do it yourself: emergency chocolate stash

*everyone rolls their eyes*

seriously? d-i-why??

*i clear my throat*

look, it's christmas - and a box of chocolate's simply isn't going to cut it!!

for reals, i get it - being told to do something yourself is seriously the pitts. and if i'm being completely honest there's nothing i love more than cutting corners, or paying someone else to do things for me, but... christmas is a time of giving - of giving gifts (duhh), giving of yourself, and of your precious time to make others happy and show them your love. but seriously, this diy takes literally minutes and costs you like $20 and you can find everything you need to make it at good ole Kmart!

you will need. a shadow box photo frame, peanut m&m's, liquid chalk and a gift box.

step one. take the back off the frame, and remove the insert. 

step two. on the glass front of the frame, using the liquid chalk, write 'in case of emergency break glass' (or your desired sentiment).

step three. once the chalk is dried, flip the frame over, and fill with the recipients fave m&m's or other lollies. 

step four. replace the back of the frame and secure.

step five. wrap your gift and surprise your loved one with a thoughtful gift. 

notes

you can find shadow box photo frames at kmart, spotlight, or online.

you can wipe down the inside of the frame with vinegar before filling it to make it food safe.

liquid chalk is not permanent, it will brush off easily if not treated gently. for a more permanent solution, try a sharpie or a white paint pen.

a 440g box of peanut m&m's filled this 6x8inch shadow box nicely, you may need less or more based on the size of your frame.

mrtimothyjames does not recommend actually smashing this frame, because... glass, mess, danger, etc. this is merely a cute and creative way of gifting chocolates.

mrtimothyjames loves sturdy gift boxes like these from Domayne for this gift because they allow space so that the liquid chalk sentiment will not get brushed off.

if you make this gift for someone, i'd love to see how it turns out, share it with me on social media use the hashtag #mrtimothyjames

ever made someone a diy gift? in case of emergency, what is your go to chocolate? tell me all of the things in the comments below.

happy diy'ing love timothy xx

free printable: xmas crackers

oh em gee - you guys, it's almost xmas! the countdown is on, and time is running out! it's time to get those chrissy gifts sorted - stat! anyone who know's me, know's that i'm an absolute sucker for cute packaging. and while we all know that it's what's on the inside that counts, i think we'd all be lying if we didn't admit that just sometimes, we judge things by their appearance. so if you're looking for the perfect xmas packaging for your little gifts and treats - look no futher... i got you guys!

now while these crackers do require a little assembly, i swear that they are also the easiest thing in the world to put together - heck if you've got kids, put them to work for you and go put your feet up! (okay, so that's not exactly the best idea because there's a fair bit of handling scissors and craft knives - but hey, if it's a risk you're willing to take...) i love these crackers for packaging gifts, but you could absolutely use them on your christmas table too - just add some of those fancy cracker things that 'crack' when you crack the cracker and you're cracking! (yep, that just happened)

these crackers were designed to hold small gifts and sweet treats - but can be used in so many ways. for a gorgeous and simple gift idea include the recipients fave lollies or some mini cookies, then add a handwritten love note and loads of confetti! for the perfect sized confectionery gift to include in your crackers, mrtimothyjames loves happy lab's - happy beans test tubes (also available at target australia).

if you feel like sharing what you pop inside these crackers how you style them, share them with me on social media use the hashtag #mrtimothyjames

are you a traditional or modern style lover? are you into diy's or do you have better things to do? ;) tell me all of the things in the comments below.

happy gifting love timothy xx

twinkle light gift wrap

so i've been toying with the idea of adding battery operated lights to gifts as part of the wrapping for a hot minute, and i wasn't 100% sure that it would actually look good. so when i came across these gorgeous copper wire lights at kmart the other day for just 5 bucks, i knew that i had to at least give it a go - and i think it turned out fab! it's such a basic and simple idea, but it really takes your festive gift wrap to the next level - and as a lover of minimalism i feel this aesthetic is so on point.

step one. wrap gift/s in black or dark gift wrap.

step two. unwind string lights and add batteries to the battery pack.

step three. secure the start of the string to the back of the gift, and wrap the lights around the gift until the full string is used.

step four. secure the end of the string to the back of the gift and also secure the battery pack. this can be done with tape, or for a more secure option - use hot glue. (this can be easily removed from the paper gift wrap and then peeled off the plastic battery pack - it won't damage the lights)

step five. turn on the lights before you give the gift to your loved one and watch the twinkle in their eye.

because these string lights are copper, whether they're on or off  they make your gift look fab! not only are these twinkle lights the perfect addition to giftwrap, they're basically another gift in themselves - so it's two for one! 

if you're looking for these gorgeous copper wire lights, they aren't sold on the kmart website unfortunately so check with your local kmart and quote this keycode (42258 964). 

there are several places that also stock versions of these gorgeous lights - so if you can't find them at kmart try - target | typo | kikki.k | or ebay.

if you add copper wire lights to your gift wrap this festive season, i'd love to see how you style them - tag #mrtimothyjames on social media so i can join in on all the fun.

do you think that giftwrap makes gifting more fun? or are you more of a practical gift bag sort of human? tell me all of the things in the comments below.

twinkle twinkle love timothy xx