Newspaper Column: Green Gift Wrap Ideas

Green Gift Wrapping

By Cathie Filian

Recycling, re-crafting and making your own gift-wrap has been around for ages. When I was little, my mom and I would wrap gifts in the “funny pages” of the newspaper, we would carve potatoes and use them as stamps to create whimsical patterns on kraft paper and cardboard jewelry boxes were decoupaged with magazine cut-outs to create new fancy boxes. We were being “green” and we didn’t even know it.

Creating recycled gift-wrap is really taking trash and creating a treasure. It is not only great for the planet it is good for your wallet. With the prices of designer gift-wrap, you could easily spend ten dollars just to wrap a small gift. For just a few pennies you can get creative and craft your own gift bags, boxes and paper flower bows.

For quick and easy gift-wrapping, you can transform plain gift bags and lunch sacks into stunning “designer” look bags with the simple addition of paper flowers.

Who says a gift box can’t be a tube? Drink mix containers can be stripped of their labels and decorated with scrapbook paper and ribbons. They are the perfect size box for a bottle of lotion.

If you have some small jewelry boxes on hand and they have a department store logo, cover it with a scrap of decorative paper, ribbons, silk leaves and a paper flower.

You can use just about any kind of paper to create the paper flower bows. Grocery bags can be cut, crinkled and layered to create a natural looking bow. You can add a layer or two of colored plastic wrap for a shinny look. By adding a petal from a mismatched silk flower you can create an organic look. To add a pop of color, use magazine tear-outs and bits of scrapbook paper. The flower bows are super easy to make and they add so much flair and style to a package.

Now that you have the basics for creating your own paper flower bows, all you need is a gift to wrap.

To Create A Small Bow

1. Cut 8 circle shapes from paper or plastic. Begin with a 3” circle and work your way down to a 1” circle.

2. Add an organic look to the edge of the circles by cutting waves, scallops or zigzags. Gently crinkle each circle in your hand.

3. Layer the circles from largest to smallest and secure in the center with an office or scrapbook brad. Attach to your package with hot glue or tape.

I Heart Crest Toothpaste.

Here is a funny pic from my wedding - Nothing like fresh breath!

Featured Buyer at Etsy!

visit my Etsy shop

One of my favorite places to do a little crafty reading is at the Etsy Storque. So I was thrilled when Etsy wanted feature me as a buyer. I not only shop at Etsy but I also sell at Etsy.

In my opinion, Etsy has done more for artists and crafters than anything I have seen in a long time - perhaps forever. I am so proud to be a member of such a thriving community. For anyone who is not familiar, you can visit the home page here.

I must say a HUGE thanks to Etsy for helping with the push for my casting call! BIG KISSES.

Linda Blair & Steve Go Dog Crazy!

Peek a boo we see you!

Many moons ago, I wrote about our friend, the fabulously talented and awesome animal activist - Linda Blair. She does amazing things to care for animals with her WorldHeart Foundation. Well I am pleased to say that the foundation/ranch has been going through some "dog house" improvements! Steve was on hand to help out. If you want to learn more about Linda and her efforts please visit her website: www.lindablairworldheart.com.

Steve will take two!Everyone is all smiles!

Project: Gift Card Pouches

Gift Card Pouches
Made from re-crafted Greeting Cards

Step 1 - Fold the card in half.

Step 2 - Punch a hole through both the
front and back of the greeting card.

Step 3 - Seal the side and bottom edges with
hot glue, glue stick or double stick tape.

Step 4 - Fold the card closed to seal.

Step 5 - Fill the pouch with a the gift card and tie with a bow.

Project: Singed Silk Flower Pins

Singed Silk Flowers
Made with “Re-Crafted” Silk Blouses

Materials Needed:
100% silk blouse/tie/skirt/fabric
Pearl Button
Pin Back
Hand Sewing Supplies
Lighter
Bowl of Water

Steps:

1. Cut 9 rough circles from the silk fabric.
Begin with a 2.5” circle and work your way down to a 1.25” circle.

2. Using a lighter, singe the edges of each circle.
Practice on a scrap first until you get the hang of it.
Keep a bowl of water close by in case of an emergency.

3. Layer the circles from largest to smallest.
Sew a button in the center and a pin back to the center back.
Add a scrap of singed fabric round the button for interest.

Press: Sew Fresh

Click To Enlarge

Press: Craft Expert Transforms Old Into New

Press From The Women Today Expo in Knoxville, TN.

Click to ENLARGE!

Press: Yard Sale Finds & Mango Margaritas

Check out the Detroit News For my latest crafty column.

I explore Yard Sales, Mango Margaritas and
steps for an Easy Floral "Mocktail" Arrangement.

This time of year, yard sales begin to slowly pop up in my neighborhood and when I see the streets sprinkled with "turn here" signs, my car just veers in the proper direction and my creative juices really get going.

For me, yard sales offer more than just the thrill of the hunt and big bargains. They are loaded with inspiration and creative supplies.

I collect vintage craft and cookbooks so my first stop at any yard sale is the book section. The odd recipe books that can be found always surprise me. Last year, I found a book that was filled with 52 recipes for making dinners with soda pop as the glaze.

Fabric is another passion of mine. If I don't see a fabric pile, I always ask the yard sale host if they have any fabrics. Many times they do and just haven't put them out yet. I have found some great vintage prints over the years. My best score was $10 for some vintage Pucci fabric that was in perfect condition.

Exploring the table of mismatched glass and china items can be inspiring. Chipped plates can be used for mosaics, chunky jars are great for storing small craft supplies, funky-shaped glasses are perfect for making soy container candles, and stemmed glasses can be used as an unexpected vase or for fiesta barware.

Last week, I scored some hand-blown margarita glasses for a buck! They are perfect for my delicious mango margaritas, and no fiesta would be complete without 'ritas. This recipe is simple and always a party favorite.

If a "Mocktail" is more your speed, margarita glasses can be the base for a simple and stunning floral arrangement. All you need is a little floral foam and some cut flowers.

I like to use a handful of small flowers and a large flower for the center. This arrangement always looks great on a table as a centerpiece and is perfect for gift giving.

Begin by adding a small cube of floral foam to the center of the glass. Add moss around the edge for a decorative look. Fill the glass with water soaking the foam. Cut the stems of flowers to the appropriate length and place into the foam. Add details like party umbrellas and ribbons.

Next time you see the "turn here" sign, pull over and see what inspires you.

Emmy nominated Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza created and co-host "Creative Juice" on the DIY Network and HGTV.

Mango Margaritas

1 1/4 ounce silver tequila
1 ounce triple sec
1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ounces simple syrup
3/4 cup partially frozen mango, unsweetened

 Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a glass.
This recipe makes one drink,
so multiply the amounts to make multiple drinks.

Home From Knoxville!

At The Expo

I had such a wonderful time in Knoxville - my trip was short, sweet and full of fun.

I arrived in TN at 10:00pm on Friday and was whisked to my hotel room by a lovely lad who is in an indie band called The Book Of Law - you can check out their myspace here: The Book Of Law.

I stayed at the Sheraton Cumberland House which is adjacent to the convention center and the UT campus. It is a beautiful hotel with a lovely staff. Anyone visiting Knoxville should stay here.... the beds are divine and the breakfast was delicious and reasonably priced.

I got to bed as early as possible - because I had to be up at 6:30am which was like 3:30am for me. I brought along some clear eyes to deal with the time change.

The convention was awesome. Loads of vendors, make-up, handmade items, good people and crafters. I also got to meet two very special fans of Creative Juice. They were both around 5 years old and so adorable. Future crafters!! I'll be posting all the projects in a 2nd blog post.

Demo Time

After my demo I explored the convention and spent some time hanging with the knoxmoms in their pretend garden area.

The Knox Moms were so sweet and helpful. Their website is loaded with info and meet-ups for Moms in the Knoxville area. You can check out their website here: www.knoxmoms.com. Their booth was awesome! It was filled with activities for kids, the zoo had a small section and they had face paintings complete with knoxmoms temporary tattoos.

The Knox Moms

As I was exploring the convention, I discovered lots of great crafty vendors, kids services and inventors in the Knoxville area. Check out the cool companies below.

Barnes and Noble with the Creative Juice Book Display!