Grad Series: Washer Necklace

Here is an ambitious graduation gift idea that could last a lifetime.  The designer stamped the name and graduation date into a washer.  Clever!!  I really would have loved this as a gift when I was a grad.  Yeah, yeah...who wears their expensive class ring beyond their senior year of high school?!?  I know.  But, those aren't handmade.   You can get a play by play class lesson for making this necklace via this link:

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2010/05/stamped-washer-necklaces.html

This grad series has been a lot of fun because it forced me to really search through some great craft blogs to find ideas that inspired me.  I'd been in a bit of a rut myself.  But, sifting through so many crafts made me want to schedule a session in the scrap shack with my friend, Crafty Girl.  It was just the thing I needed to snap out of the doldrums.  I also discovered that there are a lot of creative people in this world with nice blogs.  I'm happy to pass along their crafts and I'm looking forward to doing these series more often.  Class Dismissed.

Shutterbug Sunday: Grad Series

Oh, the wonders of Mod Podge.  Really, you can create any theme you want on top of anything that is wooden, metal, paper, etc.  I just love that stuff.  Since we are in the midst of graduation season, I'm using this Shutterbug Sunday to focus on a fun way to display your lovely pictures.

Here's what you need:

1-Inexpensive wooden frame.
2-Mod Podge
3-Adhesive
4-foam brush
5-Paper Trimmer
6-Embellishments (optional)

Pick a theme paper for your frame.  Right now you can find a large selection single sheets in the scrapbooking sections of craft stores.  You could also rip a page out of an old text book, with a lesson on the student's main subject of interest.  If you have a notebook full of scribbles and notes written by the actual student, rip out one of those sheets.  I opted to create my own page of notes on acid-free scrapbooking paper.  I placed my paper over the frame and used a knife to cut the hole out.  Leave a little paper to spare and tuck into the frame when you mod-podge.

Dip your foam brush in the Mod Podge and cover the surface of the frame with a layer.  Add your paper and smooth it out.  Next, I doodled all over the paper.  If you scribble your own notes, be sure to let the ink dry completely or it will run.  I used a black, acid-free, non-bleeding, fine-tipped marker from the craft store.  When your paper is dry, add another layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper...smoothing out bubbles.  Make sure there are no finger prints or odd clumps on the surface because the way you spread the MP will be evident as it dries.

Once the Mod Podge dries, you can add embellishments, if you want to.  Anything that makes you think of school work would apply.  If math is the grad's major...maybe a ruler would work.  A good ole' pencil fits any subject.  Adhere the embellishments.

This would be a great gift for the graduate in your life or you can give the frame to a deserving teacher.  There wouldn't be any graduates without them.  Come back tomorrow for a bonus grad series post.  Class over!  Enjoy your homework.

Grad Series: Card Box

One of the most popular gifts at a graduation party is a good old card with a little cash inside.  They are simple to give and great to open when you are getting ready to face college loans.  I think this nifty little card box is a cute way to collect the goods.  I'd throw a small photo on top of it, next to the slot.  You can find advice from the person who made this via this link:

http://decoratingforevents.com/handeemandee/graduation-party-ideas-crafts-for-graduation/

Personally, when I first saw this, I thought it looked like a cake plate.  You could probably adapt it.  It would be lovely to display a little cake on a homemade graduation cap.  It could really serve as a stand to display anything you want, a photo of the grad, a book of well-wishes, finger-foods.  Get creative.

Grad Series: $$$ Lei

Where was this idea when I picked up my diploma?  Nice.  I don't know this young man.  In fact, the person who took the picture doesn't know him either.  She just HAD to get a picture of that crafty lei around his neck.  I have to admit...I have walked up to many strangers myself, asking to take pictures of their fun creations.  Then, I'd pick at it, trying to figure out how it was made, asking a list of questions.  I bet most of you can identify with that curiosity.  I'm happy to report that the picture taker got all of the sweet details.  You can see what she found on her blog:  http://yourhomebasedparties.com/graduation-lei-669

The only drawback is that you have to provide all of the cash to make this.  But, wouldn't you have been so excited to get something like this on your big day?  I actually think it would be a great gift for a bachelorette party or a wedding dollar dance...a birthday party.  There is no reason it has to be limited to graduations.  GREAT idea!!  If you spot any fun ideas at your upcoming graduation parties, pass them along.  We'll be sharing fun ideas  to honor the student in your life, for the rest of this week.  If you happen to use this idea, we'd love to hear your story.  Come back and tell us about it.

Grad Series: Gift Box

Grads open many cards, but if you want to stand out and show extra love for the student in your life, here is a nifty idea to display your gift.  A small graduation cap opens to display cash, gift cards, or any small present.  The ring here is just a prop.  Many of you have probably created your own gift boxes in the past.  Even if you don't know what your gift will be, at least you'll have a fancy box ready to put it in.  I found this creation at this link:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=304409.msg3483878#msg3483878

We'll have another fun idea in our graduation series on Shutterbug Sunday....the school edition.  See you then.

Grad Series: Chocolate Caps

Get your notebook and a pencil.  We've got a lesson on creative party snacks coming your way.  Since young adults across the country are preparing to pick up their diplomas soon, my mind has been focused on arts and crafts that might fit the occasion.  I came across these delicious looking peanut butter cup & godiva graduation caps.  If you are throwing a party and want to make a special treat, here is one fun idea.  They would work well for any graduation...pre-school, elementary school, etc.  Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for this sweet idea.  But, you can find out who came up with the idea and how to make these chocolate cup caps via this link:  http://www.bakerella.com/candy-cup-caps/

Come back for more fun graduation finds for the rest of this week.  By all means, if you have a great idea that you'd like to share...let us know.  Have fun!