Beautifully Curated Gift Boxes
More than anything, I love to make gift boxes. Of course, I love to paint and bake and decorate, but making these custom boxes is at the top of my list. They’re beautiful, useful, and easy to make. You can go crazy with these, really. I pick up goodies all year round and stash them in a wardrobe in my bedroom. I have dish towels, candles, hair clips, vases…you name it. And you know the paper they wrap your candles in to protect them? I save all of that. You’ll see why in the tutorial below.
I always start any project with a theme. Cooking, baking, home, games, self-care, etc. Who is it for? What do they like? Sometimes I don’t know the theme until I see what I have. I take everything out of my wardrobe and pull like items or colors. Once you have everything laid out it’ll start to make sense. See how the Pampas Grass Box above has a neutral color scheme? The wooden beads, pearly marbleized hairclip, box with the caining inlay, and the pampas grass all work together to make a really beautiful gift box. Watch the video below to see exactly how I put it all together. I fluff and add butcher paper along the way to add height to some of the pieces.
Pampas Grass Box
The pampas box goodies
I use butcher or craft paper to crumple and stuff the boxes, but you can also use printer paper, paper towels, newspaper, etc.
Here are all the items and where to find them. Most of the pieces came from Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Target. Shocker!
The next box is one that I made with my boys in mind. Let’s call it the Biglin Boy Box.
Here’s where to find the Biglin Box goodies.
DISH TOWEL…HOMEGOODS
YETI…YETI.COM
GOODFELLOW BODY WASH…TARGET
THE CUTEST CERAMIC GNOME…PRETZELPRETZLE SHOP ON ETSY
HAND TOWELS…HOMEGOODS
PARKS PROJECT SOCKS…PARKSPROJECT.US
HARRY’S SHAVE CREAM…TARGET
HARRY’S POST SHAVE BALM…TARGET
LIZARD TAIL KEYCHAIN…LTBELTS.COM
WOOD AND AMBER CANDLE…HOMEGOODS
BAG BALM…HOMEGOODS
The frosted pine tree filler came from Target.
If you make a custom gift box, send me a pic. I’d love to see what you come up with!
Sweet and Simple Holiday Craft Tutorial
I don’t want this to be a place where you have to read my entire life story before you get down to the recipe or tutorial. I can’t stand that. And who has the time? You’ll get to know bits about me along the way, I’m sure.
So, I’m jumping right in with my first post. I made these last December (and the year before) and mailed them out to my ig followers. It was a fun way to give back. A little, thank you for following along, gift. This year these little Florida oranges are doing double duty…first as place settings for Thanksgiving and then as Christmas ornaments.
Here’s how to make them.
Supplies:
Craft Wooden Disks Twine is included with this kit.
Craft Paint orange, green, and white
Acrylic Paint Pen These are my favorite paint pens.
Paint Brushes Nothing fancy…any small brush will do.
Paint one side of the wooden disk orange leaving the bark unpainted. Let dry.
Mix a little white and orange paint to create a lighter shade of orange. Swipe a couple highlights on the disk.
Paint a small, green leaf near the pre-drilled hole.
Once the paint is dry, use your acrylic paint pen to outline the leaf and add a few dots.
Flip over and repeat steps 1-4.
If you’re making an ornament, string the twine through the hole in the disk and tie a knot.
For a place setting, write your guest’s name on the orange with the acrylic paint pen, roll a napkin, and tie the twine securely around the napkin with a bow (for easy removal).
The Sweetest Gift
These little candy filled jars make the sweetest gifts for teachers, coworkers, neighbors…anyone!
I love these jam jars by Le Parfait. Unfortunately, I don’t think they make the lid shown above anymore. These are cute too: Weck Canning Jars, Weck Mold Jars, and the classic Ball Jar.
Wash and dry the jars and lids
Fill with candy…homemade or store-bought, whichever you choose. I filled these with my favorite toffee.
Snip pine tree clippings (I get scraps from the Christmas tree tent at Home Depot)
Attach the clipping with twine, pop a clementine on top for extra sweetness and you’re done!
I’d love to see what you make! Tag me!