Create your own Flower hair clips.

I need to make some of these before school starts!

Hot Crafting Ideas - Marble Magnets

Marble magnets seem to be the new hot thing to make right now. I tried them out and thing they are just too cute. It is a wonderful way to use small scraps of scrap booking paper. You can also cut images out of magazines or print them off the net.

Supplies for making marble magnets

Glue that dries clear.

Flat bottom, clear marbles

Paper

Scissors

Magnets

Cut a piece of paper to fit on the back of the marble

Put a bead of glue on the flat side of the marble

Glue the image on, image side up

Press firmly to remove air bubbles

Allow to dry

Glue a magnet on the back

I call these The Vintage Collection. I used scrap booking paper that I got in the Target dollar section. It was 12 pieces for a dollar.

These makes a wonderful Christmas Gift. It is easy enough that even children can do it.

If you have made a set of these email me or leave me a comment. I would be happy to post your picture and a link to your website.

Suzie. :)

Get ready for Christmas early this year

I am getting prepared for Christmas. Yes, I know it is only August but I like to get an early start. I am a big fan of Christmas Shopping all year. This allows me to spend the holiday enjoying my family instead of fighting holiday crowds.


1. Go ahead and request a list from your family or decide how you plan to do the exchange this year. You can buy for kids only, draw names, or bring one gift each and play a game.

2. Every time that you go shopping ask for a free gift box. Even if you do not need it now you can save them up to use at Christmas. If you do not have to buy them it saves you money.

3. Start buying small items to make gift baskets. I am a big fan of gift baskets. I already have a box full of items purchased to make gift baskets this Christmas. The possibilities are endless... but that is another blog.

4. Start sending after free samples. They make great stocking stuffers. It is best to start as early as possible to allow time to receive them.

5. Buy your Christmas cards. If you are like me you bought them last year right after Christmas when they were marked down 75%. If not get the bought now. Also get your list together of who you need to send one to.

6. If you plan to give homemade gifts get started making them.

7. If you have the pantry space start picking up a few things that you will need for cooking. You can buy things like canned pumpkin, condensed milk, vanilla, spices, and etc early. This way you do not have a huge grocery bill right before Christmas.

How to make a wax dipped stuff animal.

Have you seen the yummy smelling wax dipped bears?

They sale them at craft fairs and stores for $15 to $30. This is the time of year to get ready for those craft fairs. This would be a great Craft for a wahm or sahm to make some extra money for the holidays.

They are quite simple to make yourself with a few supplies and a little time.


Stuffed Teddy Bear or other animal
1 lb. wax
1.5 oz fragrance oil
Double boiler or crock pot
Thick Rubber Gloves w/ Lining
Drying Rack
2 Forks
Tongs
Blow dryer




















I used a large pot with water in it with a tight fitting bowl set down inside of it.









































Use tongs to lower in your stuffed animal very slowly. Roll it around using the tongs.























Be careful the wax is very hot.






















Any type of cooling rack will work.



























Fluffing the stuffed animal is the key to a nice looking wax dipped stuffed animal. Do not worry if you see the wax start to dry and flake, we can fix this later.

























If you feel that you have messed to the point that the hair dryer will not help just redip the bear and start over.























It is best to allow it to dry overnight.




























Tips-


Jointed bears seem to work best.

Longer haired bears work better than short hairs.


The most common sizes used are from 6" to about 10".

Better quality stuffed animals will hold up better to hot wax... some cheaper glued bears can fall apart. The glue will melt on some of the cheaper ones causing them to fall apart.

Try to use oils that are clear or very light in color on white or pastel bears.

For extra scent pour concentrated fragrance oil into the inside of the bear before dipping.

Do not set waxed bears on wood surfaces as the oils in the wax can stain the wood!

Average 6 - 10" bears sell for anywhere from $15.00 to $30.00 retail!

The bears will naturally lose scent over time. Refresh them by sprinkling with refresher oil or warming them with a blow dryer.

They are not toys and should be kept out of the reach of children.

Try using colored wax on matching colored bears for a dramatic look.

If your wax bear is dusty, clean him with a blow dryer on the cool setting.



Do yu really want one but are not sure you are ready to make it? Check out the super cute ones at Apple Blossom Candles


These photos belong to http://www.mrssuziehomemaker.com/ and are not to be reproduced without written permission from the webmaster.

Cute Koozie

If you are looking for a cute gift idea make them a decorated koozie. Make one as a graduation gift using their college colors or college fabric. These cost under $3 to make and people love to get them as a gift.

To make one -

1. Fold under the top edge of a piece of fabric cut to fit around the koozie. It can be a little to long at the bottom. You can trim that off later.

2. Hot glue the fabric around the koozie and trim off any that is hanging on the bottom.

3. Glue a strip of feathers or other decorative trim around the bottom.

If you make one send us a picture and we will put it here on Suzie Homemaker. :) Send them to mjlampe@pld.com