Homemade Gifts

Gifts this Christmas doesn't have to be expensive.  For those on a budget (or just want to be different this year) try making something that the receiver can use during the holidays or special occassions.

Scientist Sister made some butter varieties which are good accompaniment for cakes, fruitcakes or just plain toasts.  Put the mixed butter in a special container, tie a ribbon then it's ready to be given to your friends this Christmas.

Ingredients used - butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, brandy



Wine Anyone?

I know, it's been ages, but sister and I have been busy with other stuff.  Now, well we're still busy but I took some time off from my other work to do this post.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I thought it best to write about what most people are doing or will be doing after they've completed their Christmas shopping...gift wrapping.  I always like wrapping gifts my way.  I don't like using conventional wrappers when wrapping my gifts (if I can help it), although I succumbed to the temptation (but only out of laziness) once in a while.  I like wrapping my gifts differently since it adds a certain flair to my gifts and it makes people receiving them give that extra smile because of the effort I put into those wrappings.

Sometimes, I stick to a theme but more often than not I wrap things up in whatever is handy and whatever suits my whimsy.  Just a dash of creativity and a lot of love in wrapping gifts can go a long way.

For me, wine is a convenient gift item when I don't really know a person.  It's "safe" (meaning that any person will probably appreciate it) and it's useful (meaning that any person can either drink it all by himself or when with friends).

And to me wrapping wine is very simple.  No real trick there actually, some paper and some ribbon and viola! It's done.

Look out for more posts on gift wrapping in time for the holidays!!!

The Rosary (Wedding Cord Series)

This is the second part of the Wedding Cord Series made by Scientist Sister.  The Rosary Cord consists of two rosaries joined at the center by a crucifix - a union between two individuals with God as their center.

For inquiries or orders of these wedding cords, email us at whimsicallycreative@gmail.com or call Ideal Trading at (02) 2427407 and inquire about the crystal cords.  Ideal Trading is located along Tabora Street, Binondo, Manila.

Hearts Aflame (Wedding Cord Series)

Scientist sister is taking time off from her studies and travels for a much needed rest, but after some time sister got pretty bored.  She decided to dabble in wedding accessories and make some wedding cords.  Little did she know that it will be received by couples well.  With the help of our aunt, she’s now sending supplies to some boutiques in the metro and in provinces.

To kick off this series, Whimsically Gifted is featuring the Hearts’ Aflame Series symbolizing what weddings are all about – love, loyalty, trust, friendship.  Below are just some of her creations.



Sweet Heart



Heart Throb



Odette's All Heart





Odette's Forever



Odette's In The Heart



Keeper



Close up of Sweethearts



Each wedding cord comes in its
own individual bag for safekeeping

For inquiries or orders of these wedding cords, email us at whimsicallycreative@gmail.com or call Ideal Trading at (02) 2427407 and inquire about the crystal cords.  Ideal Trading is located along Tabora Street, Binondo, Manila.

Tools of the Trade (Gift Wrapping)

These are the tools that we usually use when wrapping gifts.  Of course, this doesn't mean that these are the only tools.  Actually, you can always use anything so long as you are comfortable with it and it helps you with your gifts.

A very sharp pair of scissors or a very sharp cutter.
We prefer using the cutter when cutting papers in half.
It's much easier, faster and gives a much straighter cut.

Cutting board.  We got this from those 88 stores at the mall.



Ruler.

Adhesive

Magic Tape.
We prefer this sometimes rather than the ordinary tape since
it gives the illusion of "not being there".

Glue.  No...this is not an advertisement.
This is just what we've been using as far as we can remember.

Glue gun and sticks.

Bright as a Feather

I used feathers and sequins to brighten up these gifts.  Plain specialty paper will be the base for this wrap, otherwise it will overwhelm the whole package if one uses those printed papers.

I recommend using glue instead of tape when wrapping the box.  And it would be advisable to use just a dab of glue, smaller than a pinhead of glue actually, just enough to hold the papers together.  That way, the glue can dry faster and you won’t be leaving a whole lot of mess with dripping and overflowing glue.

Use glue for the sequins as well, this time two pinheads of glue is advisable.  Sequins can be tricky since it doesn’t stick well in most surfaces (based on my experience, anyway), so it’s best to leave the sequins and the glue to dry for a while.

For the feathers, I used glue stick.  Much better since it sticks almost instantly when it cools.  Just be careful that you won’t get burned by the hot glue gun or the hot glue.



Start with your base to determine the other colors for your sequins and feathers.



Mix and match the feather and the sequins.

Any color will do as long as you find that it will work perfectly

Never be afraid to stick to one color.  It works.

Using the sequins to personalize your gift in lieu of a gift tag.



Another treatment with the sequins.