Janet of All Trades

Happy New Year! Wishing You Health and Happiness in 2012! I will back later week with great ideas and resolutions for the New Year! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

I have always loved to wrap presents, especially at Christmas. As a child I would wrap presents for my Mother at Christmas to help out with gifts for a big family and who knows maybe I wrapped my own from Santa at times. It has always been about presentation to me and using what I have laying around to make my presents unique. This year I am giving some of my jewelry as gifts and wanted a different way to wrap them rather than the standard box. So I started with what I have in my craft stash. Some blank cards,ribbon,mini garland and Encyclopedia pages.  I first cut to one piece 3" x 2 1/4" and once piece 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" Next I sewed two pieces together using red thread and a basic stitch. I sewed all the way around to create a little envelope. Next I folded over the top to make my envelope. Then I punched a hole centered at the top that went thru all three layers. Next I cut a small rectangle of card stock and threaded my ribbon thru the holes. Next I tucked in my p

I have wanted to make Jute sleeves since I say them in Coastal Living this fall and can be purchased here . They look so simple to make and elegant and they looked easy to make. First I ordered 1 yard of red and green from the Hobby Lobby . They had the right price and color I was looking for. Then I collected my Vases and various mismatched jars and glasses I started by laying the vase out on the Jute and cutting it a few inches large than my vase. Next I sewed a hem on what would be the top and one of the sides. Next I wrapped it around the Vase and pinned it to create me sleeve. Lastly I hand stitched it up the back to secure. Then I decorated it with a Dollar Store Reindeer and a little ribbon. And it was complete and so easy.. That I made a few more from my collection of glass wear. So easy and insert a battery operate candle and you have a lovely votive! Enjoy!