St. Patrick's Day Lucky Penny

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year, I wanted my little gal & I to do something different for her friends! I was so excited when I stumbled across an adorable 'Lucky Penny' printable from Pumpkin Petunia. In just a few minutes, you can create these cute goodies & spread some cheer!

First you'll need to gather your pennies! We busted into our piggy bank & gathered up as many coins as we could. Upon inspection we realized pennies are d-i-r-t-y. Gross! We wanted shiny coins for our project, so we soaked our pennies in ketchup for 5-10 minutes.

After a quick rinse with water, they are brought back to their shiny golden luster. Crazy ~ but it does work!

Next we printed up some of the 'Lucky Penny' printables available HERE. We added a touch of glitter to the shamrocks for some sparkle & attached each coin with a dab of hot glue.

I also hand-stamped a few pennies to send to family!
Everyone can always use an extra little bit of luck right?

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown

DIY Chalkboard Picture Frame

Looking for a unique and homemade Valentine's Day gift?

How about a chalkboard picture frame? Now you can leave love notes for your sweetie all year long!

First you'll need a cute assistant and a wooden picture frame. We picked this one up at Michael's for just $1. I like that it has a large area to write your message!

You'll also need a can of chalkboard spray paint (available at Michael's)

Now get spraying! I applied three coats (allow for drying in between coats)

A few rhinestone added for a sparkling finish touch and that's it!

Quick, easy & your Valentine is sure to love it!

These would also make amazing wedding favors. Attach a piece of chalk with coordinating ribbon and you've got a one-a-kind favor for your guests.

Valentine Lollipops

I love Valentine's Day! A day filled with hearts, mushiness & the best part... lots of chocolate - Yes Please! Last year my lil gal & I decided to create some one of a kind Valentine cards for her class. They were so fun, I wanted to share them again this year!

Supplies:

Chocolate candy melts (we used chocolate & white)

Lollipop sticks

Candy canes

Sprinkles

Lollipop bags

Assemble the candy canes & lollipop sticks on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Melt chocolate over a double boiler.

Carefully spoon chocolate into hearts. I twirled the lollipop sticks to make sure they were evenly coated & added some sprinkles. We also made some treats without the sticks.

Yummy!

Add a bag to protect the treats!

For the card I took a picture of her, added a fun Valentine message & printed them on 4x6 photo paper. Using an e-xacto knife, slice above & below the hand, then insert the lollipop stick. Instant cuteness! (The final lollipop version will be in a treat bag)

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

Recycled Crayon Valentines + Printable

Ever wonder what to do with all those broken & half used crayons? Recycle them into fun shapes for a sugar free Valentine gift!

What you'll need:
Crayons
Heart shaped baking pan
3" bags (purchased from Michaels)
Stapler
Bag Toppers

Let's get started!

Set your oven to 200 degrees. Remove the paper wrappings and break up the crayons. Add them to the  molds and place in oven for 8-10 minutes.

Once all the crayons have melted, you'll get something like this. Next throw the mold in the freezer for a few minutes so the crayons can harden faster.

Pop them out of the mold & you've got yourself some super cute new crayons!

Blank versions of the bag toppers are available HERE!
Just print & have your little one sign their name. Add a couple crayons to the bag & attach the toppers. Easy peasy!

A great Valentine treat without any sugar involved!

Wild About You Valentines + Printable

 Now that the holidays are over, I'm in full Valentine's Day mode! I love love!

 I've started working on some Valentine's for my little gals classroom friends! I have so many ideas conjured up in my little 'ol brain, I've decided to separate versions for the boys & girls (girls version coming soon)!

Want to make these Wild Valentines? What you'll need:

3" bags (purchased from Michaels)

Animal toys (I found these at CVS)

Stapler

Bag toppers

 I created blank versions of the bag toppers just for you! Click HERE to download all 4 versions! Print & have your little one sign their name.

Happy Valentine's Day Wild Thing!

Melting Snowman Cookies

Meet my cute little snowman cookie friends!

If you're still needing to bake some holiday treats, these cookies are sure to be a huge hit! I have two cookie exchange parties coming up & I'm pretty sure these guys will bring smiles to a few faces!

They are super easy to make. What you'll need:

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix.

Royal Icing

Decorative icing

Sprinkles

1. Bake the cookies according to directions.

2. Top with royal icing. I had the frosting to dribble down the cookie for a watery, puddle effect.

3. Take a couple of marshmallows & pop them into the microwave for 20 seconds (I suggest spraying your fingers with a touch of cooking spray.) Microwaving gives them a wonky shape.

4. Using decorative icing & sprinkles, add final features (arms, face, etc.)

My lovely little assistant!

The little ones love to help make the cookies but don't be surprised if they eat more than they make :)

Happy Holidays!

DIY Chalkboard Coasters

The holidays are right around the corner which means a calendar filled with lots of social gatherings! This year I wanted to create a fun hostess gift to pair with a bottle of wine/cider/etc.  

What you'll need:
Chalkboard spray paint
Ceramic tiles
Cork sheets or felt
Adhesive or hot glue gun
Chalk

Lay out your tiles and spray with chalkboard paint. I did two coats and allowed one hour drying time between coats.

In the scrapbook section of Michael's, I found some awesome cork sheets that I cut to fit the back of the tile. You could also use felt. These will protect the tile from scratching furniture surfaces. Spread a layer of glue and attach to the tile. Let dry.

Now guests can write their name, doodle and keep track of their drinks.

 

 When the fun is done, clean up is a breeze.

Simply wipe down with a damp cloth and let air dry. 

 Wrap the tiles with some pretty ribbon and a piece of chalk and 

you've got a fun, affordable and unique gift!