Hi gang!  I have an updated Valentine Treat Bag PDF that’s available as a free download! These have been pretty popular over the years and I’ve made this version more universal so that it can be used for any homemade treats you might want to give to that special someone.

Just download the file and print directly onto a paper bag using a color ink jet printer. I’ve found that top loading printers work the best and the flatter the bag the better. Once printed, I stuff a Glassine bag inside to help maintain freshness and to protect the paper from oil stains. Then, using a rotary cutter fitted with a scallop blade, I trim the top inch off for a little extra sweetness.

Once you’ve made the bags, fill them with any sweet treat imaginable! I love making heart shaped brownies cut with a cookie cutter or Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. Whatever you include, I’m sure the recipient will be thrilled!

Instructions are included in the PDF and if you need bags, I sell them in my Etsy shop. The bags are available in Craft and White along with the the Glassine Liner Bags. Enjoy and happy early Valentine’s Day!

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CONDITIONS OF USE: All Twig & Thistle downloads are subject to our Terms & Conditions. Downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. In addition please do not redistribute or modify any of the templates. If you’d like to link to the pdf, please link to this post directly. Thanks!

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Last Monday I went to a Halloween Craft event hosted by Lyndsey of The Stationary Place and Marie LeBaron of Make and Takes at Trophy Cupcakes. It was such a great, relaxed event full of fun crafty goodness! Marie and Lyndsey taught us how to make Felt Rosette Wreaths, Hand-embroidered Spider Cards, Glittered Spider Rings and my personal favorite – Pipe Cleaner Spiders.

It was the perfect occasion for any type of crafter. The ladies were so prepared and had everything all set out for us and ready to use. Sadly, I forgot my camera and wasn’t able to snap any pics at the event but I did manage to finish my Rossette Wreath and Spider Rings and take some shots over the weekend.

The wreath is an easy craft that anyone that can handle scissors and pins can manage. Check out Kristen’s tutorial on Domestifluff for step-by-step instructions and pictures.

The Glittered Spider Rings are another brilliant idea and insanely easy to do! Purchase plastic spider rings from a craft store and simply paint the top surface with crafters glue. Once covered, sprinkle with glitter making sure to cover well and let dry. Wear as a festive ring or add them to a wreath like I did by cutting the band in the middle and attaching them to a rosestte!

Be sure to check out The Stationary Place and Make and Takes for tutorials on the rest of the crafts. And don’t forget to make these adorable Pipe Cleaner Spiders, kids would LOVE them!

I have to say, Summer was far too short in the Northwest but now that Fall has arrived, I’m thrilled that it’s here! I got an early start on my Halloween costume over the weekend and tonight I’m attending my first ever Halloween craft class.

I’ll be sure to share details soon but in the mean time, I’d love to hear what all of you have planned. Any great costume ideas or special decorations you have in store? I adore the simplicity of these colorful gourds arranged on a mantel and the hang tags are a nice touch.

Have a splendid day! xoxo

Image by William Brinson of House of Brinson

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead and for those of you celebrating the 4th of July, may you have a fun and safe weekend! I don’t have any major plans but I hope to get some R&R and hopefully a little sun if it ever decides to show up here.

With a few days before the holiday I thought I’d do a round up of some of my favorite crafts I’ve seen lately. Hope you enjoy!

Creature Comforts Fabric Dessert Flags, Two Shades of Pink Mason Jar “Sippy Cups”, Packagery Paper Button Garland

Somehow I missed this Easter Tablescape by Remodelista with Gwyneth Paltrow but came across it thanks to the Meriment Blog. I’ve always been a big fan of Gwyneth’s sophisticated but laid-back style and this tablescape seems to fit her personality to a T! I just love the combination of pale pinks and blues with white, tan, and black. Photographer Simon Bevan did an outstanding job of capturing this beautiful table top! I wish I could join in the feast!

And P.S. how amazing does Gwyneth look in these photos?! My goodness, so SO pretty!

Mother’s Day Breakfast Printables by Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

Mother’s Day Gift Tag by Ez of Creature Comforts

Mother’s Day Printable Card by Jennifer Kirk of Ambrosia Girl

Bird Jars by Geninne Zlatkis for Martha Stewart (via Creature Comforts)

I hope you are all had a great week and have some lovely plans for this holiday weekend! I wanted to share some of my favorite crafts for Mother’s Day that I’ve spotted lately. Hopefully there’s still time to put something together if you’re like me and have waited until the very. last. minute. Happy Mother’s Day everyone! xoxo

With Easter almost here, Mother’s Day is soon to follow! I’ve updated my original Mother’s Day Door Hanger for 2011 and hopefully it’ll come in handy for a few of you.

Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone you know, I’m sure everyone can appreciate a little down time this Mother’s Day. The best part, it’s a gift that keeps on giving; hang whenever a quite moment is needed and cherish those precious times! All you need to do is download, print, cut and hang! Happy early Mother’s Day!

CONDITIONS OF USE: All Twig & Thistle downloads are subject to our Terms & Conditions. Downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. In addition please do not redistribute or modify any of the templates. If you’d like to link to the pdf, please link to this post directly. Thanks!

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Cute little bunny garland that can be cut and assembled quickly and would make a great last minute addition to any Easter celebration! Hat tip to Pinterest for the find, and link to Titatoni’s adorable site where you can get the download.

Titatoni is in German and so are the instructions but it looks fairly simple to follow. Can’t wait to give it try!

Megan of Not Martha has the the most adorable tutorial on paper-mache easter eggs. The polka dots are just darling and I can’t imagine how these eggs could get any cuter! Check out the complete directions on her site, enjoy!

1.Paper-Maché Eggs and Basket 2.Botanical Eggs 3.Egg Pigs! 4.Paper Cutout Easter Eggs

5.Chocolate Eggs 6.Chocolate Cake with Phyllo Nest 7.Sugar Cookie Bunnies 8.Ganache Cake and Marbled Truffled Eggs

Another adorable St. Patrick’s Day project to add to the list! Created by Alexandria Hedin, these Just Plain Lucky Tees are perfect for the whole family! Simple and super adorable and just the right amount of charm! Get the instructions and template from Alexandria’s blog.

Fun little story, Alexandria and I went to high school together here in Seattle and ended up working together at Starbucks in the creative department. We both went on to separate jobs and lost touch but have since reconnected through the blog world. I love the web connections and friends I’ve made over the years and I’m so fortunate to be surrounded but such talented people!

St. Patrick’s Day is only a few days away but there are still plenty of fun and creative projects to do in time. I personally like ones that involve at least a little sugar and this one definitely delivers!

I can hardly think of anything better than seven lucky layers of yummy cake! Amanda, of I Am Baker, put this beautiful shamrock cake together by gradually adding food coloring to each layer before cooking.

Wether for St. Patrick’s Day or not, I love the look of a gradated cake and hope to make one of my own some day. Truly stunning!

No St. Patrick’s Day is complete with out a good Irish beer! Why not celebrate in style with these shamrock inspired coasters?! Substitute with sparkling cider for little ones and everyone can join in the fun!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Color Printer
Paper
Blotter paper or thick cardstock
Spray Adhesive
Craft Knife

INSTRUCTIONS
To make these printables more coaster-like, simply print template onto regular text weight paper then glue them to a thicker cardstock with a spray adhesive. I use thick blotter paper or watercolor paper which can be found at any art supply store.

Once glued together, using a craft knife, carefully trim out each coaster along solid grey line. If printed with an ink jet printer be warned that the ink may bleed when dampened. An alternative is to either print with a color laser printer or have them laminated. Sláinte!

CONDITIONS OF USE: All Twig & Thistle downloads are subject to our Terms & Conditions. Downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. In addition please do not redistribute or modify any of the templates. If you’d like to link to the pdf, please link to this post directly. Thanks!

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Even though I have bright red hair, I’m not the least bit Irish but that doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate St. Patricks Day like I am! This week I’ve got two DIY projects in honor of ol’ St. Pat and this first one is a sweet twist on a pot of gold.

Simply cut rice crispy treats into the shape of gold bars, wrap in parchment paper and gold foil and serve! Don’t worry about cutting them perfectly, once wrapped in the gold foil, they truly look like the real deal! Fun for a party, lunch boxes or even shimmering favors!