friendship bouquet

Do you ever want to give a gift with a theme? A little personality? Something that is different? A mentor mom of mine (from 10 years ago) taught me how to make these fun bouquets!

Last night we celebrated a friend turning 40. These are just a few of her favorite things . . . turned into a bouquet! The flowers are stir sticks (the floral tape and leaves can be removed), the candy boxes are hot glued to two wooden skewers (for extra support), the gift cards are tucked into holders that I made and then hot glued to the skewers and the card rests in a card holder that I picked up at the grocery store floral department. (Just ask them for one and they'll usually give one to you or have you pay a minimal amount.) 

 

Here are the staples that you will need: floral foam, floral tape, floral picks (the green picks with a wire at the top), floral leaves and wooden skewers. (I picked up skewers that were different lengths, but you can always cut them down as needed.) You'll need colored foil or colored cellophane to use as your filler. I have made a 4th of July bouquet in the past and used red and blue cellophane as filler. You'll also need a pretty pot or container. I picked this one up at the Dollar store.

 

Cut your foil or cellophane to 6-8" squares. Take the middle of the square and wrap the floral picks wire securely around. It usually takes 12-20 squares to fill the container, depending on how big the container is and how many other things you have in it.

 

The flowers you see in the first picture are stir sticks. I secured them to a skewer with floral tape and wrapped a leaf into the floral tape as well. These can later be deconstructed and used. 

 

A view from the top. The possibilities are endless with a flower bouquet. A few themes that I have done in the past . . . 4th of July, scrapbooking (with lots of little embellishments hot glued to the skewers), baby shower, coffee . . . you can do pretty much anything that is all about your friend!

The total cost usually ranges from $15-$25 depending on what you include as the gifts. You could even do these in a big coffee mug on a smaller scale and it would probably cost a little less. I've found places like Cost Plus to be great for purchases that are small and unique and are easy to hot glue (and then later remove). The key is to keep things in their original packaging so that the hot glue doesn't ruin the gift. 

Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great Friday!

valentine idea

Looking for a last minute Valentine idea? I made this last year . . . and my husband loved it! At the end of this post you will find a list of ideas you can write on the "coupons" you enclose inside.

I picked up this clear "paint bucket," the pint size, at Beverly's. You can find them at most craft stores. The paper and thickers are from American Crafts. The little letters are from Making Memories.

I tied a bunch of ribbons to the handle. Some are from American Crafts, the others were random ribbons I had on hand and haven't a clue where I picked them up.

More American Crafts goodies on the lid.

I hand cut hearts out of patterned paper that had a solid colored backside. You could use a heart punch as well. The hearts need to be big enough for a small message. I folded them and mixed them in with confetti and Hershey's kisses.

Now for the kicker . . . you have to actually let your husband redeem these coupons at a time of his choosing!

Coupon Suggestions

*A free back rub/foot rub/neck rub, etc…

*A night on the town to a place of your choice
*One candlelight dinner for two
*One full day without me on the computer
*One day to sleep in as late as you want
*Get out of the doghouse free – must be physically presented for redemption
(note to the giver: this coupon requires the complete forgiveness of a minor to midsize foul)
*Free night on the town – you get to get out of the house, I'll stay home with the kids
*One hour of my time – without interruptions
*Remote control coupon – coupon entitles bearer to two hours of hassle-free television watching
*Breakfast in bed
*Romantic dinner – at home; you may choose the menu! Dessert optional...(wink, wink)
*Good for a batch of cookies
*At home Movie & Cuddle time – your choice of movie
*Free chore release – This coupon redeemable for ONE free night with no chores, redeemable at any time
*Good for a day alone – with JUST me or without me
*Good for three wishes. Coupon-giver will satisfy any wish you have (wishes must be legal, affordable, and possible to perform)

I'm sure you can think of other ideas on your own! Have a great Valentine's Day!!