Neighbor Gift Idea: Paperwhites Planted in Mason Jars

Hi! It's Jilly. Have you started thinking about "neighbor gifts"? This year I wanted to do something different for our friends, but still work within our fabulous "we're still in residency" budget.

Five Awesome Grandparent Gift Ideas

Hi! It's Jilly. A couple months ago I was part of the Gift It! Series on my friend Kim's blog- Bugaboo, Mini, Mr, and Me. It's a great series that I love participating in!

Christmas is coming up soon. (I know...I said the "C" word before Halloween...) Sometimes it's hard to think of a good gift for the grandparents--sentimental, but something they'll actually like. Ha ha!
 I've compiled some ideas for you. You should be able to find something in this list that the grandparents on your list will go gaga for!

5 Grandparent Gift Ideas- Part of the Gift It! Series

Hi! It's Jilly. My good friend Kim at Bugaboo, Mini, Mr and Me is hosting a "Gift It" series on her blog all this month with lots of great gift ideas! I am happy to be participating in the series. Today I'm sharing some great grandparent gift ideas. Well, awesome gifts for grandparents, not necessarily great grandparents. Although, I'm sure great grandparents would love these gift ideas, too. Ha ha!

Okay...enough blabbin'. Go over and visit Bugaboo, Mini, Mr and Me to see the fun grandparent gift ideas!

"Sisters Because Of Our Misters" Free Printable

Hi! It's Jilly. I have the coolest sisters-in-law. They are awesome, amazing, strong women, and I am happy to have them as a part of my family. Sometimes living on the opposite Coast is really lame. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law just adopted a baby and I want to snuggle him SO bad. I hate not being there for all the BIG things in their lives.

We reaaaallly wanted to make a trip out to Oregon this summer, but it doesn't look like it's in the cards, and it kills me. Gah! Residency! Why you gotta be like that?! One more year...one more year...

I've had this phrase bouncing around in my head for quite some time, and I finally decided to make a printable graphic of it! It would be fun to throw in a frame as a gift for your fave sister-in-law, as a decoration at a family bridal shower, or printed on the front of a greeting card.

I hope this graphic makes you smile as much as it makes me smile! 

Do you have awesome in-laws, too? Tell me about them!

Want more printables?! Here ya go! 

Hi! It's Jilly Printables

* Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram for more fun stuff! *

Father's Day Tie Bookmarks

Hi! It's Jilly. Still need something for the kids to make for Father's Day? Don't worry...you're not too late! Make some of these quick, easy, and personalized bookmarks!

I'm in charge of Activity Days at church (midweek activities for kids 8-11 years old). I needed something the kids could make that their Dads might actually use, and that the kids could personalize since my Hubby will end up with three of them!

I came up with these fun bookmarks! Granted, we made bookmarks last year, but these are a little different.

Supplies:

Personalized Song Lyric Picture Frame

Hi! It's Jilly. Hubby and I have been married almost twelve years. TWELVE! So crazy! One of my favorite things in our house is this personalized picture frame my friend and I made as a anniversary/birthday/Christmas present for Hubby. (I had the idea for a long time and it took me a while to bring it to fruition.)

I wrote my husband a song and sang it to him at our wedding reception as a surprise. I was sooooo nervous, but it was worth it! He loved it, and there wasn't a dry eye among my mom and aunts. Ha ha!

I wanted to display the lyrics somehow, plus display one of our wedding pictures. This picture frame was the perfect solution!

Want to make a picture frame with special lyrics on it for your honey?

First, get a picture frame with a wide, white mat. You'll want plenty of room for the words.

You can either use a Cricut or Silhouette to cut out your lyrics on vinyl, or use alphabet stickers. I had my friend cut vinyl letters for me with her vinyl cutter.

Carefully lay the letters on the mat. If using alphabet stickers, brush a light coat of Mod Podge over them when you're done. You don't need to if using vinyl.


That's it! It's such a great way to make a meaningful, personalized gift. And, it's easy, too. ;)

Hubby was really touched by the gift. He says it's one of the best gifts I've ever given him! (Ignore the pajamas. It was Christmas morning!)

Do you have a special song with your significant other?

Like this gift idea? Be sure to pin it on Pinterest! 

*I'd love to see your sweet face over on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!*

FREE Printable "Hoppy" Easter Gift Tags with Milky Way Simply Caramel & Three Musketeer BITES Treat Jars

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #collectivebias #cbias

Hi! It's Jilly. I wanted to put together a little gift for the ladies I visit teach for Easter. I knew chocolate had to be involved somehow!

I thought these Milky Way Simply Caramel and Three Musketeer BITES at Wal-mart looked yummy, so I grabbed a couple bags of them. There was a big 'ole endcap full of 'em. 

Pennant Banner Cards Using Scraps

Hi! It's Jilly. Need a cute handmade card that's fast, easy, and doesn't break the bank? Then you'll love these fun cards!

I'm in charge of Activity Days at church (midweek activities for 8-11 year olds). I needed a cute craft that would be easy for the girls to make, yet still use some of their own creativity. After eyeing my box of scraps I came up with these handmade pennant banner cards.

We made two different cards: "Happy Birthday" and "Thanks". They are reaaaaally easy to make and I love how each one is a little bit different, yet still "stylish".

Supplies:
8x11 white or cream cardstock, or blank white cards
scrapbook paper scraps - non 'matching' colors are ok!
baker's twine, yarn, or jute
glue
scissors
stapler
a pen, or stamps & an ink pad

How to:

1) Make your card base by cutting the cardstock in half lengthwise, creating two 5 1/2" X 8" pieces. Fold in half to make a card. (You can skip this step if you started with premade blank cards)

2) Cut 6-9 small triangles out of various scrap pieces of scrapbook paper. You need enough triangles to fit across the longest part of the card comfortably to create your pennant banner.

3) Once you have them arranged the way you like them, clue your triangles onto the card to make the pennant banner.

4) Cut a length of twine, yarn, or jute to place along the top of your banner. If using jute or thick yarn, you may want to split the 'hairs' apart a little so it's not as heavy.

5) Glue your twine, etc along the top of the triangles. Cut off any excess twine hanging off the sides of the card. Staple the twine onto the card on each end. Be sure you don't staple your card shut! (This step is optional, but it helps the twine stay on the card and is a fun little touch.)

6) On the bottom of the card write or stamp your sentiment. I like how both options look!

7) Voila! Your card is ready to be enjoyed by your lucky recipient!



I love how these cards turned out! They have kind of a "vintage" vibe to them. And, did I mention they're easy?! All my Activity Days girls loved making them, and it was fun to see their creativity. Some stuck with an alternating pattern on the banner, and others mixed and matched. It was a fun activity!

Other fun crafts you might like:

    

Are you following me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter yet? I'd love to see your cute face there! 

Create Something One of a Kind with Blurb

This sponsored post is brought to you by Blurb and contains affiliate links.

HI! It's Jilly. Now through Saturday night you can get $30 off your Blurb order of $60 or more with the code SAVE30. You can make personalized photo books, cookbooks, or a whole bunch of other kinds of books. They also have a bunch of books on Blurb's website that you can order, like the ones below. You're sure to find the perfect gift at Blurb! Let's hear from the folks at Blurb.

Create Something One Of A Kind with Blurb

People love getting really creative, one-of-a-kind books for Christmas. Books that elicit a “where did you find this?” response. As the leading indie- and self-publishing platform, Blurb has an entire online bookstore full of unique books by an incredible array of undiscovered, self-published authors, artists, and photographers. And while these books probably aren’t in your recipient’s bookshelf, many of them should be. So, if you’re thinking of giving unique gifts this year, consider these titles. Each costs around $40 USD or less:

Cookie Cravings by Maria Lichty and Heidi LarsenWe all have cookie cravings. Popular food blogger Maria Lichter decided to put them into something deliciously original: A baking book featuring 30 recipes you won’t find anywhere else.

Handmade Kid Gift Ideas

Hi! It's Jilly. Back in August I was able to guest post for my friend Kim at Bugaboo, Mini, Mr, and Me. Kim and I have been friends since high school, and I've always loved her creative self! She was hosting her 2nd Annual Gift It! Series, so I was thrilled to participate! (Here's a link to my contribution to last year's Gift It! Series. Thanks for asking! ;) )

I found some great handmade gift ideas, and now that Christmas is sneaking up on us I thought it would be great to share these fun finds with you guys here at Hi! It's Jilly.

Here is a round-up of fun and easy gifts YOU can make that the kids will love AND that won't break the bank!

Get those pics off your computer & phone and into a Blurb book!

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Blurb.

Give Something Personal This Holiday Season
If you have a digital camera-whether it's your smart phone or your DSLR-chances are you have a lot of wonderful photos of the people you love. And there's a pretty big chance that if you do, those photos haven't seen the light of day since you first took them, posted them to Facebook, or picked that new wallpaper for your smart phone or computer.

Personalized "Chicken Soul For The Soul" Books from Blurb

Hi! It's Jilly. Now that it's inching closer to Christmas, everyone is thinking about Christmas gifts. I have a whole board on Pinterest dedicated to gift ideas! Sometimes it's hard to come up with the perfect, personalized gift for your loved ones. Blurb has a great idea- Chicken Soul For The Soul books! They have a new template out now that makes them reeeeaaallly easy to make and personalize for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list!

Plus, right now you can save 25% when you spend $50 or more on print books with code: SAVING! (Ends 11/21/13) Awesome, right? Let's learn more about these new Blurb books.

Blurb's Chicken Soup For Your Soul!
It can be really hard buying books for people as gifts. After all, you never know just which books they already have. And then when you do find the right book and give it to them, how do you make it really personal? Put in a book plate? Write an inscription? How do you make the whole thing totally them?

The Blurb Gift Center

Hi! It's Jilly. I've told you about Blurb books a couple times in the past. Well, I'm going to tell you about them again because they have a couple of great discounts going right now! 

I don't know about you guys, but I've already started thinking about Christmas gifts. What better gift than a book?! Blurb has some great book ideas. Let's hear 'em!

There are a lot of gifts you could give this holiday season, but when it comes to something really meaningful, there’s nothing quite like the gift of a book you’ve made yourself. But before you start having visions of gluing and sewing together pages, check out the Blurb Gift Center.

Wanna Make a Blurb Book?! Now's the Time!

Hi! It's Jilly. Have you ever heard of Blurb? They make awesome books. Well, you design them and they print them for you.

My sister-in-law uses Blurb every year to print her family blog into a book. They scoop up all your blog posts and deposit them into a book! Awesome, right?! With Blurb you can make photo books, story books, cookbooks...any kind of book you want! "Anything you want to keep cold, Tommy..." (name that movie)

Books make great gifts, too. I love making photo books for my Mom and my in-laws. Better than some other junky gift that gets thrown out in a couple months, right?! ;)

NOW is the time to make a Blurb book, because they are offering 20% off* any book order from now until October 7th. Amazing!

So, if you are even thinking a tiny bit about making any kind of book any time soon, check out Blurb's Holiday Gift Guide and take advantage of the 20% off!

Bee tee dubs...this post contains affliate links, so I'll get a little somethin' if you buy something. But, I wouldn't tell you about it if I didn't like the product and think it was decent! All opinions are 100% my own. :)

*Offer valid through October 7th, 2013 (11:59 local time) Valid for printed books only. A 20% discount is applied toward your product total with no minimum spend. Maximum discount is USD $100, GBP £65, EUR €75, CAD $100, or AUD $100 off product total. This offer is good for one-time use, and cannot be combined with volume discounts, other promotional codes, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders.

DIY Doodle Book with FREE Printable!

Hi! It's Jilly. A couple weeks ago my son was bored during church. Ok, that happens pretty much every Sunday. Who am I kidding? ANYway, to help entertain him I started drawing random shapes on a piece of paper and told him to "complete" the picture. He loved it! So, I thought it would be cool to make a little book full of doodles for him and his sisters.

This project is fast and easy, my favorite kind of project! (Like my Upcycled Tights Wreath, Utensil Crock, and Superhero Masks)

And, I've already done the bulk of the work for you. All you have to do is print everything out! Woot!

The Official Tutorial:
1) Print out the doodle book pages, double-sided, on regular printer paper. Cut the pages in half width-wise, so your book will be half as tall as a normal sheet of paper.

       
2) Print out the cover page on colorful paper. You can use cardstock if you'd like it to be more sturdy, but it will be harder work for your stapler. Cut in half.

3) Fold the book pages and cover page in half. Line them up and trim if needed.

4) Staple near the bottom and top of the left hand side, as close to the fold as you can.

All done! That was easy, right?! Your kids will love them!

Printables are for personal-use only. But, feel free to use them as much as you want!

**Like this post? Then please "pin" it on Pinterest, or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+**

Are you following me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin' yet?!

If not, you totally should! :)

Might be linking up with: Craft-O-Maniac, C.R.A.F.T, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, More the Merrier Monday, Make the Scene Monday,Serendipity and Spice, Home Stories A to Z, Titus 2 Tuesday, Take It On Tuesday, Work It Wednesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made Wednesdays,  Show & Tell Thursday, The DIY Dreamer, House of Hepworths, Mom on Timeout,Pinterest Power Party, My Favorite Finds, Weekend Wonders, My Turn For Us, Fancy This Friday, Sew Crafty Angel , Friday Favorites, Super Handmade Sunday

Teacher Gift: Summer Goodies Cup + FREE Printable!

Hi! It's Jilly. Today is the LAST day of school! Hooray! I wanted to say "Thanks" to the kids' teachers, so I put together this little gift for them.

I found these cups at Dollar Tree and filled them with goodies! I included a set of polka dot notecards, a Sudoku book, a pencil, some packets of True Lemon, SweeTarts, and some minty lifesavers.

Then I tied on a tag that says "Have a REFRESHING and RELAXING Summer!". Click HERE for your FREE printable! There are two tags per page. I printed them on cardstock for extra sturdiness. :)

I hope their teachers like them! These would also be fabulous gifts for family, friends, neighbors, or girls you visit teach (for our LDS readers).

**Like this post? Then please share it on Facebook, Google+, or "pin" it on Pinterest. 
You can also follow me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin'.** 

Might be linking up with: Craft-O-Maniac, C.R.A.F.T, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, More the Merrier Monday, Make the Scene Monday,Serendipity and Spice, Home Stories A to Z, Titus 2 Tuesday, Take It On Tuesday, Work It Wednesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made Wednesdays,  Show & Tell Thursday, The DIY Dreamer, House of Hepworths, Mom on Timeout,Pinterest Power Party, My Favorite Finds, Weekend Wonders, My Turn For Us, Fancy This Friday, Sew Crafty Angel , Friday Favorites, Sunday FUNday,

Friday Favorites: Father's Day Gift Ideas

Hi! It's Jilly. I'm starting a new series called "Friday Favorites". Every Friday I will share with you some of my favorite things, whether it be favorite "pins", YouTube videos, books...Whatever tickles my fancy!

Today I thought I'd share my favorite Father's Day gift ideas from my Pinterest board. Well, besides the bookmarks I shared with you Wednesday, of course. ;)

Most Dads love pictures of their cute kids. I thought this idea was so creative! This blog post is full of fun pics perfect for Father's Day!

source: It's Overflowing

Since Scott is a podiatrist, this picture would be super cute to put in his office someday.

source: Freckle Photo

Who doesn't like to hear they're the best in the world?! Love this free downloadable book!

source: eighteen25

If you don't want to print out a whole book, this one page printable is super cute.

source: Kinzie's Kreations

And lastly, load dear 'ole Dad up on sugar with this sweet bucket of gummy worms!

source: Lil' Luna

So, be sure to visit these great blog posts and give them some love for their great Father's Day gift ideas! I hope you all have an awesome Father's Day!

**Like this post? Then follow me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin'.**