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Gift Wrapping Ideas
When I initially told my husband, Adam, I was going to be doing a post on gift wrapping, he literally laughed out loud. The funny thing was, Adam was not alone in his laughter. My dad also found this to be particularly entertaining news. I am the type of person that gives every gift in a gift bag. No wrapping here. I can barely wrap a present to save my life.
Because this post is about gift wrapping ideas, I informed Adam he would be helping with the wrapping portion and I would do all the embellishing. At that point, he was no longer laughing. Here’s what I came with:
1. Incorporating natural elements provides these gifts with rustic charm. I used some items from my own yard.
2. A multidimensional “Lorax” look was achieved with yarn, burlap and sticks. I found how to make these pom poms on Pinterest.
3. Black, white and read all over. I decoupaged a box with book pages and tied it with twine.
4. This package is right up my alley. If you are also not an origami specialist (I am not) just spray paint a box with chalk board paint. No wrapping evolved. Then grab some chalk and go to town.
5. Placing a single layer book page wreath on top of white wrapping paper has such a simple elegant look any reader would love. Tutorial here.
6. I topped this present with a beautiful tissue paper flower (pom pom). This super easy puff makes a great alternative to the traditional stick down bow.
I did wrap a few of these gifts and they didn’t turn out too bad. I think I should just stick to the embellishing portion.
Do you love the gift tags I used? These are Erin originals. Go here to print out your own.
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Clipboard Art Display
Two kids in preschool = lots of artwork. Did we have to get a second refrigerator to display all of those papers? Well, no, but I am glad you asked. We let the kids decide on their favorites and we hang them up on clipboards. Our wall can showcase six projects at once. For all of you that don’t like doing math in your head, that means three projects for each child. Don’t worry, I let my husband do all of my math for me.
This display has been up in our house for a while, pre-blog even. I get so many compliments on it, I decided to share it.
First, I took six regular clipboards, primed and painted them black. If I were to do this again, I think I would probably use chalkboard paint. Because, who doesn’t love chalkboard paint?
Then, I used a black sharpie to get the very top edge that I couldn’t reach with a paint brush.
Finally, I hung them up on the wall. I know you’re smart, so I won’t insult you any further by explaining how to use a hammer and nails.
These clipboards make it so easy to rotate the works of art. This way, the current favorites are always on display. The rest of the pictures get filed away, to be pulled out at future graduation parties and on days when I want to be in denial about my boys growing up too quickly.
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Knit Vases
Warm up your holiday decor with these cute knit vases!
I have a few unfinished knitting projects our grandmother was working on before she went into the nursing home. Grandma did teach me to knit. As you know, practice makes perfect and well, I didn’t practice. So instead of trying to finish her work, I decided to combine these pieces with a few of her old canning jars to make some cozy holiday vases.
First, using a rotary cutter, I cut out sections to fit around the jars.
Then, the knit fabric was wrapped around the jars and secured with safety pins. I knew the backs of mine would not be seen, so I sort of haphazardly placed my pins. If yours will be seen, you may want to hide thems a little more or use a hot glue gun instead.
Finally, I filled my vases and was done. It only took about five minutes from start to finish!
I love that I was able to find a use for these special hand knit pieces that would otherwise have just sat in a box in my basement. If you do not have your grandmother’s unfinished knitting projects and want to make these vases, there is no need to worry. You can achieve this same snugly decor look with an old sweater.
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Dollar Store Scarf Wreath
I had just checked out at the dollar store, and as I was walking toward the door, I noticed some interesting scarves that kinda look like a rope of garlic. I was having a hard time picturing someone wearing one as a scarf but I had so many other ideas for these chains of fabric . My favorite idea was to make a holiday wreath.
To make the wreath, I used two dollar store rope like scarves (only one is pictured), one embroidery hoop, and my hot glue gun (not pictured).
First, I separated the embroidery hoop.
Next, I wrapped one scarf tightly around the center portion of the hoop. Only the ends of the scarf were attached to the ring with a hot glue gun.
Then, I covered the rest of the ring with the scarf. There was a little leftover that I trimmed off with scissors.
Finally, I hung the wreath with a strip of red wool.
It’s always fun to decorate for the holiday season and this wreath has a simple look that would go with just about anything.