{Paper} Customized Gift Bags

As you know, I am v popular with the Under 2 set these days. I've been trying to uphold my status as a Favorite Mom Friend and encourage a discerning party eye in them by using my Silhouette SD to design custom gift bags to match their party themes.

Genevieve received a caterpillar bag made from some project remnants and a shopping bag that I had laying around the house.

For Lucas' car themed party, I used the patterned paper that we designed for the flags to create some bag decorations, which Andy deemed "not very masculine."

Lucas can pretty much count on me cashing in my 401K for his college fund as a result of his reaction to my flag envelope.

Photo blogged with permission from Lucas' mom

Catching Up - November, Part 1: Thanking the Wonderful Hostesses in My Life

One of my favorite challenges is finding afforable, unique hostess gifts for all of the wonderful parties that I go to throughout the year.

In November, my friend, Tara, hosted another spectacular brunch. I don't know how she finds the time to create, clean, and cook well, but she blows us all away every time.

 {Source - Above Images: the small d}

I'm going through a cooking slump, so I brought a hostess gift in lieu of a dish. I picked up some French sea salt (Tara loves to cook and  recently visited France) and packaged it in an embroidered towel by artist Valori Wells.

I liked the look so much that I used the same towel to present a turkey ornament to my mom on Thanksgiving.

 I picked up a Christmasy towel and used some richer leaves and baker's twine to present Aunt Ruth with a candle for Thanksgiving.