Candy Cane and Washi Tape Valentine Centerpieces

Does anyone else ever forget that they purchased candy canes at Christmas time, only to find them all as soon as Christmas is over? Ooops! If  I had a nickel for every candy cane I threw away after cleaning up decorations...Ergh!!! This year, I was determined to find some way to reuse these delightfully-shaped candies and save them from the dreaded trash can once and for all! Using washi tape, pencils, and my handy, dandy hot glue gun, I was able to transform those bad boys into pieces for a cute, Valentine's day centerpiece that is now proudly displayed in my home. Check out how below:

Materials:

-candy canes (I used 6 to create 3 hearts)

-washi tape

-unsharpened pencils

-glue gun and glue sticks

Directions:

1. Place two candy canes together to create a heart shape. Wrap the candy canes together and both ends using washi tape.

2. Wrap washi tape around the candy canes, covering them competely

3. Place hot glue at the bottom of the heart and adhere the eraser end of a pencil. Let dry

4. Wrap the pencil with washi tape

5. After heart sticks are completed, arrange them in a vase with conversation hearts for super cute V-day decorating!

Revamped Stocking Hangers

 

As much as I love my house and am grateful for it, Christmastime makes me realize each year how much I regret not having a fireplace to display stockings, decorations, flowers, etc., not to mention having to eventually explain to Claire how Santa gets gifts into our house without a chimney. Good thing I have some sweet, improvisation skills! I have always wanted to use weighted stocking hangers that can be found at any department or craft store but refuse to pay the prices they typically ask. Fortunately for me, I have a dollar store within 2 miles of my house (Yikes!) and a surplus of craft supplies to adapt my findings. See for yourself...

I found these little gems for $1.00 each and, while they are definitely not my style, I could definitely see their potential, so I got crackin' (literally...I had to really do some breakage to adapt these the way I wanted)!

Materials:

-stocking holders

-washi tape (I used red and green for festive funsies)

-small frames (mine were about 2"x3")

-glue gun/sticks

-scissors

Directions:

1. Remove the decorative tops of the stocking hangers (may need to use some tough love to really get the job done)

2. Wrap washi tape around the base of the hanger, starting with the hook itself. Cover the base with tape entirely, using scissors to cut any excess.

3. Remove backing and glass from frame. Cover the front and sides of the frame with washi tape.

4. Replace glass and back of frame and glue the top of the frame to the base of the stocking holder. Note: The opening of the frame should be available to insert pictures.

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5. Print and insert pictures into frames and proudly display!

Clothespin Wreath and Christmas Card Holder

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is receiving Christmas cards, particularly picture cards that allow me to see friends and family who are far away and admire how much their children have grown and changed from last year to this year. Unfortunately, after I'm done admiring these cards, they get shoved into a basket with a gazillion others, never to be seen or heard from again! Until now...Using washi tape (my new fave), clothespins and a wire, coat hanger, ribbon, and a lil' bling, I created a wreath that doubles as a Christmas card holder. 'Tis the season to be crafty!!!

Here's how you, too, can make one:

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Materials:

• Wire, clothes hanger
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Clothespins (I used a little over 60 of them)
• Washi tape 
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Sticky-backed gems

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Directions:

1. Place a piece of washi tape top across the flat side of a clothespin. Trim any excess at the ends of the clothespins.

2. Fold excess tape over the sides of the clothespins

3. Shape wire. Clothes hanger into circular shape. Use pliers if needed.

4. After all clothespins are covered, place them onto the open end of the wire hanger through the wire loop in the middle with the side of the clothespin that opens facing upward. I used two patterns of washi tape and alternated them amongst clothespins

5. Using pliers, bend the open end of the wire hanger inward and wrap around the other side. Add sticky-backed gems to the ends of every other clothespin.

6. Wrap ribbon around the ends of the wire hanger and hook. Tie a bow in the front.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM HOYBY CRAFTS!!!!!