Gretchen Barron: Springtime Vintage Gifts

Good morning, everyone! I'm exited to show you today's projects ... a gift set that I made recently for a friend using the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Papers! Have I told you how much I LOVE these soft, beautiful DSP patterns from the Occasions Mini Catalog? Well, I'm going to tell you now! In fact, I even created my new Blog Banner on MDS, using these beautiful patterns.

Since this paper collection is in the Occasions Mini Catalog, it won't be around for long. You can only order it through April 30th and then it will be gone forever!

On to my projects. I was so thrilled with the way this beautiful set turned out. I transformed an old jar, destined for the recycle bin, into a beautiful gift, filled with homemade cookies.

As you can see, I packaged the cookies in cellophane bags and put them in the jar. I don't recommend putting anything into this jar that would have to be washed out later. As you can see, it would be quite difficult to wash.

After the cookies are gone, the receiver of this gift can use this jar to store ribbons or buttons or other stamping supplies.

How cute it would be sitting on the corner of your desk or table, perhaps even filled with wrapped candies! The possibilities are endless.

The best part .. this is so easy to make. I simply cut strips of DSP in different widths (proportionate to your jar size) and wrapped them around the jar, using Sticky Strip Adhesive to adhere. I added an eyelet border and some Victoria Crochet Trim and that was pretty much it. A Circle of DSP covers the top of the lid and a lace bow is secured with a Antique Brad. The bag of cookies is tied up with some beautiful, flowing Seam Tape.

The attachd tag was created with the Great Friend Stamp set, The Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" Circle Punches and some Basic Pearls. So simple and yet so beautiful!

Now onto the notebook or journal. I started with a Mini Legal Pad available from any office supply store and just started adding layers.

Beginning with THIS TEMPLATE, I added eyelet trim created with Very Vanilla Cardstock and the Eyelet Border Punch. I cut the large roses out from one of the DSP patterns and embossed them with the Big Shot and the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder.

The Scallop Oval was cut with the Big Shot and the Scallop Oval Die. I added some Vanilla Rosettes (from the Occasions Mini Catalog), Basic Pearls and a Crochet Trim Bow, securing everything with Crystal Effects.

I once again used the Great Friend Stamp set for the very minimal stamping on this project.

I didn't do any embellishing on the inside cover of the journal but you certainly could add your own flair there as well. These little notebooks are such great projects to make. They go together quickly and easily and you can make them as elaborate or as simple as you wish. And they are always appreciated and treasured by those who receive them.

Well, I think that will do it for today and this Gift Set! I'm so glad that you stopped by today and hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration. Until then ...