Housewarming Gift Basket

Our friends recently moved into a new home and I wanted to bring them a little housewarming gift. I was trying to think of something clever and simple that I haven't done before. After consulting Pinterest, I came across various versions of a "It's a Wonderful Life" inspired baskets. I really like the three wishes each ingredients sends. 

Bread, that this house may never know hunger. 
I picked up a rustic looking country loaf from the grocery store. If I had more time I would have baked it myself. 

Salt, that this life may always have flavor. 
I found a rather large gourmet sea salt grinder at Marshall's (my favorite store, of course). 

Wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.
Any bottle of wine or sparking grape juice is perfect. I wrapped it in a pretty tea towel to add color. 

All you need is a cute basket to hold them all and your gift is pretty much done.

FREE PRINTABLE TAGS
I designed my own tags, printed them on white card stock, cut them out and attached them with white baking string. Simply save and print the above page if you'd like to use them! Or you can hand write your own for a more personal touch.

Any new homeowner will be blessed by a sweet basket like this. 

Oliver Blanket Set

I made a baby boy blanket, bib and burp cloth set, for my friend (and coworker), Hilary. Sweet little Oliver (such a cute name!) arrived a week ago. He is so cute in photos! I can't wait to meet him in person. 

Hilary is the tiniest little thing and the most graceful expectant Mom I've ever seen. I thought this simple gray chevron would be cute for her baby boy. Hilary and I share a love of chevron. 

The bibs and burps are fun to make. The blankets seem to try my patience. They have quickly become a limited edition. 

I packaged it up in a green basket with cute nautical rope handles, wrapped some cellophane around it and tied it with a ribbon. I hope Oliver likes it! 

This is the pink leopard baby girl blanket set I made. So cute.

DIY "Birch Box"

Are you familiar with Birch Box? I think the whole concept of Birch Box is a fun gift idea, with unique and special "surprise" items you may not have tried before. Things like makeup, accessories and skincare. All in a box you receive in the mail. What fun! 

Sometimes though, the prices are a little over budget. Why not make your own? This would be a perfect Christmas gift for any girl or guy. Just pick out a small variety of things you know they'll like - or a few of your favorite things that you want to introduce them to. I'm making two "Sohl Boxes" I'll call them, for two special friends in my life. 

Here's the type of things I'm including: comfy socks, nail polish, lip shimmer, eyeshadow, a scented pencil (I love those silly things), a mini candle, earrings. The other one has an infinity scarf instead of socks and earrings. 

Package it up in a cute little box and ad a tag or card. Who wouldn't want to receive one of these? 

If you're making one for a guy, it could include: cologne or aftershave, socks (who doesn't like new socks?), beef jerky, sports accessories (golf glove, tees, ball marker), chapstick, keychain. 

There are many possibilities and you can tailor it to the recipient and occasion. 

Valentines Day Ideas

It's not too late to make some treats for your sweetie! These are a few of my favorite ideas: Heart Sugar Cookies

Votive Candle with Chocolates

Raspberry Jell-O Whipped Pie

Hand Made Cards

DIY Sugar Scrub

It's not too late to whip up some wonderfully homemade sugar scrub to give as a gift! I have been wanting to try a sugar scrub recipe ever since I received Morgan's homemade salt scrub a couple years ago. You only need a few ingredients and glass containers to give away. Make a cute little label, tie a ribbon around it, and you have a treat for hands and feet that beats anything store bought, because YOU made it! 

Ingredients:
2 Cups Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Sunflower Seed Oil (Almond or Coconut Oil work too)
2-3 tsp. Scented Essential Oil OR Bath and Massage Oil
1-2 drops Food Coloring (if desired) 
(yields 2 mason jars)

Whisk sugar and sunflower oil together until it's soft, but not too oily. You may need to add more or less oil. 

This is where the magic happens. Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint is my favorite relaxing scent. I could breathe it in all. day. long. Their Bath and Massage Oil is perfect for hands and feet and will give your sugar scrub an amazing aroma. Add as many drops as you like and whisk it into the sugar. Don't be shy.

1 or 2 drops of green food coloring is all you need to go along with the "mint" scent. If you use peppermint oil (or any other oil) you can make it any color you like. This Candy Cane Scrub is adorable from the Idea Room.

Once you've got it all mixed to your liking, scoop and funnel it into your containers. I found these mason jars at ACMoore - they're the perfect size!

Print or hand write tags labeling the scent, ingredients and directions (so people don't accidentally use it on their face! Or even worse, accidentally eat it! Gross!). Wrap it with strips of scrap paper or add stickers. The packaging is the best part! 

Add some ribbon and you've got the cutest little gifts! 

I used an entire 5 LB bag of sugar and made 10 jars to gift, with a little leftover for me. The perfect solution for dry hands and feet or just an excuse to pamper yourself! You could even add a little scoop/spoon or wooden popsicle stick. This would make a great hostess gift, coworker gift or favor - be sure to make some for yourself too!

 

DIY Soy Candles

I've been wanting to make soy candles (and get a jump on some Christmas gifts), ever since Christy and Kimi made candle favors for my 30th birthday party.

 

They used baby food jars, covered with fabric and string - so adorable! 

I enlisted Christy's help one Sunday "crafternoon" and she showed me how easy it is to pour your own soy wax candles.

I bought a few bags of soy wax from AC Moore (using coupons of course), wicks, and liquid candle scents (in vanilla and cinnamon). The tutorial we used can be found here. 

I had a whole stash of thrifted glass punch glasses that were just waiting for a project like this. 

We started by setting the wicks in place with wooden ice cream sticks. Christy set to work drilling small holes in each one to keep it steady. 

Next, we heated the wax in small batches in boil-proof plastic bags in a pot of boiling water. Stir until all flakes are dissolved. My assistant always looks like she's up to something! 

Set the melted bag of wax into a glass container, large enough to hold all of it. Mix in a few drops of scented oil and stir with a chop stick or skewer. Carefully pour the hot wax into a glass measuring cup.

Carefully pour the measured wax into the vessel and keep the wick centered. I filled each punch glass with 4 ounces of wax.

Repeat the process until all your containers are full. I ended up filling 24 punch glasses. The process went pretty quickly once we got going. 

Transport the candles to a tray or heat resistant surface to set. Keep them as still as possible. They start to set pretty soon and begin to turn white again. 

Once the candles are completely cooled, remove the ice cream sticks from the wicks and trim the wicks down (still need to do that).

These turned out even better than I imagined and we had so much fun making them! I would definitely use soy wax again. Now I need to figure out a cute way to package them up and gift them. 

"Christmas Candles! Do we have more of these?" The Target Lady would be proud. If you're looking for a great homemade gift, these candles are sure to light up any recipients day!

A special thank you you Christy the "Craftinista" for her candle making lesson, photography skills and a wonderful crafternoon!