| Clever covers make gifts stand out
The "holiday season" may fall in December, but between graduations, weddings, Father's Day and the like, you're hardly off the hook for gift-giving this time of year. These are perfect for couples, especially if you "carve" their initials into the bark. While I'm lucky enough to live in New Hampshire, where the white birch is the official state tree, and there's easy accessibility to bark from fallen branches and limbs, there are online retailers who sell the bark in sheets and tubes. If you're lucky enough to have an intact, tube-shaped piece of bark, just slip it over the container. Measuring tape Instructions: Measure the height and circumference of the can. For teachers, consider giving glass containers a modern twist on that old classroom standby the chalkboard. Use painters' tape to mask off any sections of bottles and jars you would like to remain transparent, then apply several coats of chalkboard spray paint. Turn the tube right side out and slide it over the can (it will be snug), with the main color toward the bottom. Cut a strip of your main-color felt that measures fifty percent an inch longer than the circumference and 1 1/2 inches shorter than the height. At this point, you will have a long tube that extends above the top of the can. Fold the rectangle in 50%, right sides together, and, matching up the seams, sew along the raw edges, creating a tube of fabric. And speaking of teachers, why not help them organize their desks with a set of stylish, felt-covered accessories? Dads with desk jobs also would appreciate these, and they'll never guess that these modern, color-blocked containers started out as tuna fish, soup and tomato cans! Materials: About 1/4 yard felt in two colors, a main color and a contrasting color that will become a band around the exterior of the container and the lining. ). Press (use a press cloth if you're using acrylic felt to avoid scorching/melting it) the seam allowance open. For example, a congratulatory note on a vase of flowers or a "Thanks for a great year!" message for a teacher. Assorted recycled cans, washed well and labels removed Sewing supplies: sewing machine, scissors, pins, etc. This collection of decorative yet useful items can be easily customized for different recipients, from dads to grads, teachers to brides. Sew the two strips together along one of the long sides. Cut a strip of the contrast-color felt half an inch longer than the circumference and 2 inches taller than the height. |
Friday, 1 June 2012
Clever covers make gifts stand out
