Monday, April 23, 2007

Gift Sets

Need a fun gift for a friend that is heading on vacation or trip to the beach?

Invited to a Housewarming Party or a morning coffee group, and you wish to bring something special, but tired of bringing the same store bought cinnamon raisin coffee cake?

Well, I just might have the right thing for you!

Not only will you be bringing something special to your next get together, but it will surely be the topic of conversation!

You can make some uber cute and easy gifts too, with just some Frappachino holders & spray paint…..or other cardboard 4 pack bottle holders, or even a 6 pack holder will work too!

I will show you two projects I made, along with some ideas for you to create and fill one too!



Coffee gift set

~project credits~
Tea & Coffee stamp set from Pink Cat Studio - Rubber Inspirations
Printed paper by Rhonna Farrer/Rubber Inspirations
~inside~
Splenda and sugar packets, 2 Millstone coffee packages, 1 Coffeemate powdered creamer, coffee stirrers, Splenda Mocha flavor Blends packets

With my first Frappachino holder I spray painted it a mocha brown semi-gloss color. You do want to do this in a well ventilated area, (I worked in my garage), and cover your area with many layers of newspaper or another type of cloth. Spray paint, as you well know, is very, very messy and has strong vapors.
Please follow all the instructions on the can carefully.

One even coat worked well, which darker colors usually will cover well with one coat of paint.
Allow to dry completely. I waited overnight.


Beach Gift Set
~project credits~
Life's A Beach-Beach #1 stamp set from Pink Cat Studio - Rubber Inspirations
Pocketful of Posies, DCWV
~inside~
sunblock, bottle of water, sand shovel, beach ball

To create the texture of sand on the holder for the Beach gift holder, I used Krylon’s “Make It Stone!” in the lightest shade. It is a textured spray paint that is a bit tricky, and it took me a bit getting used to, to get good coverage. My suggestion is to do at least 3 coats of paint, and allow it to dry before the next application before applying the next coat. Really, trust me on this one.
(Where is that *DOH!* Smiley when ya need him? LOL)

Now comes the fun part! Alter and embellish your holder!

Your theme may determine how you alter your holder. I of course chose a coffee stamp set for my coffee gift set, and a beach stamp set for my beach gift set.
But, you do not have to do it that way. You make it special and let your creativity shine!

Any variety of patterned papers, cardstock, rubberstamps, ribbon, embellishments, and stickers are just some of the things you can use for your project.
You can use your imagination as what you wish to do with your holder. If you are stumped for ideas, see the list of below that I have come up with……

*Pedicure/Manicure…files, emery boards, clippers, polish, toe seperators, polish remover, cotton balls, lotions, spa socks/gloves
*Movie night….popcorn, candy, tickets, gift certificates, soda pop
*Chocolate Lovers….need I say more?
*Tea Lovers.....A mix of some flavored teas
*Hot Chocolate Lovers…..Hot chocolate packets, marshmallows, plastic spoons
*Kitchen Gadgets…..small kitchen tools, fun for Bride to be or Housewarmings
*Golf Lovers…..tees, balls, gloves, anything small for your favorite golfer
*Fishing Lovers…..lures, bait, fishing line
*Gardening…seed packets, small tools, gloves, plant sticks
*Sushi Lovers...use your beautiful Asian stamps to embellish, and visit your local market for seaweed wrap, rice, soy sauce, chopstick, bamboo mat, and other Sushi items.
*New baby….bottle, pacifier, bibs, small toy, washcloths, small baby needs
*Kids.....for boys, fill it with Hot Wheels and small action figures. For girls, costume jewelry and small dolls. Possibly enclose a gift card inside as an added bonus.
*
Papercrafters….tools, stamps, small punches, Prima jars, hand punches, stickers, embellies
*Pen/Pencil caddy…..cut water bottles in half, (below the holder) glue them in place in the holder, and you have a cute caddy for pens and pencils! Wonderful for teachers gifts!

You can use tissue paper in yours for a pretty gift presentation.

Wrap clear or transparent colored cellophane around it and tie ribbon around the top for and extra special wrapping for your gift!



I hope my projects and suggestions have given you a few ideas to get you started on making a project that will boost your creative mojo!
Have fun and enjoy!

9 comments:

Patti said...

Wow! What great gift ideas! :)

Anne said...

These are so awesome, gorgeous, fun, and functional! Who wouldn't love a gift like that?

Vicki Hook said...

OUCH! After I picked myself up off the floor - I finished reading. I LOOOOOVE these ideas girlfriend! This blog is THE place to be for inspiration!!!!

Cathrine StClair said...

These are such wonderful projects!! Just love them...

Sharon said...

These totally rock! Love them!

Anonymous said...

What great ideas! I love the idea of using the drink holders for "baskets." Any tips on where I can get a handful of them (without having to buy dozens of drinks!)?

Anonymous said...

Such great ideas. I love it!

Kat said...

Jennifer - you gave all of us, a great idea that we can really expand on. Love them, what a fun project.

Melissa said...

These are fabulous!! What a great idea :)


___