MONEY Lei - {{Candy & Cash}} fun creative gift idea - Graduation, Birthday

My son was invited to a birthday party last Friday and at this age (15 years old) it's not really presents any more but usually money or gift cards. Pretty much 12 years and up. :/ I love wrapping and gift cards are so boring.

ME: We should make a candy and money necklace!!!
SON: {{confused slash annoyed face}}
ME: What kid doesn't like CANDY & CASH!!???
SON: Just get a gift card
ME: Seriously, it's going to be awesome!
ME: You can have some of the candy.
SON: Sounds like a great idea.

:)

Money

Candy

Tulle or clear gift wrap

Ribbon

Double sided tape

We had Twix and M&M's. Halloween candy bought early knowing it won't even make it to October 1st. :/ At least it went to a project and I didn't eat it.

Torn between a few ideas but decided to use a roll of tulle someone gave me almost 4 years ago. Not only was I proving that being a pack rat pays off and finally using it, but I figured the tulle is stretchy enough that you could remove the candy to eat right away. 

Starting with the most important part of the gift, I had my son accordion fold the 20 $1 bills. 

Started with the candy at the edge of the tulle and rolled it twice. Then I used ribbon and tied one ribbon separating each piece of candy.

I used the same ribbon and tied a dollar between each candy.

I thought about making two together so it's a circle but it looks like a flower. I know he wouldn't mind a flower necklace but I like the fan look.

Used a red ribbon (to match the Twix logo) and tied a second dollar.

Used a tiny piece of double sided tape to stick the ends together.

Makes a little fan

 My son absolutely LOVED it. He said it was better than a gift card.

His friend thought it was pretty cool and that was before he noticed the money. LOL!

Thank you for stopping by!

Princess JEWEL NECKLACE ((hot glue)) - Fun DIY CRAFT for dress-up jewelry - SUPER EASY

I wanted to make this adorable big jewel necklace for a special birthday celebration (Breakfast at Tiffany's theme party) but the only problem was I decided to makit it at 2am :/ Figures! That's what happens when you're a night owl.
The perfectionist in me is screaming about the "messy" look of this craft but I've accepted it and moving on. It did turn out super cute and you can't see the messy back.

 I made a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and ring to match!

Afterwards I gave it to the birthday girl to add to her dress up bin. She loved it and called it her princess jewels. I thought it's so easy and inexpensive that you could make one to match every outfit!

Or if you are having a princess party you could make these as party favors or for all the guest to wear at the party. Such a fun craft!

Supplies

Ribbon

Jewels (found at Michael's Craft Store)

Hot glue gun

Hot glue

Tulle (softer the better)

Scissors

Ring base - optional

Earring base - optional

I started out by laying the jewels to make my design. Next, I added a little hot glue to the edge of each jewel and pressed together. I made sure to lay it down after attaching them together to ensure they design would be flat.

Once I completed the design I cut the tulle to a similar shape and trimmed excess. I secured the tulle with a little swirl of hot glue. Once it cools a little you can press it down with your fingers. Be careful! (not pretty on the back but it works)

I used the tip of the hot glue gun (heat, no glue) to melt the rough edges. The tulle made the necklace more secure and after the edges were melted it was unnoticeable when worn. The softer the tulle the less scratchy spots you have to fix.

I attached a ribbon to the ends with hot glue.

The ring is a base I found at the craft store and attached with hot glue. The earrings were little cheap tiny flowers I had that were flat and attached the jewel on top of the flower.

Thank you for stopping by!