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Kids love a good craft project but let's be honest we don't always have the time to hand make 20 or so Martha-approved Valentine's Day cards. As a less daunting alternative, we took some our sweetest Valentine designs and turned them into adorable miniature cards that you can print right at home!

Just cut out and then have your kids write in their messages and fold along the dotted line—you're all set! For an extra touch, hole punch and tie with ribbon, seal with some washi tape, or attach them to candy. 

Click the links below to download and print the free printables (either by design or all four designs):

U R Super Fly Mini Valentines Cards
Like You A Lot Mini Valentines Cards
Arrow Mini Valentines Cards
Hearts Mini Valentines Cards
All Four Designs

Have a happy and no-fuss Valentine's Day!

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Have you ever been Boo-ed before? None of us had even heard about this until last October when Deb and her girls (who had just moved to a new hood) found an unexpected bundle of fun Halloween treats on their doorstep.

The tradition of Boo-ing is sort of like having a Secret Santa (or Secret Ghoul?). You surprise your neighbors and friends with a goody bag or basket that is anonymous and they in turn keep it going. Seeing how much the kids enjoy guessing who Boo-ed them and continuing the game, we designed free printable signs and tags that you’ll want to be sure to include in your secret delivery.

Download and print “You’ve Been Boo-ed” tags. These provide instructions on what to do now that it’s your turn to Boo.

Download and print “We’ve Been Boo-ed” sign. You’ll also want to include a “We’ve Been Boo-ed” sign that the family can put up on their window or door. This way people only deliver treats to those homes that haven't been surprised yet.

So what are you waiting for? BOO it forward!

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With the warmer weather and longer days, summer is a great time to host parties. Whether it’s a birthday pool party for the kids or just an impromptu barbeque with neighbors, summer gatherings are some of the best. And no party is quite complete without some tasty treats. To add a little more fun to your next celebration, we created these bright toppers to use for cupcakes or other party desserts (like this blueberry crisp!). 

Simply download and print the template and follow these easy steps:

1) Carefully fold along the dotted line.
2) With paper folded, cut circles along the solid line and leave a small part of the fold intact. The front and back circles should remain folded nicely against one another, saving you some cutting time. 
3) Apply glue (or double-sided stick tape) and place a toothpick (or popsicle stick, stirrer, straw, etc.) in the center. Close the circles together.
4) Place in your yummy treat, and voila—instant smile.

Enjoy!

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On the 4th of July, is there anything more delicious (or American, really) than blueberry crisp? Add a “dollop” (love that word) of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and you’re in fruity-crispy heaven. I thought I would share a simple recipe that would be perfect for the upcoming holiday or any summer gathering really. I especially like this recipe because there are no fancy ingredients and you come out with a delicious crowd-pleaser with just 15 minutes of prep time (followed by 30 minutes of baking time). I love to bake but who wants to toil away in a hot kitchen while everyone else is kicking back and enjoying the day?

Download and print out the blueberry crisp recipe here. I’ve also included a blank printable recipe card for your own recipe keeping. Have a happy 4th of July, and GOOOO USA Women’s Soccer!

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Teachers are some of the most important people in our lives. They inspire us, challenge us, push us, sometimes frustrate us, but most of all, they teach us and they help us grow. While brainstorming a blog post in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (from May 4 to May 8), the conversation led us to appreciatively recall the ones who were there for us in our very first year of school—our kindergarten teachers. 

Seeing as we have a kindergartner “handy” here at Smudge Ink, I conducted a short interview to see what she had to say about her kindergarten teacher. (Incidentally, this particular 6-year old currently has no front teeth, and looks like she has fangs, thus the aptly named “interview with the kindergartner.”) Her written responses to my questions are below. I hope that after reading them, Abigail's teacher will know how excited her students are about learning thanks to her. 

Also, download our free printable teacher appreciation card for your kids to fill out and give to their teachers! Simply print onto a letter size sheet of card stock, cut along the lines, and write. The card fits in a 7.25” x 5.25" (A7) envelope.

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