Giving Thanks...Giving Back

It is always heart-warming to be recognized.  I am often over-whelmed by the kind words of others. Because the blogger world is so huge, no one can make it without support. In the words of Maya Angelou, "Nobody, but nobody can make it here alone."  I agree!  Today, I am going to give back and highlight 3 wonderful bloggers who featured my products on their blogs this past year.

This is Kami, the girl who runs the blog favorite nobiggie.  She recently posted about many of our paper crafts for a Halloween party.  You can see it here.  Kami's blog is dedicated to all things that she loves: photography, paper crafting, cooking, decorating, thrifting, and her cute family.  She is refreshingly honest, sweet and funny!  You should definitely check her out!

This is Amy Hanks, founder of the blog Inside The Fishbowl.  Amy is a local stay-at-home mom who started blogging to document her life and the things she loves.  I love her blog because it is positive and simple.  Back in July, wrote a post about our new logo launch and paper collections (from me to you, front porch and thirty-one).  You can see it here.

This is Kim Stoegbauer, an Arizona native, party stylist de jour and founder of The TomKat Studio. Last May she featured our Doily Banner in a strawberry themed birthday party.  See the whole posting here.  Kim's blog is a must see!

Thanks to you all!

Your Turn To Give Back  |  What is one of your favorite blogs?

Too Cute To Spook!

It is officially fall, I think. Our mornings here in Utah have become cool and the leaves are beginning to turn.  Are you excited?  Altogether it energizes me!  Today we are featuring little Halloween trick or treat pockets I created from two of our favored products:  library pockets and quote cards.

I have been looking for more ways to use our library pockets and this just came to me as the ideal solution!  They are easy, fun and make really charming Halloween favors.  Too cute to spook!

Create Your Own | Click here to see all of our Halloween quote cards and library pockets

Which one do you like best?

One Stop Shopping : Halloween

One of my favorite things when I go shopping is to find everything I am looking for in one spot.
No searching, asking and wandering.  Just walk in and there it is!  It's the same for me when shopping online.  Just click and there everything is...neatly organized and easy to find.

I figure that most of you must feel the same way.  Who likes to endless searching? (Pinterest excluded, of course). So, to help you out with your one-stop-shopping need, I've gathered together all of our Halloween items into one place.  With one click you will find easy access to everything you see above and more.
We call it the Pebbles In My Pocket One-Stop-Shop Halloween link!

• All of our Halloween paper and stickers.  By the way, this week only, everything from our Thirty One collection is 25% off!
• All of our Halloween party supplies: twine, candy cups, striped paper straws and cup cake liners.
• Our one-of-a-kind Halloween quotes and library pockets.  You will love these!
• All of our Halloween paper crafting kits: place cards, pillow boxes, treat boxes and bags, garlands and banners.
• The entire collection of our Halloween wood crafts!

Happy Halloween shopping everyone!

DIY : Spider Garland

Wouldn't you like to have some of these guys hanging around for Halloween?  Our Spider Garland is way too cute to be scary and will add a nice whimsical touch to your Halloween decoration. Surprisingly, they are very easy to make! Simply sew a straight line (we recommend using black thread), making sure to keep the stitching between each spider to approximately 1".  It is always helpful to practice first on a piece of scratch paper to check your sewing machine's tension.

Keep in mind: stitching will not always be perfect and the spiders will not always be evenly spaced...but this just adds to its' charm!  I think you will have lots of fun with this garland!
Have a great weekend!

Easy DIY Kit | Pre-made Garland

A New Addition : Bat Pillow Box

Presenting our new little addition...Mr. Bat Pillow Box!

Okay.  I admit it.  I just couldn't resist making at least ONE more.  They are so fun to design.  I also wanted to see if I could create another fun Halloween ghoul from this box.   It really inspires me.

This guy makes a great addition to our current spooky collection of Halloween pillow box creations; which include pumpkins, owls and a spider.  As you can see, each is made with a unique paper pattern from our new Thirty One collection.  When placed altogether, they make the perfect coordinating set!

And, the Bat Pillow Box assembly is super easy...just like all of our other pillow boxes.

• Find easy to assemble kit here
• Pre-made set found here
• Download Silhouette pattern here

What Halloween creature would you make from a pillow box?

Just In Time! Halloween Wood Crafts Ready To Order

I am happy to announce that ALL of our wood craft Halloween shapes are on the Pebbles In My Pocket website, ready for ordering.  As you can see, there is something for everyone.  Feel free to browse our site here for a closer look and ordering details.  And, if you have any questions (or just something to share), leave a comment below because I love to hear from you!

Happy Haunting!

Perfect Fall Packaging : Pillow Boxes

Today I am going to share with you some adorable pillow box ideas I've recently created.  If you love fall like I do, then you're going to love these creations for packaging up some treats to enjoy the next you and your family get together.

The pillow box from Pebbles In My Pocket is absolutely perfect for storing just about any individual treat or small gift for your guests.  Once assembled, simply fill the boxes and fold in the ends.

Since I am all about presentation, I am happy to tell you that I have created many different fall-themed pillow boxes for you to choose from.  You can see all of them here.  Below are samples of my newest creations.

Aside from creating memorable family gatherings, how about these fabulous ideas for using my fall pillow boxes:  packaging for party favors, gift packages for teachers (or students), "thank you" gifts for friends and neighbors.

Follow the links below to find these easy to assemble kits:

• Fall Leaf Pillow Box Kit
• Krafty Owl Pillow Box
• Krafty Dictionary Owl Pillow Box
• Turkey Pillow Box

For Silhouette users, you can download the following patterns from the links below:

• Turkey Pillow Box
• Owl Pillow Box

I hope you enjoyed the ideas I've shared today!

Spiders on Paper Straws : DIY

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend.  I was able to take some time and hike with family up to the beautiful Cecret Lake.  It is always fun to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air!

I am going to have a busy week getting all my fall creations ready to show-off.  You will be seeing more of these as the month progresses.  I know that it is not "officially" fall yet...but it is getting really close and I want to be prepared!

To start your week off right, I thought I would share this darling Spider on Straw Kit from yours truly! I love little things that add a special touch.  And it's ready to go in minutes.  Enjoy!

FIND THE KIT HERE

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN FROM SILHOUETTE HERE 

Thanksgiving Table Decorations

Here are some fall favorites of ours!  All dressed up for Thanksgiving, they make the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast.  Stylish, don't you think? 

Each one is easy to put together and embellish!  No fuss...just fun.

• Easy to assemble Pilgrim & Indian found here
• Easy to assemble Scalloped Pumpkin Place Card found here
• Easy to assemble Owl Treat Box found here
• Pre-made Owl Treat Box found here
• Easy to assemble Turkey Treat Box found here
• Pre-made Turkey Treat Box found here

Of course, for those of you who use Silhouette, here are your links:

• Download Pilgrim pattern here
• Download Indian pattern here
• Download Scalloped Pumpkin Place Card here
• Download Owl Treat Box here
• Download Turkey Treat Box here

DIY : Spooky Spider Treat Cup

Let's face it.  No matter how much we complain (as mothers), the holidays are all about treats. We like to pretend otherwise...but the kids know and I've just given in. Why fight a losing battle?  Here is one of my latest "treat" holders.  The Spooky Spider Treat Cup.

Cute, isn't he?  I like his whimsical personality.  It's sort of amusing.  Anyway, he comes in a kit of 12 and the assembly for the whole thing is about 20 minutes.

• Easy to assemble kit found here
• Download pattern from Silhouette here
• Additional Candy Cups found here

Wood Crafts

Most of my followers know me for my wood creations.  I have been making them for years!  It is always a creative challenge to design and decorate new shapes, but it is a challenge that I love. Many of you are loyal customers of Pebbles strictly because of our wood.  For this, I thank you. Below is a sample of our new Halloween wood shapes for this season.  To see more, visit our store here.

I have many more Halloween wood shapes on the way, so keep checking back.  And, if you are curious about the paper I used to decorate with, it is from our new Thirty Once collection!  By the way, which one do you like best?

DIY : Halloween Treat Boxes

So, what comes to your mind when I say "little kid Halloween party"?  Something scary?

Introducing Spidey, Frankie, Batty, Ghosty and Pumpkn'!  Your friendly (and somewhat mischievous) neighborhood gang of ghouls.  Perfect little haunts for a child's Halloween party.

All of these guys are made from the same basic 3 steps: fold, glue, attach unique parts.

Easily only a 30 minute project total.  Love it!

• Easy to assemble kit found here
• Save time and let us do the work for you here
• Crafting supplies for this kit can be found here
• Download Spider pattern on Silhouette here
• Download Frankenstein pattern on Silhouette here
• Download Bat pattern on Silhouette here
• Download Ghost pattern on Silhouette here
• Download Pumpkin pattern on Silhouette here

DIY : Basic Dictionary Pennant Memory Banner

I love pictures!  They create conversations, remind me of good times and fill my heart with gratitude. This is why I have been looking for a unique way to display my personal photos throughout the year.  I think I created just the thing.  It's called the Basic Dictionary Pennant Memory Banner.

The idea is pretty simple:  hang banner, decorate with photos and holiday themed items, enjoy!

Here is an example of it all gussied up for Halloween. 

The great thing about this banner is its' versatility.  It is both a yearlong decorative piece AND a revolving photo display!  Plus, all pictures and decorations are super easy to take down and replace! You will have as much fun creating it as people will looking at it.

All  holiday-themed "add-on" kits are sold separately (you provide the photos, of course).

Can't you see this banner being used as a photo display for just about any celebration? Birthdays, Fathers' Day, 4th of July, first day of school...what do you think would make a great memory banner "add-on" kit?

• Easy to assemble Basic Dictionary Pennant Memory Banner kit found here
• Pre-made Basic Dictionary Pennant Memory Banner found here
• Halloween Memory Banner "add-on" kit found here

DIY : Halloween Treat Bag

In case you were wondering, there is exactly 54 days until Halloween.  If it is your favorite holiday, I am sure you knew that already.  If not...why not?  Halloween is one giant pretend party where everyone can dress up and be what they want, regardless of their age, with free treats for all!  What is not to like?

Speaking of treats, here is one of our newest little DIY goodie bags.  We call it our Halloween Treat Bag.  You can find it on our website here.  My favorite thing about this one is its' colors.  Still Halloween-ish, but with a touch of whimsy.  In this kit, the bags come pre-made.  So, the only thing I think you will need some guidance on is the bow.  Check out our tutorial below.

Assembly Instructions for Halloween Treat Bag

Fill bag with your favorite treat of gift.  Carefully place the 2 slits together on the bow cutout.

Push the center of bow fold inward.  Fold the top edge of bag over in the back, place folded doily on top, followed by the center of the bow.  Staple all layers together.

Attach rhinestone on top of bow for embellishment.

Make yourself a beautiful Halloween!

diy : Halloween Dots Garland

I would love to have the time and space to create more garlands.  They are so fun to make and really add a personal touch to any space.  I have already about 50 of my DIY garlands hanging up around the store...okay, that is an exaggeration.  We don't have that many!

This dot garland drapes beautifully!  And, it is so easy, you don't even need a tutorial.  Just find a sewing machine and black thread, sew in a straight line, adding in dots every half inch or so.  Of course, the stitching may not be perfect...but I think that adds to its' charm. Don't you?

• Easy to assemble kits found here
• Save time and let us do the work for you here
• Carrot, Melon and Black Premium texture cardstock found here

You could make this garland in many different color patterns.  This one is perfect for fall.  But, change the colors up a bit and you could have one for spring, summer...endless possibilities!

Front Porch : More Creations

I am thrilled whenever I am able to take a break from all these holiday preparations, just sit down and create something beautiful.  I took a moment last week to do just that with our new Front Porch collection.  As you know, it is in stock now.  You can view the whole collection of it here on our site.

For these creations, I used the following:

• Mason Jar - Welcome and Knock Knock papers
• Flowers Bouquet - various with Book Club as flower center
• Thank You Card - Knock Knock paper combined with Library Pockets & Tags

I especially love the versatility of this collection!  Many of its' elements could easily be used on scrapbook pages as well.  For more collection information and ideas, take a look at my blog post here.

Wood Crafts: Pumpkin Crescent Moon

As an experienced crafter and local business woman, many of you are very familiar with my wood creations. I never seem to tire of creating new projects to share with you!

One of my most recent creations is this  Pumpkin Crescent Moon.  It is adorable!  Made with quality premium paper, the colors and added details of glitter and rhinestones give it just the right character.  It is especially cute on a entry table!  And, it is only a 60 minute project.  Just interested in the wood shape?  No problem.  It is available unfinished as well.

• Easy to assemble kit found here
• Unfinished wood shapes found here
• Paper from Thirty One collection found here
• Crafting supplies found here

New Release : Front Porch

Are you as excited as we are about the new releases? We're really happy with how they've turned out! Today we're turning to warmer pallet with the Front Porch collection.  In stock now!  You can find it all in our store or online here.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of this new collection from Pebbles. Highlight your memories with classic florals, stripes, and polka dots. Icons of wildflowers, rocking chairs, baskets and books are presented in brilliant shades of sky blue, raspberry red and mint green.   New items include a specially designed mini album, picture frame hang tags, sentiment quote book, and clothespins. Perfect way to memorialize the summer days that just ended.  Oh the things you can make!  Here are a few ideas:

 What's your favorite thing about this new collection? Is there any one item you're dying to have?

Happy Labor Day...Hello Fall

Happy Labor Day!  It is now the "official" start of fall.  Don't you love this time of year?  Leaves turning colors, kids heading back to school, the smell in the air...fall is slowly creeping up on us and my creations are reflecting this.  For example, these cute little pumpkin ornaments!

True to our Pebbles style, these are incredibly easy and fun to make.  Simply curl green strip with round object (like a pencil).  Then, place 3 circles on top of each other, lining the scalloped edges up.  Fold the pumpkin stem in half and place on top with the curly stem tucked underneath it as shown.  Then, sew a straight seam down the middle, reinforcing at the beginning and end (begin with extra thread on top for hanging).  Trim bottom thread and tie the top threads into a 1/2" knot for hanging.  These are especially beautiful when hung from a natural or black spray-painted tree branch!  Check the links below for ordering.

• Easy to assemble kit is found here
• Save time and let us do the work for you is found here
• Paper from Thirty Once collection found here
• Download this pattern on Silhouette here