"Sometimes adventure calls and we ignore it. We miss the opportunity for a lifetime of memories. Go ahead, be adventurous" ~Maria Villanueva

May 03, 2010

Gift Bag and Pretty Flower Holder

It's getting late and it's almost time for us to go to bed when I realize that we have only purchased gifts for the teachers and not the teacher's assistants....oh my! and it's teacher appreciation day!!!but never fear, crafty mom is here!


For the first project, a flower stand, this is what you'll need: some decorative party napkins, styrofoam balls, scissors, bread knife and Mod Podge


Take the napkin and separate the layers, normally there is only two layers but this one had three.




Cut small squares, sorry, I switched napkins.  The size of the squares can be about 1" by 1" but they don't have to be exact measurements



Take your Mod Podge and place some in a small container, you don't want to end up with styrofoam in your Mod Podge container! Work one square at a time covering your styrofoam ball.  




Also remember to dab Mod Podge on top of the squares as well



When you are done, it will look like this:
Place it on top of wax paper and let it dry a couple of hours before you go to the next step.  This was the hardest part for me as I am very impatient!



Once they dry, they will look like the one below, sorry, I didn't have the black and white one ready for the picture, but you get the idea.





Once they are fully dried, cut through the middle with a bread knife.  It should be pretty easy to cut through.




Add some silk flowers for Spring and Wah-lah! Pretty flowers for a teacher assistant's desk.  Since there are four assistants in total, they each get one plus a gift card from Office Depot for school supplies.


This is a close up


My next dilemma is that you can't wrap these flowers and all I have is wrapping paper....oh my! but never fear, the crafty mom is here!.  Can you believe it, I got this gift wrapping paper at the dollar tree store and it's very thick paper and has a shine to it.  I'm going back tomorrow to get some more rolls.


These are the supplies you'll need, you can munch on the crackers as you work.  The zots are not really necessary so don't worry if you don't have any on hand but the double stick tape would be nice, otherwise, you can use regular scotch tape too.


You will also need some card board and a hole punch.  Any kind of cardboard will do, it's time to recycle those cookie, cereal and cracker boxes you have. 
 
Wrap your box as if it was a gift on all sides and bottom, leave the top opened.  But, don't tape the paper to the actual box because you will be sliding the box out later.


Once you finish wrapping it, it will look like this




See this corner, that's why I wanted to use the Zots, but you can use tape.


Once all sides are taped down, slide the box out.



Measure a small strip of carboard (from a cereal box or any other box you want to recycle) the size of the bottom of the bag.  This will go inside for support.


Cover your strip of cardboard with the paper



This is what it will look like once covered




And this is the back.  Add some more tape so it can be taped to the inside bottom of the bag for support.



And this is what it will look like:



Next, cut out two more strips for the side supports


Place them inside the bag and carefully fold the bag and cardboard over once



It will look like this:



Punch some holes for the string/ribbon



Do the same for the other side.  Pull some string, rope or ribbon through to make handles.  This is the finished gift bag......super easy, don't you think?



And here is the bag embellished. Very pretty either way.  I think the teacher's assistants will like it along with the Office Depot gift card for school supplies.





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19 comments:

  1. Very cool ideas!! Love the gift bag! You clever girl you!!
    *hugs*deb

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  2. Wow, very clever. Way to go green! ;)

    I'd love for you to check out my blog for a CSN give away! Have a wonderful day! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

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  3. Maria you gave me some more ideas to use my modge podge on...oh the possibilities are endless! Thanks for stopping over!

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  4. Ooh, I love the bag! Adorable! Be blessed. Cindy

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  5. Oh my goodness, you must have been up all night making these! The bag is just too cute and so are the little flowers!!!

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  6. I really need to get some modge podge~those turned out really cute.

    I love the paper~I found some the other day but they didn't have that pattern.

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  7. Very clever bag idea! I can't wait to make it (or at least try!) =o)

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  8. thanks for stopping by a little lovely! so nice of you to celebrate teachers!!

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  9. Lovin' that cute bag...thanks for sharing with all of us at NTT!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  10. Hi...thanks for stopping by Pandora's Box....I love these colorful balls - they would be so cute at Christmas time, turned into ornaments - you have my wheels turning!! I'll be back! patti

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  11. those plant stands are adorable! they're so cute for a teacher's present!

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  12. Hi..I’m Barb ….I am from New Friend Friday.. I am your newest follower. I hope you will get a chance to visit my blog @ santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com
    & get inspired by something for your family/home. I hope you will follow me as well. Nice to meet ya new friend!!!

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  13. great job!! love your instructional detailing. What a creative girl you are!! I hope I see that paper when I go to my fav Dollar Tree. I have gotten 2 diff designs...butterfly....star...but that would be a cute summery design. I use it to cover boxes like you used to shape. I use it as packing/shipping papers.

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  14. I love all your great ideas! Thanks for linking up to Saturday is Crafty Day!

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  15. Thanks for your sweet comment! I thought the black/white was useful to unify the randomness AND I can't wait to see how they change over the years. :)
    This is a very cute idea! Also perfect for when you know you're going to have to drop something at the door and don't want it to get weathered. ;)

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  16. What a great idea for gift giving! Very creative!

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  17. the gift bag idea is awesome!!!! very clever!!

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  18. Bookmarking this bag so I can remember how to make it. Love it! I became a follower.
    creationsbyladeeda.blogspot.com

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  19. wow what a cute bag..that turned out so cute...love the end result

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