Don't panic! Debbie Stapley shares these ideas for creating elegant last-minute gifts with a special homemade touch. Candles with Sealing-Wax Medallions Materials: Column candles
Sealing wax
Seal (perhaps the initial of the recipient)
Hammer (optional)
Aluminum foil
Waxed paper
Metal spoon
Votive candle
Ribbon
Industrial-strength craft glue (e.g., E2000) - Preparation: Spread waxed paper over aluminum foil over a flat work surface. Set the seal on an ice cube; the cold seal will set the wax quickly. Be sure to dry the seal before using it for a clear image.
- Break off a chunk of sealing wax and put it in the spoon. (It takes more wax to make a medallion than to seal a letter.)
- Light the candle and hold the spoon over the flame. The wax will become liquid.
- Pour a small puddle of wax on the waxed paper and quickly press the seal in the center. Make as many medallions as you need, including some extras. The extras and the less-than-perfect ones can be remelted and remade.
- Wrap the ribbon around the candle once and secure with one or two small straight pins. Trim the ends.
- Carefully peel a medallion from the waxed paper.
- Glue the medallion over the pinned joint of the ribbon.
- Include the seal and a fresh stick of sealing wax with your gift.
Seals and sealing wax are available at fine stationery and craft stores. All other supplies are available at craft stores. Potted Paperwhite Narcissus Kit Materials: 6" to 8" flowerpot
Potting soil
Pebbles or clay chips
Bulbs for forcing
Printed instructions (below)
Cellophane
Ribbon
Small trowel - Measure sufficient pebbles or clay chips into a plastic bag and secure with a twist-tie. Do the same with the potting soil.
- Place three to five bulbs in another plastic bag.
- Place all these materials in the pot, along with instructions; wrap with clear cellophane and tie with raffia.
- Tie the trowel to the package next to the raffia bow.
- If you plan ahead 5 or 6 weeks, your gift can be already flowering.
Print off the following instructions and include them with the gift so the recipient will know how to proceed. Instructions: - Place a layer of pebbles or clay chips on the bottom of the container to provide drainage. Fill the container almost to the top with potting soil, then plant the bulbs on top of this, close together.
- Add the rest of the soil to partially cover the bulbs. Thoroughly soak the entire pot with water. Place the container in a cool place and keep the soil moist.
- When sprouts reach 1", place in a sunny location, keep soil moist, and wait for blooms.
Products can be found at garden-supply centers. Family-Recipe Book Materials: Three-ring binder
Clear sheet protectors
Family recipes
- Gather together family recipes (old recipes on scraps of paper or notecards, written by that legendary cook in the family) can be copied.
- Retype recipes as needed (a computer is a good place to store and reformat recipes).
- Make copies for your family members.
- Place copies in the notebook with a special message or a photo of the cook.
- This is a gift with heart, which can be adjusted to reflect your family's food memories. The recipes could be on index cards or in an accordion folder. It's helpful to place them in categories, such as soups, main courses, vegetables, breads, desserts, etc. ("Desserts" usually has the most recipes!)
Products are available at office-supply centers. Festive Fact: Ivy is one evergreen plant that should never be used in your holiday decorations. It is considered bad luck when brought indoors.
RESOURCES :
Seasonal Gifts and Festive Celebration: Recipes and Ideas for Hand-Made Holiday Gifts
Model: 0754803554
Author: Sarah Ainley
Lorenz Books / Anness Publishing Inc.
Website: www.lorenzbooks.com
Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons
Model: 055337995X
Author: Tracey McBride
October, 2000)
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Jewish Holiday Style: A Beautiful Guide to Celebrating the Jewish Rituals in Style
Model: 0684849593
Author: Rita Milos, et al
Last-Minute Christmas Gifts: Crafting Quick and Classy Presents for Everyone on Your List
Model: 0806931957
Author: Carol Taylor
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
A Homespun Christmas: . . .Recipes, Memories, Homemade Decorations, Heart-Felt Gifts. . .
Model: 1888052007
Author: Gooseberry Patch
A Kwanzaa Celebration: Festive Recipes and Homemade Gifts from an African-American Kitchen
Model: 0525940707
Author: Angela Shelf Medearis
The Perfect Christmas: More than 40 Recipes and Gifts for a Handmade, Homemade Holiday
Model: 1859675158
Author: Anne Magruder (Editor)
| 
)
)
)
