giggleface studios

Yummy Gingerbread Boxes

Packaging a gift is just as important as the gift itself! I believe this so much so, even giving that homemade fruitcake that is wrapped so beautifully, will look scrumptious and delicious (I promise!)

So with out spending a fortune on gift wrap and bows, I think I found an easy and cheap solution! It requires a white paint pen, white colored pencil, stencils and a brown cardboard gift box. I found this box at Michael's for .79 cents and measures 9" X 4 1/2". Just the right size for your fruitcake :P

Using your white colored pencil, trace your stencils on your box. Shake your paint pen and then trace over your colored pencil...it's that easy! I found that if you use a regular pencil (no matter how light you trace) it will show through your white paint. The white colored pencil solved that problem beautifully! Decorate your faux gingerbread to your hearts content...its almost as fun as the real thing, but less sticky and fat free!

Don't forget to tie up your package with baker's twine or a fancy ribbon!

Having A Hard Time Cutting Small Felt Pieces?

The Holidays are fast approaching and you can't put off cutting out that project with the itty-bitty felt pieces anymore...you know what I'm talking about right? The itty-bitty circles and leaves that come out looking like...well, not a circles or a leaves! Fear Not, for I have found a tip that has saved my sanity, eyesight and hair (from all that hair-pulling). It is so brilliant and foolproof!

Are you ready?

(This flower basket measures 1 1/2" x 2" finished)

The trick and secret weapon is...CLEAR PACKING TAPE...yep, it's that simple!

So here is how you do it: Cut your pattern piece out leaving a smidge all the way around. Place a piece of packing tape over the pattern piece, making sure to cover it entirely. Stick and moosh it onto your felt.

Next, take your very sharp scissors and cut on the heavy line of your pattern piece. The tape keeps the piece in place without having to use pins or your fingers. Now, you have a nice clean piece that looks just like it's supposed to! You can use the piece about 3-4 more times, by just adding another piece of tape on top. The tape will create a ridge to follow around. If you are making a ton of the same shape, let me suggest making a few extra paper copies. After awhile the template will become wonky, because of all the tape layers.

This is an example of just how small those little circles are. I can fit them inside my tiny sewing scissors!

So, now it's time to get cutting and stitching all those wonderful presents...there are no more excuses!s

Rainbow of Placemats

Sometimes life gets in the way and my sewing comes to a grinding halt! After two weeks I have finally finished my patchwork placemats and...I love them, the kids love them, and my table loves them!

Each little square...

has it's own story...

of where it came from.

Some are new...

some are found...

and some are from my very own childhood!

It sure makes setting the table for meals a little more special and exciting! The kids now fight over which color they want. So to solve the problem...whoever asks first to set the table get to pick the "color" for each person. See how sneaky I am at getting helpers!

Red Patchwork Placemat Tutorial

When life gives you scraps...you make patchwork place mats!

I know that most of you must have a basket, bucket, or closet full of scraps just waiting to be used up...am I right? This is a great way to use those fussy-cuts and pretty little bits you just can't bear to throw away. Now I can look at all those wonderful fabrics every time I sit down to eat!

I thought I would share how I made these so that you can enjoy your favorite fabrics too. This project can be little time consuming, and requires cutting 96 little squares, but don't let that scare you away. The end result is worth it...I promise!