DIY Archives - American Greetings Blog

Meaningful Summer Printable Print

July 31 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

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Here we are, about to begin the last full month of summer, and we’re either floating in a sea of freshly-made memories or anxiously awaiting the ones that lie just around the bend before these lazy, hazy, sunshiny days come to an end. In either case, we’re all grabbing hold of the meaningful moments and focusing on what matters – the people in our lives we care about.

So that inspired us to share something special with you. Our talented designer hand lettered a quote for us that we feel hits home on this theme perfectly, and what we love about this piece is that it’s available to you as a free printable! It makes a beautiful framed piece to hang in your living room, dining room, bedroom, dorm room – anyplace where you’ll see it each day and be reminded and inspired by the people you love and the moments and memories you share.

Be sure to pop over to our Instagram page to see the video and watch how this beautiful hand-lettered piece came to life.

We wish you lots more meaningful and happy summer memories!

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Download and print 8×10

How to Make Tissue Paper Flower Pens

April 6 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

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Tissue paper flower pens are a fun, inexpensive and easy way to make someone a gift from the heart. For less than $1.00 per pen, you can create a festive keepsake that’s sure to make them smile—without breaking your wallet. And the best news is, you don’t have to be super crafty to make one!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pens (straight ones without a clip work the best)
Tissue paper
Curling ribbon
Double-sided tape
Scissors

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Lay a single piece of tissue paper flat and smooth it out. Fold it in half four times, smoothing it out each time to avoid wrinkles.
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Take your scissors and free-hand cut a cloud shape, cutting through all layers of tissue paper at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfectly symmetrical or that it resembles a perfect flower-shape. (In fact, we found that the uneven cloud-shape gives you a fuller look.)

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Take your stack of petal-clouds and restack them on top of each other, flipping some of them over and rotating them around so that they’re in an uneven stack, not perfectly one-on-top of each other.

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Use the tip of your pen and press down on your stack of petals. Carefully pull the petals up 2-3 layers at a time onto the handle of the pen. AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Pen

Once all of the tissue paper is pulled onto the pen, wrap the flat end of the pen in double-sided tape. Pull up a single piece of tissue paper and gently press it onto the tape from several sides. Gently squeeze the tissue paper to pull it all close together.

Now you pull all of your petals a few at a time towards the end of the pen. Gently pull your petals through your thumb and index finger to smooth them out and bring the flower together.

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Holding the flower between your thumb and index finger, wrap the very base of the flower in double-sided tape. Apply double-sided tape length-wise down both sides of the pen and wrap the base of it as well. Then starting at the base of the flower, wrap the pen in the green curling ribbon.

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Move slowly and overlap it so that the pen is completely wrapped in ribbon. When you reach the base of the pen, cut of the excess curling ribbon. If the ribbon feels loose at the tip, you can tuck another piece of double-sided tape under the tail end of the ribbon for extra security.

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And there you have it–an adorable tissue paper pen, perfect for celebrating any occasion! If you want to make a dozen, it will take about two packages of tissue paper and about a roll and a half of curling ribbon, keeping the total cost of this project under $1/pen.

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Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

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Easy, Adorable St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

March 14 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! As we look to celebrate this bright, cheerful Spring holiday, we thought we’d round up some simple, adorable St. Patrick’s Day crafts that you can do with your children or grandchildren. To accomplish this task, we perused some wonderful blogs and discovered these great ideas, perfect for spreading a little luck o’ the Irish!

Here are the great blogs where we spotted these awesome ideas:

1. St. Patrick’s Day Hat Craft from Alpha Mom

2. Fingerprint Rainbow Pot of Gold Craft For St. Patrick’s Day from Sassy Dealz

3. Rainbow Chain Craft For St. Patrick’s Day from Sassy Dealz

4. Shamrock Headband from Molly Moo

5. St. Patrick’s Day Clover Placecards from Chica and Jo

6. Shamrock Bouquet from Sweet and Lovely Crafts

We hope that you have a sham-rockin’ St. Patrick’s Day!

How to Tie a Bow (for people who can’t tie bows!)

December 20 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

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Don’t know how to tie a bow? No problem!

Creating a full and pretty bow to add to a gift can feel like a big challenge for the average person. But don’t worry! Here at American Greetings, we came up with an easy bow hack using a common household item that will have you looking like a bow-tying professional in no time!

You’ll need:

A wrapped present
Wire ribbon (about 10 ft.)
Curling ribbon
A paper towel roll
Scissors
Tape

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To start off, cut down the paper towel roll to about the length of your hand (for reference, that’s about 7-8”). Place your hand against the roll and cut just above your fingers. Discard the small end; you’ll use the larger section to make your bow. AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Cut_Roll

Starting about ¾ of the way down the power towel roll, gently wrap the wired ribbon around the paper towel until the ribbon runs out. Using the entire spool of ribbon will create a big, beautiful bow!

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Gently remove the paper towel and fold both sides of the ribbon toward each other long ways to find the middle. Then, cut a small slit on each side, about 1/3 of the way through each side of the ribbon.

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Now, take the curing ribbon and tie it tightly in a knot between the two slits.

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Then, tape the ends of the curling ribbon to your gift to attach the bow and cut off any excess curling ribbon. We’ve found it easier to secure your bow to your present before you begin to fluff it.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Tape-Ribbon Finally, spread out the loops of ribbon. Twist and pull up on each loop to create volume. Loops of ribbon often look good in 3’s, so pull three of them towards the middle. Play with it a little to get it the way you like.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Fluff_Bow You’ll find yourself with one strip of excess ribbon. If you’re using single-sided, it may even be upside-down. Twist it over and then finish it by cutting a “V” in it so that it looks finished.

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There you have it – a pretty bow that will have people thinking, “That’s so crafty!”

Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

From all of us at American Greetings, happy holidays and happy wrapping!

Rainbow birthday party ideas: a bright and sunny brunch!

August 7 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

My dear friend Brittany was turning 28 years young this past September, so I decided to throw her an outdoor rainbow birthday party brunch. We definitely wanted to leverage the lovely weather we were having, but this bright and sunny birthday party theme can work all year ’round! I had a blast planning and executing this party in a nearby park, and this Dots & Stripes Party was the perfect theme to showcase Brittany’s bubbly personality. In this blog you will read about my set-up and links to affordable DIY projects to match the party. Don’t forget to download the free rainbow birthday party printables to help you make this party as easy for you as it is fun!

First thing’s first – after I locked down the location, date and time – I had to get the invitations out to our girlfriends. Then the fun part — the party planning begins!

The plates, napkins and cups were an easy set-up and coordinated awesomely with each another. I thought it would be fun to design matching free printable napkin wraps and printable personalized name tents to make the party-goers feel welcomed. So I used a couple rolls of wrapping paper for some corresponding touches. The green roll of wrapping paper served as a table runner on the picnic table (don’t forget tape – winds can kick up any time at outdoor events!) and a blue roll of wrapping paper went around some old soup cans to use as flower jars. These modest additions really helped make the pieces pop off the table!

I wanted to create a dramatic backdrop for the treat table without breaking the bank or having to follow any excessively hard tutorials. So I used white tissue paper and constructed this awesome DIY Tissue Backdrop (courtesy of Lovely Indeed!) for a really nice touch for a relatively low cost, which is always appreciated. I also bought some additional colored tissue paper and made these fun DIY Tissue Fans (courtesy of Domestic Fashionista!). Luckily, the Dots & Stripes Party has a great room decorating kit that is jam-pack full of pieces that can be used in really any way you see fit. I placed a couple of the paper cutouts over the fans, to add some birthday flair. And finally connected the party banner from the tissue backdrop above the picnic table to unify the seating and treat areas.

This was my favorite DIY task by far. I used some of the American Greetings tissue paper I had left over and made these playful DIY Tissue Poms (instructions courtesy of Two Twenty One). In the party isle, I picked up some crepe paper and put together this DIY Crepe Paper Chandelier (instructions from Polka Dot Prints Studio) which was very easy to assemble and hung beautifully above the picnic table where we feasted!

And what’s a party without all eyes on the guest of honor, right? The birthday girl herself deserves a little flair, too! And this birthday sash was a totally-worth-it purchase. To compliment it, I found this cute DIY Tissue Headband tutorial from Studio DIY and put more of my beautiful rainbow of tissue paper to good use as an amazing fascinator. I doubled the free printable personalized tent cards I designed as food labels so everyone knew exactly what they were diving into (a perfect solution to clarify ingredients, too, if you have any guests with food preferences or allergies).

I’d purchased the cupcake decorating kit that included a bunch of cups and decorative picks not knowing I’d end up buying donuts instead of making cupcakes. Fortunately, I was able to use the cups as fruit salad holders and the picks were perfect as mini-utensils. I had a lot of elements left in the room decorating kit, so I used this easy DIY Straw Easel tutorial from Wants and Wishes Design to hold the customizable age sign. It made for a nice decorative element on the treat table.

As a general rule, a party isn’t complete without a cake as we all know! I found this deceptively easy Rainbow Layer Cake Recipe (Parade.com) and substituted in Sprees to match the dots theme. Then topped it with this this fun pennant banner cake topper (also a free printable, just for you!) that can be personalized to fit anyone’s name. Perfecto!

Being a birthday brunch and all, I knew this Sparkling Fruit Sangria Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction was going to be a huge hit. To help keep the jars in their respective hands, I designed these free printable straw & jar labels for the guests to fill out so they could bling out their own beverage. So. Much. Fun. A great time was had by all, and the weather held out for a super-nice day!

If you’re a donut lover in the Cleveland area, you probably know the legendary Brewnuts™! To match the party, I ordered a custom baker’s dozen to fit the theme and they were absolutely delish! I had also bought this cupcake stand before I decided to go with donuts, but it ended up being a perfect centerpiece to showcase these beauties.

As the eating, drinking, and overall merriment was coming to a close, I still wanted to give a little shoutout of thanks to the ladies that came out to celebrate the birthday girl. So I found a delicious looking Cranberry Lime Vodka Recipe from Fancy Napkin Blog I prepared ahead of time, and jarred it so guests could take home a little toast of thanks to them! Cranberries weren’t in season, so I substituted grapes. You can pretty much add any fruit to any vodka, and as it sits in the jar, magic happens regardless of the combo. I then designed free printable thank you labels to spray-mount onto the jars so everyone knew to grab on their way out. What better way to say thanks then a take-home-toast? (I had many good praises on this thank-you gift!)

The birthday brunch was a success! With all the work done easily upfront, we had a great time catching up over tasty treats and beverages while celebrating our amazing friend Brittany. Overall, this rainbow birthday party was a lot of fun to put together — and it was surprisingly easy while also affordable with the help of the do-it-yourself tutorials and the free printables. Needless to say, now that I’ve seen how much the guests enjoyed the event, I can’t wait to throw the next party!

Rainbow Birthday Party Free Printables:

Free Printable Tent Cards (PDF)

Free Printable Napkin Wraps (PDF)

Free Printable Straw & Jar Labels (PDF)

Free Printable Pennant Cake Banner & Topper (PDF)

Free Printable Thank You Labels (PDF)

I hope you enjoy these great party ideas and free printables as much as I enjoyed throwing the party!

-Rachel

About the team:

Rachel Sheaters:

Rachel is always looking for outlets and ways to help and expand in her field. Currently she is working pro bono on a political campaign in hopes her creative and social media skills can inform the voters and assist in the polls.

Bill Kerner:

Bill is a veteran designer with 14 years in the Licensing department and over 20 years total with American Greetings. In his personal time, he enjoys playing drums, all things Godzilla, doing karate in the garage and watching shark week.

Kathryn Heim:

Aside from designing gift bags and wraps, Kathryn is also a talented traditional artist that currently has an art show hung at American Greetings World Headquarters. You can follow her creations at @Kathryn_Heim.

Caroline Levandusky:

Caroline’s passion is innovation! She’s a self-described Designer of Everything and is all about farmhouse charm, home staging, interior design, and the rustic/recycle/repurpose movement. Follow her on Instagram @buttermilkfarms!

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Christmas Decoration Ideas

December 20 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

…that are simple, cute and fun!

There are years when you have the time, energy, and resources to go all out and decorate for Christmas in the grandest of fashion… And there are years when time, energy, and/or resources might be in short supply–but that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want your home to look absolutely festive, bright, and merry!

That’s where we, your friends at American Greetings, come in. We’ve gathered some really creative Christmas decoration ideas that don’t require much time, material, OR money—but are still adorable. In other words, stress-free cuteness. Just pull together whatever you have around the house: some glue, a marker, extra Christmas ornaments and bows, a few candles, etc. Then start having fun. And quicker than you can say ‘Merry Christmas,’ you’ll have finished a lovely holiday decoration for your home. In fact, share the fun by having your grandkids help you, too. It’s a wonderful way to bond!

So if you want to keep your DIY Christmas decorating simple, sweet, and low-cost, these easy-to-do ideas are just for you. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wintery Slide Down the Banister by Me and My Kiddywinks

Holiday Bow Wreath by Mom Spark

Last-Minute Holiday Décor by V and Co.

Snow Candles by Reckless Glamour

No-Sew Fa La La Pillow by Confessions of a Plate Addict

Candy Cane Name Holders by Fun Holiday Crafts

Easy Gingerbread House with Graham Crackers by Serious Eats

Snowman Refrigerator by Hometalk

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Take on a creative challenge

March 10 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

Last week we shared a few fun ideas for hobbies, but this week we wanted to expand with a few that lean into your artistic side!

Did you know that learning a new skill could improve your brain function and help protect against cognitive decline? The brain is a complex and fascinating network of nerve fibers that respond to mental stimulation and exercise. But beyond the physiological benefits of trying a new hobby or craft, there are benefits to your self esteem as you expand your horizons, make time for yourself, and even have the opportunity to connect and share these hobbies with friends and family.

Put your crafting skills to the test with these fun creative challenge projects that are simple to master and then reap the unexpected benefits!

Knitting: What do Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz know that you don’t? While some may guess that they know what it’s like to collect multi-million dollar paychecks (which may be true), the real answer is that they all know the joy and skill of knitting. Stitching and purling is not only rewarding in the sense that you are creating a new accessory and garment, but many find that the feel of needles and yarn to be relaxing. The craft is so popular, there is an entire social networking site dedicated to the craft!

Scrapbooking: Preserving family photos has come a long way from the days of just placing them into an album behind a plastic sheet. Today scrapbooking has grown into a multi-billion dollar business where “scrappers” (as they’re affectionately called) create personalized, multidimensional storybooks to be treasured for years to come. Many scrapbook companies and craft stores offer workshops, weekend scrapbooking retreats, and even cruise vacations to enjoy the hobby in the company of others. What better way to celebrate fond memories of the past while making new ones (and getting a suntan!) at the same time?

Cooking: You don’t have to attend culinary school to tap into your inner Julia Child. We mentioned last week that trying new foods can be considered a hobby, but if you’re not already skilled in the culinary arts, attending a cooking class can expose you to new types of food, preparation techniques and a world of tastier and healthier meals with less processed ingredients. For a more laid back approach to the art, pair up with an adventurous friend and take turns hosting an evening where you cook together, learning a new recipe in unison.

Photography: We’ve often heard people described as “having an eye” for photography, but have you really given your eye the opportunity to flourish? Learning a little bit of composition and gaining a clear understanding of settings offered by your particular camera goes a long way in making you able to operate it confidently, and with ease. Once you’ve mastered the technical aspects, go out and express yourself while recording places, people, and occasions that are important to you. You never know, you could turn your love of photography into a new career!

Whatever new hobby you choose, selecting one that suits your lifestyle will benefit you tremendously… And if things go awry, at least you’ll have some fun anecdotes and you can be commended for giving it a try.

Do you consider yourself crafty? What’s your latest project? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Easy, Adorable Memorial Day Party Ideas

May 23 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

Looking for an easy, fun way to make your Memorial Day party really stand out? We spent some time perusing some fantastic blogs and came across some great Memorial Day party ideas to make any patriotic soirre sparkle!

1. Patriotic Parfaits by Delish.com

2. American flag Mason jars by Maison dePax

3. Spray painted lawn stars by Sunset.com

4. Memorial Day cookie platter by The Bearfoot Baker

5. Fruit ice drink by Mom.me

6. Firework balloon chandelier by Colorado Balloons

7. Patriotic bandana tablecloth by My Insanity

8. Homemade pallet flag by A Lovely Place to Land

We also thought that all of these ideas would be great to reuse for the 4th of July or Labor Day! If you make one great new item for each occasion, you’ll have a fun, patriotic collection of party goods in no time!

We hope that you and your family and friends have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday!

Easy, Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts

February 6 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

It’s February—the month dedicated to all things red, pink, and covered in hearts! As we count down the days until Valentine’s Day, we’re also in the mood to do some crafting! In order to accomplish this goal, we thought we’d share some really great Valentine’s Day craft ideas that we found that are perfect for showing some love to someone special in your life.

1. DIY Chalkboard Valentine Candy Box from Skip to my Lou

2. Heart Shaped Bird Feeder from No Time For Flash Cards

3. Heart Handprint Valentine Craft from The Shirleys

4. Yarn Hearts from Family Chic

5. Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies from The Novice Chef

6. Mini Heart Garland from Honey We’re Home

7. Valentine Craft: Tic Tac Toe Hearts from Alpha Mom

If you have any other heart-themed ideas or creative for Valentine’s Day crafts, feel free to leave a note in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!

Back to School

August 20 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

Back to School!

Backpacks, binders and buses—oh yeah, it’s back to school time! Whether your child starts tomorrow or still has a couple more weeks, here are some important reminders to make life a little easier.

Get super organized by using stylish, colorful folders to send all that required paperwork to the school office.
Lunches: to pack or buy? If packing, check out these great sandwich ideas; if not, don’t forget the lunch money.
Avoid a first day fashion crisis! Whether uniforms or regular clothes, review the dress code and get the first week’s wardrobe lined up and hung in the closet.
When it comes to school supplies, most schools hand out lists, so shop around for prices and deals.
Label, label, label! You can use a permanent marker or order fun, personalized labels to last throughout the school year.
Gym clothes, sports uniforms, change of clothes—make sure it’s all labeled and packed. Tuck in an extra plastic bag for the dirty clothes and shoes.
Summer reading is standard at most schools, so check that the assignment is completed and set to go!
Backpack ready? Make sure you know the school requirements as well as the latest fashion trends for this essential item.
Get the kids to bed! Summer is great for staying up late, but now is the time to start getting to sleep—and waking up—earlier.
Finally, create a printable card at home and tuck it in your child’s lunch or backpack just to let them know you’re thinking of them on their first day. It will make them smile!

A DIY Saturday…

February 27 By American Greetings Leave a Comment

Did you wake up inspired today? For many, Saturday is a day to tidy up the house and work on any outstanding projects before hitting the town for a night out. Here is a great DIY project we love, brought to us by Claire of Fellow Fellow. It’s a great idea to add a little home decor in a creative way. So once the sweeping and dusting are done, give this fun project a try!