Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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

27 comments:

{oc cottage} said...

...and I have a crush on them! WAY CUTE! {sorry, about ALL the snow, every time I hear there's more...I just cringe for you!}

m ^..^

Diane Mars said...

Very cute I have made those for a party but it is a good time to bring out the supplies for Valentines Day! Stay Cozy and safe, Hugs, Diane

Tammy @ tinselshop.com said...

Elyse,
So cute, the little ones will LOVE these! I too have been an absent blogger, so behind...where did January go? Also, I am crazy about the penants you hung in your windows, adorable!

Best wishes,
Tammy

Hearts Turned said...

What a fabulous idea, Elyse--adorable! My daughters will love this!

Hope you're staying inside and cozy today, my friend!

Julie

Alyssa said...

This is awesome! Kind of like New Year Firecrackers! Love it thanks for the tute! Alyssa of Boston Bee ;)

NanaDiana said...

Elyse- I LOVE this idea. Don't laugh but a few weeks ago I started saving all our toilet paper rolls thinking I would do something with them with the kids...How perfect is this- LOVE it..and love you for sharing it here- xxoo Diana

Margaret said...

These are so cute! Never thought of doing Valentine's day crackers. Good luck with the weather there, we've had some snow in Michigan but so far no ice thank god!

koralee said...

Love this idea...I make christmas crackers...my family always loves them.

Have a great day and Happy February my friend...I am sewing paper hearts at school today. xoxoxo

Unknown said...

Super cute idea! Love it!!!

Besos
Charo

It's me said...

So nice !! i love it...come and join my give away darling....love Ria...xxx...

Theresa said...

What a cute idea, Elyse! I love it and happen to have some of those supplies! Enjoy your day my friend! HUGS!

birdie blue said...

a d o r a b l e project, elyse. definitely going on our 'to-do' list.

i hope you're staying warm and cozy today.
xo
~molly

SLR said...

such a cute name for a super sweet valentine project...love it!

Suz said...

Cute, cute, cute.
The biggest surprise is the waxed paper. It looks so cute! I made something like this with cloth for a swap...not half as cute! I did find wonderful hard cracker rolls inside ribbon that I got wholesale. I jut love these, Elyse. Everything you do is simple and just lovely.
Hugs,
Suz

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Love this! Is this how you are keeping warm back there? Crafting till your heart's content!

Melinda said...

Very cute take off of the Christmas version.
If you are still feeling crafty--please read the second part of my
Sunday post. I have a challenge going on and would appreciate any help I could get.
Writing this from the snowy tundre of Kansas.

melinda

Anonymous said...

So cute Elyse! I have a huge built in hamper that I don't use upstairs and throw all the empty toilet paper rolls in it! Gosh I could make a ton of these!!

Been terribly cold here also.
I made candied lemon peels and juiced the lemons that I got while I was in Arizona. Also an going to try my hand at making some Lemon Curd to use on scones!

bee blessed
mary

debi said...

What a cute idea! I love crackers!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Very CUTE Elyse! I have saved lots of rolls, so now I know what to do with them! Yours are so pretty. Hope sweetie you are keeping warm...baby, it is cold outside!

Love ya tons!
Maryjane xox

Unknown said...

These are so cute....I have been meaning to make them but just haven't gotten around to it.
Daisy~

Cecilia - Titi said...

Tu trabajo es hermoso, todo lo que haces me parece muy bello y femenino, te felicito.
Saludos desde Chile,
Titi

Jen Kershner said...

You make me feel all creative and Valentiney and wanting to run for my studio! Thanks! That was just what I needed now that my monkeys are finally going back to school today. Well they have a 2 hour delay but still, after 3 snow days I will take it!

Anonymous said...

Elyse....everything you 'tinker' with is so cute!
I love your Etsy shop items...adorable and oh so inspirational! thanks so much!!!

stop in for a coffee with me and Martha Stewart today!

ciao bella!

Creative CARMELINA

Anonymous said...

These are so fun to make - yours are so pretty, Elyse!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Jeanne said...

Great tutorial Elyse. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you also for your sweet comments you left on my blog regarding my DH. I'm plodding along, taking things one day at a time.
xo
jeanne

beachvintage.com said...

And they look so pretty! Love this time of year for extra prettiness.

patty said...

Your blog is just beautiful! First time visiting. Love all of your creative valentine ideas. Would love for you to stop by my blog, I just started. I am now following you.
Patty

PS I love the cottage on your blog title.