How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸🍉🧨
The solar light fireworks are one of my favorite decorations for summer and the month of July. They are super easy and quick to whip up so you could have a bunch done for the weekend.

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-firework-solar-covers/

Made with @redheartyarns super saver.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Ducke is ready for July… are you? This hat and s Ducke is ready for July… are you?
This hat and sweater set is easy to make and can be done in any colors.

I use @redheartyarns for anything I’m going to have outside because it holds up the best!

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-patriotic-goose-set/
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different versions of a project? I love doing that!

I’m finishing up a blanket yarn version of a towel I made this week. It will be a lovey.

I love these textures!

#crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Plea Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Please share yours and include our tag #50photosofsummer so we can see them.

Join our photo quest and get a list of 50 photo ideas at https://snappy-tots.com/50-photos-of-summer/
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#photoideas #photoquest #boredombusters #familyfunideas #bucketlist #bucketlistfamily
😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of s 😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of summer" begins today and I hope you will join us.

Come download the checklist or follow along from your phone. I made a google sheet you can copy so you will have it everywhere you go!

Click the link in my bio for easy access to the printables.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We will be sharing our pix on our new family site @ourdangchannel

☀️The most important part: ENJOY the experiences, find peaceful, memorable moments to remember.

This list could be used for many things:
- Start a sketchbook and use the ideas for a daily drawing.
- Set up a free blog and learn how to make a post, add a picture, and encourage a description or journal entry.
- Include older family members by sharing your pictures or asking them for suggestions.
- Choose a reward for when you finish a column and when you finish the whole list.
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#summerbucketlist #photochallenge #familyfun #boredombusters #boredombustersforkids #vacationpix #summerquest
I made these birthday candles a few years ago and I made these birthday candles a few years ago and we have enjoyed them so much I made ones for Christmas too. 
These are super easy and fairly quick. They are great for holding banners, balloons, or to line a sidewalk for a special day. 

Click the link in my bio for quick access to the free pattern. 

Made with @redheartyarns.

#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
I have some new pillows and placemats to whip up f I have some new pillows and placemats to whip up for your summer picnics and porches. 

Made from @redheartyarns 

Click the link in my bio for easy access to the pattern or visit 
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pillows-and-placemats
Save 40% off until 6/20/22. 

Instructions included for making placemats and pillows, with or without a center pocket. The placemat could have a pocket to hold utensils and a napkin for picnic packing. You could even sew two placemats together to hold the plate in the middle. That way it makes packing for a picnic super easy.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
My new chomper totes are the first project in my 1 My new chomper totes are the first project in my 15 week gift making event. 

Today is the last day to sign up for just $7.50. 

Click the link in my bio for an easy way to visit the sign up page.
https://snappy-tots-shop.myshopify.com/products/the-great-summer-gift-event-2022

The price will be $15 after 6/15... some of the patterns will be sold separately at a later date for $3-5 each.

The first gift event pattern is available and emails have been sent. If you signed up and did not receive the email please make sure you are checking the one associated with the purchase.
If you need help please email heidi@snappy-tots.com.

These are all made from @redheartyarns super saver.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
In case you didn’t hear… today is going to be In case you didn’t hear… today is going to be the BEST day!!! I woke up to a rare rain storm so instead of emails at my work station bike, I went for a RUN in pouring rain. It was GLORIOUS!!! 

Please comment and tell me how you are going to make this day better. We all can use your inspiration. 

Because of a back injury I had to quit running distance but every once in awhile you just have to run in the rain. 3.2 miles of pure happiness 😁😁😁
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#happyday #letsdothis #runintherain #getoutside #motivation #getmoving #doforyou #utah #ksl #get_outside_utah #utahweather
What’s your perfect moment? Right now, mine is What’s your perfect moment? 
Right now, mine is 73 degrees, watermelon, @crimejunkiepodcast, my swing, and working on a new crochet design.
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#yarnspirations #whileiwasyarning #creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters
I got the cutest gnome from my wonderful grandsons I got the cutest gnome from my wonderful grandsons and their amazing parents 🤣 isn’t this the most perfect gnome? He rode right over to say hello to new friends. 
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#newgnome #bestbirthdaygift #bestbirthday #gnomes
Our youngest got his permit!! Do you have any new Our youngest got his permit!! 
Do you have any new drivers at your house or remember when you started driving? It’s definitely an experience.

My husband is in the front teaching him to drive and I’m trying to focus on my crochet project 😜

We learned with our daughter that I am not a good driving instructor (sorry again). 
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#learningtodrive #newdriver #crochetismytherapy #becalm #whileiwasyarning
My daughter, sil, and grand daughter gave me this My daughter, sil, and grand daughter gave me this awesome solar light wind chime. Look how it makes this wonderful design on the ground! 
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#bestbirthdaygift #solarlights #patiolights #summer
Got the first of the hopscotch pavers base coated Got the first of the hopscotch pavers base coated today and I’ll add the numbers tomorrow. Oila is doing a practice run through to the side. 

We want to make a long hopscotch but starting with a regular one for now until I can find more squares. 
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#diyyard #hopscotch #summerfun #steppingstones #diysteppingstones
Free cupcakes! Come get the crochet pattern and wh Free cupcakes!
Come get the crochet pattern and whip up a batch 🥳 they are gluten, sugar, AND calorie free!

Click the link in my bio for the free pattern on my blog.  THANK YOU!

Made with @redheartyarns 
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
🤔 Do you like Mondays? It’s my favorite day 🤔 Do you like Mondays? 
It’s my favorite day of the week! Perfect time for a fresh start. Leave the past and should-haves behind and give yourself a break!

😛 LET’S DO THIS! Live today with purpose!

Made with @textart.app.
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#mondayquotes #freshstartquotes #newdayquotes #findjoy #restart #stopProcrastinating #letsdothis #newday #freshstart #ilovemondays
#inspirationalmorning 
#whatareyouwaitingfor#resetday 
#PositiveEnergy 
#quotes #motivationalquotes #inspirationalquotes #mirrormessages
🥳 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our favorite snappy 🥳 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our favorite snappy friends, Jonathan Pereira!!! Please help me wish him the best year ever.

Jonathan's mom was one of my very first customers and he had a snappy tots birthday for his 11th birthday. Mr. Chesh even went to visit him!

Since then, every year, his mom gets out all of the snappy hats she made him and everyone that comes wears a hat!!! 

It's been TEN YEARS!! He is 21 today!
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
I LOVE birthdays! When is yours? Please comment an I LOVE birthdays! When is yours? Please comment and let me know. 

My birthday is next week and my shop anniversary is this month. To celebrate I am giving away a different pattern each day, plus a grab bag of crochet goodies. 
Click the link in my bio for a quick link to the event page. 

The giveaway is open worldwide and closes Sunday, 5/22/22.
I ran upstairs for a sec and when I came back my a I ran upstairs for a sec and when I came back my assistant had taken over my blanket and computer. Check out that grumpy look for being interrupted! 
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#yorkies #crochethelper #furbaby
Check out this awesome “flower vase flag” made Check out this awesome “flower vase flag” made by Heidi Higginbotham!

She made my day while she was testing this because she kept posting how much fun she was having as she made the different parts. I love that!! 

This is my latest design and the pattern is 30% off this weekend.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flower-vase-flag 
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake
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DIY Easy Lightbox Tiles

Every holiday I always struggle to find just the right gift for the occasion. This year as Mother’s Day came around I knew what I wanted to give my mom and mother in law. The gift turned out even better than I had hoped! 

At Christmas time I gave my daughter a light box and an extra set of tiles. The light box comes with 80-100 Letters, Smiles & Symbols. It was so cute that I wanted one too and bought one to use for our youngest son’s birthday. It was a lot cheaper at Walmart for $9.97 (vs. $20 on Amazon). It can be used with batteries or a USB cord to plug in (included). Both moms seemed to love it so I knew I was going to give them each one for Mother’s Day.

One thing we didn’t like about it was it was time consuming finding the tiles and putting them altogether so they wouldn’t slide all over and fall off. You have to be careful carrying it so they don’t dump…and they always did. Plus, the tiles were kind of plain and blah.

I put the sets together for the moms and found a plastic bin for each to keep the stuff together. I did order an extra set of tiles for each that gave some more options. These are more colorful and have some extra graphic tiles too. I grabbed a couple of coupon organizers to store all of the tiles in too.

 

 

 

 

The gifts were coming together, but just weren’t as cute and happy as I had wanted. I decided to figure out how to make my own “tiles”. I started looking around for plastic I could use. I found printable overhead projector film and thought I would give it a try. It WORKED! I love, love, LOVE the outcome. The word tiles are perfect because they can be made to say anything and are ONE PIECE! The individual tiles are still great to have on hand, but 2 tiles for “Happy Birthday” instead of a bunch of individual letters is a breeze.

This is now my favorite gift to give. I think it is unique and usable. It would be great for craft fairs too. Plus, this could be a present for all ages. Teachers would also love it for their classrooms.

I did name tiles/slides for each family member in different fonts and colors. I have loved seeing my birthday sign today.

Note: when I gave the gift I didn’t want to open the light box, but DID want the Mother’s day wish on top so I taped each slide in place. This way they could see what it as, but everything was unopened too.

 

How To Make The Tiles/Slides

Materials

Light box: One that holds 2.5″ tiles/slides. Here are two we suggest: Leisure Arts Cinema Light Box from Walmart (best price), Cinematic LED Light Box Sign from Amazon

OHP Film Overhead Projector Film – 8.5×11″ for Inkjet Printer only Transparency Film

Printer with black and color ink

Computer and a program like Microsoft Publisher. You could also use Google Docs, word, etc.

 

Tips For Success

  • MAKE SURE you insert the laminating film in the printer so it will PRINT on the BUMPY side… no matter what the package tells you. Mine said to print on the smooth side, but all the ink just pooled on top and was yucky. When I printed on the bumpy side it worked PERFECTLY!
  • Insert the film in the printer so the white little paper line along one edge (you will see it) goes into the printer first. The printer needs this so it can grab onto it.
  • You will notice on my files that the top part of the page is blank. Whether you print mine or create your own it is important to leave the top couple of inches blank. Not sure why, but it ends up printing those at the top edge anyway and if you put anything higher it will overlap the top edge and will be unusable.
  • I added rectangle boxes around my tiles/slides to use for cut lines. This was a lot easier to do when laying out the design than measuring afterwards. You will want to cut just inside each line.

 

Holiday Word Strips For You To Print

I wanted to give a full set of holidays with my gifts. Then, I did the Mother’s Day and Birthday sets (with extra graphics) and will be adding holiday sets in the upcoming months. 

Here are files you can download and print on laminating film (or cardstock for calendars and bulletin boards):

CLICK THE FILE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD

 

 

Please do not share these online or post them on other sites. 

 

Directions For Using My Files

  • Download one of the pdfs from my file list. 
  • Insert the laminating film in your printer (I do one piece of film at a time) so it will print on the bumpy side. You do NOT want it to print on the smooth side.
  • I printed it with regular settings. I tried super duper quality settings first and it was unnecessary and was almost too much ink for the film. 
  • Print.
  • Mine were dry as soon as they came out BUT I still let them sit for a bit just as a precaution.
  • Cut just inside the top and bottom lines. For the sides I did cut within 1/2″-1″ of the item. That way the tiles/slides can fit closer together.

 

Directions For Making Your Own Tiles/Slides

  • Open your favorite layout program. It is easier if it has rulers along the edges or gridlines. I use Microsoft Publisher because I am most familiar with this program. 
  • Create a rectangle that is 2.5″ high and has thin outlines. 
  • Open a text box and create the word you want. Center the word vertically in the rectangle. It can be within 1/2″ of the box edge. Make the words approximately 1.75 – 2″ tall so they will fill the row and stand out.
  • Add graphics the same way, fitting as many items in each rectangle as possible, leaving 1″ between items.
  • Leave a couple of inches open at the top of the page for printing purposes. Your printer might allow more so try one and see before printing a bunch.
  • Save and print. 

Follow the same guidelines when printing your own as when printing my files: 

  • Insert the laminating film in your printer (I do one piece of film at a time) so it will print on the bumpy side. You do NOT want it to print on the smooth side.
  • I printed it with regular settings. I tried super duper quality settings first and it was unnecessary and was almost too much ink for the film. 
  • Print.
  • Mine were dry as soon as they came out BUT I still let them sit for a bit just as a precaution.
  • Cut just inside the top and bottom lines. For the sides I did cut within 1/2″-1″ of the item. That way the tiles/slides can fit closer together.

 

 

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Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: lightbox

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Comments

  1. krslove11 says

    at

    Absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing!

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Free Pattern: Heavy Duty Utility Bag for Dirty Jobs

HI! I am Heidi and I am so glad you are here. I hope you will enjoy my crochet and crafty creations, plus the quirky things I share.

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How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸🍉🧨
The solar light fireworks are one of my favorite decorations for summer and the month of July. They are super easy and quick to whip up so you could have a bunch done for the weekend.

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-firework-solar-covers/

Made with @redheartyarns super saver.
.
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.
.
.
#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Ducke is ready for July… are you? This hat and s Ducke is ready for July… are you?
This hat and sweater set is easy to make and can be done in any colors.

I use @redheartyarns for anything I’m going to have outside because it holds up the best!

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-patriotic-goose-set/
.
.
.
.
.

#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different versions of a project? I love doing that!

I’m finishing up a blanket yarn version of a towel I made this week. It will be a lovey.

I love these textures!

#crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Plea Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Please share yours and include our tag #50photosofsummer so we can see them.

Join our photo quest and get a list of 50 photo ideas at https://snappy-tots.com/50-photos-of-summer/
.
.
.
.
.
#photoideas #photoquest #boredombusters #familyfunideas #bucketlist #bucketlistfamily
😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of s 😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of summer" begins today and I hope you will join us.

Come download the checklist or follow along from your phone. I made a google sheet you can copy so you will have it everywhere you go!

Click the link in my bio for easy access to the printables.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We will be sharing our pix on our new family site @ourdangchannel

☀️The most important part: ENJOY the experiences, find peaceful, memorable moments to remember.

This list could be used for many things:
- Start a sketchbook and use the ideas for a daily drawing.
- Set up a free blog and learn how to make a post, add a picture, and encourage a description or journal entry.
- Include older family members by sharing your pictures or asking them for suggestions.
- Choose a reward for when you finish a column and when you finish the whole list.
.
.
.
.
.
#summerbucketlist #photochallenge #familyfun #boredombusters #boredombustersforkids #vacationpix #summerquest

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