Babies, Weddings, Graduations, Communions, Sweet 16's Party party party. What do all these parties have in common? A favor. Something you give your guests or maybe something you get as a guest to remember the party. Most of the time its a dust collector with a ribbon on it with the date. Well today I'd like to steer you in the useful direction and the hand made direction. and its not as hard as you think.  On your right are covers of some of my favor books. If you can’t find them at a store near you let me know.

Last week we talked a little bit about making your own soap. These can be great party favors. A customer came in my store last week and she used Candy molds to first make soap in little baby shapes. then she started a cake of soap and before it was cooled she drops one of the baby shapes into it. Kind of like what we used to do with fruit and jello as a kid. Now some people may not use them because they look so nice, but at lease you didn't give them another thing to dust. 

Another necessity at some parties are Place card holders. Well how about one that doubles as a magnetic note holder? Take a mini clothes pin. the kind that you squeeze to open. You need to decorate it so the clip is facing up. When you put it on the table it stands on its own, but you will add a magnet to the back and when your guest goes home they can use it as a note holder for the fridge. Pictures of some I made will be on our web site, but please email me if you would like me to help you design your own. 

When it comes to teens, things are a bit harder. They are usually not the type to keep things sitting around their room after a party. But if you design a cell phone charm they might be more likely to use it.  Most sweet 16's are themed so if you make one in the same theme kids will remember the party longer. Cell phone charm blanks are under a buck so this favor won't break the bank either. 

Now I'm told by my wholesaler that is is all the rage, but so far no one has asked me for it, so please let me know if this is popular where you live. Duck tape. Yes duck tape, made into prom dresses, halloween costumes etc. Well I am now able to get duck tape in more colors than I can get yarn in. You can check out this trend at http://www.ducktapeclub.com

For the summer there are new designs for custom stones for your garden. These kits start around $13 and really are a nice way to personalize any outdoor area. 

 

Then believe it or not Christmas season is starting in the craft world. Now is the time to start thinking about making gifts to give and decorate for christmas. 

Its starts with needlework and stockings. Dimensions has 36 new designs for this christmas. From wall hangings to tree skirts I'm sure we can find something for you to make. You can check out their new arrivals section at www.dimensions-crafts.com 

dimensions isn't the only one. Spinrite is again producing their christmas yarns collection under their bernat brand.  But this year in addition to cotton they will be making acrylic as well. Red white and green variegated yarns as well as the solid colors with metallic thread. I've been told that this is a very limited run so if you can't find it at a store near you, email me and I will be happy to work out shipping them to you.