Crafty Gift Bags

 

I'm always looking for creative ways to wrap gifts.  Sometimes the wrapping is just as special as the gift inside!  I wanted to do something special for my sister's bridesmaids because they did so much to help me with her shower and bachelorette party.  Thanks to The Gifted Blog, I had the wrapping all figured out...a paper-crafted, hand-stitched gift bag!  The gift took a little more time...

When my friend Kristin got married, she bought all of us a Dogeared necklace.  I love these!  They are handcrafted in California.  The best part is that each one has its own special message.  These are perfect sentimental gifts for special occasions.   I chose the Pearl of Happiness for Jessie's bridesmaids.  

 The card read...

Make a wish and put on your necklace. pearls represent the best in us, reminding us that true beauty shines from within. delight in small and beautiful things... when your necklace wears off, your wish is ready to come true.

I love the packaging, too!  These make such great gifts.  Anyway, back to the wrapping.  I didn't have Trader Joe bags so I went with brown paper bags.  It didn't have the charm, but I love the simplicity of it.  There's nothing better than plain brown paper for crafting!  I got some great paper and a scalloped punch and start making embellishments.  I also used my stylus to poke holes along the top for the stitching.  Once the bags were decorated and poked, I filled them with some white paper filler and tucked the gifts inside.

Next I made labels for each bag.  Nothing too fancy...just matching paper and some brads for an extra somethin' somethin'.  I just wrote them out by hand to make them more personal.

The final step was to stitch them up.  I used a fairly large sewing needle, doubled up on a rust-colored embroidery thread, and just in-ed and out-ed it until I had a simple stitch. 

 

That's it!  So simple!  In the end, the girls really liked their gifts.  They had some trouble opening the hand-stitched gift-bags, but it's all about appearances, isn't it???

Thank you Guy Fieri!

I don't know why, but I don't usually find myself watching any of Guy Fieri's shows...Food Network or Minute to Win It.  I really don't know why.  I always love his recipes and if I do land on Minute to Win It, I am sucked in for sure!  Maybe he's just too cool.  Maybe it's his crazy hair and arm band.  Anyhoo, a while back he was cooking with his son...so cute!  He was talking about how he hates to make mozzarella sticks because they break open as they cook.  I hate to make them because it feels kind of good to say I don't make a habit out of frying cheese.  Well, so much for that.  He asked me if I had a need for fried cheese.  I wanted to say no but my heart said yes.  Then, he pulled out this winner from his back pocket and I had to try it. 

Heat canola oil to about 375 degrees.  Since I don't have a cooking thermometer, I just kept dropping stuff in it until it bubbled...oober scientific

While the oil was heating, I assembled a couple mozzy-sticks.  I laid out an egg roll wrap and placed three slices of pepperoni and half of an old-school Polly-O String Cheese in the middle.  Was the pepperoni necessary?  No.  Did I add it anyway?  Yes.  Did I mention this is in no way a healthy snack? 

DISCLAIMER:  This is an extreeemely unhealthy snack

Then, just as the package instructed, I folded over one half of the wrap, then folded in both edges, and rolled until I had a mozzy-egg roll.  I sealed it with some egg-wash.

Then, I dredged the mozzy-egg-roll in the egg-wash and I rolled it in some Italian breadcrumbs. 

When the oil was ready, I dropped them in and oh-my-good-ness!  

 Within seconds, I had the most beautiful mozzy-sticks I've ever seen!  This is a must-try!   Don't forget the spicy dipping sauce!

Must Have This Sweater!

Okay, so I'm still new to blogging so I'm not totally clear on etiquette and what I can and can't do. So, at the risk of committing a major blogging no-no, I must share this sewing project I came across a few days ago. This is okay, right???

Have you ever come across a web page that you just can't bring yourself to close? Happens to me all the time. I can bookmark and Diigo, but sometimes I'm afraid that I'll forget to go back and find it. I have had one page open on my computer for a few days now. Jen at Tatertots and Jello (one of my favorite blogs) shared an awesome sweater re-do. I just can't bring myself to close her post because I'm afraid I'll forget to go back and try it when I have some time.

Isn't it beautiful?!? She explains how she did it in her March 2nd post. This is something I absolutely need to try. ...or if anyone is looking to make me the perfect gift, I might have something in mind!

Do yourself a favor and check out the rest of her blog. She has so many amazing ideas to share. When you see her dining-room-turned-office, you'll not only be drooling, but you'll understand how it is possible for her to create so many incredible projects. If I had that kind of workspace, I'd never stop crafting!

Bridal Shower Guest Book

You know me and my opinionated nature.  Well, I really don't get guest books.  I have pictures and a great memory.  I don't know if I need a list of the names of my guests as a keepsake.  I do, however, like the idea of handwritten messages from friends and loved ones...words of wisdom, recipes for a good marriage, something to make you laugh or cry.  For Jessie's bridal shower, I decided to make her a guest book that allowed each guest to write a little note and seal it in an envelope.  I think she will have so much fun opening each one and reading everyone's special messages.

If you don't know already, I have a secret love for paper crafts.  I decided to essentially scrap book Jessie's guest book.  First, I got my tools and start cutting the paper to size.

 

Once all of the pages were done, I punched some holes so that they could be fastened into the mini-scrapbook.    If you unfold the inner-binding, you will find screws that allow you to add pages.

And here's how it turned out... 

I wish I would have gotten more pictures of all of the different pages.  Luckily, it belongs to my sister and I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I snapped a few more pictures.

Paper Garland

My darling mother-in-law gave me my very first sewing machine for Christmas.  Since  I haven't sewn since 8th grade Home Ec, I'm definitely procrastinating with the whole pillow-making thing.  So, I asked myself, what else can I do with the machine?  I remember this great post I came across not too long ago on The Gifted Blog.  I'm a fool for paper crafts...maybe because punches and paper cutters leave little room for error.  Put my love of paper with my excitement for my new sewing machine and you get...

I had motives, here.  While paper garland is charming in its own right, I had Jessie's bridal shower gifts to wrap.  This gave me a perfect excuse to use my sewing machine on paper.  Plus, I had left over paper from her guest book.  So I got all of my tools...AKA, punches.

Then I organized all of my paper, threaded my bobbin' and got to it. I know this isn't the best workspace, but it will do for now.  

I couldn't believe how easy this was...even for a beginner like me!  I just kept the machine going and each time the paper would get through the presser foot, I would throw another one under the needle.  Be warned...these tangle super easily!  I had to keep pausing to stretch everything out.  All of my best efforts, and I still ended up with some knots that just couldn't be fixed.  

Once the garland was done, I used it to accent Jessie's gifts.  I wrapped them in simple craft paper.  This is my favorite way to wrap gifts because it is a blank slate for decorating!  Then, I wrapped the garland around the gifts, taping some paper circles down here and there to hold it in place.  

I think it came out great.  Notes for next time...do a better job at preventing knots and wrap the garland more tightly around the gifts!  The best part of this is that it really brings together the colors of Jessie's bridal shower invites and guest book.  I love me a good theme!

Ten on Tuesday 3.1.11

The train of thought that brought me to this week's Ten on Tuesday...

Dinner smells so good...I love the smell of garlic cooking in a hot pan...I love to cook...do I love to cook or do I love to eat?...I love to cook...and I really love to eat...I can't wait to have dinner with Ian in Little Italy this weekend...the best gnocchis I ever had were in Little Italy...I've eaten at some pretty great places...hey, I should list our 10 favorite dining experiences for this week's Ten on Tuesday!  So here they are, in no particular order.

1. The Bethlehem Speakeasy Bookstore in Bethlehem, PA

This is one of those local hidden gems that you want to share with everyone, but you don't want everyone to know the secret. When you walk in the door you step back in time. The cocktails are unique and the food is phenomenal. I am most thankful to the Bookstore for introducing me to one of my new favorite bands, Jessy Carolina & the Hot Mess. Don't you love the name?  Do yourself a favor and watch this video.  When you're done, watch some of her personal videos on the streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  Jessy's voice sounds like it's straight off of an old record.


Live Music Video in Soho, New York from omar o'sullivan on Vimeo.



2. Moe's in Paterson, NJ
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Moe's has a number of locations but Ian and I went to the one in Paterson while we were on an archaeology project out that way. I don't know what I love most about Moe's...the great artwork, the fabulous music (they only play music of dead musicians, so plenty of Jimmy Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin...), or the 5 pound burrito! The Art Vandalay, mmm...



3. Da Nicos in Little Italy, NYC
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This is one of the first restaurants you see as you enter Little Italy. I am a big believer in not settling for the first place you see, but I am so glad we did! I asked the waitress to bring the best thing on the menu and she came out with the most delicious gnocchis I have ever had.  Literally melted in my mouth.  I can't wait for this weekend! 

4. Max Brenner in Philadelphia, PA

The morning after my cousin Cara's beautiful roof-top wedding in Philadelphia, Ian and I walked around looking for a place to have breakfast. We passed a dozen small bagel places and cafes but nothing wow-ed us...that is, until we got a whiff of rich chocolate! Max Brenner was an experience, to say the least. When Ian's oatmeal came out on a little lab table with a small beaker of caramel, I knew we found someplace special!  We didn't do this ourselves, but if you go, I hear the mix-it-yourself-with-real-chocolate hot chocolate is incredible. 

5. Pete & Elda's in Neptune, NJ

I don't care what you say...the best thin crust pizza in the world can only be found at Pete & Elda's. If you are ever at the Jersey Shore, stop in for a XXL and a pitcher of beer. For those of you non-locals, I should tell you that if you eat a XXL yourself in one sitting, you win a free t-shirt!  When you go, save yourself some time and don't bother with the menu.  Just think of your favorite toppings and order the pizze.  A big thank you to my dad for grabbing me a pie to go while I was hosting Jessie's shower this past weekend.

6. Dink's in Palm Springs, CA

Ian and I had dinner had this great lounge on our honeymoon. Two things I loved most... the small plates menu and that "dink" stands for double income no kids. HA! Perfect for two newlyweds.  I had a crab tower...unbelievable. 

7. Ruby's Diner in Palm Springs, CA

Ian and I ate street-side at this retro diner on our honeymoon.   We sat at the table you see in the far rigth corner...memories!  They served up the best huevos rancheros either of us ever had!  Don't you just love the whole scene???  And the mountain in the background?!?!  Ian and I almost died on a mountain hike, much like the one in the background, later that day...but more on that later.

8. Casa Toro in Coopersburg, PA

Ian and I have found our favorite local joint!  Finally! The Mexican food is amazing, as are their house margaritas. This has become our favorite happy hour location on Fridays...and midweek if we're feeling so ambitious.  If you go, try the fried avocado...unreal!

9. Matunuck Oyster Farm in Wakefield, RI

On our first anniversary, we went to Mystic Connecticut. While exploring, we suddenly found ourselves in Rhode Island. Luckily we stumbled upon this great little place with an amazing raw bar. This was just one of many great meals on our trip.

10. Nagle's Apothecary Cafe in Ocean Grove, NJ

For New Years 2008, Ian and I decided to stay at a little B&B close to my hometown. We got to spend the holiday with friends and family and found the absolute best breakfast place in the world!  This old pharmacy serves the most buttery delicious eggs in the world! The place is full of charm and good people. Now that I'm thinking about it, I think I need to arrange a meal there next time I'm home!

No more secrets!

 I feel like a huge weight has been lifted!  I don't have to keep my sister's bridal shower a secret any longer.  Here are some highlights.  Some of you looking at this might recognize a few things.  I definitely borrowed the best ideas from all of the showers that I have been to...thanks for the inspiration!

We hosted a brunch at Pagano's Uva Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bradley Beach, NJ.  The staff was unbelievable!  They were so accommodating and the food was amazing.  I found out about this place when I was a guest here for a friend's shower.  As Jessie's shower took on a wine-theme, I knew this would be the perfect location. 

A big thank you to Michelle for making these!  We filled the bottom of each wine glass with amorini hearts and tied a ribbon around the bottom of the glass.  I looked great.  We also had Eiffel Tower wine stoppers as favors because that is where Brian popped the big question.

The centerpieces were so simple and beautiful.  Just a few roses in empty wine bottles.  Perfect.  To fill it in, we added some candles and chocolates.

I love the way the tables turned out!

In the back of the room, above the presents, was a screen and a mounted projector.  My mom put together a wonderful slideshow that looped throughout the shower.  It was nice to give guests something to talk about and it brought back some great memories for everyone.

The bridal party bought Jessie all of the serving dishes on her registry.  I saw this great gift-wrap idea on The Gifted Blog.  This paper garland that I made came in handy all over the place.  I've been seeing it all over the crafty blogs that I read but when I saw The Gifted Blog use it on gifts, I knew I had to try it.  I'll show how I made this garland soon.

At another friend's shower, they had a wine wishing well.  I loved this idea!  Each guest was told bring a bottle of wine for the bride and the groom, instead of the traditional kitchen gadget.  On the back of each invitation, I wrote a little poem that basically asked the guests to use the provided labels that I had printed  to write when they would like the bride and groom to drink the wine.  (I love Vista Print for this kind of stuff...great low prices and there are always additonal promo codes online!) 

The idea was a big hit!   So many people told me they are going to take the idea and do the same thing at showers that they are planning.  I like when ideas are borrowed and spread.  The wine cooler wishing well was a housewarming gift from me and Ian.  ...and the bottle cap collector made a great spot for cards from guests!

The guest book was a big hit!  I always wanted to make one of these so this was a perfect opportunity.  I scrapbooked each page and glued small envelopes where guests could write a little note and seal it with a sticker.  I thought it would be so special for Jessie to open and read each one.  I'll show how I put this together soon!

It was a beautiful day and Jessie was genuinely suprised...we know this because she did not think to wear her "shower dress" that she has been wearing every weekend just in case.  Great day with family and friends!