As 2008 comes to an end we can't help but look back an think how incredibly grateful we are for YOU! This Kit club has become so much more than just a "club"....It is a place where many of you have become our friends over the years & we thank you for your friendship. We know that there are many kit clubs & we truly appreciate your business! We know, without you, we would not be where we are! We have some great new kits planned for 2009 - along with some new product lines and a few suprises!

Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year to you and your family!

Gerri-anne, Barb & Sonia

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 12

This is not a technical tip.
Its more of a reminder. Those of you who have lost parents know how important this is. GET IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. I am so glad your child is in EVERY shot you take Christmas day. Or even the stack of presents by the tree. But where are you? What is your Christmas story? Hand the camera to someone else. I am just as guilty of NOT doing this as everyone else. And please have a wonderful, fun filled Christmas!

12 Days of Photo Tips Day 11

Black and white.

A lot of digital cameras have the option to shoot in different colors, sepia, black and white etc. With the exception of a few high end SLR's the black and white feature ususally falls short. I have always shot in color and used photoshop to convert to black and white. There are MANY black and white conversion actions out there. If you have photoshop or photoshop elements you can do a very easy one. Go to Image>Adjustments>desaturate. Now your photo will be black and white. Sometimes the colors get a little less saturated and I like to pop out the black a bit more. I go to Image>Adjustments>curves Then I take my mouse and grab the middle of the diagonal line and curve it slightly upward. then I crab the very left bottom of the line and slighty move it to the right. You can play with these curves to get the look you desire! And careful a little curvature goes a long way.

12 Days of Photo Tips!

Photo Tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons.
Perspective.
How can your photos change just by changing your perspective? Taking a shot of your kids from your height down can create strained necks and uncomfortable poses. When taking shots of your kids opening gifts or even adults sit down! Take shots at their eye level!! The photo will look more natural and no one complains!

12 Day of Photo Tips - Day 9

Getting ready
1. Have several charged batteries in your camera bag along with battery charger.
2. Make sure you have other equipment you might need, lens, tripod etc.
3. Make a list of photos you want to make sure to capture. Check the list often to make sure you have what you want
4. Take non people shots before they arive. Things can get hectic so get some shots of the details of christmas before everyone gets there.

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 8

Our 12 Days of Photo Tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons!

Using auto light settings on your cameras

Ever find a settings on your camera that says: Tungsten cloudy sunny etc?? Well USE it!! It automatically sets your white balance to match what light situation you are in. Flip through the light settings to see what effect you like the most. And remember JUST because the setting says its for something in particular dosn't mean you have to use it then. I play with mine so I can get a 'look' or feel that you wouldn't expect from the situation! You may need to get your manual out to find this setting but it will be worth it!

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 7

Our 12 Days of Photo Tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons.

What is your visual Focal point?
Do you ever ask yourself WHAT the point is to the scrapbook page your just finished? Or maybe you are more organized than I am and ask yourself that BEFORE you put the page together. A photo needs to have a point. A focal point. What is the point in your photograph that will naturally draw your eye? Place your focal point in a prominent position using your rule of thirds! You can also use the portrait setting on your camera to blur the background. Using contrasting colors is also a great way to enhance your focal point. You use contrasting colors on pages why not try it in a photograph?

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 6

Our 12 Days of Photo Tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons.

Watch your background!
When taking your photo take a quick look around your background. See if there is a tree coming out of someone’s head or a dog peeing in the back ground. C’mon we have all seen it at some point. Move the subjects or change your angle of shot to eliminate distracting items. Too much background can create problems also. Think as your back grounds as your scrapbook page. By taking the pictures in front of busy patterned paper the subject will not stand out. Taking a photo with a neutral back ground, like tan card stock can really make your subject pop.

January Kit!!!!!!

Here it is!!!! Our January KIT!!!!!! Included in this kit is

Fiskars - Kimberly Poloson's Letter's Home Collection
2 sheets - Cream Blooms - 12 x 12 Double Sided
2 sheets - Stamps - 12 x 12 Double Sided
1 sheet - Scallop Stamp - 12 x 12 Double Sided
1 sheet - Big Flourish Flocked - 12 x 12 Double Sided
2 sheets - Cream Stamp - 12 x 12 Double Sided
1 Pack Chipboard Letters
Imaginisce
1 Pack Black Tie Bling Brads
1 Pack Red Bling Fling
1 Pack Red Petal Pushers
Bazzill
2 Sheets Black Tie Bazzill Bling
2 sheets July Bazzill Bling
1 Pack Bazzill Chip Keys
Accu-Cut
6x6 Black Chipboard and Jump Rings
May Arts
1 yard Black Lace Ribbon
1 yard Red Velvet Ric Rac

And if you are looking for additional colors, our add ons will feature other fun colors including green, blue and purple!! Enjoy!!!!!!!! You can order it here.

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 5

Our 12 Days of Photo Tips are brought to you by our very own Robin Gibbons.

Fill the frame

A lot of photos are thrown to the side after developing because the subject is too small. Unless the background plays and important part of the story get close. Shots that fill the frame tend to me more dynamic and enjoyable too look at. Up close details can be fascinating and important to the story. Say you have a cute toddler strapped to their highchair eating a sugar cookie tree. The frosting on her face and in her ears tell the story. If you take a photo five feet away from her you won’t be able to see the mess. By walking closer to her and getting a shot of her face and the cookie you have a told a complete story that makes scrap booking easier.

12 Days of Christmas Photo Tips - Day 4

Our Photo Tips are brought to you by KNK's very own Robin Gibbons.

Rule of thirds.

As scrapbook designers most of us know what this means. Either three colors of cardstock, three patterned papers or three elements tying a page together. Photographs need to follow the rules of thirds. Well, most of the time. Some cameras can help you with this. Read your manual or experiment with your modes and settings to find a grid. It will be a bunch of lines in your view finder or on the LCD screen of your camera. By placing your subjects in the outer cross pieces the photograph will be easy for eyes to find a place to stop. Just like you may place your photo on your scrapbook page.
For more understanding I have found this great article if you would like to read more.
http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/John_Longenecker/Rule_of_Thirds.htm

12 Days of Christmas Photo Tips - Day 3

The 12 Days of Photo tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons.

Taking the family photo.

The dreaded family photo in front of the tree or fireplace is usually taken before Christmas. Its for the family Christmas card. If you are determined to take this your self with a timer that is just fine. Try using some of these tips to make it easier on you and on your family. Try a different location. Go outside in the snow or yard and take a photo in your snow clothes. Bright colored coats and cute hats can really bring a photo to life. Be sure to change your settings for outside light and some digital cameras can actually plan for a snowy day. Check your manual to see if your camera has this capability. If you don’t already have one, purchase a tripod. You can find fairly inexpensive ones at discount stores such as Wal-mart. I have never been so happy with a photography purchase in my life. I have used just about everything imaginable, including the hoods of cars, trying to get a group photo with my timer. A tripod will eliminate the need to stack books, boxes or people. Try a different angle. If you have all of your family sitting on the hearth do not put your camera up higher than your subject. Try putting your camera just a few feet off the ground or level with your eyes. This will give your picture a less awkward feel. Use props. Its hard to get kids to cooperate. Give little ones a fun oversized sucker in Christmas colors. Let them suck on them during the picture. I have also seen people use large plastic ornament balls to keep the kids happy.
TURN OFF THE FLASH!
That tip will be on every tip I will EVER write. Flash is your enemy. Honest. If you are going to take a picture in low light and want to use your flash try to diffuse it somehow. I have even used paper cups over my flash just to spread the light out. Turn on all the lights in the room and use those. Take your picture during the day. If your subjects have shadows under there eyes use a white sheet at their feet to reflect light back up to their faces. And remember, sometimes it takes 100 shots to get 1 good one. Don’t be discouraged, sometimes the most wonderful pictures are the ones you least expect.

12 Days of Photo Tips - Day 2

Our 12 Days of photo tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons!

Using Macro mode.

Almost every digital camera has this mode. Read your manual if you do not know where it is. Turn your macro mode on when you want to take up close pictures and keep the subject in focus. I took this photo on a portrait setting with macro mode. I focused my auto focus square on my sons fingers and snapped. This is just with my point and shoot camera. Using the macro mode can help you get shots of your tree ornaments, christmas cookies and so much more!

12 Days of Christmas Photo Tips - Day 1

Our 12 Days of photo tips are brought to you by KnK's very own Robin Gibbons!

Tip #1 Lighting

There is lighting everywhere. You just have to find it! During the holiday season many pictures are shot at night or bright and early christmas morning. My bright and early christmas morning is way before the sun come up. I make sure I turn all the lights in the room we are in on, then shoot without flash. The more lights you have on, the less blur you get. If that is not possible try changing the out put of your flash. Some cameras have a setting to do that. If you don't, try diffusing your flash with masking tape or if you have a larger flash try a plastic cup over it. This will spread the light out and hopefully give a more flattering light on your subject. Try shooting some shots during the day. After the presents are opened and your hair is done is a good time to have the kids show you their favorite presents. Snapping a photo then, without flash, will make and enormous difference in the picture. Use the outside to your advantage! try to stay out of direct sunlight to prevent distracting shadows but near a window, or even on a porch with and awning will work!

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving- Day 12

Todays project is brought to you by Pam Bennett!

Hi everyone! Today I am going to show you a very simple home decor project. I made this simple, so that I can enjoy it year round! First of all, you need some wooden blocks. You can purchase them, or go to a home improvement store, buy wood, and cut them to the size you want. My dad cut these for me. Any size will work. I first painted them white.

I then cut paper the size of the block. I used the amazing Prudence collection by Crate Papers. I adore this collection, and it compliments the colors in my family room. I used Mod Podge to apply the paper.

I am sort of a Mod Podge freak, so then I covered the paper again with Mod Podge. I used my cricut to cut out the J and the Y out of more Prudence paper. I used a flower in the glitter die cuts as the "O".

Again...Mod Podge to cover the letters. As the Mod Podge dried, I added some bling on the die cut. After it dried, I displayed it on the bookcase. You can embellish more than I did, but I like the simple clean look, and it doesn't compete with the other Christmas decorations in the room!

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving - Day 11

Today's project is brought to you by Amanda

Supply List: - Cardboard Box - Patterned papers are from SEI's Alpine Frost collection: creme, through the woods, rim frost, and forest floor - MM paints:spotlight, honeydew, and specialty glaze in pearl - Green Gems (Creative Cafe) - White Glitter Thickers (American Crafts, "Sprinkles") - Green glass beads (Joannes) - Brown Glitter (Pink Paislee Pixee Stix) - String of small pearls (wrapped around netting) - Light green netting (used to hang sign) - Crop-a-Dile (used to punch 2 holes in cardboard for netting) - Paint brush - Pop-dots - Scrappy Glue* * I used Scrappy Glue to adhere everything in my project. I wasn't convinced that photo splits or a herma would adhere well to cardboard. You will also need a pair of precision scissors for this project.

Dimensions for cardboard sign: 10 inches by 10 inches
Holes were made 1 inch from the outer edge of the cardboard. My project is not a step-by-step type of project. It can be done however you like, using whatever embellishments you prefer. Below are some techniques I used for my sign. This would make a great gift or a great decoration for your home. You could hang it on a wall or on a door. To give my sign a more rustic, raw appearance, I peeled the outer layer of cardboard from the surface. This exposed the corrugated portion of the box, leaving a ridged texture in certain areas.

To add some visual interest and added texture, I painted the edges and some of the corrugate portions with MM paint. I then added beads in places and brown glitter as well. Sparkle and shine are a must for Christmas projects! For my picture, I used an edge distresser (actually I've lost my Heidi Swapp edge distresser, so I simply used the sharp edge of my scissors) on the inner-most mat. I then brushed some MM specialty glaze in pearl on the edges of my picture, to soften the look.

I pop-dotted some of my snowflakes to add some dimension.

Tips on how to wrap a string of beads around netting. I tied a knot at the end of my string of pearls and netting to make wrapping a little easier. I also went ahead and punched my two holes in my sign so I could put one end of the wrapped netting through the hole so it would hold steady and secure. I then wrapped my beads around my netting and put the second end through my other hole and tied the second knot so the knot side was exposed and facing outward (see pictures on the messageboard).

I hope my tips and information helped. Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy Scrapping!

12 Days of Gift Giving - Day 10

Today's Project is brought to you by Gerri-anne!

Giving someone a gift card for Christmas? Why not add a personal touch with this multi-demsional gift card holder!

Most of the materials are included in the KnK December kit and embellishment add on.

I covered the front of the large tag with the GCD pattern paper and then glued the smaller tag...centered......on top of the larger tag.

I used Tsukineko All Purpose Inks to add a little color to the large Tattered Angles Glimmer chip Snowman and glued him to the front of the small tag. I also added a little Glossy Accents to the scarf, hat, eyes, nose and buttons to add some additional dimension. I used the same materials to create the little lantern for the snowman to hold. (As if a snowman would carry anything warm...LOL!......but I thought it looked cute!

I placed the gift card in the smaller tag and then added a personal note along with some paper embellishments inside the larger tag.

Final touch....glue the large Petaloo Snowflake flower on top of the large tag....being careful to line it up high enough so the flower does not cover the snowman's smiling face!

Tips: Do not use anything with so much dimension inside of the magnetic tags as this will cause the tag not to close. If you find that the magnet does not hold after completing your card...no worries! Just add a piece of coordinating ribbon to tie around the card to keep it closed!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving - Day 9

Today's Project is brought to you by KIP!

I bought the star at Big Lots after Xmas last year. It was one of those nasty looking metal ones that sold for $5.00!! What I did was this, laid one side down on a piece of paper, hanging off the side of the table which is the only way to do it, and traced it. Use your first one as a template for the rest of them as there are 10 sides to it. Just remember that you are flipping every other side!! I just used scrappy glue to glue them down to the star AFTER I had gone over it first with sandpaper to rough it up. Once I had all my sides down, I used stickles to go over the inner lines of it. In the middle of it I put a glob of diamond glaze and then put stickles on top of it. I tied a ribbon to the back of it as it has a hinge for hanging and tied a Martha Stewart sprig to it. Voila!! Easy peasy...now run right out to Big Lots and get one!!

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving- Day 8

Today's Idea comes from Barb who will be sharing tips on making Acrylic Cards!

Acrylic cards may be purchased at your local stores and online in packs of 8 and 12 with or without envelopes. They come in colors as well as clear along with patterns and plain. You can make any type card with your left over scraps and embellishments. Below are a few tips on making an acrylic cards.
#1 Remember to peel off the covering over the card. Check both outside and inside as some companies put a covering over both.
#2 Before adhering any paper or embellishment, wipe any obvious fingerprints off, using your photo cloth.
#3 After cutting your desired paper (remember you do not have to cover the entire card) Place it where you want it to go. Remember paper may be placed on the inside or outside of the card.
#4 Before applying glue, remember there are time you will glue on the pattern side if your placement requires it. Example: If your paper is on the inside front cover your glue would be placed on the pattern side of the paper
#5 You need only a small amount of glue in each corner and sometimes in the bottom sides and top middle area so your paper will lay smooth. The Glue I prefer is ZIP DRY paper glue. It dries quick and clear.
#6 You may now add any embellishments you wish such as chipboard pieces, ribbon, stickers and flowers. You may also stamp on acrylic cards. I use Staz-On, you may use any color
#7 I like to pop some embellishment up. Use a regular pop dot, if embellishment has any adhesive on it, place pop dot and don't forget to baby powder around it to remove the adhesive you don't want touching the card.

12 Days of Christmas Gft Giving-Day 7

Today's Project is Brought to you by Jules!

This cute little guy takes about an hour and a half to make from start to finish and makes a great hostess gift or a fun gift to leave on a neighbor's front porch with a note, "From Frosty to you". You will need the following items

1 hurricane glass (craft store for about 2.50)

1 bottle of white acrylic paint 1 container of sparkly 'snow'

1 small bottle of black puff paint or shiny black acrylic paint

1 sheet of stiff black felt 1 sheet of soft red felt

1 sprig of holly leaves with berries

1 carrot either wooden or the end of a wax one (if you can not find one of these, you can always paint on the nose in orange paint)

1 sponge brush Clear drying liquid glue (there is a glue just for felt but almost any tacky liquid glue will work)

Step One: dab the white paint onto the glass with the flat sides of a sponge brush. This creates texture. While the paint is still wet, put your arm into the glass and, as you gently turn it, sprinkle the 'snow' onto the glass with your other hand. (This is easier to do with two people, but I did it by myself) Sprinkle the 'snow' over paper and put the excess back into the container. Place on wax paper or a craft mat to dry.

Step Two: assemble the hat by cutting a five inch circle out of one corner of the stiff black felt. When the glass is dry, turn it onto this circle positioning it in the middle. Trace around the glass. Cut inside the traced lines to make sure the center sits upon the glass edge and does not fall down onto the neck of the glass. Cut a 2 inch wide x 10-11 inch long strip from the black felt for the brim of the hat. Wrap to fit overlapping the ends and glue. I used a clip to hold it into place until it adhered. When the brim is secure, glue it to the circle. Finish the hat by cutting a strip from the soft red felt that is one inch wide and long enough to go around the brim of the hat. Glue into place. Cut two leaves from the holly and glue those onto the hat brim and trim. Glue one sprig of the berries on to the two leaves. Again, I used clips to hold the leaves in place while they dried

Step Three: Cut two strips from the soft red felt that measure 7 inches long by 2.5 inches wide. Fringe one of the edges on each. Over lap the two non-fringed edges on the 'back' of the snowman and glue. The fringed edges can be crossed or gently tied in the front.

Step Four: draw a mouth and two dots for eyes on the front of the snowman. It helps if you leave the hat into place for the placement of the eyes so they show beneath the brim of the hat. Glue the nose onto the snowman and place him on his back while the nose sets up. You can glue the hat to the top of the glass if you wish. Add another sprig and berries to the bottom of the front. You can even create a 'bow tie' for added cuteness! A candle under the snowman provides a wonderful effect, but when I give this gift to someone with children, I include one of the flickering battery operated mini candles instead.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving - Day 6

Today's project is brought to you by Robin Gibbons.

Giving a handmade card to neighbors and friends is a wonderful way to show you care. This project is more than just a card. It’s a box that stores a pack of hot chocolate! Give the gift of a warm cuppa to a friend!
Supplies needed 8.5 x 11 sheet of card stock ( i am using Card Stock out of the December kit) bone folder and ruler for scoring or a trimmer with a scoring blade heavy duty glue or tape runner embellishments or stamps
1. Turn Card Stock so 11 inch side is horizontal
2. Score Card stock at 1/4 then at 3.5, then at 4 inches, then at 7 1.4 inches then again at 7 3/4 inches. This will give your box a depth of 1/2 and inch and the width of 3 1/4.
3.Then turn your Card stock the other direction. Score each side at 1 inch then at 1.5 inches.
4. Using your trimmer or scissors cut your cs at the 1 1/2 score line you just made up toward the top of the sheet that has the 1/4 inch score line. STOP at the 4 inch score line that you did in the 2nd step. That score line is the side of your box.
5. After you end up with your T shape Cut the little corners of the box that were made by your score lines
6.Now you are ready to decorate! Fold all your score lines leaving the "pretty" side of your card stock on the mountain side of your folds. The Card stock I am using is the cranberry color with the shimmer from the December kit. I wanted the shiny side on the outside of my box.
7.Decorate the front and inside before you glue! I have added more embellishments and ribbon to my front. To glue the box glue the 1/4 inch strip and the bottom flaps of your "inside" part of the card. Be sure to let it sit and dry before you put the coco pack into the box.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving - Day 5

Today's gift is brought to you by Deb Harter!!
For today's gift, we are using the large magnetic card in your December kit to create a calendar.

1. Use a craft knife to cut the card apart at the seam.

2. Measure patterned paper to cover front and back of front cover of card, and adhere paper to cover.

3. Trace and cut paper to fit inside of back cover and adhere to cover.

4. I created my calendars using a program like Word. The calendar pages measure 5 3/4 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches high. Keep in mind, you will be punching holes on the left side, so when creating your calendar, allow room for that. If you would like to use my calendar templates, let me know, and I'll just email you mine. It will save you a ton of time. Print your calendars on white cardstock, and punch holes in them with a Bind-It-All. If you don't have a BIA, you can use a hole punch to punch a couple of holes and use book rings.

5. Punch your covers, and assemble your calendar. Again, you can use book rings instead of the BIA.

6. Embellish as desired. I used a large Heidi Swapp flower and painted a chipboard center to match the paper and used rub ons for the "2009" and flourishes.

7. Add your pictures, and you are done!

12 Days of Holiday Gift Giving - Day 4

Day four is brought to you by Chris Pozzi. :D

Today will make a Stamped Candle

supplies: tissue paper, candle, stamps and ink, heat gun, misc embellishments

1. Cut the tissue paper to fit candle.

2. Stamp on tissue paper as desired. This is perfect time to use those Christmas Stamps! :D

3. Adhere the tissue paper to candle by laying tissue paper over candle and heating candle with Heat gun. CAUTION THIS DOES GET VERY HOT AND THIS PART OF PROJECT NOT FOR CHILDREN.

4. Once the paper is adhered, add patterned paper and embellishments as desired

12 Days of Gift Giving - Day 3

Day 3 of Gift Giving brought to you by Jules Eickmeier

These pretty gifts take about an hour and fifteen minutes to construct and make sweet presents for last minute exchanges or for that special person.

Step One: download a vintage image from on-line. I googled "free Vintage Christmas images" and found several I could not resist. Right click on the image and then click "save image as" from the menu that will appear. I generally make a desktop file for these and then select that file so the image will download there. I use Picasa (a free Google photo editing program) to sharpen the image. Then I print the image onto matte photo paper, cream colored card stock or artist's canvas paper, which is my personal favorite.

Step Two: I use a variety of inks and paints to enhance the image. In this case, I used Lumieres and Pearlescent paints to add sparkle and Stickles to add some glimmer and glow. If you do not have any of the Lumieres or Pearlescents, in my tech this month, I showed how to add Glimmer Mist to acrylic paints to get a shimmering paint. Apply this lightly to accent. I tore the edges of the image and used a gold Krylon ink to smudge and distress.

Step Three: I purchased a 'floating frame' at a craft store (and used a coupon so it cost less than 4.00) in the picture framing section. This one is 8x10 but they come in an assortment of sizes and frames. I wanted to antique the frames, which come in black. I dabbed gold acrylic paint and some copper onto the frame with my fingers. I allowed this to set up just a bit and then rubbed it in. If you get too much paint or do not like the appearance, merely use a blender (alcohol) to remove amounts until you are happy with it. You can also age it with Alcohol inks (Ranger) or with Krylon inks from the leafing pens.

Step Four: I crumpled and sanded a piece of the wonderful paper from the Dec. KnK kit after cutting it slightly larger than the image of the little girl. I placed it an an angle on the bottom part of the floating frame. I arranged other elements such as the ribbons, adhereing these from their backs to the bottom piece. Finally, I placed the image again securing it to the bottom piece and MAKING SURE THE HANGING ELEMENT ON THE BACK WAS COVERED. I placed the top glass over this and carefully slid the four frame pieces into place.

HINTS: 1. the hardest part is keeping the acrylic back and the glass topper clean during this. Try gloves or handle with tissue paper. Kleenex and paper towels leave a "dusting". 2. if there are smudges, try cleaning the glass with a glass cleaner and newspaper to avoid the "dusting". 3. different images produce different looks so you can make these cute or classy or even go retro!

12 days of Gift Giving Day - 2

Happy Day 2 of our 12 Days of Holiday Gift Giving Fun!

Brought to you by Chris Pozzi

Today you will be making a mini Christmas tree. These would also make great teacher gifts and are great for kids projects. (a little messy so be sure to cover your table :D)

For this project you will need
Styrofoam cone
Scraps of papers (any color, style, mix of manufacturers… I use scraps from Dec. Kit)
Glue (I used scrappy glue and tacky glue)
Lace/pom poms/Ribbon or anything for garland
Topper (I used a large daisy and a button)

Start tearing your scraps into pieces (yep tear them!) The goal is no straight edges.Starting at bottom of cone adhere pieces with glue working your way around the cone. (I glued under paper and sealed edges with glue too.)

Continue place pieces all the way to the top. Once tree is finished, add garland (I used the pompom strands but could use ribbons, a strand of beads, Faux pearls, anything your heart desires). NOTE: I used pins to attach garland rather than trying to glue it.

Add tree topper.(I used a matching double daisy but in past I have used poinsettias etc too.)
I added a $1 store candle ring around mine for a little more pizazz.

12 Days of Gift Giving - Day 1

Day 1 of gift giving brought to you by Pam Bennett

OK...we are starting out simple

Here is an altered tin that i made for a Christmas gift, but now Gerri-anne wants it, so I am sending it to her It was pretty easy!

First....find a tin. This happens to be one I found in the clearance aisle somewhere last year (I think Target). Then you need to either paint it with acrylic paint or sand it with sandpaper. This step is necessary to help the adhesive stick to the tin and paper. Painting also helps if you have any curves or bumps that are hard to cover with paper.

Next....... cut the paper to fit. Many tins are larger than 12 inches. so you may need to cut more than one strip of paper. Try and match patterns if possible. Now, you need some adhesive. I recommend Mod Podge, applied with a foam brush. Use a thin, even layer. Apply the paper. You will need to hold it in place, but it will eventually stick.

Let it dry...as it dries, bubbles may appear. Smooth them out with your fingers. Let the tin dry. For the top, I cut a circle to the size of the tin, and adhered the same way.

If there is a handle or knob, just cut out a hole with your exacto knife. You can cut the circle halfway to get it around the knob...the cut won't be visible once you adhere it and mod podge the top. Now you can embellish with other papers. I used my Fiskars threading waters punch, and ran a strip around the tin. After you finish with the papers, you need to protect them with a layer of Mod Podge. Again, the layer should be thin and even.

More embellishments can be done...any bling and ribbon can be added after the top layer of Mod Podge is on...it can act as the adhesive.

To finish it off, I just tied some ribbon to the top. I'll fill it will some goodies and get it in the mail!