Party Favors

That's a rather enigmatic title isn't it? But I really wasn't sure what to call this post. Photo-shaped-like-those-sour-cream-thingies-candy-holder?

Bit of a mouthful isn't it?

Call them what you will but I think these little things are so cute and pretty unique. They are also rather versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. The first time I made them it was for an end of the year class party. I had taken photos of each of the children in the class already for another project so it was easy to personalize them so that each student got one.

This time my daughter used them as her Christmas gift/favor for her classmates and we used a picture my other daughter took of her. I added the message and had them locally printed in 4x6 size.

Choose one short side of the photograph and run a stripe of hot glue down the edge. (I'm not a huge fan of hot glue but I've tried every other permanent tape on the market and none of them hold together.) Next fold the picture into a tube shape over lapping the edges so they're glued together.

Run another stripe of glue along one side of the bottom of the tube. Press it together without creasing the picture to seal.

Drop some candy inside. We used a mix of miniature candy bars and kisses. Be careful not to add too many because you still need to seal the open end. I added about 4 pieces in each.

Going in the opposite direction of the bottom edge, add another stripe of hot glue to one side and press to seal shut. It's important that you not seal both ends the same way as this is what gives the holder it's shape.

And voil`a you have a cute little thingamajig!

Things to know, really only one thing that you need to keep in mind, is that hot glue is called hot glue for a reason. If you're a seasoned crafter you probably already have a system for how to press and close off what you're gluing but I still ended up with a small blister that hurt like all get out. Hold each gluing step for 10 seconds or so to ensure your bond is set before moving to the next step.

So, how adorable would these be as a favor for a wedding shower using a picture of the couple? Or a tummy picture for a baby shower? They'd also make great valentines too.

What do you think? How else could you use them?

Sharing my craftiness with the No Rules Blog Party, Sparkle and Shine, Show and Tell Friday, and last but not least Rae Gun Ramblings.