Organizing Embossing Folders

Hi everyone!

Embossing folders are an easy way to interest and dimension to paper crafting projects. And because they are thin and lightweight, they really don’t take up a lot of room. Today I want to share with you one of the possible ways of storing them so that they are handy and within reach when you are crafting. This method is very simple. All we’re going to do is create some pockets to hold the embossing folders. The pockets have a section of them embossed with the designated embossing folder so that you know at a glance exactly which one it is and not just the name.

You will need: card stock, cutting tool of choice, scoring board/tool, bone folder, embossing machine {Big Shot, Cuttlebug, etc.}, labels, small bin or storage box that will hold the pockets with their folders {I’m using a photo box from Michael’s ~ a shoe box would even work!}.

For a standard folder { 4 1/4″ x 5 3/4″}

#1} Cut a piece of card stock to measure 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″. By using this measurement, you can get 2 pockets from one 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of card stock.

#2} Score at 3 1/4″ and 3 1/2″. Fold on the score lines and crease with the bone folder.

#3} Place the card stock in the embossing folder up to the first score line and run through the embossing machine. Fold again on the score lines and place folder in the pocket. Add a name/brand label along the top and that’s it!

   

★Please note: for border embossing folder sets, which are quite narrow, I found that adding some adhesive along each side edge of the pocket {to actually seal the pocket} worked well to keep them straight and prevent them from falling over.

For a larger folder { 6″ x 6″}

#1} Cut a piece of card stock to measure 6″ x 11″.

#2} Score at 3 5/8″ and 3 7/8″. Fold on the score lines and crease with the bone folder.

#3} Place the card stock in the embossing folder up to the first score line and run through the embossing machine. Fold again on the score lines and place folder in the pocket. Add a name/brand label along the top and that’s it!

Once you’ve got your pockets made and labelled, all that’s left to do is put the in the storage box. They will be easily accessible for you now to just flip through them and find which one you need for your project.

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Stampin’ Up! February 2024 Host Code

Hi everyone! 

 

Have you ever thought of giving paper crafting a try but don’t know where to begin? How about some cards to have on hand for the special people in your life? Or gift packaging, tags and albums? A stamp, some ink, pretty paper and ribbon ~ you’ve got a great start! Stampin’ Up! products are created to coordinate together beautifully. Or maybe you would like to build up your existing Stampin’ Up! supplies? You can do either of these easily by ordering from Stampin’ Up! using a Host Code. This code lets you shop with me online and your order is sent directly to you. If you reside in Canada and do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to be your demonstrator or answer any questions that you may have. If you live outside of Canada, you may go to the Stampin’ Up! website to locate a demonstrator near you.

In future blog posts when current Stampin’ Up! products are used, the item/page numbers will be included in case anyone is interested in them. I will be posting monthly host codes as well as information on new products, sales and promotions as they become available.

★Plus, in the next few days there will be a post with the 2023 ~ 2024 SU Designer Series Paper {DSP} color coordinating lists for the annual catalogue and the new mini catalogue so get ready for that! 🙂

 

2023–2024 Annual Catalogue

Mini Catalogue —> January-April 2024 

Use the February Host Code —> ETXVCUE3 if you would like to place an order from February 1/24 – February 29/24. Once the host code is entered, it will tell you that you are shopping with me, Erin Leech {up at the top left of your screen}. Orders may include products from the annual catalogue and the January–April 2024 mini catalogue as well as clearance rack items. Online shopping is a great way to get your Stampin’ Up! products from the safety and convenience of your home! The Stampin’ Up! online store is open 24/7.  All orders are shipped directly to you from Stampin’ Up! and a courier will deliver your package right to your door.

Plus, when you use the host code of the month, you will receive a free card kit or gift in the mail from me. ★Please note: the card kit is for 1 card and will not have any stamped images {that is not permitted}. You will need adhesive and the stamp set/ink pads if you wish to recreate the exact design but feel free to use any stamp set/ink pads that you may already have. *A picture + envelope is included in your kit.

★Please note:

• A new host code will be posted on the 1st day of each month for you.
• Online orders process and ship right away so you don’t have to wait until the host code is closed at the end of the month to receive your order.
• All of the prices are the same online as they are in the current catalogues.
• Scroll down to the bottom of this post for details on ordering online.
• The cards and “thank you” gifts are sent out at the end of the month when the host code closes.

http://www.stampinup.ca

Or

Contact me if you would like to receive a current Stampin’ Up! catalogue.

Here is how the Host Code works:

• If your order is less than $200.00, please use the Host Code shown above. Your order will be processed and shipped to your address.
• If your order is more than $200.00 {before tax and shipping}, please do not use the Host Code as you will miss out on Stampin’ Rewards if you use it. Stampin’ Up! views orders over $200.00 as a workshop order and applies hostess product credit to your cart at checkout. Stampin’ Rewards start at $20.00 and you don’t want to miss out on those! Your order will be processed and shipped to your address. 

STAMPIN’ REWARDS PROGRAM

This chart shows you the reward amounts you can earn based on order totals. In a party setting, Stampin’ Rewards go to the host and are calculated on the total party sales. Outside of the party setting, Stampin’ Rewards are available to customers when they place individual orders that meet the order totals shown below.

*ORDER TOTAL    **STAMPIN’ REWARDS     ***50% OFF ITEM

$200                                 10%                                                    _

$375                                 12%                                                    _

$550                                 14%                                                    1

$725+                               16%                                                    1

*Before shipping & handling.
**Stampin’ Rewards cannot be used on a 50%-off item.
***50%-off item applies to the purchase of full-priced products and discounted stamp/tool bundles only. Suite collections, the standard size Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and Paper Pumpkin Prepaid Subscriptions do not qualify for the discount.

 

Don’t forget ~ from January 4/24 until February 29/24, choose 1 FREE level 1 Sale-A-Bration item with each $60.00 ordered {before shipping/tax}. For every $120.00 ordered {before shipping/tax}, you’ll be able to choose 2 FREE level 1 Sale-A-Bration items or 1 FREE level 2 Sale-A-Bration item from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue. That means it’s the perfect time to purchase the products you’ve had your eye on while earning products for free!

SALE-A-BRATION —>Jan.4/24-February 29/24

There are some great perks to joining my team during Sale-a-Bration!

Sale-A-Bration is an great time to join Stampin’ Up! In addition to the already excellent value of the Starter Kit, if you decide to sign up as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, you can choose from two incredible options that include FREE shipping:

• Option #1: Customers who join our fun crafting community as a new demonstrator can get $165.00 CAD worth of product PLUS the Stampin’ Glass Mat Studio (an $82.00 CAD value) for just $135.00 CAD!  

• Option #2: Customers who want to join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration but are interested in a different join option can instead get $165.00 CAD worth of product PLUS an additional $41.00 CAD worth of product of their choice when they join for $135.00 CAD. That’s a $206 CAD value! 

You also receive:

• business supplies and a free Paper Pumpkin kit.
• Plus, a minimum of a 20% discount on future purchases for yourself or that you sell to friends, family and other customers. Remember, by becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you’ll save on supplies for your paper crafting hobby or turn it into a successful business. The choice is yours! This is the perfect time to join the Stampin’ Up! family.

★Please note: If you are interested in placing an online order, I encourage you to set up an online customer account which will make the ordering process easier for you. I am happy to provide the steps to create a customer online account with Stampin’ Up!.  Below are the steps to create your account:

• Go to http://www.stampinup.com/home/en-CA/
• Click on the drop-down box at the top, right-hand side of the screen and choose your country and language
• Click on Store
• Click on Create Account
• Complete the required fields for your email address, password, security questions, and address
• Choose a demonstrator using the Demonstrator Directory… search for me… Erin Leech, Carstairs, Alberta.

★Keep in mind that this is your personal online customer account and that for security reasons, Stampin’ Up! does not have access to your password, and can’t make changes to your account on your behalf. Of course they will be happy to walk you through the process if needed.

I hope this helps!

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

 

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Holder

Hi everyone!

Lip Balm is something that everyone can use. This little box is the perfect size for gifting a Burt’s Bees Lip Balm {other brands will fit as well} especially if it’s created using bee themed paper. ★These would also be cute and quick to make up for craft fairs.

You will need: patterned paper {DSP}, cutting tool of choice, scoring board/tool, bone folder, scissors, adhesive, card stock, greeting stamp/ink pad, embellishments, lip balm.

#1} Cut a piece of DSP to measure 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. Score at 3/4″ and at 3 1/2″ on one side. Then turn the DSP once to the left and score at 1″, 1 3/4″, 2 1/2″ and 3 1/4″.

 

#2} Fold and crease on the fold lines with the bone folder.

#3} Cut off each of the 4 corner rectangles.

#4} Cut on the score lines as shown. Angle cut the 2 outside tabs on each side but not the middle ones. They stay square.

#5} Apply adhesive to the outside of the 4 outer angled tabs and fold the box together leaving the square tabs on the outsides.

  

  

#6} Now it’s time to decorate our lip balm holder. I stamped and heat embossed the greeting on a scrap of card stock. Then cut it down to the desired size and flagged the one end. I tied little black bow and attached it to a gold binder clip with a glue dot. All that’s left is to add the lip balm, close the box tops and secure with the clip before tucking the greeting underneath.

 

Wouldn’t this be a fun surprise for someone to receive? 🙂  I hope that you enjoyed today’s tutorial!

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Stampin’ Up! 2024

Happy New Year everyone! 

I’m popping in today to let you know that I am once again a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. This is a bit of a longer post but I am trying to include as much helpful information as I can. 

Have you ever thought of giving paper crafting a try but don’t know where to begin? How about some cards to have on hand for the special people in your life? Or gift packaging, tags and albums? A stamp, some ink, pretty paper and ribbon ~ you’ve got a great start! Stampin’ Up! products are created to coordinate together beautifully. Or maybe you would like to build up your existing Stampin’ Up! supplies? You can do either of these easily by ordering from Stampin’ Up! using a Host Code. This code lets you shop with me online and your order is sent directly to you. If you reside in Canada and do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to be your demonstrator or answer any questions that you may have. If you live outside of Canada, you may go to the Stampin’ Up! website to locate a demonstrator near you.

In future blog posts when current Stampin’ Up! products are used, the item/page numbers will be included in case anyone is interested in them. I will be posting monthly host codes as well as information on new products, sales and promotions as they become available.

 

2023–2024 Annual Catalogue

Mini Catalogue —> January-April 2024 

Use the January Host Code —>  U2J3SJWR  if you would like to place an order from January 1/24 – January 31/24. Once the host code is entered, it will tell you that you are shopping with me, Erin Leech {up at the top left of your screen}. Orders may include products from the annual catalogue and the January–April 2024 mini catalogue as well as clearance rack items. Online shopping is a great way to get your Stampin’ Up! products from the safety and convenience of your home! The Stampin’ Up! online store is open 24/7.  All orders are shipped directly to you from Stampin’ Up! and a courier will deliver your package right to your door.

Plus, when you use the host code of the month, you will receive a free card kit or gift in the mail from me. ★Please note: the card kit is for 1 card and will not have any stamped images {that is not permitted}. You will need adhesive and the stamp set/ink pads if you wish to recreate the exact design but feel free to use any stamp set/ink pads that you may already have. *A picture + envelope is included in your kit.

★Please note:

• A new host code will be posted on the 1st day of each month for you.
• Online orders process and ship right away so you don’t have to wait until the host code is closed at the end of the month to receive your order.
• All of the prices are the same online as they are in the current catalogues.
• Scroll down to the bottom of this post for details on ordering online.
• The cards and “thank you” gifts are sent out at the end of the month when the host code closes.

http://www.stampinup.ca

Or

Contact me if you would like to receive a current Stampin’ Up! catalogue.

Here is how the Host Code works:

• If your order is less than $200.00, please use the Host Code shown above. Your order will be processed and shipped to your address.
• If your order is more than $200.00 {before tax and shipping}, please do not use the Host Code as you will miss out on Stampin’ Rewards if you use it. Stampin’ Up! views orders over $200.00 as a workshop order and applies hostess product credit to your cart at checkout. Stampin’ Rewards start at $20.00 and you don’t want to miss out on those! Your order will be processed and shipped to your address. 

STAMPIN’ REWARDS PROGRAM

This chart shows you the reward amounts you can earn based on order totals. In a party setting, Stampin’ Rewards go to the host and are calculated on the total party sales. Outside of the party setting, Stampin’ Rewards are available to customers when they place individual orders that meet the order totals shown below.

*ORDER TOTAL    **STAMPIN’ REWARDS     ***50% OFF ITEM

$200                                 10%                                                    _

$375                                 12%                                                    _

$550                                 14%                                                    1

$725+                               16%                                                    1

*Before shipping & handling.
**Stampin’ Rewards cannot be used on a 50%-off item.
***50%-off item applies to the purchase of full-priced products and discounted stamp/tool bundles only. Suite collections, the standard size Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and Paper Pumpkin Prepaid Subscriptions do not qualify for the discount.

 

Don’t forget ~ from January 4/24 until February 29/24, choose 1 FREE level 1 Sale-A-Bration item with each $60.00 ordered {before shipping/tax}. For every $120.00 ordered {before shipping/tax}, you’ll be able to choose 2 FREE level 1 Sale-A-Bration items or 1 FREE level 2 Sale-A-Bration item from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue. That means it’s the perfect time to purchase the products you’ve had your eye on while earning products for free!

SALE-A-BRATION —>Jan.4/24-February 29/24

There are some great perks to joining my team during Sale-a-Bration!

Sale-A-Bration is an great time to join Stampin’ Up! In addition to the already excellent value of the Starter Kit, if you decide to sign up as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, you can choose from two incredible options that include FREE shipping:

• Option #1: Customers who join our fun crafting community as a new demonstrator can get $165.00 CAD worth of product PLUS the Stampin’ Glass Mat Studio (an $82.00 CAD value) for just $135.00 CAD!  

• Option #2: Customers who want to join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration but are interested in a different join option can instead get $165.00 CAD worth of product PLUS an additional $41.00 CAD worth of product of their choice when they join for $135.00 CAD. That’s a $206 CAD value! 

You also receive:

• business supplies and a free Paper Pumpkin kit.
• Plus, a minimum of a 20% discount on future purchases for yourself or that you sell to friends, family and other customers. Remember, by becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you’ll save on supplies for your paper crafting hobby or turn it into a successful business. The choice is yours! This is the perfect time to join the Stampin’ Up! family.

★Please note: If you are interested in placing an online order, I encourage you to set up an online customer account which will make the ordering process easier for you. I am happy to provide the steps to create a customer online account with Stampin’ Up!.  Below are the steps to create your account:

• Go to http://www.stampinup.com/home/en-CA/
• Click on the drop-down box at the top, right-hand side of the screen and choose your country and language
• Click on Store
• Click on Create Account
• Complete the required fields for your email address, password, security questions, and address
• Choose a demonstrator using the Demonstrator Directory… search for me… Erin Leech, Carstairs, Alberta.

★Keep in mind that this is your personal online customer account and that for security reasons, Stampin’ Up! does not have access to your password, and can’t make changes to your account on your behalf. Of course they will be happy to walk you through the process if needed.

I hope this helps!

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

 

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I want to wish each of you a safe and happy holiday season with your family and friends. To all of you that have taken the time to read my blog posts and leave comments, thank you so much! I do appreciate it! It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 9 years since I started this blog. For the upcoming new year, I have new projects and exciting ideas to share with you. So until then, take care and have a very Merry Christmas. 🙂

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

“A Year of Christmas 2023” ~ December

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the final project in the “A Year of Christmas 2023” series! On the 15th of each month during 2023, I have shared a new Christmas project tutorial. There were cards, tags, gift card holders, gift packaging, home decor and more. I thought it might be fun to try something different and spread Christmas crafting throughout the year. I hope that you enjoyed this series! ★I would love to know if you would like to see “A Year of Christmas 2024” series in the new year so please reach out and let me know. 🙂

This month’s project: Nuts & Bolts Snack Mix

For this last month I’m sharing a recipe instead of a craft. There are certain yummy things that are just part of the Christmas season in so many homes and this is one of them. It was passed down to me from my Mom and is great for snacking on, serving at holiday parties and for packaging up nicely as hostess gifts.

You will need:

Sauce:                                                                 Snack Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter or margarine                            3 cups Cheerios toasted oat cereal

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce             3 cups Shreddies

1 teaspoon celery salt                                        3 cups Chex

1 teaspoon garlic powder                                  2 cups Bugles

1 teaspoon onion powder                                 2 cups pretzel sticks or twists

1 teaspoon garlic salt                                         1 1/2 cups peanuts or mixed nuts

1 teaspoon seasoning salt                                 1 box Cheese Nips crackers

1}In a large glass bowl or saucepan, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove top.   2}Add the worcestershire sauce and all the seasonings.   3}Whisk together until well blended and smooth.   4}Put the snack ingredients in a large turkey roaster and pour the sauce over top.   5}Mix well but gently.   6}Bake uncovered at 250 degrees for one hour, gently stirring every 10 minutes.   7}Store in freezer bags or air tight containers in the fridge or freezer. *Please note: package these up in a pretty jar, large decorated bakery bag or container to make a great hostess gift.   ∗Makes: approximately 18 cups.

★In case you are interested:

January 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2022/12/23/a-year-of-christmas-2023-january

February 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/02/15/a-year-of-christmas-2023-february

March 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/02/10/a-year-of-christmas-2023-march

April 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/02/10/a-year-of-christmas-2023-april

May ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/03/30/a-year-of-christmas-2023-may

June ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/06/13/a-year-of-christmas-2023-june

July ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/a-year-of-christmas-2023-july

August ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/a-year-of-christmas-2023-august

September ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/09/15/a-year-of-christmas-2023-september

October ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/10/15/a-year-of-christmas-2023-october

November ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/11/15/a-year-of-christmas-2023-november

*Please feel free to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Votive Candle Gift Box

Hi everyone!

We are less than 3 weeks away from Christmas so it’s time to start thinking gift packaging. Todays tutorial is for a little “milk carton style” gift box perfect for holding a votive candle. A bunch of these will make up quickly for stocking stuffers, table favors or other small gifts such as jewelry, lip balms or treats. They would even work for wedding shower thank you gifts or any other occasion year round would be fun.

You will need: patterned paper {DSP}, card stock, cutting tool of choice, scoring board / tool, bone folder, adhesive, greeting stamp, ink, binder clip, ribbon/twine, embellishments.

#1} Cut cardstock to 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″.

#2} ∗Please note: for a definite directional DSP, be sure to have it facing the right direction before scoring.

Score at 1 3/4″, 3 1/2″, 5 1/4″ and 7″. Turn the DSP 90º to the right and score at 1 3/4″ and 6 1/2″.

  

#3} Cut off the bottom narrow rectangle as shown.

#4} Fold on the score lines and crease with the bone folder. Then cut on the remaining three score lines to form the tabs that make the bottom of the box.

#5} Add adhesive along the top and fold over on the score line. Press to seal and crease with the bone folder. Then add adhesive along the narrow tab as shown ~ this will adhere the box closed.

  

#6} Lay the front side of the box down on your work surface. Fold in the narrow tab on the left and then fold over the right half side on the second score line. Carefully line up the two edges and press to seal. This is now the back side of the box.

#7} Fold on the score lines to create the box shape making sure the seam is at the back. Add adhesive to the front flap as shown. Fold in the two side tabs, then the back tab and finally the front tab. Press to seal. *Hint: I find that standing the box up and rubbing the inside bottom with the bone folder seals it well.

#8} Gently press in the sides while squeezing the top shut. Now to embellish your milk carton! I closed mine with a small binder clip but a clothes pin or paper clip would work too. You could also punch holes through the top and tie it closed with ribbon. Then I created a tag with a twine bow for the front. Add a little tissue/crinkle paper and the gift and it’s all ready!

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

December 2023 Note Cards

Hi everyone!

Sometimes it’s nice to have a little greeting to tuck into a gift bag or a bouquet of flowers. With these sets of 4 note cards, you will be ready when the time comes! ★Available at Market Junction and Cozy Cup Cafe in Carstairs, Alberta.

Each month will have a different theme/color scheme. The note cards measure 3″ x 3″, have heat and/or machine embossing and embellishments of some sort ~ ribbon, pearls, rhinestones, etc. Envelopes with the flaps machine embossed are included. *Each set of 4 comes packaged in a clear, resealable cello bag for $5.00 or for $1.50 for each single card/envelope.

For the month of December, the theme is “Celebrate the Season” done with a sweet little reindeer.

 

★In case you are interested:

August 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/08/01/monthly-note-cards

September 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/09/01/september-2023-note-cards

October 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/10/02/october-2023-note-cards

November 2023 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/november-2023-note-cards

★Please note: if you would like additional details or information on anything you see here or that I have at Market Junction, please do not hesitate to contact me.

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

DIY Grinch Tree

Hi everyone!

This is a post from 4 years ago but I thought it might be helpful to post it again. “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” is a classic holiday movie. So let’s create our own Grinch tree for a cute home décor item, a quick and easy Christmas gift or as a fun hostess surprise.

 

You will need: metal pail or plant pot, floral foam, tub or sink of water large enough to soak floral foam, sharp cutters/knife, greens{cedar, juniper, spruce, pine}, floral wire or twine, wire cutters or scissors, embellishments such as Christmas balls, pine cones, bows, etc.

#1} Set the floral foam on the surface of the water. DO NOT PUSH IT DOWN ~ this can cause air pockets in the foam which you don’t want. Let the foam soak up the water naturally. When it sinks below the water level in the tub or sink, you know that it is completely saturated.

#2} If necessary, cut the foam to fit the container. The foam should be level with the top of the pot as small bits of greens will be tucked in to cover it. Because the foam is wet, it is very easy to cut with a knife. Don’t throw out the cut off foam pieces ~ they can be used to fill in the gaps between the foam block and the sides of the container.

#3} Angle cut 3-4 lengths of cedar or juniper about 2-3 times the height of your chosen container. Add the first stem right in the center. Then one directly in front of it as well as in back of it keeping them as close together as possible. You want each stem to be in it’s own hole but as close together as possible, as shown.

#4} Starting at the bottom, at 1” intervals, wrap the wire or twine up and down the tree in a criss cross fashion (not too tight though) gently bending the tip of the tree into an arc as you go along.

#5} Cut some smaller pieces of greens and begin sticking them into the rest of the foam. Start in the center of the tree and work your way out turning the pot as you go. Continue filling in until there is no longer any foam showing.

#6} Add a ball ornament on the tip with an ornament hanger or a small piece of wire. Continue to add bows, pine cones or whatever other embellishments you have chosen.

You now have your very own Grinch tree for this holiday season!  ★Be sure to check and add water every few days to keep the floral foam wet. Keeping your little tree from drying out will help it to stay fresh and last much longer. Hint: Once the holiday season is past, you can wash and dry the container to store for next years Grinch tree.

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Winter & Christmas items are now available at Market Junction in Carstairs!

Hi everyone!

Well, here we are in the middle of November. And that means the start of a very busy holiday season! So, today I wanted to share with you that my winter and Christmas items are now available at Market Junction in Carstairs, Alberta (209 – 9th Avenue South Carstairs, Alberta).

These items include home decor, treats/stocking stuffers, gift tags, ornaments, Christmas cards {singles and sets}, gift packaging, ornaments, room sprays/mason jar candles/wax melts plus much more. I have included pictures of just some of the available items. So whether you are searching for that special gift or maybe something for yourself, you might find it here!

★Please note: if you would like additional details or information on anything you see here or at the shop, please do not hesitate to contact me. Pictured are just some of the available gift and stocking stuffer ideas.

★Scented items including room sprays, wax melts and mason jar candles

★Journals

★Christmas Cards {sets & singles}

★Table Favor Sweets & Stocking Stuffers

★Wreaths

★Ornaments & Home Decor 

★Gift Packaging and Tags

★”Winter Bears” Rag Quilt

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com