Pay It Forward: The Reveal

Earlier this month I posted about Pay It Forward 2012. The concept was simple, the first five people to comment on a friend's facebook status about paying it forward would receive something handmade by her in exchange for reposting the status on their page and giving something handmade to the first five people who commented on their status, and so on from there.

In my previous post I just gave a sneak-peak into my handmade goodies, as the recipients had yet to recieve them and I wanted them to have some element of surprise. I mailed them shortly thereafter and know at least three of the five recipients have their treats in hand, which means they likely all do and it's likely safe to share.

I decided to use my existing craft and scrapbook supplies to make up five card and gift tag sets. Each set included three cards and two gift tags that the recipients can use to give to family or friends. How's that for a little pay it forward in a pay it forward! Here's a look at what I whipped up in a long-nap afternoon:

A mixed set of a thank you card, a hello car and a happy day card,
with two thank you tags - I can totally see these hanging over a bottle of wine!

Two sets of thank you cards and tags

Another mixed card set and two friends tags

And a similar mixed card set, only with a best wishes instead of a congrats card
and two friends tags.

Once they were finished, I packaged them up in envelopes and then randomly wrote names/addresses on them so I didn't have to pick who got what sets! I loved them all, so I couldn't pick and choose :)

If you're so inspired, maybe you can make something for someone special this week. Whether a sweet treat, a casserole for supper, a card, a handsewn apron, a knitted hat, or a simple cup of coffee, I'm sure they'll love it. And honestly, there's no better feeling than giving something handmade.

Guest Post: Fabulous Festive Fimo

We have another guest blogger for you today, Miss Sarah Jones. Sarah takes up residence online at Half Sweet Vanilla where she showcases her love of design, illustration and inspiration. which she insists is best enjoyed with a coffee, tea, or latté. I can't say I disagree. Sarah is by far one of the most creative, artistic, and crafty people I know... as in she's even had demos featured on HGTV's website! I am very pleased to have her join us here with a great idea for a quick and easy craft you (and/or your kids!) can do before Christmas Day. Enjoy!

Fabulous Festive Fimo
by Sarah Jones

Looking for a fun and festive diy project that will add a personal touch to the top of your gifts this year? All you need is the classic sculpting clay; Fimo, an alphabet stamp set, a needle or straw [to make the hole for your ribbon] and an oven.

Unlike those sculpting clays that need to air dry, Fimo is baked. When you are happy with your creations place on a clean cookie tray and into an oven that has been pre-heated to 230F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool and voila! Add ribbon or garland and attached your tags to your gifts! [They are like little gifts in and unto themselves]

Fimo comes in a variety of colours and the options of what you can make are endless. Along with tags and garland try covering jar lids, make customized magnets or ornaments.

Get kids involved too! They will have just as much fun as you seeing their soft clay creations being put into the oven and coming out as hardened masterpieces!

Awesome right? Thanks Sarah!