My brother and I recently did some creative scheming on a gift that he brought on his visit to his girlfriend. I can finally show pictures now that he's delivered his gift in person and we don't have to worry about her discovering photos online before they were handed over.
My brother wanted to give his girlfriend something thoughtful and that she could display so real flowers weren't something that fit the latter qualification. Since he owns a wholesale bakery and has a quick wit, it was only natural that he was going to think outside the box.
If you've ever seen the movie, "Stranger Than Fiction," you might remember the scene where Will Ferrell's character brings the bakery owner "flours." (Check out the clip here ---> "I brought you flours") My brother asked if I could help him dress them up a bit since he didn't want to bring them in little paper bags like Will Ferrell did in the movie and my creative wheels started turning and I was imagining a box of "flours" that also looked like "flowers."
I used an old cigar box that my brother had given to me years ago to use on a project (guess it came full circle, eh?) and covered it with patterned paper (I used the Delicate Dots from Stampin' UP). I adhered a length of So Saffron grograin ribbon around the box and added a bow to the front.
I filled 5 little half pint jars with 5 different flours that my brother had provided. I punched out a tag for each one and wrote the names of the flours on them, then tied them onto the jars with silver elastic cord. Since the lids of the jars were a hideous plaid pattern, I cut lengths of patterned paper so that they looked like grass and wrapped them around the lids.
I had thought about stamping some flowers to put on top of the jars, but I've been wanting to try this felt flower idea for a while, so I decided that this was a perfect time to do it. They're a little hard to describe, so I'm planning on doing a video tutorial to show you how easy they are to create.
I hot glued the flowers to some green pipe cleaners and added some felt leaves. I twisted the pipe cleaners so that they looked "springy" and hot glued them to the lids of the jars. I put some purple easter grass on top of the lids to further hide the horrid plaid pattern.
I had so much fun creating this gift and was looking forward to my brother coming to pick it up on his way to RI to go see his girlfriend. He loved it! I had to take a picture of him holding them because he was looking so happy to be making the trip and was looking forward to presenting his "flours" to his girlfriend.
He told me that when he gave them to her, she was confused, at first, as to what they were. When it finally clicked, she laughed. I was told that she really likes them and she's going to display them on a shelf and that she thinks I'm an artist. :) That totally made my day...as well as the fact that I could do something for my Big Little brother. :) (he's 19 months younger than I am, but definitely MUCH taller than I am).
Be on the lookout, next week, for a video tutorial to show you how to make those adorable felt flowers.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Creating!
-Erika (Stampin' Mama)
Erica this is too funny!!! I also have a BIG little brother (16 months younger) who wants me to create something for his girlfriend so this has gotten the wheels in my brain going. I LOVE covering old boxes or even new ones that I get at the craft store. Garage Sale season is upon us and this has given me something new things to be looking for. I'm looking forward to your tutorial on the felt flowers. They are too cute!!!
A new blog friend
Posted by: Danette Baker | June 12, 2009 at 03:35 AM
What a darling creation and gift! I love it!!
Posted by: Kim | June 12, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Well you *are* an artist. :) Erika I love that you made these gifts for your brother's girlfriend. I think it is so neat that your brother asked you to help him. I love how the Flours turned out. You did such a beautiful job in making them. Is everyone in yur family gifted with talent?
Thank you for sharing your project and the photos. They came out great too.
Mary
Posted by: Mary C. Anderson | June 12, 2009 at 03:47 PM
What an incredible idea! Kudo's to your brother for thinking outside the box, and also to you for making it look so awesome! I wish I had a fraction of your talent! Great work!
Posted by: Maria H. | June 12, 2009 at 04:34 PM
this is so UNIQUE & CLEVER, love your brother's idea and your execution of it is SUPREME (ha, never used that as an adjective when it came to a project before-I never saw that movie, how come? I totally love Maggie & Will too!) must rent it now! TFS and look forward to the felt flowr tutorial!
Posted by: Donna B | June 13, 2009 at 01:39 PM
What a sweet sister you are! This was so cute and clever!!!
Posted by: Michele | June 13, 2009 at 07:01 PM
What a wonderful way to dress up the gift! I love the felt flowers.
Posted by: Anita A. | June 16, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Erika, you most definitely are an artist! This is such a cute idea! Can't wait to see how you made those flowers!
Posted by: wendyp | June 17, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Erika, That is an absolutely ingenious idea that the 2 of you put together. I love the outcome, they are beautiful! Great gift idea, too!
Posted by: Cindy K. | July 07, 2009 at 12:22 AM
To Sterling - If you'd taken the time to read the entire post that I wrote up, you'd see that I referenced the movie, "Stranger than Fiction," and explained where the idea came from. Next time you want to leave a snarky comment, do yourself a favor and don't skim.
Posted by: Erika Martin | February 21, 2011 at 08:46 AM