Dollar Store Christmas Challenge with Better Life Bags

December 23, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 1 Comment

Hi Honeybear Lane! My name is Rebecca and I blog over at Better Life Bags.

I live in Detroit. Yes, you read that right. We MOVED to the Detroit area two years ago into an immigrant neighborhood. You can read why here.

Life in Detroit is crazy. From car break-ins. To fires. To homeless men living in our garage.

Oh, and I can’t forget the time they torn this down two feet from my bedroom window.
It never gets boring.

I escape the craziness {and the cold} by making and selling custom bags that you design.

{That’s right. You design the bag and I sew it for you! Super fun.}

And while I love making bags, it’s not the ETSY shop that brings me {or my customers joy}.

It’s the people that we are able to help by designing and sewing bags together.

But today, I bring you a team or family bonding activity that is great for any time of year!
It’s cheap.
It’s easy.
And it’s a blast.

We like to call it:

Here are the rules:
1. Find yourself a dollar store.
2. Instruct your family or team that you can only spend $1 per person.
3. The gift needs to reflect that person in some way.

Then, you’re off to shop!
{but be sure to dodge your other family members so they don’t see your presents!}

When all presents are bought, go home, make some hot cocoa, then sit around and
gift your presents to everyone.

Wrapping is not necessary.
But, ugly Christmas sweaters are definitely a must.

When it’s time to play Santa, we like to have one person gift all of their gifts at once – explaining why they picked out that particular item for the recipient as they go.

It’s fun to see what items in the dollar store reminded someone of you.

Here were my presents with a small description of the why behind them.

This particular activity is a nice way to really encourage and build each other up by buying gifts that reflect the good qualities or things you admire in each other.

But, it’s also fun to do with close friends and family because of all the inside jokes or funny memories that will come out based on a dollar store gift.

And while my presents were more meaningful than funny, you can be sure there were
lots of laughs and gags.
Like the sparkly tights given to a certain young man who loves to sing Lady GaGa.
Or the pair of glasses that my son refused to take off.

While it may be too late for the Ugly Christmas Sweater version of this party (unless you have a big family get-together on Christmas Eve), it really can take on any theme for any occasion!

Thanks for having me Heidi!

Hopefully I’ll see you all over at Better Life Bags – the blog.
Or on Facebook.
Or browsing the shop.
I just want to see you!

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Filed Under: Christmas, gifts Tagged With: Christmas, gift ideas

Anthro Gift Tags Knockoff by Flamingo Toes

December 8, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 6 Comments

Hello Honeybear Lane Readers!
My name is Bev and I blog over at Flamingo Toes.

I am so thrilled to be here today while Heidi takes some time with her darling new little sweetheart!

I have been loving the gift tags, ornaments and wrapping that Anthropologie has this year. It’s been fun do some knockoffs to create some new and unique ways to wrap up gifts!
These cute little metal gift tags are definitely that – fun and unique! They are super quick and easy too!

Here is my version of their sweet little gift tags:

And here’s Anthro’s Forged Leaf Gift Tags:

These are so fun!! Anthro charges $18 for a set of 5 of these – I made mine for just over $3!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own set:

Small sheet of thin aluminum – I picked up mine at Ace
Scissors (use an old pair)
Sandpaper, hammer, nail or punch
black & glitter paint
jute for ties

Begin with your sheet of aluminum. Here’s what mine looked like.

Draw out a leaf shape with a long-ish stem. I was able to fit five leaves on this little sheet.

Using an old pair of scissors, cut out the leaf shape. Try not to bend the metal toooo much.
Also – please be careful. Some of the little points and edges can be sharp. If you’re having a hard time with them, slip on a pair of work gloves to protect your hands.

Take your leaf out to the sidewalk or garage and place it on the concrete. Using a hammer, flatten the leaf and add some texture.
Sand the leaf really well with sandpaper, going over the top and bottom and the sides. Make sure you sand off any sharp points or curves.

Punch a small hole in the end of the leaf with a punch or a nail.

Here’s what you leaf should look like now. Nice and beat up but still a little too shiny.

Brush a coat of black craft paint over both sides of the leaf.

Before the leaf completely dries, wipe off most of the paint. The black will show up in the sanding and distressing of the leaf and darken it up a bit.

I also added a coat of some glitter paint – it added just a little something – thought it’s hard to get a photo of it.

Repeat for the other 4 tags (or as many as you want to do!). Thread a small length of jute through each hole and knot it.

Write out the name with a sharpie – and you’re all set to wrap up a gift!

I think it adds a really fun touch – especially paired with just a simple jute ribbon!

I hope you like them and will give them a try!

I’d love for you to stop by Flamingo Toes – you can see my other tutorials here – I have more great gift ideas there!

Thanks Heidi for having me over and Congrats on your new little one!!

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Filed Under: amazing craft bloggers, Christmas, gifts Tagged With: Christmas, gift ideas

7 Easy Neighbor Gift Ideas by Amy’s Craft Bucket

December 7, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 2 Comments

Aloha! I am so happy to be guest posting on my cousin-in-laws blog while she is on “maternity leave”! Isn’t her new baby adorable and I really can’t say enough good things about Heidi! She is someone I took to right away!

My name is Amy, and I recently started a little blog called “Amy’s Craft Bucket” I also convinced my two sister-in-laws to be my partners in crime. My hubby is a special ed teacher and I chase after four little kiddos all day long!

I can’t tell you how much I would love for you to visit my site! We are having a give away as soon as we hit 5o members! Plus if you mention that you stopped over from Heidi’s blog, I’ll enter your name in the drawing twice:)

Now For The CUTE Stuff! You may have seen something like this already this season, but I really wanted to do a post that featured ideas for Neighbor Gifts this Christmas! So here are 7 ideas and some original short poems that you are free to use!

1. Here’s What You Give: Wafer cookies:
Here’s What You Say:“Wafer” Not, But Let Your Faith Abound In Christ and Let Your Soul Delight In the True Meaning of The Season! Merry Christmas!”

2.Here Is What You Give:Sparkling Cider
Here Is What You Say: Like the Stars That “Sparkle” in the Night, Friends Like You Bring Our Soul Delight. When the “Sparkling” lights come down and no longer on our rooftop found, Friends Like You Bring Lasting Cheer and Make our Hearts “Sparkle” the Rest of the Year! Merry Christmas!

3. Here Is What You Give: Pop Corn

Here Is What You Say: Friends Like You Make the Holiday Season “Pop” With Joy! Or
“We “Popped” On Over To Give You This Treat Because We Think You Are Really Neat. At Christmastime You’re A Gift Times Ten And We Feel Really Lucky To Call You A Friend.”

You could also just wrap a bag of pop corn . . . I just thought it looked cuter in the jar for picture’s sake:)

4. Here Is What You Give: A Strand of Christmas Lights

Here Is What You Say: “Shepard’s Kept Their Watch By Night and Saw a New Star Burning Bright. Angels Sang and Greetings Gave And Invited All To See the Babe” May The Light Of Christ Fill your Hearts This Holiday Season!

5. Here Is What You Give: A Christmas Star

Here Is What You Say: “Star Light, Star Bright, A Brand New Star I See Tonight, Bathes the World In precious Light and Hails A Baby’s Birth Tonight” May the Light of Our Savior Bring You Peace and Joy This Holiday Season!

6. Here’s What You Give: Fishy Crackers or Swedish Fish

Okay, this is not an original poem, but Here Is What You Say: “We Fish You A Merry Christmas, We Fish You A Merry Christmas, We Fish You A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!”

6. Here Is What You Give: Hot Chocolate Mix

Here Is What You Say: “When Your Hands and Nose Get Cold and You Need A Warm Thing You Can Hold, Look No Farther Than This Jar. It Has Been Filled With Love, By Friends So True, With Sweetness Made Just for You. To Us Your Friendship Is A Gift That Always Gives Our Hearts A Lift! Merry Christmas! ”

So, there you have it! I hope you like some of these ideas! Please stop by and visit me at “Amy’s Craft Bucket” I’d love to meet you, so to speak:)

Thank You Heidi, for letting me be a part of your blog! Give baby a kiss from me!

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Filed Under: Christmas, gifts Tagged With: Christmas, gift ideas

Stitches by Heidi Crocheted Hat Giveaway: Handmade Holidays Day 4!

November 10, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!

DAY 4 OF

You didn’t think I forgot did you? Of course not! Here is our fourth giveaway, the fabulous Stitches by Heidi!!

Heidi crochets and sews some adorable items, that are especially perfect for winter! She specializes in crocheted baby hats…

I love these crocheted owl hats!

How cute are these baby hats? (And the babies!)

And if there are no babies in your life right now, how about an ear warmer instead?

She also makes hooded towels, bags, and more! She loves doing custom orders so cash in on that!! Pretty much anything in her shop would make a great Christmas gift!

Heidi wants to give away one hat or earwarmer from her lovely shop!

How to Enter:

Visit Her Shop, comment back on your favorite things and who you would give it to!

Like Her on Facebook

This is a sponsored post; all opinions are 100% mine.

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Filed Under: baby, gifts, giveaway Tagged With: baby, gift ideas, giveaway, Holiday

Pickle Doodle Designs Giveaway: Handmade Holidays Day 2!

November 8, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!

Its Day 2 of

So you know how Christmas is coming up? And how there is a million things to get done: gifts for everyone, goodies for the neighbors and teachers and friends, clean and decorate the house, decorate cookies, build snowmen with the kids, put up the perfect Christmas tree, send out Christmas cards…the list goes on and on.

Wouldn’t it be so nice to have just one thing be easier?

You can! Pickle Doodle Designs makes Christmas cards! And wouldn’t it be so easy to have someone else do that part?

Who is Pickle Doodle Designs? I’m sorry, have you not been introduced? You must have seen this cute shop circulating around the blogosphere! It is an awesome graphic design shop. Here are some of my favorites!

There are so many Christmas designs to choose from!

These nursery prints are SUPER cute. Lukey would love the ABCs one–that kid loves letters!

I love her birth announcements as well! So adorable.

Today Pickle Doodle Designs wants to give two of you…

An 11×14 print (announcements, subway art, or book titles)

The second winner will receive
An invitation with coordinates! (Coordinates are cupcake toppers, custom banner, thank you tags & thank you cards)

How to enter:
~Check out her Cute Etsy Shop and let me know what your favorite item is
~Like her on Facebook
~Follow her on Twitter
~Follow her blog

And for everyone else, she is offering a discount code of 15% off your order: use the code GIVEAWAY15 at checkout!

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are 100% mine.

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Filed Under: Christmas, etsy shop giveaway, gifts, giveaway Tagged With: giveaway

Handmade Holidays at Honeybear Lane!

November 7, 2011 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 1 Comment

It’s that time of year…time to start collecting your ideas and money for Christmas and holiday gift-giving! I wanted to take the time to urge you to consider purchasing handmade products and better yet–making your own gifts! I frequently make my gifts because I think it’s much more meaningful as well as easier on the wallet! So without further ado…

This week I will be blogging and bragging all about my awesome sponsors and a couple new ones too! There will be a few crafts mixed in, Awesome discounts, and Giveaways every day (plus one giant and super exciting giveaway at the end!)

A Little Preview of What’s in Store…

Whimsy Couture–amazingly cute and easy -to-follow sewing patterns! Perfect gifts for sewers or for you to make something adorable for a little girl!

Loxly Hollow–Beautiful illustrations and nursery decor in a whimsical lovely style. A perfect gift for an expecting mother or really any mom or dad!

Pickle Doodle Designs–This graphic art shop sells the prettiest prints, subway art, invitations, announcements, and more! Perfect gift for pretty much anyone!

Sweet Floweret–All sorts of lovely items ranging from bags, to jewelry! You can pretty much shop here for any woman on your list!

Stitches by Heidi–The most amazing and gorgeous crocheted baby items (as well as a few grown-up items too!) Perfect gift for a child in your life.

Skye Reve Fabrics–You have to know about this awesome fabric shop! Buy fabric for any seamstress or get something to make for a gift!

Accuquilt–This company makes the amazing Accuquilt Go! Cutters. I have to say, if you are a quilter or really any kind of sewer, put THIS on your list!

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Filed Under: Christmas, etsy shop giveaway, fabric, fabric giveaway, gifts, giveaway, giving away free products Tagged With: Christmas, gift ideas, giveaway, Holiday, sponsors

Sweet Dixie Designs

August 9, 2010 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 1 Comment

Jane of Sweet Dixie Designs handpaints beautiful frames. Her work is truly gorgeous and she is very talented. Here is her bio…

My name is Jane and I have basically been a stay at home mom for 20 years. I have always loved to doodle and draw. As a child all my mother had to do was give me crayons and paper and I was happy. I graduated from college with a degree in Textile Design and over time I started painting furniture and home accessories that I sold at craft shows and also to local gift stores for a while.

After my third child was born it was difficult to find time to paint so I took some time away. Now that my kids are older I found that I needed to find a creative outlet again. I discovered Etsy and spent a lot of time just looking around before I figured out what I wanted to do. I tried several different projects and I found my way back to painting. I started making my frames this past fall, and became a seller on Etsy in November. My shop is called Sweet Dixie Designs, named after my fourth “child” Dixie, a retired racing greyhound.

I love color and pattern and I am really enjoying the process of creating new combination’s for my frames. I enjoy looking through magazines for inspiration, I like to know what the new color and design trends are. I like the idea that my frames look as though they could be covered in fabric or paper, but are actually hand painted. I hope to add additional items to my collection as time goes on.

I enjoy exercising and spending as much time as I can outdoors in the summer. I am a reality show junky. I also have to admit that I am one of those middle aged moms addicted to the Twilight series, it is something fun to share with my 12 year old daughter.

These beautiful frames would make wonderful Christmas presents for parents, parents-to-be, & grandparents!
Visit her shop!

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Filed Under: Etsy, gifts, perfectsy

FLYTRAP Cards

August 2, 2010 By Heidi @ Honeybear Lane 1 Comment

Jen of FLYTRAP, creates some pretty ingenius cards. The graphics are simple but her rhetoric is sharp. Even her interview answers are hilarious, tho a tad on the shocking side, but that’s her! Their motto is “Making Smart People Laugh.” So laugh, dangit! You’re smart!

“It’s your birhday! A special day to appreciate YOU! …and about 18 million other people.”

How did you get started?
Mom and dad knocked boots on the sofa some 40 years ago, nine months later I arrived dripping and screaming.

How did you learn your craft?
I have trouble calling this a craft, exactly. I’ve been writing since I was ten. A few years later, I drove by a university and they threw a piece of paper in my window that was designed to convince employers I knew something about marketing. Printing on paper really isn’t rocket science, though.

What is your favorite thing about your craft?
Making smart people laugh.

What do you do during your free time?
Oh, it all depends. Sometimes I do a little dance. Other times I make a little love. But generally, I just get down most nights.

Other items of interest?
In my family, the animals outnumber the people. If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be sushi. Wine trumps beer. And I believe that adults who don’t know the difference between their, they’re, and there should be gagged, hogtied, and dumped in a very cold and remote place to fend for themselves.

If you are looking to give a card that is purely original with some bite to it, check our her Etsy shop or go straight to the source at www.shopflytrap.com!