Do you remember those folded paper fortune-tellers from back in the old school yard? This romantic version of the origami toy is at Colloco Homeware & Gifts (UK). It’s both a toy and an art object — and maybe an imaginative 3-d greeting card for Valentine’s Day?

There was always one kid in the crowd who knew how to fold one. At our school, it was Judy (who grew up to make her living from an interesting balance of crafts and computers). She wouldn’t tell anyone else how to do it, and drove us all nuts — you know how 10-year-old girls can be! — but I picked up a fortune teller that she’d dropped, took it home, and dissected it carefully to figure out how it all worked.

You want to know how to make one? No secrets here!
Here’s a video I found that gives particularly clear instructions for how to fold an origami fortune-teller:

At recess or lunch break, or sometimes in a slow-moving math class, Judy would pull out a neat square of folded-up notebook paper from her back pocket and open its corners to slip in her index fingers and thumbs. The other girls in our group would gather around…

First one, then another of us would “pick a number” — the number of letters in the name of the boy we liked best, most often — and Judy would open and close the paper fortune teller, one direction and then the other, while counting down the numbers.

Well, here’s how Wikipedia explains the rules:

The player first asks a question to the person holding the fortune teller. This question will be answered by the device. The holder then asks for a number and/or color. Once the number and/or color has been chosen, the holder uses his/her fingers to switch between the two groups of colors/numbers that occupy the inside area of the device. The holder switches these positions a specific number of times, which can be given by the amount of letters in the color selected, the number originally chosen, or the sum of both. Once the holder has finished switching the positions of the fortune teller, the player chooses one of the flaps that has been revealed. These flaps often have colors and/or numbers on them, and the chosen flap often is the same as the color/number originally chosen. The holder then lifts the flap and reads the fortune that is underneath. Any one of these steps may be repeated to suit the user.

Remember it now?
I’ve been thinking a lot about fun grown-up crafty versions of old schoolyard games and toys lately, so we can expect to take a few more little trips down memory lane in the next few weeks. What other cool homemade toys and impromptu games do you remember, from when you were a kid?

“One natural product deserves another,” say the folks at Rocky-Brook Fine Woodcrafts, recommending their wooden knitting needles for real wool yarn, although “of course, they work just as well with synthetic fibres.”

My sister (a genius knitter) just sent me the tip on these, and I strongly suspect she was sending a hint for Christmas! Rocky-Brook wooden knitting needles are crafted by a family-owned company that’s located (more or less) in this neck of the woods, too — another reason to like ‘em!

Lightweight yet strong, the smooth wax-rubbed wooden knitting needles are naturally warm to the touch, which is said to make them ideal for knitters who are troubled by arthritis — or, I suggest, for those who just love the feel of smooth wood?

There’s no lacquer finish to wear away and cause rough spots that might snag your yarn. The finish on Rocky-Brook needles can be easily renewed just by rubbing them with a piece of waxed paper!

And did I mention, environmentally friendly?

Our needles are not only a pleasure to use but they are also one of the most environmentally friendly knitting products on the market. We are very proud to say we maintain less than a 4% waste factor during the crafting of our needles.

Oh, and if your compulsion to knit your way through the evening TV fare is driving your roommates to distraction, there’s another reason to consider the wooden needle.

They don’t make that incredibly annoying click-click click-click click-click sound that lots of metal and plastic knitting needles make — that sound that reminds me of the metronome that ticked away on the top of the piano, during those long long hours of childhood torture when I was forced to practice the minor scales…

But I digress.

We’re talking about a clever, original and relatively frugal gift idea here for the keen knitter in your life!

Think about it…

Package up a pair or foursome of lovely birch needles, say, with a skein or two of wool from one of the many fine indie spinners on Etsy, and perhaps a free knitting pattern from Tahki Stacy Charles that you’ve printed out on nice paper — and voila! You’ve got a unique gift on a knitting theme!

Rocky-Brook Needles come in straight or double-pointed styles, in fifteen different sizes, crafted in birch, walnut, cherry and maple woods by nice folks in rural Beechwood, New Brunswick, Canada. The website has a list of places that sell their needles, or you can contact Rocky-Brook directly for more information.

Confession: I’ve always had a few “mixed feelings” about the whole Valentine’s Day thing, myself… but our brand-new guest writer, Becky Ocasio, links a passion for home decor with, well, just plain ol’ passion, in a way that could make even a jaded cynic want to open the door when Cupid calls. Enjoy! ~ Jen

Valentine’s Day Ideas from a Hopeless Romantic

Valentines Day… Is it a day for hopeless romantics to swoon over their one true love? Is it a glorified Hallmark holiday? Ok, so I choose to be the hopeless romantic, even after almost 20 years of marriage, 5 kids and 2 dogs later.

I’ve given some thought (I’m sure you fellas are waiting for this for gift buying insight) as to what to do for your loved one on Valentines Day. Is the jewelry thing overdone? Flowers just die and chocolates, well there goes the New Years resolution. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the “same old, same old”.

Here are a few thoughts…

How about a blue sky, a beautiful park and a picnic basket? This would be great — minus the 5 kids of course! Or maybe a picnic backpack instead of the basket. Get your Picnic Set, grab the grub at a local Italian deli, throw in a great bottle of wine, and you’re set!   The picnic set will be around for your next romantic rendezvous.

Guys, she will adore you for the thoughtfulness — trust me! This picnic set is so cute and stylish, she will be telling all her friends that you consulted with Martha Stewart herself!

Don’t like the outdoors?
Dim the lights and light the candles and enjoy a quiet evening alone.

Don’t forget the gorgeous set of candle holders. I would recommend the Prior Park or Auburn Candleholder sets. They are both gorgeous and have a romantic feel to them — and they will be around to show off at your next dinner party.

I love it when I have someone ask where I got the incredible box that I keep on my coffee table. My husband knew I had my eye on it and he bought it for me as a gift. They reply “Wow, he bought that?!” And I just smile. I do have to add that a few days ago he announced that his new favorite store was Ikea (one just opened up near us), and I fell in love with him all over again.

Make your better half a meal that will knock his socks off and leave him wondering what he or his stomach would ever do without you?! You have incredible recipes at your fingertips right here!

Don’t forget, presentation is everything — so jazz it all up with some hip dinnerware from Interior Style Home. My favorites are the Mosaic and the Vine patterns. Great items to spice up the kitchen. As a couple and as a family, we are in the kitchen constantly — might as well make it stylish and fun!

Gathering up pictures of memorable times and framing them in a collage type of arrangement would also be a great gift.

I always mean to take that special photo, frame it and place it somewhere for all to see, but there is never enough time in the day. It would be great if someone did this for me… hint, hint!

A Natane photo frame is a fabulous gift for anyone to display several memories.

You are probably saying to yourself by now, “this girl really loves Interior Style Home!”… Yep, I do! I happen to be the mad decorating mind behind the madness, or should I say, website!?

I love all things beautiful in the home — that’s a passion of mine that my family has to live with.

The truth behind the Valentine’s Day legend is cloudy, and probably has been elaborated over the years to become what it is today… so what exactly is it now? Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be a crazy show of affection ,or a “let me go overboard day”, but a day to show you appreciate that special someone, with a gesture to show you care.

Who says that Valentines Day has to be about jewelry and lingerie? A picnic, a romantic evening, an incredible meal, or a collage of great memories, you’ll be sure to get your point across, even though it may not be with a bow and arrow.

Becky Ocasio is an interior decorator in Oviedo, Florida, and the WAHM of 5 behind InteriorStyleHome.com. She loves nothing more than to hide away (“where the kids can’t find me!”) to create floral arrangements and custom window treatments, or to seek out the perfect home accents for her clients.

Technorati Tags: Valentine, gifts, romance, guest post

Today’s guest is DazzlinDonna, who lives up to her name with a simply dazzling personalized gift idea that combines the virtues of thrift and creativity with the kind of real meaning we seek in the holiday season. Thanks for sharing this, Donna! ~Jen

Christmas Remembrance Gifts

The holiday season is meant to be a joyous one, but as we age we often must deal with loss. Many of us have lost parents and grandparents, or other family members in the past, and they are very much missed at holiday gatherings. Nevertheless, they can still be a part of the festivities as we honor them with remembrance gifts.

I like to give remembrance gifts that utilize some bits of the loved one’s favorite clothing, knick-knacks, or crafts. For example, this year, we purchased several cobalt-blue glass jars from the local Dollar store (for $1 each), along with a few bags of pot-pourri. We then used my grandmother-in-law’s old lace doilies that she had crocheted many years ago, wrapped one around each vase, and tied a ribbon around the neck of the vase to keep the doily “attached” to the vase. Next, we simply filled the vase with pot-pourri, and it was ready to be given to her grandchildren as a gift to remember her by.

Of course, you don’t have to use a doily. You could cut up an old flannel shirt that your father used to always wear, or a cotton sweater that was a favorite of your mom’s, or any piece of cloth that represents someone’s past life. As long as the item evokes memories, it can be used in some way to create a remembrance gift, even if it is as simple as placing it within a nice frame.

A few years ago, I purchased several hair brushes that were identical to the one that my mother had used for as long as any of us could remember. I gave one to each sibling. It wasn’t the exact same brush we’d all used as kids, but it looked just like it, and that is enough to keep her in our hearts each time we use it now.

Little remembrance gifts such as these can make the holidays much more special as we honor those who used to share the holidays with us. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season, and may you share your memories in very special ways, each and every year.

~ DazzlinDonna

Technorati Tags: Christmas, gifts, guest post

I just came across this “non-traditional book” in the Potter Style (Random House) line-up — the Holiday Motif Box of Boxes. Basically, it’s 9 self-folding boxes, 12 stickers, 12 wrap bands, and 12 sheets of tissue paper, all done up in a festive holiday motif.

With three size options, you can mix and match bottoms, tops, ribbons, and stickers to create the perfect presentation for the perfect gift.

At $16.95, it may be a smidgen steep for the DIY’er who likes to create and fold her own custom boxes — but such a dandy item for the gift-wrap-impaired male (we won’t mention names) who’d want a special presentation for a tiny hard-to-wrap gift… Like, oh, say, a breathtakingly-expensive handmade charm bracelet…

As we know, I’m a bit on the frugal side — but that doesn’t mean a lack of generosity, not by a long shot. In fact, brainstorming for the perfect gift can be a great pleasure. And a great gift doesn’t mean you have to spend a bundle — it’s all in the inspiration!

Here are 45 gift ideas to get you started –
None of these gifts need to cost you any more than $25, and most are a good bit lower in price:

1. On behalf of your nature-loving friend, adopt a Chocolate Chip Starfish at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo — check with your own local zoo or a wildlife conservation group (such as the World Wildlife Fund) for other ways to support and protect animals.



2. For the fitness walker: a pedometer and a map of the local hiking trails.
3. For the whole family: a classic game that can be played, in one form or another, by all ages. (We still love those Dominoes!)
4. For the MacGyver type: a Leatherman multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.
5. For the musician: print up a stash of music-notation paper — blank staff or guitar fretboard diagrams.



6. A one-year subscription to National Geographic magazine is bargain-priced right now for holiday giving — or save a few trees and go for a two-year electronic subscription to National Geographic’s new Green Guide. For children: a paid subscription to National Geographic Kids comes with a free 12-inch inflatable world ball: “a big, bouncing, full-color globe of Earth’s continents, oceans, and nations” for even more educational fun.
7. For the pre-teen: make up some coupons that can be traded in for special treats, such as an extra hour of internet time, a ride to a friend’s house, a day without chores, whatever will mean the most to your individual child.
8. For the chatty teenager: a cell phone bag or holster.



9. For the teenager who’s into vintage goodies: Flea Market Jewelry: New Style From Old Treasures by Binky Morgan.
10. For grandma: a digital photo keychain — a new twist on the “brag book” album.
11. Everyone can find a use for a blank journal book, and there are some real beauties to suit every taste, many of which even use recycled products for the journal cover.



12. If you’re the informal tech support for your family, why not burn a few CDs of the best open-source software for their use and enjoyment? I like Firefox for a fast secure web browser, Open Office for a full-featured alternative to Microsoft’s Office suite of programs, Audacity for audio recording, the list goes on…



13. For the hardcore puzzle fan: Rubik’s Sudoku.
14. Print up a personalized calendar, using your own photographs or artwork.
15. For artsy-crafty types who like to experiment: a selection of acrylic craft paints, brushes, and unfinished wooden shapes or a plain picture frame, to paint up in personal style.
16. For the one who manages to kill all house-plants: Aloe vera — nearly indestructible!
17. For the hard-to-buy-for parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, what about a very special book? A local history of their hometown, or a book about the family ancestors, would be a welcome gift.

    Google the place name or family name along with the word “book” to see what you can track down, and if that fails, use the yellow pages to find an independent bookstore (not one of the big chain stores) in the town you’re interested in, then phone up and ask the helpful staff if they know of any local authors who have published on the topic. It can take a bit of detective work, but that’s all part of a special gift, isn’t it?



18. For cat lovers: the Sylvester and Tweety Chia cat grass planter. How cool is this? He gets the Chia pet that he’s always secretly wanted… but he can tell people that it belongs to Kitty!
19. And for cat-loving crafters: the Cat in a Bag decoupage kit.
20. For the genealogy buff: framed art depicting your family tree — in calligraphy, embroidery, PhotoShop collage or scrapbooking style, whatever your skill.



21. For the gourmet: a collection of exotic salt.
22. For the vintage car buff: fuzzy dice to dangle from the rearview mirror, or one of those retro hula girl figurines for the dashboard.
23. For your loved one: write and record an original poem or song.
24. For your yoga buddy: flowering tea.



25. For the new dog owner: Clicker training is a fast and effective, positive, reward-based way to teach obedience to even a tiny puppy.

    For $19.95, Karen Pryor’s Dog Training Kit includes her Getting Started – Clicker Training for Dogs book, an i-Click clicker, a set of Click-a-Trick cue cards, an open-out instruction booklet teaching how to use the clicker itself, and a sample of dog treats. (Yes, I’m recommending it from personal experience!)



26. A geode for the young geologist to crack open, and a display box for her rock collection.
27. DVDs are always popular, but why not take it one step further and add a little personal meaning — get her the DVD of last season’s favourite TV show, the one she kept missing because someone forgot to tape or Tivo when she had to work late! (Depending on the show, you might need to pick it up secondhand, to keep to the budget…)
28. Food! He Who Hogs the Power Tools tells me that any homemade baked goods go down well with 90% of men…
29. Or a cluster of homemade truffles (unbelieveably easy to make) in a pretty tin or vintage dish.



30. Grab a cuddly version of the famous penquin mascot, Tux, for a Linux fan.
31. For the outdoorsy type: Eddie Bauer’s complete survival kit cleverly packed into a Neoprene water bottle.
32. Or a hand-crank no-battery FM radio with a built-in flashlight.
33. For the whole family: a giant popcorn bowl and copies of all those hokey old home movies — priceless!



34. It’s craft fair season, so get out and buy handmade from your local indie artists and crafts people. Around here, I can count on finding some stunning silk batik scarves, old-fashioned wooden toys, maple-sugar candies and barley toys in Christmas shapes, traditional Mi’kmaq baskets, handwoven shawls, beeswax candles and stained glass ornaments… something for everyone!
35. Gifts in a Jar.
36. For the hostess: a bottle of wine. And if you’re not 100% confident of your skill in picking out a high-toned wine for a budget price, play it safe with novelty and humour: I’ve been wanting to try that “kittenish” Sauvignon Blanc, Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush. Truly. It took a Bronze at the 2005 Air New Zealand Wine Awards; for about $15, how can you go wrong?



37. For the coffee lover: fair trade beans in a decorative cannister, with a small tin of homemade double chocolate biscotti on the side.
38. For a child with imagination: hand puppets or a marionette, and a one-of-a-kind puppet theatre you create from a cardboard box.
39. For her: brightly flowered wooden bangles, fair trade bling from Bali.



40. Pet portraits are always popular. No time or skill to create a custom piece of art? Check the indie shops of CafePress.com for gift items that celebrate almost any breed of dog and cat you can imagine.
41. Mr. Potato Head
42. For the avid reader: make a ribbon-and-charm bookmark.
43. Picture frames: everyone’s got a favourite photo they’d like to show off.
44. For the queen of patio parties: a solar-powered Soji lantern.
45. Wearable art! No time to create from scratch? Embellish a simple store-bought vest, fabric belt or bag with lace, beads, embroidery, applique, fabric paint, stencilling, dangling milagros and bits of chain and ribbon… whatever your imagination suggests…

Small gifts can be hard to wrap up in an attractive way, especially when they have odd shapes. Sure, you could get a little cardboard box to put them in, and then wrap that up — but where’s the fun in that?

Here’s what we’ve started doing in my family — wrapping up those awkward small items to look like strange little vaguely human characters!

It’s become quite a competition, to see who can come up with the funniest face or the most imaginative use of those scraps of wrapping paper and ribbon that were just a bit too good to toss out after the last gift-giving occasion… Thrifty!!

Here, a paper drinks umbrella has been pressed into service as an accessory. These faces are drawn on with marker, but sometimes the giftwrap artist will glue on bits of coloured cellophane for sunglasses or use other “found objects” to add character.

Can you guess what’s inside these two package-people?

Festive 5-dollar bling from Moon Child Jewelry @ Etsy

Score! I just got back from a Christmas craft sale where I snagged a glittery pair of long bead earrings for my 14-year-old fashionista niece. Not these earrings in the picture, but similar and an equally fine price — Five dollars! … which is just about the maximum amount I want to spend for a stocking stuffer.

Kailee’s stocking is one of those super-sized ones, so I’ve got the holiday issue of a music magazine she likes, which I’ll roll up and stuff with little chocolates and lip balm and bookmarks and such. That will help to fill out the long leg of the stocking quite nicely. But, I do need to pick up just a few more items…

And here, from Rachel Paxton who’s always full of clever and quite frugal ideas, is a quick list of other gift ideas for tiny treasures to fill a teen girl’s Christmas stocking.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

by Rachel Paxton

It’s fun to buy stocking stuffers for teen girls. I always use this time of year as an opportunity to give them the little treats they want and/or need throughout the year but that I don’t want to spend the extra money for. Here are some items our teenage daughters will find in their Christmas stockings this year:

Who can resist her?
Betty Boop Christmas Stocking (Kurt Adler @ Amazon) Boop Oop a Doop!

• $5 Starbucks card
• AA batteries for portable CD player/MP3 player
• Matching knit camisole/panties
• Fun fashionable socks
• Small hoop earrings
• Chocolates and hard candies

I try to find them things that they can use but will also not necessarily expect in their stockings. Listen for clues for what to get when you’re out shopping with them. They really make it quite easy! Here are some other ideas:

• Movie tickets
• Fast food gift certificates
• Perfume/body spray
• Lip gloss
• Nail polish/manicure set
• Disposable camera/film
• CD cleaner/scratch remover
• Journal/pen
• Small inspirational book
• Tear-off calendar
• Car or room air freshener

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.
Article Source: www.ladypens.com