Sunday, November 27, 2011

Oh my stars!! {tutorial}

We had a whirlwind time since  Wednesday and I am ready for a long winters nap. lol. I packed up the car {back seat and trunk stuffed full} and when hubby got home from work we left for our oldest son's home in Indiana. We spent three nights and came home yesterday. We celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas with our kids and had a wonderful time. My parents even made the 2 hour drive and we loved having them there. It is the first time they have seen our son's new home as well.

For two years we have given our children and their spouses money for part of their gift. Last year it was a treasure hunt of sorts and this year I folded bills into stars. It was so fun and they seemed to be very impressed with them. Much more fun than just sticking money in a card. Click here for the link in case you want to try your hand at making them. I thought the directions were great and easy to figure out. They all asked me how long it took to fold them and it really didn't take long at all. Once you get a couple made and get the hang of it, it goes pretty fast.

Each side looks different and it was fun to do.


Another thing I did for them was to get small totes and fill them with all their leftover baby items that I had stored in a chest upstairs. Baby books, clothes, blankets, photos etc. I  think our daughter-in-laws loved them just as much as our children did. Our youngest sons wife was amazed at how clean they were and she loved every detail. Don't know if it really impressed my son-in-law or not. LOL!!
My daughter sent me an email today telling me that she just went through her whole tote today at home, looked over each and every item and read every single card etc. Hers included a baby blanket that I had made for her out of squares of fabric and her dedication dress and slip that my mom had made her shortly after she was born.  Both of my boys included adorable teeny tiny outfits that had lace trim. My sister had purchased them at a childrens boutique and of course they had something to say about the lace. You actually put these on us mother??{ hee hee} I said yes and you were adorable!   All these goodies are from 27-32 years old and it was fun to see their reactions when they were opened. I am bummed that I did not take photos of their totes with the lids off for you all to see, but I didn't even think about it. Can you believe that??


We also took a large tote of items purchased throughout the year on clearance or sale. I spread it all out on the table and had a fun time of drawing names, numbers etc. and watching them pick out goodies to keep.  All in all it was a very fun weekend, but I am taking a long rest now!

9 comments:

Pleuntje said...

It was nice to read the story about the totes. And I am sorry you didn t make any pictures. I also like the stars I guess your children where very pleased with the moneystars. Love Petra

Julie Marie said...

Oh Sandi, that just sounds like the funnest time ever!!! I love those money stars... you are so creative!... hmmm... I wonder if Jack wants to fold up some hundreds into stars for me... tee hee hee!... I love your totes as well... how fun to receive treasures from their childhood... and your drawing for the clearance and sales items is pure genius!... so glad you had so much fun!... xoxo Julie Marie

Julie Marie said...

PS I actually would not even mind getting some hundreds just rolled up in a ball... xoxo Julie Marie

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Hello~What fabulous ideas.I am going to try to fold some of my money as well as drawing names and numbers for random items.That's a great idea~Cheers Kim

Lady Farmer said...

Sandi~
You always have such great creative ideas! Thank you for sharing about the stars and the tote filled with bargain goodies! I love that idea and hope to do it next year.
What fun to have your folks join you for your holiday celebration. I'm sure you had a blessed time together!

Blessings from Cindy said...

Love your ideas!! The folded money is the coolest & love the tote bag with the mementos. Great inspiration!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Heaven's Walk said...

I've got to agree with Lady Farmer, Sandi! You always seem to come up with the most creative, fun ideas whether it be in decor or in making memories! Will you adopt me...??? lol!

xoxo laurie

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a fun idea...you are so clever!

Amanda Kaake said...

The money was def. fun for sure. But the memories in that box....that will last forever. Thanks mom. Love you!