11.22.2010

Printable Paint Stick Ornaments {Tutorial}

Are you looking for fun and in-expensive Christmas tree ornaments or gift tags, to make for yourself, or maybe for a neighbor or teacher gift?  If so, this might be just what you've been looking for!

There is no need for vinyl on this craft, the sayings are all printed and copied onto scrapbook paper and then Mod Podged onto...get this... a paint stick!  The best part...they cost next to nothing!  I've put a tutorial together with all of my tips and tricks.  (Don't be alarmed by the length of it, I just like details and thought you might too!)  They are really quite simple to make.



It was a light bulb sort of moment when it came to me to use 5 gallon size paint sticks to make these ornaments.  Paint sticks are the perfect thickness, the wood is already fairly smooth, and they come free (or close to it)! 


Ready to get Started?  Here's what you'll need:

Paint sticks:  The paint sticks must be the large 5 gallon sticks (nearly 1 1/2" wide).  Lowes will sometimes give them to you for free as well as Home Depot.   Home Depot sells them in bundles.  Wal-mart sells them for .28 each.  Sherwin Williams paint sticks are too narrow, so don't get them there. 
Tip:  If you ask the employee if you can buy some from them to make a craft, most often they will just give them to you for free.  Yep, FREE!


One paint stick will make 4-4" long ornaments and 1-snowman ornament
(Snowman ornament tutorial hopefully coming soon, my camera just quit on me.)
Edited to add:  Click here for the snowman tutorial.

These are only 19 of the 28 Templates available

No vinyl required... Vinyl can be expensive, and not everyone has access to a craft cutter.  But don't worry, you don't need one...the sayings are printable...and I'm sharing them with you for free!   There are 28 different words/sayings to choose from

The Printable Templates are to be used 
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY 
in your own home, church, or to give as a gift. 
They cannot be used on any items for sale or profit, this includes all fundraisors, sorry, no exceptions.

Template Example:
This is an example only, don't use this image, the quality is bad.  
*IMPORTANT:  If you are having problems downloading the templates it may be because you linked over from another site.  You need to be on the direct link to this post to be able to access the file in Google Docs.  Direct link:  http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/printable-paintstick-ornaments-tutorial.html.  Also, if you are using a work/school computer, your administrator may prevent you from downloading them from Google Docs, try downloading them to your personal computer if it doesn't work for you. You should'nt need to send me a Google Doc request to share them. Thanks!
  • Download the template here  (You can click on download or print.) 
  • The document includes a blank template so you can make up your own personalized sayings if you'd like. 
  • Print the templates with your home printer onto white printer paper, use the normal or high quality setting.
  • Copy the template onto scrapbook paper using a copy machine.   (Choose what paper you like, keep in mind that lighter to medium toned prints that aren't busy work best. The paper I used is from a book called Signature Suite by Jen Wilson)  This is an important step.  If you print it on an ink jet printer and don't use a copy machine to copy it to the scrapbook paper, your ink will run and blur when you Mod Podge the paper on.  ( Exception:  If you have a laser jet printer you can skip this step and print it directly onto the scrapbook paper, I've been told that the ink won't run.) 

Black Wire:  You can buy it at JoAnn Fabrics for $1.49 per roll. 

Accents (optional):  The star, heart, and snowflake rustic accents, are made by a company called Darice.  Check your local craft store.  They cost around $1.00 for a pkg. of 6-8.  The bells were $1.00 for a small bag of about 30.

  
Paint:  You can use acrylic craft paint, or spray paint them.  The color I used for this set of ornaments is Valspar's Velvet Brown spray paint.  It's the color of a Hershey's candy bar...yum!  You can choose whatever color looks good with your scrapbook paper and tree.  If you prefer a lighter color, Krylon's ivory spray paint is a good choice as well.

How to make them in 10 Steps

1.  Clamp the paint sticks together in bundles and mark and cut them every 4".  The best way to cut them is with a band saw, if you don't have one, you can use a jig saw, or a miter box and hand saw. 

2.  Lightly sand the sticks to smooth any rough parts (mostly the ends).


3.  Drill 2 holes in the upper corners just bigger than your wire.

4.  Paint the sticks. 

5.  Distress them by sanding the edges to expose some of the bare wood and then wipe the dust off.  (If there is writing on the stick that will show through the paint, use that side as the front, the paper will cover it.  You may need to sand the writing off of the border area a bit before you paint it if you are using a light paint color.)

6.  Cut out your print.  Make sure it is sized to the block.  (Trim to fit, if necessary, so there is about a 1/8" border of paint showing around the paper.) 

7.  To get the inked look around the edges of the paper, find a rag, put it on your finger, dip it into dark brown paint, blot most of it off, and then lightly run your finger along the edge of the paper.  You could also use a brown ink pad (I don't have one, so I improvised.).


8.  Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the stick.  Place your paper on it, gently smooth it flat, and let it dry thoroughly.  Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper, being careful not to run your brush over it too many times and making sure the paper is flat and smooth.  Let dry.

9.  Cut a length of wire 9" long.  Gently push it through the hole in the stick from the back and through the paper about 1".  (It helps to put your finger over the hole where the wire is coming through so the paper doesn't tear.) Bend the wire up in the back.  (If you are adding an accent, put it on the wire now.)  Use needle nose pliers to twist the wire in a circle, then use the side of the pliers to push the wire down flat against the ornament.


10.  Hang them on your tree, and every time you see them, think "Wow, I made those!" :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in a comment or e-mail me.  If you make them leave me a link, I'd love to see them!

As soon as I can get to the store to buy a new camera, I'll show you how to make a snowman ornament using the top of the paint stick. :)  Edited to add:  Click here for the snowman ornaments
 

Today's Fabulous Find...Paint Stick Ornaments!


Edited to Add:  I just finished another set of Paint Stick Ornament Templates with the Names of Christ and Christlike Attributes.  Click here for the templates and for new ideas on how you can use them!


You might also be interested in:

Paint Stick Ornament Templates, Names of Christ in Latin and Hebrew

and

Paint Stick Ornament Templates, Names of Christ and Christlike Attributes in Spanish
(Added 12/1/2016)



***This post is linked to some really fun parties! 
Please link to them from my side bar and check them out!

*FYI: The Christmas Subway Art Printable is almost done and will be posted
in time to switch out your Thanksgiving print, by Monday if I can find a camera. :)

223 comments:

  1. I really would like to make these, but when I click the link it says the document is unavailable. Am I doing something wrong?

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  2. I just tried to download the template and it said it wasn't available. So sad!

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  3. I'm sorry, I thought I had it so that anyone with the link could access it. I'll try to fix it, thanks for letting me know!

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  4. These are great! I could not get the link to work for the download. It said the page I requested was not available. Don't know if that is just me. I will check back later!
    Thanks!

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  5. It will open now, but I'm trying to get it to open on the window where it's printable, sorry for the wait.

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  6. The download link WORKS NOW!! Thanks!!

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  7. It should work for you now, if you have any problems, leave me a comment and I'll check back later tonight. :)

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  8. These are great! Thank you so much :)

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  9. So stinkin' cute! I love that you used paint sticks, I have a few lying around that I will have to put to good use.

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  10. Thanks so much! I was looking for something to give all my teachers at church. This would be great!

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  11. What a wonderful idea and thanks so much for sharing. I am now following! Off to download.

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  12. These are great!! Link up!

    http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2010/11/glam-party-3.html

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  13. This is so awesome! I linked to it on the Mod Podge Rocks Facebook group. Yay!

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  14. What a GREAT idea! I'm trying this!!! Just blogged about your blog. :<}

    http://pcjpthompson.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-find.html

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  15. Those are so cute! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  16. These are fabulous!!! I downloaded with no problem. Thanks so much for sharing such a cute idea!!! I can't wait to try this.
    lifeofperks.blogspot.com

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  17. Thank you Thank you Thank you! I can't wait to make these with my girls! I am your newest follower.

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  18. I love these. Thanks for sharing your creativity. I can't wait to make these. I am your newest follower.

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  19. Thank you so much for this wonderful idea and the great How to. I do believe I'm going to make these for my son's tree. (plus add some of my clay weebies) He will love them.

    Hugs,
    Regi

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  20. What a great craft to make - thanks!

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  21. Way cute idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  22. these are awesome! thanks for sharing.

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  23. What a great craft idea! Thanks very much for sharing! You did a great job!!!
    carla louise
    www.ohsewaddicted.com

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  24. I love those. Those would make great gifts for kids school parties. Very unique and simple to make.
    Debbie

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  25. I am a new follower! Thank you soooo much. (I don't even have a word program so anything like this is great!)

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  26. Very cool! Thanks so much for sharing! I love it and will definitely be making some of these!!

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  27. I'm in love I will so be doing this!!! THANKYOU!!

    ~ Nikki

    Visiting from BlueCricket Bloh hop

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  28. So cute, we don't have paint sticks in Australia so I will have to find something else to use though! great idea, good tutorial.

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  29. FANTASTIC idea!!! Thanks for sharing on Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions :)

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  30. this is such an awesome idea!!!!! Thanks!

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  31. So amazing! I love this idea and all the others on your blog! I would love to follow you. do you have an email subscription option?

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  32. I didn't have an e-mail option, but I do now! You can find it under the followers box.

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  33. What a great idea! I'm putting your ornaments in the PoPP Spotlight!

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  34. *blink*... paint sticks?!? THAT is cool! They seriously look so pro done. You've really created an incredible project! And your tutorial is fab. You can never give the likes of someone like me too many details. I kinda do the same. LOL

    Donna

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  35. I am back, just to let you know you've been featured on the SNS sidebar this weekend. :)

    Donna

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  36. wow this is a great project. thanks for sharing the how to of it all!

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  37. Great project - the finished product looks a lot more complicated than your directions. Thanks for sharing the directions!

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  38. I purchased ornaments like these about 12 years ago ... wow! I'll be making them now, thanks so much!

    Joanne

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  39. I am a new follower and I am so excited to make some of these! Adorable! Thank you:)

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  40. Very cute idea and I love that it is a cheap one ;)Thanks for sharing and I am now following you to see what else you come up with!

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  41. These are so cute, thanks for sharing

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  42. Um... What can I say?

    Thank you thank you thank you!! ;)

    I hope to start making some soon, if I post it, I will link back to you!!!

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  43. I'm going to make these for an ornament exchange!
    I just found your blog--thanks for the idea!~

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  44. These are awesome! The vinyl lettering is so expensive. Love how economical and cute these are! Great tute!

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  45. Love your idea! So adorable - gotta head out and pick up some paint sticks so I can get started on this fantastic project! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  46. Adorable! Am a new follower! Would love for you to check out my blog and follow back!

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  47. Just signed up for your blog emails.
    Love the paint stick tutorial.
    Will definitely try to give this a try.
    Thanks so much for sharing.

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  48. Hi Janet. What a clever idea - These are super cute! Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase - I greatly appreciate it. I have featured this today - stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Hope you have a fabulous week ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  49. these are WONDERFUL!! Thanks for sharing!

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  50. Congrads! These are awesome!!!! My viewers really liked this link. It was the most viewed link at last week's Whatever Goes Wednesday party. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com today! Grab my "featured" button.

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  51. Really like this very doable idea!

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  52. I became a follower - thanks so much for sharing the steps to make - great project !!! so cute

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  53. Your newest follower! I downloaded this, thanks so much!
    I look forward to you landing in my reader with every post!
    gail

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  54. Those are so incredibly cute! Can I do the same thing with a larger sign??? I've been wanting to make some signs for my kitchen.

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  55. Janet I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! I was wanting to use these in Photoshop to add some digital scrapbook paper I have instead of buying it. However I can't open it since the file is multi-paged. I was wondering if you have just pages 2-3 of the 28 word templates available in jpeg form so I can add the background in. Thanks!!!

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  56. In response to Inspired2cook: Yes, you actually can do this with a larger sign. You can either 1. photo copy your print/quote onto your background paper and then mod podge it onto your board, or 2. mod podge a background paper onto the board first and then cut out seperate letters from scrapbook paper, or whatever paper you choose, and mod podge them on top of your background. It's a good idea to use thinner, even coats on large surfaces so your paper doesn't bubble up as it dries.

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  57. This is brilliant! My kids might use these to make as gifts for friends! Thanks!
    Rebecca@RootsAndWingsCo

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  58. In response to the letter "J": In my experimental stage of the ornament design, I printed the words onto scrapbook paper. Here's the problem, unless you have a laser jet printer, the black ink will run when you mod podge over it, so it would still need to be color photo copied (which didn't look as nice). That said, if you'd still like them, I can help you, please e-mail me. :)

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  59. Awesome idea! I think I'll have the kids do some of these for an advent activity!

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  60. This is fantastic! Thank you so much. I love to give a thoughtful gift like this to neighbors. Thank you so much for sharing this!

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  61. Oh this rocks. Seriously. Can't wait to make a set of these for our house. Thanks for a great project and for the downloads!

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  62. These are incredible! I love 'em!

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  63. These are FABULOUS!! Thanks so much! I'm a new follower :)

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  64. Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm going to Home Depot ASAP for paint sticks. And I'm a new follower!

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  65. Hi, I just found you at The CSI Project! I love these ornaments!!! They are so cute and creative. Thank you for sharing the printable. I can't wait to try making some of them.
    I am your newest follower. When you have a minute, I'd love to have you stop by my blog.
    Sharon

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  66. What a fantastic tut.
    These would also make great MAGNETS!
    Karen

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  67. Just became a follower of your blog! You are so creative! I love this paintstick ornament idea :) Thanks for sharing!!

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  68. In reply to Karen: You're right, they do! You can see my tips for making them into magnets in the Teacher Gift: Paint Stick Magnets post if you're interested. :)

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  69. What a great idea! Thank you so much for the download. I will be making a lot of these!!

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  70. I'm a new follower! This project is great. I just made wine tags with paint sticks. Can't wait until tomorrow when I can spend some time at your blog.
    Thanks!
    Rita @MAY DAYS

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  71. These are great! So generous of you to share the printables!


    I'd love it if you'd come link these up at Favorite Things Friday.

    http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2010/12/favorite-things-friday-no-3.html

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  72. Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 4 post on Dec. 03, 2010. Thanks again.

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  73. New follower here ! This is just adorable and I'm thinking all the neat ways we can adapt it for different holidays !!!!

    gena
    www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com

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  74. Wanted to say hi! I am a new follower and love the paint stick signs! How original! Thanks for sharing the templates for them too. That is very sweet of you. Nice tutorial. I think I can make these! :) -Karen

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  75. These are really cute, and how nice of you to share the templates and such a great tutorial!

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  76. Thanks for sharing ..............
    Teresa

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  77. love love love this!! i am making asap :)!

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  78. I just loved this! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  79. Thank you, thank you, thank you! So creative...and easy...

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  80. New follower. I love love love these! thank you so much for sharing. I made some for my co workers and some my my brownie girl scout troop too. here's a link to my post.

    http://michelleakamom.blogspot.com/2010/12/ornaments-ornaments-and-more-ornaments.html

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  81. So glad to have found these - thanks so much for sharing them! I love ornaments like these, but don't do well painting/drawing the text - to have a print version is perfect! Thanks!

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  82. I am glad I found your blog! Love the Tutorials! Thank You For Sharing!

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  83. I linked your tutorial to my "ornaments" post - too cute!

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  84. Finally...something I believe I can do up quickly!! Thanks for sharing this great project!!!

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  85. We made these the other night with our 4 year old daughter and it's a great project! Thank you.

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  86. These are wonderful! Just the right amount of class mixed with a little vintage! Thank you so much for the download. Now I'm going to need to go to Lowes tomorrow....

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  87. Thank you very much for sharing these wonderful tags, Love your work :)

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  88. Thank you so very much for sharing this awesome tutorial with us. Merry Christmas.
    Cheri

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  89. Thanks for the idea and tutorial. I made some last week as neighbor gifts and they are just the thing I needed. I love that had everything but the paint sticks.

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  90. what a GENIUS idea! come on over and link up to MMM :)

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  91. I posted a picture on my blog of my finished ones. It is at the bottom of the post. http://joekaylyn-littlefamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-happenings.html.
    Thanks you for the idea again. I love your ideas.

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  92. I adored these btw!! I treied to make mine on shims (cuz I had a pkg)Well tidbit of info..... shims aren't treated wood so it sucked in all my paint. They still worked ok for a first go round, I put them on our packages instead of a bow!! Everyone loved them!! This will be my new tradition!! I would request you make some more word art though.. more holidays pleeezz!!!

    ~ Thx Nikki

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  93. I love these! I decided that I MUST make these. I'm going to head to Home Depot or Lowe's and pick up a TON of paint sticks...after I make some copies of course.
    PS...I'm a new follower too!

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  94. Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

    We don't have paint sticks here in Scotland so I'll need to keep my eyes peeled for something else to use instead.

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  95. I love this! I'm totally going to try and do it for next year and maybe try to make some for other holidays! Thanks so much for sharing your talent.

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  96. Help! I can't get it to open up correctly so I can make my own sayings..What do I do ???

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  97. In reply to Christy: You won't be able to edit the actual template because it's saved in the pdf format. There are three things that you can do. If you have a scanner, print the blank template and then scan it back into a document where you can add your word art over the top of the template. Another option is to take a snip of it and copy and paste it into a document where you can add the word art on top of it. If you snip it you will only be able to copy 4 of the squares, but you can copy and paste enough of them to make a full page once it's in the document. Here's a link to my post about snipping if you aren't familiar with it. http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-you-snip.html
    One last option is to create a new template. Really, the boxes are there just as a guide so you know how big to make the word art and where to cut it. All you need to do is create a box that measures 1 1/4" x 1 3/4" for each ornament.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions. :)

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  98. Just found you blog and I love all of your ideas, thank you so much for sharing!

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  99. This is adorable. A suggestion for other readers, if you can't find an actual next buy those small grapevine wreaths, you might have to fashion a bottom or put it on something like you did here but it would look more natural. Don't you love when you can create for just a few pennies. A great little gifty too. :)

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  100. Janet, I just discovered this project, here in March of 2011, but DH and I are definitely going to make them for the coming Christmas. I have a question--how can I copy the different words on different scrapbook paper? I understand how to put your word sheet in the copy machine, put the scrapbook paper in the paper tray, and print, but then 14 of them would be on the same paper. What I don't know how to do is to put them of different papers. Does that make any sense? TIA, and I'm a new follower, and I love this project! KarenMO

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  101. In reply to Karen: You have the right idea to start early on Christmas! I tried to group some of the words together that you might want to print on similar colors, but if you want to change things around to save paper (good idea), I think that the best way would be to make several copies of the black and white templates. Cut the templates up with scissors, group them how you want, and then glue them on to another paper to copy onto the scrapbook paper. If you cut the words apart directly on the line, it shoudn't be a problem when you copy them. In fact, you could probably even just tape them down on the bottom side of the paper in the middle of each word, making sure you can still see the cutting line (you might have to draw it in with a pen). It's kind of the old-fashioned way, but I think it will work the best. Hope this helps, let me know how it goes or if you have any problems. :) ~Janet

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  102. These are super cute. (Thanks for the tips on paper choices - I need it!)

    I'm going to do these (in March) because 1. I need something to do and 2. Christmas just gets too busy and I wouldn't have time to do something this cute.

    Thanks for the great idea! (and sharing it so completely - the directions make it look easy)

    you rock

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  103. Thanks, Janet. I still have to get my paint sticks, and my hubby has agreed to help me with cutting them, so I'm excited to get started. Again, thanks for your quick and very helpful reply. KarenMO

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  104. I'm becoming a follower. I can't wait to try to make these.

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  105. I love this!

    Big giant craft projects? I so can't do. But this? This is doable! Thanks!

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  106. Thank you so much for sharing these!!! I can't wait to make some to give away to my sweet sisters! Also, we have an auction every year at church to raise money for missionaries around the world. Church members donate items to be auctioned. I hope you don't mind if I make some to add to other handmade ornaments I'm making to donate. You are awesome for sharing and so creative!!! ;-) I can't wait to look around your blog!

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  107. Many many thanks roe the tutorial!!! :-)

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  108. I am so excited about this! We are looking for inexpensive Super Saturday ideas and this one is great!

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  109. ok..this is AMAZING! and totally THRIFTY!! LOVE IT!

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  110. With my husband's help (drilling and wire cutting) I just made 40 of these this weekend--they turned out great. I have no doubt these will be a big hit with our families and friends.

    Thanks for sharing this great idea with all of us!

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  111. To Jewel: Wow, 40 is a lot! I'm impressed. :) I'm sure your families will appreciate all of your hard work. Thanks for your comment!

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  112. I'm a new follower and love everything on the "Today's Fabulous Finds" I just tried to download the template for the Paint Stick Ornaments and it said it wasn't available. Any suggestions?

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  113. To Vicki: Thanks for reading! I have it set up so you will need to access the templates through the link in this post. I just tried it and it worked for me, so I'm not sure what isn't working for you. Were you clicking on the link in this post when it said they weren't available?

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  114. I started making these tonight after work! Stopped by Lowe's and picked up 10 of the large paint stir sticks. Asked how much they cost and the clerk told me to take them, even though I wanted 10! woo hoo! Printed the little signs on tea-stained paper that I had on hand. Cut the sticks, sanded them to round the edges, and painted them with olive colored paint I had. Am afraid to cut the holes in them (I'm not good at that), so will hot glue jute twine to the sides to form a loop hanger on top. Thanks so much for the idea!!!!

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  115. To Carshuch: How exciting to get the paint sticks for free. :) I'm sure your paint stick ornaments looks so cute with the jute hangers, great idea!

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  116. I was wondering where you or anyone that has made these got the rustic accents. I have tried Michaels, Jo Anns, but they didn't have them. Thanks for the templates,I am making 30 of these for a Christmas luncheon.

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  117. In reply to Janet: Your welcome, I'm glad you can use them. :) I bought the rustic accents at a local craft store. I ran a search though and found them for sale online here:

    STAR http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6551-39

    HEART http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6551-42

    SNOWFLAKE
    http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6554-37

    I'm not familiar with this site to recommend it, but these are the exact ones that I used. I don't know how soon you need them, but hopefully this will help. :)

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  118. Thanks you so much. I might make these for my seminary class. Been trying to think of something to give them this year.

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  119. Hi, Janet!
    What a great project!! And, it's so nice of you to share with us!!

    I am having an issue printing them to the right size? My typing paper print came to 7 1/4" x 6 1/4"... I know it must be me, not knowing how to use my printer.

    Do you have a trick to make these print the right size for the paint stirrers?
    Thank you!
    SherryBee in AZ

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  120. This is such a fabulous idea! Thank you very much for the printables and for the great tutorial. I so appreciate the ideas you share. They're at a level that most anyone can do, they're economical and they are always terrific looking.

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  121. I am so estatic to find this!! I am going to make this for all my friends. Your are a pure genius..and should feel very proud of yourself. Ahhh so cute, so cheap, and sooo crafty!!

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  122. Just wanted to share with you the ornaments I was able to make with your inspiration. I wasn't brave enough to drill a hole in them to run wire through, so I used jute string and hot glue. Love them! Thanks again for the wonderful templates!!

    http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q65/carsuch/ornament.jpg

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  123. I've posted this on to http://theweddinggals.net. You won't believe how I've suggested for brides to use this idea. Thank you for making the tutorial!

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  124. Quick question...when you say use a copy machine, do you mean that you put the scrapbook paper into the paper tray and copy directly onto the paper? Will places like Kinkos or an office store do that for you?? These are so great! I want to use them as gift tags for my family's presents! Thanks!!

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  125. To anonymous: Yes, you're right. You just cut the paper to letter size and load it in the tray. I went to a self-serve copy center, so I'm not sure about Kinkos, but I don't see why they wouldn't. You can always ask. :)

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  126. These are awesome!!! Thanks for sharring!

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  127. I made 30 of these ornaments and attached them to favors I made for a Christmas luncheon this year. Everyone really liked them. I made one side of the ornament about the favors and the other side was the free printable ornament sayings.http://flickr.com/gp/71778230@N04/3J71A8

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  128. To Janet: What a great idea to use the back of the ornament as well! Your gifts are so cute! Thanks for leaving me a link so I could see it. :)

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  129. Hey Janet..great idea..only thing is I tried to print out your templates and they are too short for my paint sticks that are cut to 4"...do you have templates that print out to exactly 4"??? Pls. help..my project is at a standstill because of this issue. Thanks!!

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  130. Violet - Theyre slightly smaller than 4" to leave an edge around the sides of the little signs where you can see the painted wood. At least thats the way mine turned out. Theyre adorable!

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  131. To Violet: Carsuch is right, they are slightly smaller to allow a border. If you want them to go all of the way to the edge, then when you go to photo copy them, select on the copy machine to enlarge the copy slightly. I think it should work. Just practice on a blank white paper first before you try it on your scrapbook paper so you don't waste it. Sorry I didn't get to you sooner, I was trying to get some Christmas shopping in. :)

    To'Carsuch': Thanks for answering Violets question, that was very nice of you! We all know how it feels to be working on a project and hit a snag. :)

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  132. Love this project!! I have to give it a try :) Thank you very much for sharing. I'm a follower now!!

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  134. I made these for Christmas for my friends, family and as teacher gifts 30 in all so far! I love them! Thanks so much for the wonderful idea!! I think they turned out great!! I used a gold paint and red wire for mine, very cheery I think!

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  135. To Acceptance with Joy: You're welcome, I'm glad they turned out so well. Thirty is a lot to make! I know. ;) I love the idea to use red wire and gold paint, I bet they look so cute! Thanks for your comment. :)

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  136. What an Awesome project. These will be great to put on my tree out on our porch.
    Thank you for sharing and giving us the tutorial
    ColleenB.

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  137. This is a fantastic idea and I would love to have you share this at my Christmas link party over at Rustic Crafts ~ http://rustic-crafts.com/?p=3698
    Hope to see you there!
    Renee

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  138. I made these this year for my mom to give her grandchildren...so cute. Thanks for sharing.

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  139. Hi, I'm back again. I featured your signs on my blog back before Christmas and suggested how they could be used for a wedding. Well I finally got around to making one. I combined yours with another idea I had seen. Thought you might want to take a look at what you helped inspire. Thanx for the inspiration.
    Phyllis
    www.theweddinggals.net

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  140. What a great idea! These are super cute. I wanted to let you know I featured you this week! http://designdininganddiapers.com/2012/02/top-10-tuesday-paint-sticks-arent-just-for-paint

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  141. I made these in December with all of our names, kids, grandkids, pets and hung them on our Christmas tree. I made a smaller set for each family. This project was so much fun. I put a bell, fake candy or small light on one corner of each sign.

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  142. To Anonymous: That's so fun to add everyone's name to an ornament. Thanks for sharing the idea. :)

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  143. I wasn't able to print this in color. I had my printer settings to print color. When I clicked on the link and it came up, it was in black and white. Is there something I can try?

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  144. To Anonymous: The templates are black and white. You will need to print them first and then photocopy them onto colored scrapbook paper. It's all explained in the post right under where you click to download them. Have fun! :)

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  145. Where do you recommend finding the wire locally? What gauge is it and/or what local store? I found some at walmart in hardware dept, but it's too flimsy. Thanks and having so much fun making these!

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  146. Hi Melanie, I bought the wire at JoAnn Fabrics. At my location it's hanging from a hook across from the packaged feathers and other craft items--I think. :) They can point you to it, I'm sure. Glad you asked. :)

    Company: Darice
    Says CRAFTWOOD on the package
    1181-44 Craft wire- 19 Gauge

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  147. I wrapped the wire around a pencil to make the hanger a spring. In case someone wants to try it, though I'd share.

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  148. I really want to make these but can't access the download on google docs :(

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  149. To kharliebug: If you are having problems downloading the templates it may be because you linked over from another site. You need to be on the direct link to this post to be able to access the file in Google Docs. Direct link: http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/printable-paintstick-ornaments-tutorial.html

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  150. I attempted to download it as well... keeps going to google drive. do I need to download that first??

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  151. Nevermind it got it to work!!! Love these!!!

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  152. Janet,
    How do you get the blank template to work to make your own saying? I can't get it to work...thanks..Trish

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  153. Hi Trish,
    I included the blank template to use mostly as a guide. What you can do is print it, then scan it into a document and size it to the correct dimensions. Once it's sized right you can add your words and clip-art over the top of it. It might be faster and easier to just make one from scratch though. Hope this helps you some!

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  154. thanks Janet..I figured it out and it worked perfectly...and I love your Christmas ideas for the paint sticks...great christmas gifts...

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  155. I belong to an ornament exchange group. This is so easy and cute. I sure hope that none of the other ladies see it. Thanks for sharing this great idea. After I saw it i thought "Why didn't I think of that!" giggle. good job

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  156. You are awesome! Thanks, I will be following too, pam

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  157. What a great idea and great tutorial! Thank you!
    Greetings from Hamburg, Germany!

    Peanut's peanuts

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  158. Great idea!!! How did you make the holes in the wood? I might have read over it, but I couldnt find it anywhere

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  159. I love this idea! How do you make it bigger? I'm thinking to enlarge it and hang it on the wall as decoration? Thanks

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  160. To Tammy: Thank you! To make the templates bigger you could print them and then enlarge the print on a copy machine but the quality might not be very good.

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  161. I love your sign ornaments! I would like to make them and add family names to them, is that possible? Thanks, beautiful job!

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  162. Love these. Getting ready to make them again this year. Just so everyone knows the paint sticks from Home Depot and Lowes are skinnier this year than last year. So the papers don't fit as perfect as they did last year. I haven't recut the papers but hopefully none of the words get cut off.

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  163. I'm happy you like them, thank you! I just got some paint sticks from my Local Home Depot and they are the same size. I wonder if they are in the process of switching to a smaller size. If you test the templates with the paint stick before you copy them onto the scrapbook paper you can decrease the copy size as needed to get them to fit. This will save you a lot of trimming. :) Thanks for your tip!

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  164. Thanks I didn't think to decrease the printing size. It will probably be better to re-print the paper than try to make them fit.

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  165. I tried to download the template today and it didn't work.

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  166. Nevermind, you have to be logged into in order to print it so I got it.

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  167. To Alicia: I'm glad you got them. I'm a little frustrated with Google Drive, I have it set so that you should be able to print/download them without signing in. I hope they can get the problem fixed soon.

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  168. Any tip on how to punch the holes in the sticks???? LOVE the craft!!

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  169. To Anonymous: If you don't have a drill or one that you could borrow, you could try using a nail and a hammer. Your chances of the wood splitting though are pretty high. Another option would be to use jute instead of wire and hot glue it on. Good luck! :)

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  170. How did you add the heart and star on? What are they made of? Thanks so much! Can't wait to try!

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  172. Hi Tara! I bought the little metal accents at a local craft store and used hot glue to attach them to the ornaments. I haven't had any problems with them falling off...yet. You might want to use a glue that is meant for both metal and wood though for long term durability.

    I ran a search and found the rustic accents for sale online here:

    STAR http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6551-39

    HEART http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6551-42

    SNOWFLAKE
    http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/decor-home-metal-rusted-tin/6554-37

    I've never ordered from this site before so I can't recommend it, but these are the exact ones that I used.




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  173. Thanks! I live in Canada, so it might not be worth the shipping to order the metal ones. I'm going to look around here and see what I can find. I have cute little wooden ones I could paint and maybe they'll look ok.

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  174. These are awesome! I love the names of Christ and was looking for something exactly like this! I hate to be picky, but it will drive me nuts to have something spelled incorrectly on my tree, so could you upload the names of Christ with Counselor spelled correctly? Or send it to me at ellen.m.bishop@gmail.com. Thanks!

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  175. To Ellen: I'm glad you like the ornaments, thank you! I went back and forth on the spelling of Counsellor, and in the end I went with the correct spelling according to the King James Version of the Bible.

    http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/search.php?q=counsellor&hs=1

    Isaiah 9:6
    "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

    and from the Messiah: http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/baroqueperiod/tp/Lyrics-And-Excerpts-Of-Handel-S-Messiah.htm

    "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,
    and the government shall be upon His shoulder:
    and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

    If you'd still like me to change it for you, let me know and I should be able to find some time to do it later tonight. :)

    Happy Holidays!
    Janet

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  176. I absolutely LOVE this idea. Thank you so much for sharing and including a free printable! Looking for co-worker gifts and need to make about 30. This is perfect!

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  177. You're welcome Jennifer! Happy Holidays!

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  178. These are so wonderful! Made them last year and am enjoying them again this year. Note: Store in a climate - controlled area ... not in a hot Texas attic. :)

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  179. These are so wonderful! Made them last year and am enjoying them again this year. Note: Store in a climate - controlled area ... not in a hot Texas attic. :)

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  180. To Dragonfly: Oh no, I hope your ornaments weren't ruined! Thanks for the tip!:)

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  181. I can't get the template to download for the paintstick ornaments any suggestions

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  182. Hi Carla, sorry you're having problems. Send me a request to share them in Google Docs and lets see if that works. If it doesn't, then send me a quick e-mail so I have your e-mail address and I will send them to you.

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  183. Could you use like really nice scrapbooking stickers and modge podge over them?

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  184. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I recognize how much time and effort you put into these precious templates, and I am so grateful!! Happy crafting!! I am off to Home Depot for paint stirrers!

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  185. You're welcome naj, thanks for your comment! :)

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  186. I would love to make these and the names of Christ but the page says it is unavailable. Is there another link or can you send a file. My email is awdansie@yahoo.com

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  187. I would love to have this, so Cuteee. I cant get the download to open

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  188. Hi Peggy, sorry it's giving you problems. E-mail me and I will send you the file. :)

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