Paint Can Present

I wish I could take credit for this idea. Alas it originally came from here. I just took my own spin on it.

Here's a how-to on this Paint Can Present.

Step 1: Get an empty paint can. I found this at a hardware store for a few bucks. They had a few different sizes. If you have an empty paint can, that would work too. Of course, it'll be covered in paint, but that could be awesome!



Step 2: Trace the top of the can onto paper, then cut it out. Secure with hot glue. (I use low-temp hot glue just because I'm excellent at burning myself on anything.)



Step 3: Cut sheets of paper (I started with a 12" by 12" piece of scrapbooking paper.) to fit the bucket. Hot glue to the can or tape down.



Step 4: Use a matching but different kind of paper around the bottom of the can. Again, double-sided tape or hot glue will work best.



Step 5: I then used a totally different (but still coordinating) paper to cover the seams. It's totally not important, but I just did it. It also covers up the fact that the lines of the paper on the bottom don't line up. :)



Step 6: Take ribbon or yarn to cover the bucket's handle. Again, totally not important, but I did it for an added touch.



Step 7: Add a tag (and a can opener to open the can if you have one) and tie it on. I added a few pieces of embellishment to match the tag to the can.



Step 8: Put your gift inside and hammer shut.

I think this is perfect for new homeowners or newly weds in their first place because it matches the (likely) theme for their year -- fixing up the new place -- with Christmas. In this one, I included gift cards to a few hardware and decorating stores. Then, they can store it for next year or give it away with a gift to someone else.

I'm showing off at The Gypsy's Corner.

Wrap Artist

My camera is back. Can I get a collective woohoo??? (Though the pictures are dark thanks to my poor camera's struggles. I'll be purchasing a new camera soon, I suppose.)

So on to my package decorating. You've already seen my inspiration. Now see what I came up with...

First up - Monogrammed Gifts

This is one of my favorites (and probably one of the easiest).

Step 1: Wrap a gift like you normally would.



Step 2: Wrap a white ribbon around the gift. I used a cut of white wrapping paper instead of ribbon. Either works.



Step 3: Print out the monogram. I used Photoshop, but most word-creating programs will have a way to make it just the way you want.



Step 4: Cut out the monogram in whatever design you like. I used a circle cutter to make edges, but border-cutting scissors would be great for this.



Step 5: Glue or tape the monogram to paper and cut out. I found a pack of Christmas scrapbook paper at Target, but you can buy individual sheets at most hobby stores. Of course, after the holidays, most stores will have all this paper on clearance, so I suggest stocking up while you can.



Step 6: I put another layer of paper on back, but you can stop at one if you like. Or keep going. Decorate however you want. You can't go wrong.



Step 7: Tape or glue the monogram to your package. I used double-sided tape. I am also pretty sure double-sided tape is one of the best inventions. :)

And there you go! Monogrammed wrapping. Next up: Paint Can Presents

I'm showing off over at The Shabby Nest.

And A Soft Place to Land.

I'm also showing off at the DIY Show Off.

A Tradition of Service

As many of us are looking for gift ideas this week, I thought I would share one that I started a few years ago. It's one of service to those you love. It doesn't cost any money, just time.

For example, my brother really needs help cleaning his room so he can paint it. I made him a "gift card" that entitles him to all the help he needs in cleaning his bedroom. My dad is working endlessly (it seems) to clean the garage. I made him one that promises an entire weekend worth of help in the garage. For my grandfather, help fixing the ditch. My grandmother, a day of cleaning and organizing. My mom, a meal.

These ideas aren't hard to come up with. In most cases, you already know where a loved one needs an extra set of hands. For Christmas, make it official that you're willing to help. And then let them cash it in and just show up! It's no money but is a great present.

Here are a few examples of my "gift cards" and how I made them.

To start, I used my computer to print off the text of the card. I could have handwritten it, but to be more uniform (and faster), I used a computer.



Then I cut them out and decorated them with scrapbook paper, ribbon, yarn and anything else I had on hand.





Share your traditions and see others at the Do-It-Yourself Dare to Have Traditions party over at Newly Woodwards.

Merry Christmas!

I love Picnik. You can upload any of your pictures and create fun things like this!



(That's my brother, by the way.)

Tag!

I always think I'll remember whose gift is whose. I mean, while I'm wrapping it, it's oh-so-clear this gift is Laura's. And then they all start to look the same a few days later...

Forget the basic stick-on tags. This year, make (or find) some great gift tags!

I love these Eco-Friendly Candy Cane Striped Gift Tags from Pepperberry Papers, a local stationery company.



Instead of writing her name, how about showing her face? Use a picture of the lucky gift recipient (or how about laminating one of the two of you so she can keep it long term?) as the tag. See instructions here.



My friend Lauren over at Lauren Makes has kindly offered up a freebie print-out of some great tags! I adore all her ideas! Click here to get it.

I totally heart these printable Christmas tags from Tricia-Rennea. Print these out on cardstock, and they make great tags!

Up On the Gift's Top

I've started the tradition of including ornaments as gift toppers this year. It's just a little something extra but also a great way to decorate the gift. Here's a quick wrap I did for a gift last week.



Here are a few other topper ideas you might like to try this Christmas.

Monogram Topper from Martha Stewart

Because you know you've got 600 plastic sacks lying around under your sink... Put 'em to good use! Who would have ever guessed this pom-pom was made from a Target bag? Design*Sponge shows you how.

Japanese Masking Tape

I can't wait to use the Japanese masking tape rolls I ordered on some Christmas presents. It's just like regular tape, but it's decorated instead of clear or white. How fun would that be on a present or card?

Here's one designer's use of colorful masking tape on a present...



Here's how Real Simple did it. I think they used colored duct tape here, but the idea is the same, and it's still beautiful!



Looking for some colorful masking tape yourself? Here are some great rolls and some awesome sites!

Cherry Blossom 5 Pack from happy tape

Green Japanese Masking Tape from Ginko Papers