Use my free printable, Mod Podge photo transfer medium, and personalized Shutterfly printed items to have the best plaid themed cookie exchange ever!
Okay, you got me – I am completely on board with buffalo plaid this season. I just love it! I know I'm not the only one out there who feels this way. I've seen so many plaid printables and projects floating in the blogosphere . . . it just warms my holiday heart!
I recently hosted a cookie exchange using some handmade items and goodies purchased from Shutterfly; of course buffalo plaid had to be a part of the theme.
I'm thrilled to share with you a photo transfer tutorial for photo transfer favor bags, my Shutterfly purchases for this party. The only thing I can't share with you is the cookies, and trust me . . . . I wish I could (they are really good and there's too many of them)!
I have to start by sharing the invitations for my party with you. It was really hard to pick invitations from Shutterfly – but I consider that to be a good thing. They have so many gorgeous choices, AND you can add images and even select the edge treatment of your cards. You'll definitely find something you like!
My favorite part of their site is that I can search by color, and I knew I wanted red – which is what lead me to these Fun Snowflakes 5 x 7 invitations. And get this – they have envelope liners. I was able to use the plaid theme in my invitations! Fabulous, right?
I thought so too.
Now, to customize my party with the buffalo plaid theme, it required purchasing a few items to create “ambiance.” So what I did is designed this graphic that I'm making available to you for download as well.
Download the full graphic HERE. Download the graphic that says “Merry & Bright” only HERE.
Here's the deal with this plaid graphic – you'll be able to upload it to Shutterfly as an image and use it to personalize items just as I did!
I started with a canvas.
I wanted decorations that I could use at my cookie party, but also that I wanted to keep around my home all season. The Weathered Wood Frame Canvas Print is perfect for that! It's got gallery wrapped edges that I LOVE because you can hang it/display it without a frame. And the weathered wood treatment with the plaid is just my style.
Now these next two items really excited me! I mean all of it excited me, but I had NO idea that Shutterfly had candles. And obviously they can be personalized, so that's just what I did. You can use any image you like, not just my graphic, and there are five scents to choose from There will definitely be a pug candle purchased next . . .
And maybe some pug stickers. I had this (brilliant?) idea to purchase 1.75 x 1.75″ stickers and add them to some 2″ wood blocks I already had on hand. Quick and easy decorating with not a lot of effort – I love it!
But that's not all.
Because I had to add my own little creative touch to this party, I decided to customize some favor bags. I purchased some muslin favor bags and grabbed some Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to make these bad boys:
I've heard people say they are intimidated by photo transfers, but they aren't hard at all. You just need two things. First, you need patience.
And secondly, you need to realize that the intended result is a bit of rustic/vintage look. I don't have much patience, but I'm working on it. I do appreciate the rustic/vintage look so we're good there!
Photo Transfer Favor Bags
These favor bags are perfect for candy or any little gifts you want to give at your cookie exchange. To make them, you just need:
- Muslin favor bags
- Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
- Merry & Bright graphic (or photo/graphic of your choosing), printed to size
- Scissors
- Foam brush
- Work surface cover
PRO TIP: Do NOT forget to print any text or graphic backwards! Anything you print will be reversed when you photo transfer it the way I am.
Here are some of your supplies. The Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium is nice because it comes with a little foam brush.
Cut out your image and place just enough photo transfer medium over the top of the graphic so that you can't see it. It should be completely obscured or your graphic will not transfer properly.
Place down on the surface of your muslin bag and smooth – either with your hands or a brayer. The reason you don't want to use too much medium is because you don't want it glopping out the sides – but like I said, it should completely cover the image.
Also – try not to get the medium elsewhere on the bag or when it dries, you'll be able to see it. Now, repeat with the rest of the bags and let them dry overnight. I'd say if you do it in the afternoon, you can wash them by lunch time the next day.
This is the fun part! You are going to get the photo transfer wet. This is where people get scared and you might need a little practice – but I promise it's easy. You're going to get the photo transfer wet enough to rub the paper off the back and reveal the image below!
My tips for success:
- Either run the item under water or place in a plastic container of water; you can use a spray bottle but usually that isn't enough unless you really douse it.
- Rub lightly and carefully. If you really rub the item, you're going to rub the photo transfer OFF of the surface of your item. Which obviously you don't want to do. Rub just enough to remove the paper.
- Continue wetting and rubbing to remove the paper. Then let the item dry. But if you see that some of the image is still obscured when dry, you CAN wet the item again and rub again.
As I said before, you'll have a vintage/worn looking graphic on the front of your favor bags. I LOVE the result!!
I'm so thrilled about my cookie exchange party invitations, decor, and favors. Everything turned out perfectly, thanks to Shutterfly!
And now I'm going to give you a chance to join in the fun. I'm giving away THREE $100 gift cards to Shutterfly that you'll be able to use during 2016 for any celebration or festivities that need invitations, favors, or decor. You can even use the gift card for next holiday or Christmas season – they never expire!
Disclosure: Thanks to Shutterfly for providing me compensation to review their amazing products. All opinions are 100% mine. My promise to you is that I only recommend things I would use myself!
Sondra says
So creative! I’m in love with the buffalo plaid theme and your muslin favor bags are adorable! I am using this idea for my next party. Who would’ve known Shutterfly carried all these items to decorate a party. I love Shutterfly! Thank you for the ideas!
CreativeKhadija says
Very cute favor bags! Mod podge is having ability to make anything from boring to awesome 🙂
Tracie Cooper says
I would love to make a photo calendar!
Pammie says
love photo transferring!
Janis in ID says
Great prize giveaway!! Love the canvas treat bags!!!
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
Janis in ID says
I forgot to mention what I would buy…..probably photo prints and maybe specialty envelopes.
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
Charity Cram says
I would buy a photo book! They do a really great job! Thank you for the chance to win!
Genevieve Caswell says
Thank you for the chance to win one of these. I love your ideas. I have a almost 1 year old granddaughter, our first, & this would really be nice to make some really good memories with her.
Kathy E. says
I would order some personalized stationery and a self-inking rubber stamp. Lots of great ideas at Shutterfly!
Anne Haun says
I would love to make a photo book of pictures of my new grand daughter.
Marlene says
I will be purchasing a photo book. Great tutorial on the muslin bags, they are wonderful. Thank you for a great giveaway I love Shutterfly and Mod Podge .
Amy C. says
I would love to have a large 20 x 30 print of my two boys.
Rose Marie says
Was disappointed to see all the complaints about Shutterfly on their Facebook page. I have some codes for free products, so I’ll give them a try, but only for things that I have no deadline for.
LadyD says
I’m not surprised about the Shutterfly complaints. I’ve gotten codes for free tote bags several times. Twice I tried – and failed – to use the code, because the Shutterfly server overloaded and didn’t take my order. I will not try again.
BarbaraRaney'Ferrell says
It all looks like fun. Thanks for sharing
Debbie E. says
A photo blanket. Love Shutterfly!
Stacie Pinkston says
Very cute! You have some wonderful ideas! I would love to explore shutterfly and all they have. I have been thinking about a canvas print of my kiddos. I think I would definitely check that out.
TJ says
I love the theme! My brother-in-law would, too, I’m sure. It’d be a way to show off his family’s plaid.
Lynn Desroche says
I love Shutterfly!! I would love to order a photo bracelet with birthstone and initial charms. I’ve had my eye on it for awhile but I keep ordering gifts for everyone else instead. Thank you for the chance to win!
Melanie says
I wold use it for Christmas cards
Jacque Cunningham says
I would buy a book of vacation photos.
Alexandra Robertson says
i would buy a Weathered Wood Frame Canvas Print if i won. love yours. everything looks so cute.
Hana says
Awesome work! Great pics. Thanks for sharing, and would be wonderful to win. 🙂 Happy Holidays.
April Freeman says
Great Ideas, love the blog post. I’d buy some Framed art prints with matching coasters for drinks.
celeste consbruck says
enlarged family photos
Anne J_Z says
Photobooks
Tanya P. says
A photo book!
Licia says
Love this!! The candles are awesome, and I also really like their new ornament selection.
Sue y says
I didn’t know they had candles! I’ll have to check it out. Loved all the things you made!
latanya says
Pictogram
Duvet Cover
April Lopez says
What fun party items.
Christine Martin says
I would make a photo album for my son. He turned 30 this year, and I’ve been meaning to make him an album but haven’t gotten around to doing it yet.
Kim says
I would definitely purchase invitations – yours are so cute!
Kim M says
Would love any of their candles
Sharlene Piscitelli says
I really like the canvas prints, framed art prints, and pillows.
Mike Ash says
I’d love to get a photobook with the buffalo plaid as the background for the cover
LinhC says
I would get a photo blanket.
Margarita says
a photo calender
Kathryn R says
So neat! Enlarged family photos are what I am in need of.
DJ says
I would purchase a calendar for the new year.
Aliza B says
I would buy a photo book for each of the grandparents. We live far away from family and don’t get to visit much, so they could have the book to see how much our kids have grown.
Lisa says
I would get a photo book!
Margaret Smith says
I’d like to get a photo book of my kids.
Diana Smith Hill says
One item I would purchase would be a Our Family’s Year Photo Album. Plus get photo’s developed and I want to get those Personalised ornaments for the Christmas tree!
angie says
I would make a 2016 Calendar.
janis egle says
canvas i think
Katherine Parker says
I would love to get a big canvas of my parents when they were first married. My Dad passed away almost 2 years ago & that is one of Mom’s favorite pictures. (Also all 4 of us girls love that one too)
christina moore says
i would buy a Scripted Love Circle Glass Ornament with a picture of my late husband
Cindy Magee says
I love making photo books so I’d definitely make the 5×7 books of this Christmas to send to each person in my family that is getting to visit and celebrate Christmas. 🙂
Shannon says
But those cookies look so yummy!
Brandy Y. says
I love Shutterfly! I’ve used them a lot in the past. I would love to get a canvas print of my son’s pics we got done last fall. I am doing a photo wall at the bottom of the stairs!
Cindy B says
I’m going to make a photo book for our Chinese Exchange student.
Lily Kitjay says
Hello, Amazing post and Giveaway. Thank you. if i win,i will finally buy a MACROECONOMICS BOOK for studies. Happy holidays
Rachel Meyer says
Love this buffalo plaid! If I would win, I would buy photo cards with lined envelopes, canvas print, and custom pillow. I love Shutterfly & Mod Podge!!! Thank you for the chance to win!!!
Kelly D says
I would purchase the Photo Gallery
11oz Ceramic Mug.
Darlene Cruz says
Photo book or photo stickers
Sharon Kaminski says
I would chose Perfect Pair Heart Wine Glasses.
Shreya Sharma says
Photo Prints and Canvas Transfer!!
Nancy McClain says
Nice site-I signed up!
jodi says
I would get all the prints of our wedding
Jessica M. says
I would make a photo year book of my family and all of our moments together this year!
Debra Sluis says
Photo book! And the kids LOVE to make mugs. To send to out of state relations!
Paula says
photo book.
Barbara Montag says
I would buy one of the Photo Gallery 4×4 Photo Cubes.
They are so neat!
thank you
mickeyfan says
Every year I make my husband a photo calendar. He loves it.
elizabeth miller says
I would purchase one of the photo albums. We love putting these together and sending them to my son when he is deployed.
Linda G says
The first thing I would buy is address labels
Debbie Bray says
Christmas cards for next year
Cathy C says
I love making Shutterfly photobooks
Helen Gullett says
I’d buy photobooks with the giftcard 🙂 Love their designs!
Your projects are awesome! I need to try the photo transfer.
Thank you for the tutorial!
Judith R. says
I’d get the Disney Frozen Elsa Magnet.
Danielle says
These are adorable — the photo transfer thing is so cool!
Lisa Thornton says
I didn’t know Shutterfly had candles….that will be my next purchase!
Wehaf says
I will get some personalized stationery – I write a lot of letters and I love custom notecards.
Trisha Burgess says
I would love a 2016 photo calendar!
Chelsea Hutson says
I have always wanted a photo blanket! I would get one of my family ♥
Nikki Karanec says
I would buy a photo book! Love shutterfly! Thank you for the chance to win!
Cindy @MomMaven says
I would get a wood wall art collage of some of my son’s wedding pictures.
paige chandler says
I’d get a fleece photo blanket for sure.
Sarah Bojorquez says
Love the vintage look of the cookie bags and the plaid design.I’d probably buy a canvas and some key chains
Sam says
I’d get a photo book of my new puppy
Charles-Linda Bradshaw says
I would love to have the Textured Frames Fleece Photo Blanket with my family on it.
Angela A Simmons says
I would like to make a photo album or maybe some picture ornaments
Kambrea says
I would love to get a photo book of my kids.
Liza Vladyka says
a photo mug for my mother-in-law
Kathe says
Iwould get a yearly calendar with pics of my family
Danijela Aleksov says
I would buy a photo book. I love Shutterfly!
Olja says
i would make a photo book. already made some with shutterfly and the quality is unbeatable 🙂
Emillie says
Thank you cards!
Angela Newsome says
I order monthly photo books!
carol says
I would order all the pictures on my camera of my grandkids and 4 8 x 10’s
Michele C says
Thank you for the giveaway. The project you did for your party is really nice! I love the ideas. 2016 will be a memorable year for us. My son received the Eagle Scout rank and will be having his Eagle Scout ceremony soon. He will also be graduating from High School in May! I would use the $100 Shutterfly credit to purchase announcements and a special gift for him. I was thinking about a photo blanket to send him to college with.
Sarah says
With this gift card I would like to make a photobook for my husband for his birthday! 😀
Kushal Ramolia says
I will buy Photo Gifts i win this GiveAway. I really Love This Blog. 🙂 WIsh I could also have that cookies with you.
Jaime says
I will buy canvas prints of an old B&W photo of my parents (who are now deceased) when they were first married and gift them to my siblings
Nora Dolan says
Candles for me, thanks- good luck to everyone!
Jessica Kaufman says
I would like to purchase a photo calendar for 2016.
Savannah Hadden says
I am loving their new Metal prints! and I would love to do a photo book!
Jessica Miller says
I would like to get a coffee mug
Patricia M says
I will purchase a photo mug.
Maureen says
I would love to make a photo book of all of the fun things that we did in 2015!
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com
Anita k says
Lots of pictures with the grandchildren.thanks so very much for sharing.
Michelle s says
I would use this to purchase calendar gifts as well as address labels because my handwriting sucks!
Wendy R. says
Love their canvas photo prints. So classy!
debbie says
I would buy if I was lucky. Something with stationary or crafts because my granddaughter would be so excited.
Sarah Peiroint says
I would use the gift card to print photo books to give to my mom – she loves printed photos of her grands!
laura g says
What a cute and fun idea! I have never been brave enough to try my hand at this but I think I will for next year. From Shutterfly I would get note cards and make a few photo books for family members.
david paremske says
Photo pillow. so cute!
Tara Gauthier says
I love their photobooks so would love one of those, but we also have a ton of pictures that just need printed so would likely end up doing that !
Stacy says
I LOVE the 8X8 photo books from Shutterfly. I have made one for every vacation, but I have not made one for our recent British Isles cruise yet. I also would love to make a 2016 calendar and I need some call me cards.
Denise Welch says
I love to get a photo calendar
Shaun Riggs says
Love the details on your blog. Remembering to make sure your print the designs backwards is one of those greats tips that all of us forget every once in awhile. I would want to purchase a new family album for my daughter and I with the gift card. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Angela Saver says
I would choose the Arrow Gallery Milestones Art Print & the Weathered Wood Wall Art!
Julie R says
I would get photo prints of different sizes. I’m very behind in printing pictures out.
Mai T. says
Baby Owl Shower Curtain will certainly be my adorable choice!
Oksana V. says
I love table runner 🙂
https://www.shutterfly.com/creationpath/views/projects/2ec25473-ae12-11e5-99c8-15fbf4a99b11
Travis says
So Cool!
Damla says
I would buy this: https://www.shutterfly.com/home-decor/bedding/love-equation-sham?productCode=1147656&categoryCode=1136646&skuCode=1147662
Beth Ballue says
I would order prints of my wedding photos!
dawn gordon says
id want to do either a blanket or pillow for my daughter in whatever photographs she chose.
Kim Henrichs says
I would LOVE to get a poster print from the cruise we were just on!!
Rajee says
Newyear Photo Book
Michelle S says
Photo calendars
Tina says
Photo calendar for my friend
Petra says
Hm…lots of nice stuff you have… 🙂 maybe I would by a calendar, I love calendars, or a mug with a photo or some wall art (I would like a big photo for my bedroom) 🙂
Tina Reynolds says
I woud get photo books one for my mom one for mother in law and one for my self
imene says
i’d like to get some photo books for the family and my nieces
Andrina Goetz says
I would make a photobook for my daughter.
Joana says
I would love to buy some home decor!
Crystal says
I like personalized Shutterfly Home Decor items and also their personalized postage stamps!
Stephanie Larison says
I’m getting the kids’ pictures taken when the new baby comes in April, so I’d order lots of prints for the whole family!
Cathleen says
Definitely would be ordering prints and a mug… 🙂
Diane says
I love shutterfly but I don’t have twitter or instyprint. So hope that doesn’t make my chances to win less, I would love to have them and matches my Eggplant Christmas color theme. Thank you for the opportunity.
LadyD says
Considering that many people do have accounts on all the social networking sites, yes, not having Twitter or Instagram accounts does take away from your entry chances… I don’t have accounts on those sites either, so you’re not alone.
After the bad luck I had trying to redeem a promotional code on Shutterfly, I’m not interested in winning this time… so I’m not messing with the Rafflecopeter widget.
Julie bolduc says
I love all the tips you gave. I really like the tip print stuff backwards
Regina Furman says
I would love to get a 16 x 20 photo made of my boys and my grandson that was taken at my oldest sons wedding. It’s the only picture I have of the three of them together!
Leigh Anne Borders says
I would like to get some photo calendars for my family members that are personalized.
Mary Sue says
I would use mine to make a book for my grandchild’s first year of life. We’d do enough copies for all the grandparents and hopefully great grandparents of which there are many.
Carolyn Daley says
I would order a calendar and a few specialized birthday cards.
Sandy Smith says
I would get photo books to use as gifts!
BewitchingKat says
I would make photo books for myself and my cousins using old black and white photos of our grandparents and great grandparents.
Christina Foley says
I would love to make a photobook…. I am planning hubby’s 40th birthday, I think it would be great to have a photobook of him through the years to have out for everyone to look at.
Elizabeth H. says
I would make photo books of my dogs I had in the past and share with my family.
Cindy ziliak says
A picture book! I’ve always wanted one!
Patricia says
Photo Transfer Medium! Very cool! However, if I won the gift card, I think I’d make my mom (she just turned 75) a water bottle with our pictures on it to motivate her to keep moving!
Sarah Oswald says
I would love to get the Pictogram Blanket for my sister she would love it.
Suzette Smith says
You have such great ideas to make a house a home! Thank you for sharing your talents!!
Michelle says
I would love to make calendars for our parents and our kids!
koalabc says
self inking stamp would be very helpful with card making.
Jessica Redford says
We love the calendars as family gifts.
Jean Marmo says
I would order a couple of books for my children of our Christmas fun! My daughter lives out of state and she and her brother had just one day together. We crammed in a lot of fun!
Carmen says
Shutterfly is wonderful and I’d buy some photo books. A wedding coming up and lots of old memories to put into a book.
Stacey Roberson says
We are in the process of buying a new home, and I would use the gift card to purchase some canvas prints for the sitting room.
Peggy says
I so jealous of the personalized calendars. Love them!
Bridgett Wilbur says
I would buy a blanket.
Jackie says
I love the little muslin bags. The are great! Terrific post.
Kimberly Camille Tiu says
would love to get this one
https://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards/handwritten-rainbow-type-holiday-card-5×7-trifold?productCode=1112707&categoryCode=93491&skuCode=1112708
Kazuko Smith says
I would but a mug for my mother.
gala says
I’d get a couple of photobooks
Kristinia says
I would order some more photo books, I like to have books for our vacations and holidays made up for the kids!
Candace says
I have a lot of pictures i would love to print from my camera for my family.
Shelly says
You are just “too crafty all day all year long!” Thanks for sharing another fabulous free DIY inspiration, looking forward to seeing what’s up next in 2016! Should I be one of the lucky winners of a Shutterfly Gift Card, I would like to create a calendar featuring our local Firefighters with all of the monies collected being made available to all of the families suffering from a fire disaster in immediate need of shelter, clothing or just a hot meal. Many families lose everything in a matter of minutes. So, this is the best way for me to describe my intentions should I be a winner. Thanks & Happy New Year!
rosemary says
wow
laurie murley says
I would probably buy a canvas, I have some pictures I would love put to canvas
Emilee Bond says
Oh my gosh I didn’t know they sale so much! I do love the buffalo plad… but really if I was lucky enough to win i’d have to spend awhile really figuring out which ones I wanted most! (I usually take a little while figuring things out lol)
Judith Bayer says
I would buy a photo book
Debbie B says
I would like to make a photo book