Housewarming Gift Basket

Whenever anyone moves, there's always a question as to the best gift to give. Recently I made a gift basket for a good friend moving into her first apartment. It came out really cute, it's a great mix of stuff, and it's really practical too.

I wanted to incorporate both pieces she could use for entertaining and useful kitchen accessories that I've come to love, and thought she would too.

Here's what the basket contained:

Most treasures found at World Market (LOVE that place!). Also hand soap from Bath & Body Works, plastic wrap and foil from Harris Teeter. 

And bows.. duh.

Consider this..

If you want to spend less money, start with a smaller basket- then there's less space to fill. Or try replacing expensive items with less expensive items like candy, snacks, or travel size lotions and soaps, etc. After all, it's the thought that counts!

What kind of gift basket would you like to receive? Or what treasures would you want to find in a gift basket made for you?

Paper Bow Wine Topper

Perfect for either a casual occasion or for a more festive event, paper bows are easy to make and look pretty awesome!

 (if I do say so myself!)

A total coincidence that the colors of the label matched the autumn paper I'd previously picked out, but it's not a bad idea, if you're flexible about paper..or wine.

Here's what you'll need:

2 colors/patterns 12x12'' scrapbook paper - scissors- glue - 1 pipe cleaner - ribbon (with wire)

Here's How..

1. Cut each piece of scrap booking paper into strips.(about 7).

2. Roll the paper, one at a time, around your finger to create a slight curl. Tuck end and glue.

3. Continue paper around and glue again, and again until you glue the end down.

4. Once dry, pinch the end of each paper circle to create a pedal shape.

5. Complete rolling, gluing, and pinching several paper circles.

6 &7. String them each onto a pipe cleaner, alternating colors/patterns.

8. Push them close together and twist the pipe cleaner closed. Some overlapping of the paper is good.

9. Cut a piece of ribbon and tie it around the bottle's neck. Lace one side of the ribbon end through the pipe cleaner keyhole and tie the ribbon ends together again to secure. Pull ribbon end through the center, only part way and shape as center of "flower". Twist and turn the pipe cleaner and shape it as you like it. Add extra strands of ribbon and curl them using a pencil, etc.

  Cute, huh?

Where There's a Will, There's a Way.. and a Bow

I wanted to share a couple wrap jobs I've done lately,

maybe they'll provide you some inspiration!

A thank you gift- Lime green wrapping paper with a double ribbon- sheer navy with

 jewel tone paisley

Baby Shower Gift- bottle cleaner, bottles, pacifiers,

travel goodies, washcloths- all in a baby bin

Bridal Shower Gift- inspired by the apron I found! Cutting board, champagne and champagne glasses, kitchen towels, candles, and card all in great basket she can re-use! When putting the basket together, I didn't care for how the cutting board and box of glasses looked-- so I wrapped them in coordinating giftwrap.

My first diaper cake and since then it's my favorite baby gift to give!

 Green and Blue polka dot diapers (Target),

 2 Bottles to build the diapers around,

lots of ribbon, and pacifers, and washcloths to add little treasures.

A great resource for this:  How to Create a Diaper Cake.