valentine crush crackers

Happy Groundhog Day from snowy-icy-rainy Rhode Island! Sorry to have been absent from blogging -- the past few weeks have been busy and snowy and busy. I hope to make some time for blog visits very soon because I can see from a quick peek at thumbnail pics, that there are many beautiful posts to read and swoon over.

As a little catch-up post, here is something I wrote for Kidoinfo, an online resource for parents. I pitched the idea of coming up with a craft that would make use of leftover holiday wrap and trimming as well as common household items. I came up with Valentine Crush Crackers.



Wondering what to do with leftover scraps of wrap and ribbon? Crackers, which resemble over-sized wrapped candies are part of Christmas celebrations in many parts of the world. I thought, why not make some for Valentine's Day and give them a fun name? Voila! Valentine Crush Crackers. Traditionally, two people pull apart the cracker at once "wishbone style" to cause a spark; this version is low-tech but big on fun and low on cost. Perfect to give to friends (or a special crush).



Materials
Toilet paper rolls or cut tubes from paper towels or wrapping paper
Paper: wrap, construction paper, scrapbooking paper
Scissors, glue, tape
Tissue or wax paper
Ribbon, twine
Scraps of things that look Valentine-like: paper doilies, printed images, old greeting cards, bows, stickers, cupcake liners, buttons
Filler: candy, small toys or party favors, love notes, paper hearts, printed fortunes



How to
Measure and cut enough paper to wrap around and cover your tube
Fasten with glue, tape or a sticker
Fill your tube
Measure and cut enough wax or tissue paper to wrap around and cover your tube leaving about 1.5 inches on each side to pinch and tie closed with ribbon or twine
Decorate your wrapped cracker
Present to a friend or secret crush!

xo
elyse