I've neglicted my blog for quite some time. Don't worry, I'll get back into it soon!

Little Paper Boxes

I was extremely bored last night and really wanted to make something. I searched some crafts to do with just paper and ran across an article about making paper boxes. I read a few lines and decided that I could do that. I took some scrapbooking paper and started folding. Once I got started, I couldn't stop. I made at least ten and added my own special touches. They are so fun and simple to do and great for gift wrapping. Get started making your own!

1. You need to start with a piece of thin card stock cut into a perfect square. Size doesn't really matter, I used 8"x8" to make these.

2. We will start with making a folded grid system. Fold the paper in half diagonally both directions. Be precise and crease all folds.

3. Now, fold all the corners into the center.

4. Next, fold each corner to the opposite side at the crease you just made.

5. Fold each corner in to meet the nearest crease to that corner. Now you see the grid system. This will help us fold the box.

6. This part is a little bit tricky. We need to take the first complete square on each side and fold it diagonally. Hopefully the images will help.

7. Fold up the sides 90 degrees. The small triangles will lay on the bottom of the box.

8. Fold up and in the opposite sides. This is where the small diagonal folds we did in step 6 come in handy.

9. After folding both sides, you're done!

If you want to make boxes with lids. Just make another one using paper that is 1/4" smaller. I added very special touches by adding colored paper inside the box and adding colored strips of paper on the lids. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Have fun!

Placemat Purse

Super cute from craftdaisies.com. It's a purse made out of a placemat! The instructions say it's really easy. I'm gonna give it a try and post the results. Apparently all you have to do is sew up the sides, angle off the corners, and afix some handles. I've already purchased some placemats from the Dollar Tree, can't wait to start.

Be Inspirational.

Crochet. It's something that is near and dear to my heart. Not nessecarily because of the art, but because of the women who taught me everything I know about it. While spending two or three days a month at her house during summer break, my great grandmother, Helen Welman, taught me everything she knew about crocheting. It is something she enjoyed doing so much, that she lovingly passed her passion on to me. We would sit for hours making pot holders, pumpkins, pillow cases, scarfs, and blankets, laughing and spending quality time together.

Take your hobby to the next level and teach a child. Become an inspiration, just like my great grandmother has inspired me.

Coasters from ribbon? ....Believe it!

I don't know about you, but I keep, if I can, the ribbons off balloons and gifts for use on other projects. I never thought that I could make coasters out of those ribbon pieces! Just start rolling the ribbon around itself, adding pieces/colors as needed, until the piece is the desired size. For protection, coat the piece with polyurethane and adhere a cork backing. It's just that simple. Check out more detailed instructions from chicaandjo.com -- just click on the image.

Flipp'n for Flip Flops

Fun and affordable ways to dess up those $3 flip flops. Top Left: Light purple flip flops, sequins and glue. Top Right: Light blue flip flops, single stran of large sequins and glue. Bottom Left: Light purple flip flops, gold embroidery Floss , and your favorite beads. Bottom Right: Plain black flip flops, hobby knife (to cut slits) and your favorite colored ribbon. Check out other great ideas at hobbylobby.com.

Don't Throw Away Old Greeting Cards

I don't like to throw anything away, especially things that can be used a different way. Take your old greeting, thank you, or note cards and turn them into fabulous frames and mattes for your pictures. Great in frames, scrapbooks, or just to hang on the frig.