It seems like only yesterday that I was wrapping up presents for Christmas and I was a little surprised to realize that I would be helping my kids create their little Valentine’s bags soon.  I am never a big participator in Valentine’s.  Maybe it is because of the holiday, or maybe it is simply that I am still in recovery mode from a very hectic Christmas. For whatever reason, my grab bags usually only consist of a couple candies thrown into a Ziploc sandwich bag with a store bought card slipped in. There is no fuss, no muss and I can pretend that I have done something pretty cute.

Of course, we all know just how cute a Ziploc bag can be (not very) so this year, I have decided to take my Valentine’s gifts to a whole new level.  What is great about this activity is that it is pretty simple, nothing too labor intensive and the finished product is wonderful. The kids get to enjoy giving and I get to enjoy sending in my holiday gift bags, yet again.

This craft is very easy and you can do it on your own or with your kids.

What you will need:

• Paper:  You can use wrapping paper, printed paper or white printer paper.
• Packaged Candy:  The best candy to use for this is a chocolate bar or anything that is in a small box.  You can use wrapped candies but the end result just isn’t the same and you will probably have more fuss than you really want.
• Ribbon:  Pick a Valentine’s ribbon.  There are tons of Valentine’s ribbon in reds, whites, pinks, and covered in flowers that you can buy at craft supply stores.
• Hole Punch:  You will be using this for your tag.
• Cardstock:  Choose a color that matches your paper and ribbon or simply go with a white cardstock.
• Markers
• Tape
• Embellishments: These are little odds and ends to decorate your candies with.

Directions:

1. Measure your candy and jot it down on a piece of paper so you don’t forget.  You will want to measure the surface area but since we will not be closing off the ends, you will want to simply measure the length of the candy and then measure the width on the top of the candy and times it by 2.  You will also need to measure the side width and times that by 2.  So if you have a chocolate bar that is 4 inches long and 2 inches wide on the top and .5 inches wide on the side width, then you will want a piece of paper that is 3.75 inches long (so you have a bit of the candy showing) and 5 inches in width.  Give yourself an extra .5 inch for overlap when you fold the paper.
2. The next step you will want to make is to decorate the paper.  If you used a printed paper, then you really don’t need to do anything at this stage, instead you can move on to step 3.  If you didn’t, decorate the paper with stamped images, or stickers or your child can draw pictures on the paper.
3. Now that your paper is ready, wrap it around the candy and tape it carefully into place. If you don’t want to see tape, add a few pieces of double sided tape in between the overlap. Set the candy aside.
4. The next step is to create your tag.  This can be done in a variety of ways but basically, you will want to cut out the shape of a tag in your cardstock and decorate with a message like “Be My Candy Valentine,” or with a sticker or stamped image.
5. Punch a hole at the top of the tag and insert the ribbon through the hole.  Finish by creating a bow with the ribbon.
6. Attach the tag to the candy and give to a friend on Valentine’s Day.

Sirena Van Schaik

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That is usually the time when I scream and realize that I only have 30 more crafting days to create all my homemade goodies for the year.  Having that list prepared in January and tucked safely away in my ideas cupboard, makes that time of year so much easier and much less stressful.

So, if you are like me and want a few crafts to tuck away to bring out next Christmas or even throughout the year, then you may want to tuck this craft away.  I find that this is an excellent way to create wonderfully home-baked goods without having to do any of the baking.  It can be a great craft to do with kids but it can also be an excellent craft and gift to do on your own.

What you need:

• Jars:  You can use just about any type of jar you want.  I like to use the jars with the hinged lid but regular mason jars are perfectly fine.
• Decorations:  This can range from ribbon to silk flowers.  If you have a child helping make the jars, why not allow him to draw a picture and then tape it to the front of the jar.  The key is to decorate them the way that you want to.  The jars can be beautiful but a lot of the “wow” in this craft is how you fill the jar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 to 2 cups of M & M’s (This really depends on how chocolaty that you want your cookies to be.  I prefer to go with the 1 cup but I know my kids prefer having 2 cups so we often compromise at 1 and a half cups.)

Directions:

1. Before you do anything else, make sure that you thoroughly wash the jars.  Do not fill them until they are completely dry though.
2. While you are waiting for the cookies to dry, why not start preparing the decorative elements.  If your child will be providing the art, simply sit her down with markers and paper and let her create.  If you are decorating, use a hot glue gun to attach the various element.  For things that need to go on the lid, I would recommend waiting until the jar is filled and closed.
3. Now that you have your jar ready and waiting, it is time to start layering the jar.  To do this, it is important to do this as follows to create a layered look:

• 1 cup of flour with the baking soda and salt on the bottom
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• Half of the M&M’s
• 1/4 cup of the brown sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• Remaining M&M’s

When the jars are filled, you can close them and finish the last little details. The last thing that you will want to do is print off a label that finishes the recipe. So in this case, the label should say:

“Cookies in a Jar:

To finish off this wonderful recipe, you will need 1 egg, 3/4 cups of butter and 1 tsp of vanilla.  Combine all the ingredients together, including the ones found in this jar.  Once it is thoroughly mixed, drop small balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are golden.”

All the best,

Sirena Van Schaik

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This candle craft is very easy to do and you don’t need a lot of supplies.  Of course, having the supplies doesn’t hurt but if you are just starting your candle making hobby, you won’t feel overwhelmed with all the supplies.

What you will need:

• Paraffin Wax:  You can purchase wax at most craft stores.  For this craft, you will want to use paraffin wax.
• Wax Dye:  This is optional and you only need to purchase it if you want to color your candles.  Another great way to add color is to use crayola crayons in the desired shade that you want.
• Wicks:  Again, you can purchase these at most stores and you can use anything from cotton to zinc core.  I would recommend the zinc since they are less likely to absorb the wax.
• Double Boiler:  This can be a double boiler that you purchase or you can simply fill a pot with 2 or 3 inches of water and place a coffee can in the center of the pot.
• Pencil:  For holding the wick
• Square Mold:  If you have a square candle mold, then all the better but if not, use the bottom half of a milk carton.
• Ice Cubes

Directions:

1. Clean your mold or milk carton and make sure that it is completely dry before you begin.  Also make sure that you have ice cubes prepared in your freezer.
2. Before you begin melting the wax, measure to see how much you will need.  The best way to do this is to break apart pieces and fill the mold with the wax pieces to just slightly above where you want the level to be.  Place the measured wax into the double boiler.
3. Melt the wax on a stove burner set at medium-low temperatures until it reaches the temperature that is indicated on the package.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before you begin the next phase.
5. While you wax is cooling, you will want to pour the ice cubes into your mold.  Make sure that they are piled and not pressed down into the mold.  Remember that the messier the pile, the better.
6. Tie the wick to the pencil and place it in the center of your mold so that it hangs down to the bottom.  Make sure to arrange the ice cubes so that no ice is leaning against the wick.
7. Now that your mold is ready, slowly pour the wax into the mold. It should flow over and in between the ice cubes and the ice will begin to melt.  You should fill up the mold to slightly above your desired level since you will lose some height as the ice cubes melt.
8. Allow the wax to cool completely and then remove from the mold.  If you are using a regular mold, placing it in hot water will loosen the wax enough for it to slide right out.  If you are using a milk carton, simply rip off the carton.

And your ice candle is finished.  It is important to allow your candle at least 24 hours before you light it to ensure that you get the best burn and candle. If you can wait, try to let it set for 2 or 3 days.

Happy Candle Making,

Sirena Van Schaik

Photo Credit: © Invisiblev… | Dreamstime.com

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