Happy Mother's Day To Me!

When I started this blog, it was mainly to share pretty gift wrapping ideas.  As time went on, I became more and more interested in practical yet pretty ways to be more eco-friendly with gift wrapping. Since then I have featured many gift wrap makers who use recycled paper and ink, shown ideas on how to re-use gift wrapping and featured a lot of alternate materials.

One idea that really captured my imagination was a gift box that could be re-used to send gifts back and forth between family or friends. Something that could turn into a family heirloom in itself.  So imagine how thrilled I was when my husband made a prototype for me for Mother's Day!

 Here's the before:

A candy box.

Kevin had taken some classes with Charles Douglas Gilding Studio. Gilding is an old art, which involves applying metal foils with brushes to all sorts of things. While I thought he might use some of the decorative finish materials he has used before, this was a great and special choice. He applied gold and copper foils.  Here are the afters!

He used gold and copper foils. I love it so much!

The box actually opens up with multiple levels.

So question -- what do you think of the idea of heirloom gift boxes? if we were going to market these, how much should we charge? Let me know in the comments!

And finally I hope you had as amazing a Mother's Day as I did. Between my lovely children, fur-babies, and my incredible husband, I am simply beaming!

Norine

Etsy Monday stephaniecoleDESIGN

I love this designer! Charming designs on eco-friendly paper.

"British designer-maker Stephanie Cole's work predominantly explores nature and the shapes, patterns and colours which excite her most. Inspirations come from a fruitful mixture of farmer's markets, British hedgerows and thought-provoking proverbs and words of wisdom..."

great card for a mom

Great card for a new mom

Such great gift wrap.

Getting Ready for Mom Day

One more week to Mother's Day here in the US. Second Sunday of May is rolling up. Here are some gift wrap ideas that hopefully you can squeeze in before the big day --

I love the simplicity of this pretty package.  And if you follow this link, there are some great ideas for gifts that don't require ordering!

I always like plants. I am a Mom. Therefore, Moms always like plants! OK, maybe that logic won't help you pass an I.Q. test, but this wrapping idea is cute. Use eco-friendly ribbon or fabric scraps you have that your mother probably gave you anyway.

pinterest idea! 

So you probably don't have time to order gift wrap at this point, but this neat Gift Wrap store is really good. Nashville Wraps has eco-friendly materials and great designs. I like gift bags, always good for that last minute gift.

Watercolor Greenery paper bags are made from 100% recycled white kraft paper. Bags are 100% recyclable and contain minimum 40% PCW content and carry the Green Way ® logo. This beautiful print features lovely shades of blue and green. Available in bulk cartons, mini packs and an assortment.

And just because I love this:

SF Paper Goods has this design.

Hearts and hugs to all the moms.