The Last Post for 2010

Wishing you all the best in 2011! ~MG

A Little Something Sparkly

You know how I love crowns.I saw these bottles with rhinestone stoppers at MFCS* (my favorite craft store) and simply HAD to have one. However, my, ahem, frugal side would not give in to paying full price. Or even 40% off. I held out and snagged the very last one for 60% off after Christmas. And isn't it just the perfect place to store my Diamond Dust!

Christmas Eve 2010

(please click on the picture for a better view)

Glitter by Candlelight

Do you need an inexpensive & easy gifty? I borrowed this idea from Violet at Create Beauty. She had these on her blog last year and I filed the idea away to make co-worker gifts this year. What you'll need:

*taper candles, any color

*sheet music

*ribbon

*fine glitter, color coordinated to candle

*glue

*clean, plain paper

Since I was making so many, I bought candles in bulk, using a 40% off coupon, of course! Ribbon was also on sale and I already had the glitter & glue.

Assemble all your elements: tear the sheet music, cut the ribbon, prepare your glue & glitter area. That way you can do these assembly line style and be done in no time.

Tear the sheet music, so it has a nice distressed edge, 1-1/2 - 2" wide and long enough to go around the candle. If you're a scrapbooker, you probably have an assortment of inks to tint the edges if desired. Glue the paper to the candle. Then cover the candle (& some of the paper too, if you want) with a thin coat of glue, applying in random lines and using your hand or a sponge brush to cover the taper. On a sheet of plain, clean paper, lay down some glitter & just roll the taper over it til you get the desired coverage.Tie ribbon around it & voila! Instant glitz.I put them in pairs in a cellophane bag & tied a ribbon around the top. Everyone seemed to like them. Candles & glitter. At Christmas, you can't go wrong with this combo!