DIY: Paper Pom Pom Gift Toppers

Hi everyone! We created this fun and festive gift topper using our colorful free printable gift tag sheets (download found below) and a few supplies. The result is a sweet project that you can modify and use over and over again in multiple elements of your holiday wrapping and decor. Finished pom poms can be used as simple toppers for your holiday gifts or party favors, to string in a grouping for a festive garland, or even tied around your dinner napkins at your next party. Our free printable downloads also include patterned gift tags that are perfect for gift giving this holiday and all year round. So let's get started!

You'll want to begin by downloading your PDF tag files. These are large hi-res files, so depending on your internet connection and computer they may take a little while to download (they are worth it - we promise).

Free Tag Downloads:

• Free Diamond Tag Set
• Free Dots Tag Set
• Free Quatrefoil Tag Set
• Free Stripes Tag Set
• Free Vines Tag Set

Gather your supplies:

1. Patterned Gift Tags Sets printed onto cardstock (you can use your own patterned cardstock if you'd like)
2. Seam Binding Ribbons (in whichever colors you'd like) - We love the colors carried in the Caramelos etsy shop.
3. Craft Paper Punches in assorted shapes/sizes. We used a 1 1/2" circle punch by EK Sucess purchased at our local craft store.
4. Scissors
5. Ribbon Puncher purchased from our local craft store.
6. Double-sided tape (the permanant variety is recommended)

Step 1. Punch out 5 circles per pom pom using your craft punch or by hand. You can use multiple patterns and colors as we've done here, or all one for a classy monotone effect.  Measure and cut ribbon into the length needed to wrap around a gift box.

Step 2. Once all of your circles have been cut, punch the center of each circle using your ribbon puncher.

Step 3. Fold each circle in half, making sure the fold lines up vertically with your ribbon punches and the fold is in between the two slits.

Step 4 - 6. Thread ribbon through your ribbon slits while your circle is folded in half. In one slit and out the other.

Step 7. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each piece (5 total per pom pom). You may choose to stick double sided tape in between the circles to keep them in place.

Step 8. You're done!

We hope you will enjoy creating these just as much as we did!  xo Ez + Marichelle

*Please note that we are unable to email files to you if you are unable to download them here.

Shop Update: New DIY Inspiration Kits

Hello everyone!  We are excited to share our two newest DIY Inspiration Kits with you all today.  Our kits are an easy and affordable way to add an extra special touch to your gift wrapping and creative projects.  We put these two together with warm weather fun and adventure in mind.

DIY Inspiration Kit: Ice Cream Parlor...sweet as ice cream on a hot summer day!  Available in our etsy and big cartel shops.

DIY Inspiration Kit: Wilderness Explorer...get lost in the creative potential of this adventure-inspired kit.  Available in our etsy and big cartel shops.

Enjoy!  xo Ez + Marichelle

New Spring Line Up

Hi everyone! Daffodil tips have been spotted, the sun is staying out a little longer than usual and the birds have been singing outside our workroom for the past couple of days. We're crossing our fingers but it seems like the worst of Winter is almost over - at least here in the east coast :)

We're so excited to introduce a couple of new products from our Spring Line Up:

• Colored Twine Set - Melon Sorbet
• Kraft Paper Bags
• White Paper Bags

Stay tune for more Spring items and fun tutorials in the coming weeks!!

xo Ez + Marichelle

Free Printable Valentine Conversation Candy Bar Wrappers

Valentine's Day couldn't come rolling around without us thinking about packaging ideas to make the day even sweeter.  We are excited to share the results of our little brainstorm session with you.  FREE Printable Valentine Conversation Candy Bar Wrappers!  We think they are the cutest (hopefully you will too).  And to make the whole thing even simpler we've also put together a little video tutorial on how to complete your tasty mini valentines.  Have fun!  xo Ez + Marichelle

• DOWNLOAD Free Printable Valentine Conversation Candy Bar Wrappers

Last minute gift idea

Short on cash and time? Need a last minute hostess gift for the fifth holiday party you've been invited to this year? No worries! Just hit your local grocery store, pick up a few items and you'll be on your way to creating this very easy DIY S'mores Kit that's sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

You'll need:

• 1 box of graham crackers
• 1 bag of marshmallows
• 1 big chocolate bar of your choice
• bbq wooden skewers (optional)

Supplies:

• Cellophane bags, Michaels or Party City
• Glassine bags or parchment or wax paper
• Baker's twine, nicepackage.com
• glue stick or double-sided tape
• large round punch or any object that you can trace to make a 2" circle
• pens/markers

This kit includes 9 marshmallow pieces, 1/2 bar of hazelnut chocolate and 1/2 bar of milk chocolate, 9 large pieces of graham crackers and 9 wooden skewers.

We used a mixture of cellophane and glassine bags to repackage all of the items. If you can't get your hands on glassine bags, you may also use parchment paper or wax paper to create a protective sleeve/band for the chocolates. The crackers I purchased came with two ready-packed bundles!

The labels are simply punched out of kraft paper using a 2-inch circular punch, embellished with a red dotted border (super fine red sharpie) then attached to the packaged goods using a glue-stick.

Enjoy!

xo Ez + Marichelle

P.S. If you will be giving a similar gift (using repackaged food) it is best to include a list of the ingredients for those who may suffer from allergies, or to save the wrappers in case they are needed.