Yummy Paris Cones

Had some fun today messing around making these wedding favor cones.  They are great for a petal toss or candy station.

I even thought these could get used for Christmas gifts to friends and family...stuffing them with home-made treats.

They were a little labor intensive to make.    The die cut is made from my Cricut machine and the cones have a nice scalloped detail at the top.  Before I roll the cut-out into the cone shape, I hand-stamp each piece in French script.  I made a mask piece for the Eiffel Tower, so when I stamped the script there is a big blank spot where the tower will go. 

Then, I stamp the tower in place.  The cone top is edged in vintage photo ink, giving it an aged appearance.  Next, I glue the cone together.  What a tricky little bugger! 

I then created a monogram tag for the bride and groom, edged it too in vintage photo ink, then secured it to hang from the cone with a 1/8" satin ribbon. 

Overall, these came out really cute.  I posted them on my etsy shop...we'll see what the "Brides" think!

Valerie

Distressing Ribbon

I have been collecting old ribbon for some time now.  Some of it is past its prime.  So I have played with washing it and then rolling it all up into a ball to dry...and look at the distressed effect!

This is a pale blue acetate ribbon.  After hand-washing with soap in cold water, I twisted and balled it all up to dry.  This achieved a really soft worn appearance.  It still has the satin shine though.  The fibers are raised.

I tried this process again with some old pale yellow gross grain ribbon that was 2 1/2" wide. 

Not sure I like this as much.  The ribbon dried stiff.  The process did achieve a really cool worn effect though.

The next ribbon is 5/8" black satin and it has a company's name printed on it in gold.  I washed the ribbon in cold water with soap and scrubbed lightly to take off the company name.  Then balled it up and let it dry.

This came out nice.  The ribbon is soft and has a little gold flecks in it left over from the old name. 

So, what am I going to do with all this, wrap packages, make flowers, sew on cards, tie off tags, lots of uses.

Try it.

Valerie

It's All In The Delivery

For some time now, I have been collecting and using an assortment of hampers and picnic baskets to help me carry and deliver goodies.  It seems the bigger the better.

This one I use for delivering my wines to friends.  The four compartments hold my bottles well and has a sturdy base.  There is a golden tone to the varnish which highlights the wore areas from use.

This one is heavy duty and I love the patina on it.  Both sides are open ended while the opposite sides are deep.  And has a very sturdy handle too to carry in all my fresh flower cuttings.

My picnic hamper is filled with goodies as Bill and I make our way down to our lake.  We enjoy our time on Hickory Pond, even if the fish don't bite, we sip our wine and enjoy how peaceful it is here.

The super sturdy leather handle is re-enforced with brass rivets.  The leather flap and wooden peg is a bonus to the look and feel of this picnic hamper.   

This is my favorite hamper.  Ol' Reliable.  This one is getting packed up for a quick stop to a friends house.  She's getting some of my wine, canned pears, fresh bread, and bread-and-butter pickles.

When my baskets are not being used, they are on display throughout my house.

These are my gentle reminders, it is better to give than to receive!

Have a most wonderful and safe Labor Day Weekend. 

Oh yeah, I am so happy it is September.  Now if the weather will cooperate and cool down a little, I can get back outside and ride my horse.

Valerie