I'm back from my vacation and wow, Christmas popped up while I was away. The homes in my neighborhood are now all decked out with colorful lights...it's so pretty. It's got me a little freaked out though because now I've gotta get crackin'! Especially because many of my loved ones live far away. So, I've got to make and get their gifts in the mail asap.
I have a very tiny budget for gifts this year so my goal is to make as much as possible. Adding a handmade touch always shows extra love...don't you think?
So, first up is my dear aunt DeeDee. I covered the top of a shoe box with a Christmas Backgrounds sheet and some scrap paper... and attached a shipping tag with some cool black and white stripe tape. Quick, easy and pretty too. : ) Now, let's take a peek at the gifts I'm putting inside...
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My motto is to make it look pretty! Even if it's just something from the dollar store...elevate it to new heights with a pretty wrapping job. : ) Since all of these gifts were going to my aunt, I pulled out some coordinating papers and ribbons from my stash. And then I only let myself wrap gifts with the items on my table. This helped to give them all a cohesive, colorful look.
Do you see the cute pom pom fringe...it's from Martha Stewart and you find it in the knitting aisle at Michaels. You can get big balls of it for cheap. And I just love how it looks!
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A package topper always brightens up a gift. I made this pretty wood ornament in no time at all. Simply cover XL Wood House Tag with favorite white glue (I used Inkssentials Glue n' Seal). Adhere deer image. Then cover with a varnish...I used Glue n' Seal again. Paint XL Wood House frame red and then attach 2 wood pieces together with eyelet. String on ribbon and it's ready! : )
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Okay, I must admit that I have a jar obsession. I hold onto food jars to store beads and baubles in my studio. And I also love using them for creative giftwrap. This was a small spice jar that I covered with decorative tapes. And added a "handmade" wood tag. What's inside? A small collection of decorative pushpins. (quick and easy to make).
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Stencils anyone? I traced a Large Eco Embellishment Cat stencil onto these simple boxes using a black Sharpie marker. Then I colored them in with a black watercolor crayon and blended them with my finger. Then I stenciled on letters too. So quick and easy and cute. : ) Turn a crappy box into happy art in seconds. : )
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Bruno's all wrapped up too! : )
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Just another quick idea: I wrapped this gift with tissue paper. Then cut out this image from our Handmade with Love sheet and taped it down with decorative tape. Pretty and super fast. : )
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Another quick idea...using the same Handmade with Love sheet...I cut out the image and stapled it to a plain shipping tag. It sure brightens up this gift.
I've put most of the products that I mentioned On Sale for you...hope it helps to make your holidays bright. : )
See you next week with more fun holiday creativity, a new free digi download and fun surprise!
What would you like to see on the next free digi download sheet? Would love your input. : )
Great stuff !!
Posted by: Sid | December 06, 2011 at 12:57 PM
for the next digi download, would love to see Artchix Valentine type images. :)
Posted by: Kelly | December 06, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Love all of your wrappings, including Mr. Bruno!
For the next digi download... mmmm... yes, I agree that something ArtChix and Valentine would be wonderful.
Posted by: Mary Wilkins | December 06, 2011 at 01:53 PM
I would love to see something for New Years. It's pretty neglected it seems and I'm always looking for a new idea for a card.
Posted by: Lisa Robinson | December 06, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Hope your recipients don't read your blog. Thanks for the heads up on the pom poms. Love your ideas. Lisa
Posted by: Lisa hager | December 06, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Thanks for the gift wrapping inspirations - yours look fabulous! The pom-pom yarn looks so pretty wrapped around the gifts! I like the idea listed above for some Valentine art for the next digi download...
Posted by: wendy | December 07, 2011 at 06:41 AM
Welcome back! Hope your vaycay was FAB and restful!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas as many of us seem to be budget conscious-of course your products make things so much easier- thank you! I'd love to see something to work with Valentines Day-and yes-with some bright red in the mix :):)!
Posted by: Linda K | December 11, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Hi Helga. Just dropping by to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Posted by: Rett | December 17, 2011 at 03:54 PM