May's "Mid-Month-Pick-Me-Up"

It's the middle of the month, and it's time for a little inspirational shot in the arm to get you scrappin' with your May kits before we all start getting psyched for the new June kits in a couple of weeks.

This month's "Mid-Month-Pick-Me-Up" tidbit is brought by Barista, Lan Amphone. She's got some amazing ideas for using some of your patterned paper to create some amazing quick gifts and party favors - sure to come in handy this time of year. :)

By Lan Amphone:
TURN YOUR PAPER SCRAPS INTO GIFTS AND PARTY DÉCOR!

There are many ways to use up some of those pretty patterned paper scraps. Any graduation parties, birthday parties, backyard barbeques, baby showers or year-end classroom bashes in your plans this summer? If so, here are some fun ideas to create personalized favors and gifts for all of your special summer occasions.

1.) Create a Banner.

Banners are all the rage this year. You see them everywhere, so why not create your own color-coordinated and personalized version with your paper-crafting supplies. I recycled the backing chipboard pieces from my office max and staples ledger paper and cut them into triangles before covering them with my favorite patterned paper pieces. To create the florettes, I cut two strips of 3”x 12” paper, accordion-folded them and then hot glued the ends together, securing with a little dab of glue on the back. I topped the florette with a scalloped circle and a letter, spelling out the special occasion or person. To string the triangles together, I punched holes at the top corners of each triangle and tied the pieces together with ribbon or tulle.

2.) Turn an Ordinary Bag of Microwave Popcorn into a Stylish Baby Shower Gift
I wrapped some patterned paper around a bag of unpopped microwave popcorn. I added my shower message to the top of the wrapped bag along with a pretty ribbon as an accent. Shower attendees were greeted with this cute message when they received their favor:

“LoAn’s Ready to POP! Timer set to 7-23-2010. Here is a yummy treat for you to enjoy because she’s about to pop with a baby boy! LoAn’s Baby Shower. May 8, 2010.”

3.) Alter a Double Pack of Cheese and Cracker Dips.
I created my altered Cheese & Cracker Dips as an additional Baby Shower party favor, but you can create these yummy little bundles for any occasion. How about making a few to hand out at your spring and summer sporting event? Hungry participants and spectators alike will love the snack and appreciate the special touch. Just add a fun front that will cover the top of the cheese & cracker packaging, add a wee bit of adhesive to the center and tie a ribbon around the whole thing to better hold it altogether.

4.) Personalize Water Bottles.
Quick and cute personalization doesn’t get any easier than this. I just ripped off the existing label, printed out a new one on my computer and adhered with a strip of clear tape.

5.) Don’t forget to use up your stash of ribbon and flowers for the diaper cake.

5.) Give the Gift of Candy (presented with flair, of course).
I created a cute label for these inexpensive canisters and filled them with M&M’s. You could Skittles or any other small candy. These would make great year-end treats for all those deserving teachers.

6.) How about a Fun Pail filled with Water Toys?

Whatever the celebration or occasion this summer, a little bit of pretty patterned paper will give your gifts a one of a kind touch.