Simple School Valentine Gifts

Happy Valentine's Day.  I had planned on putting up this post weeks ago, but better late then never.

My daughter loves to give gifts and she always crafting something.  A few years ago, thanks to a gift from her aunt, she learned to make bottle cap magnets.  She makes them throughout the year when she is in the mood.   While looking though them we realize we had just enough heart and sweet themed ones to give as a valentine this year. In addition to the magnets, I had already purchased bags, pencils and candy for her to give.  The last piece of this years gift was the free stickers that Shutterfly.com, which I created a valentine theme on  with the colors and message.

In the end it became a simple project of just assembling a fun bag to give out to her classmates. We put the photo sticker on the outside of each bag, then stuff the bags with goodies. In each bag there are two chocolate hearts, one handmade magnet and a valentine pencil.

Just a little tie of bakers twine and we were done.  Cute and easy.

Another idea for simple and unique valentine is a red burlap sewn heart.  

This is a craft that I used in my toddler storytime.  Younger then 5 this craft does take a little help from a parent, but most school aged children can master this craft with just a little insturction.  With a simple square of burlap, some yarn and a plastic yarn needle a child can easily make a sweet valentine. Start by drawing a light outline of a heart.  Next, start a running stitch, by going down first a the top center of the heart.  Leave the tail of the yarn sticking out and untied.  A running stitch is simple for children and they just need to follow the line the you or they have already made. Lastly, when you get back to where you started, just tie the two ends together in a simple knot or bow.

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and Kisses.

Lorissa

Cyber Monday Sale - Two Days! Get Great Gifts Now!

Get 25% off photos now though the end of Cyber Monday!  I've got great prices and quality.  Right now there are many listing that are Ready to Ship!

The Route 66 and Ghost town images make great holiday gifts for him.

Which Way Today 11x14 - 25% off

For her, maybe some flowers:

Bleeding Hearts 8x10 - 25% off

Check out LJLonfellow Photography for more and remember everything is 25% off for a limited time.

For more great sales on Photography, check out fPOE's blog.

And there are lots of great handmade and vintage gifts on Etsy:

Last Minute Handmade Gifts for Him

Each Christmas I find it difficlut to go gift shopping for my husband. If he wants it and we can really afford it. He is not into nick-nacks or buying things just to give as a gift. He doen't play video games, so new games are out, and just how many pairs of underwear can you give as a gift? Really?

So I thought as I searched I would share a few ideas for all you out there still searching:

Instead of one more necktie, check out this great wallet made from a recycled necktie, by Prix-Prix. This Bi fold is made from recycling a vintage necktie and a wool suit. Extremely functional it features pockets for cash and cards.
Also great for almost any guy is soap from the Beer Soap Company. They have all kinds of "scents" including this Outback Lager soap which is made with Foster's Lager. This would be a great stocking stuffer for any guy.


Is your man a traveler? Does he like little gadgets? Then these Working Celsius Thermometer & Compass Cuff links might be great for him. These handmade cuff links by luv4sams of the Empty Nest are so much fun, he will want to wear a dress shirt again.


If your looking for a gift that says a bit more, how about this beautiful tuxedo ring by Blazer Arts. This ring is made of oxidized sterling sliver and 14K white gold. This is a ring that would look great on any guy. You can find more by this jeweler at www.blazerarts.com.

Photography by Ryder Gledhill and property of Blazer Arts

Keep him warm this winter with this fab Hazelnut latte - Hand Knit Scarf by GreenCouch. This classic scarf in a wonderful natural color will go with every thing he owns. It is a made with a blend of wool and acrylic, so it is both soft and warm.

And if you man loves the open road or the nostalgic Route 66 check out my Route 66 Clocks. One features a beautiful Red Corvette and the other has signs pointing to the best known towns on the road. Both would make a great gift and look great in a family room, man's den, or office.



Good luck in your last minute shopping and have a wonderful holiday.

Snow and Christmas Light: one of my Joys of the Season

In so many ways this is my most favorite time of year, especially now that I live in a place that has seasons. While it is cold and I don't like driving in the snow, the beauty of nature and seasonal lights make it so wonderful. I captured this photo last year during our Christmas snow. It reminds me that no matter how cold it is outside, home is warm, cozy and bright.

This photo, "Christmas Lights" is now listed in my Fine Art Photography 1000 Markets shop as an 8x10, but is avaliable in 5x7, 11x14, 16x20, and 20x30. The print will come signed and numbered on back and without my logo on the front.

Also new in my shop is the Item of the Day. Each day a different item will be featured and discounted. During the holiday season the discount will be an amazing 50 % off. Check back each day to find a great deal on LJdesignphoto's fine art photography.

I hope your season is warm, cozy, and bright.
Lorissa

Handmade Gifts for Her

Looking for something to fill her stocking? Or just a little something for a friend? There are a few ideas that are all handmade by Fabulous Moms in the USA.

First is Michon, beautiful simple jewelry by Leah Ybarra. I love her earrings and own a couple of pairs right now. She loves silver and pearls, and this shows in her designs. Because she is also a mom she uses "non toxic" methods of metal work and many of her jewelry designs are baby-friendly (fun studs that are difficlut for little hands to grab.)


Another great item is andreabaker's Business Card Cozies. I love, love, love mine and I often get asked where I got it. I even use it as a small wallet sometimes, I'm amazed how much it holds. This is a great gift for anyone who has business card to carry around. She even has a listing for a Custom Business Card Cozy where you can choose the fabric and style you want. He shop is eclectic and full of beautiful things including Totes and handbags, aprons, hair accessories and more.

Lastly I want to show you valeriesgallery, a beautiful shop of classic knits and felted treasures. My most favorite items in Valerie's shop is her Felted Bowls and Vases. Her work is beautiful and her craftsmanship is just amazing. Each bowl is a unique piece of art and a great decorative gift. For those that like useful things for gifts, Valerie makes beautiful handmade Scarflettes and Scarfs. In her shop you can also find lovely felted handbags, wallets, jewelry, and hair ponies.


All these handmade artisan shops can be found on etsy.com. Etsy is a wonderful place to find gifts that are not found in those big box stores. I find it a great place to sell my photography at my LJDesignphoto fine art photography shop and to purchase great gifts.

Black Friday to Cyber Monday Free Shipping and More Sale

Fine Art Prints for the whole family are on sale at my Fine art Photography shop on etsy. Route 66, Southwestern Landscapes, Motherhood, Flowers, and more.


Free shipping offer is already in each listing, but if you spend $50 or more you will also receive 10% off your purchase. Just wait for me to send you a revised invoice to pay. Offer good though Midnight PST, Monday, December 1st.

And look for more deals during the first 12 Days of December, a different offer almost everyday with my Fabulous Artistic Moms Group!!

Beautiful Gift Tags - or Love Notes

New Item!! Gift Tags.
Great for Birthdays, Valentines, Mothers Day or Christmas. Anytime you want to make that gift extra special.
Or you can just use them for small love notes. Great to stick in a pocket to be discover at work and let them know your thinking of them.

You can fine the Wild Red Rose Gift Tag and the Bleeding Hearts Gift Tags in my photography cards section of my etsy store.


More images and paper combination coming soon.

Looking for something fun for Father's Day?

I know, we haven't even gotten past Mother's day yet. And if you haven't gotten you mother a gift yet you could consider one of my flower photos, or a great magnet. Just check out my etsy shop. There is still plenty of time to ship.

But now I've gone off in the wrong direction. This post is about Father's Day. And what father isn't a classic car lover. Check out this tee-shirt with one of my best selling Route 66 Red Corvette prints on it. I offer the tee -shirt in my Cafepress shop in many styles. There are also a few other images to choose from.The image is also available in a limited edition fine art photograph. You can order this from my etsy shop or my website at www.ljdesignphoto.com .