Christmas Crafting

Happy Weekend!!
I was just thinking about all the crafting we did over the holidays and the spirit of crafting is continuing right into the new year.

I really enjoy making gifts that have thoughtful personal or consumable value.
I am keeping my Pintrest boards organized so that I can refer back to them for holiday gifts next year.
Here's a tour of some crafting and food fun we had this season.

Salted Caramels took 3 batches to perfect
but finally had a successful batch of candy.

Michael's kiss cookies are always a hit.
He made regular and gluten-free for Kelsie & I.

These are my favorite peanut butter muffins with the pb cup baked inside.

Saw this idea on the web and made several for hostess gifts
when visiting friends and family through the holidays.

Kelsie and I were making paper stars while she was home on break.
She made some for gifts as well.  They are nice to put in a bowl
or string as garland or just to keep your hands busy.

And then there were glass blocks inspiring glass blocks. 

This one was a gift from a friend.
It is painted then snow glitter added for texture.
A string of lights adds the glow and it's finished off with a bow.

I made this one for my babysitter with a picture of
she and Mason on the last day of daycare.
I printed the photo on vellum and added embellishments and a bow.
The light is a single bulb option offered with the blocks.
I think it added a nice spotlight for the photo style design.

This glass block is a work in progress.  My friend Becky of Tacobird Embroidery and I have the same house floor plan.  We each used a glass block as holiday decor in the same place on the kitchen counter by the fridge.  Mine was a gift from her, the red glass gift box shown above.  I love the nightlight effect if offers in the evenings.  I hated to put it away so I mentioned I wanted to make another for January.  We did a snow motif for January and will soon turn this block over and decorate for February with some valentines and a new bow.  I might add step by step pictures of the Valentine side when I complete it.

Here are the general directions to create this crafty gem.  There will be variations according to your own crafting and decorating preferences.  Have fun with it and make it your own.

Purchase a glass block from your favorite craft store.  I have seen them at three different stores nearby in recent weeks.  Most have your choice of lights and stands to go with them for additional purchase.  The stand is not totally necessary but I prefer the finished look of the wrought iron stand on the kitchen counter with exception to the gift box option shown first.  

Tear a piece of mulberry paper to fit your block.  As you can see, you can decorate this in so many ways.  I chose a ribbon and decorated my paper to match.  Becky picked the colors she liked best for her snowman theme and then added a ribbon.

Stamp your design on the mulberry paper with embossing ink then add embossing powder and HEAT.  Becky turned the paper over and painted with alcohol inks to add the color detail to her snowman features.  She notes that the alcohol inks tend to run a bit so practice a little before applying to your final design.

Paint your glass block with Mod Podge and affix your stamped paper design onto the glass.

Paint over the top and edges with more Mod Podge and sprinkle some snow glitter to add sparkle.

Add your bow and lights and slide into the stand (optional).  If you choose not to use a stand, make sure to place your design on the block with the hole for the lights on the side so that when you stand it on the counter the lights are not making it sit uneven.

 ENJOY!!!!