugs

Directions

1. Stamp on white cardstock then punch out tag using the scalloped punch.

2.Color in the tongue and eye balls with Stickles. Set aside to dry.

3. Cut out the Spooky Paper with the Baroque Die. This will be the top of the bag.

4. Edge both the bag top and the scalloped tag with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

5. Fill the cellophane bag with assorted plastic bugs and candy eyes.

6. Fold the baroque die cut in half. Place over the cellophane bag and staple in each corner.

7. Attach the scallop tag using Miracle Tape.

BTW that giant eye was the eye of the shark, not the eye of the newt. Either way, it made a great Halloween story. What kind of candy are you giving out this year?