"We love because He first loved us." I John 4:19
Welcome back. What better way to show the love of God through reaching out at Valentine’s Day? I have a gift wrapping tutorial as many of you commented on the gift wrapping from my Christmas post and how you loved that I wrote right on my gift wrap so I thought I'd walk you through how to do that for Valentine's Day! I used the same neutral gift wrap. The steps are easy and can be embellished for any occasion and easily adapted to different size gifts and gift bags.
And I have a GIVE-AWAY!!
I have a beautiful necklace with two charms hanging from it, a sparkly gold heart and the word “home”, just like the title of this website!! I found it at a great store in downtown San Luis Obispo, California called Junk Girls that I can’t wait to send to YOU! Just leave a comment for me at the end of this post, find a word in this post that you like and leave it in the comments and you’ll be in the draw. It’s that easy!
Supplies:
Neutral gift wrap
White/Cream paper: I have torn mine out of an old journal book but you can cut any paper to your preferred size.
Baker's twine
Scissors
Tags (rectangular and round)
Embellishments
Buttons
Thread: pick a fun and bright color for your outside stitching. I never buy cheap thread, for crafts it's not as important but you would never want to sew a quilt or garment with cheap thread. Something you want to last for a long time and after all the work you've put into it you don't want the thread to break after a few washes, it is just not worth some cheap bargain thread, so I never bring anything like that home! My favorite brand is Gutermann. They have a wonderful Spool Thread Box of 26 colors that is usually about $30, I will use a 40% coupon (or better) to purchase it at JoAnn's Fabric & Craft Store. That way I always have the colors I need.
Needle: I use my sewing machine for many different projects and unless I am sewing on a light weight or sheer type of material or a heavy denim I leave a #14 size needle in my sewing machine. I have found it seems to work for most of my sewing, quilting and craft projects that I use my machine for. TIP: It's always a good idea to have an extra pack of needles on hand! There's nothing worse than having your last needle break in the middle of a project and even worse in the middle of the night when your inspired and really getting a lot done!!
Directions:
Step 1: Cut or tear your paper to size then sew around the 4 edges of your cream/white paper. I have used the side of my pressor foot as a guide or you can do a ¼ from the edge.
Step 2: Write a word of encouragement or a Valentine sentiment on your cream/white paper. Or skip a tag entirely and write a personal note as I did to Dianna. Sometimes if I want to doodle something on my paper as I have with the teacup and hearts I will look at Pinterest for ideas under chalkart or in this instance I googled "clipart for teacups" then I practice on a scrape of
paper first. If you're not confident in your writing you can print it out on your computer too, I just always love seeing handwriting, flaws and all! My favorite is to write a scripture verse! The Bible is filled with great verses for Valentine's Day, here are a few:
"Love is patient, love is kind..." I Corinthians 13:4
"The Lord your God is with you...He will take great delight in you... He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:13
"Let us love one another, for love comes from God..." I John 4:7
Step 3: Wrap your gift and then attach your stitched paper to the top of your gift, I like using scrapbooking photo mounting tabs. In a pinch I have used small round adhesive dots called Zots. You can also use craft glue around the edges, my favorite is Alene's.
Step 4: Cut your baker's twine long enough to be able to wrap around your gift 3-5 times.
Step 5: Add your tags and embellishments.
Lastly, here are some great ways to make someone feel loved and appreciated that I got from Ann Voskamp's "Be The Gift" Calendar:
10 Things That Will Bless A Heart!
1. Find one way to save just $1 each day of the month. Put in a jar & save to happily surprise someone at the end of the month.
2. Be all about the ministry of presence. Linger with people. Ask heart questions, listen well.
3. Call someone today even though texting is easier and in your comfort zone, they'll be blessed and so will you!
4. Leave a happy surprise on someone's doorstep.
5. Give the gift of time, and be all there.
6. Doorbell Dash! Drop off a dozen doughnuts at a neighbor’s house then ring the doorbell and RUN!
7. Stop by a local Children's hospital and ask how you can help.
8. Connect with someone that's grieving. Just to let them know you are there.
9. Give in one way today that you don't think you can give. Flat-out trust God.
10. Call a friend up and ask if you can pray for them, they will rarely say no.
With love and hugs from my home to yours!
Lovingly,
Linda