Holiday Freebie! Christmas Gift Wrap & Gift Tags

It's almost another Christmas season, and already my pockets don't seem to go that deep. Still, it's the time for giving --- and I've lots of giving to do. So I've decided to save a few pennies by NOT BUYING what all gifts come with --- gift wrap and gift tags. DIY Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap: Thanks to Creature Comforts (http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/) for this inspiring idea. It's an elegant take on gift-wrapping; and the best part -- you can find the materials needed at your local supermarket. PLUS -- it's an eco-friendly alternative to buying traditional gift wrap.

I love how it turns out to be so classy yet simple. To make it more festive, you can switch the acrylic paint to reds and greens. To view the full tutorial, please follow the link to the Creature Comforts blog (http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2008/12/3/paper-scraps-celery-fabulous-gift-wrap.html)

How do you stretch your dimes during the Holidays?

A Bear-y Inspired Diaper Cake

Inspired by her love of teddy bears, I delightfully created a bear-themed diaper cake to showcase at my friend's baby shower. I decided on the blue and yellow colors in anticipation of her baby boy. A plush bear sits on top of the cake "hugging" a bunny ice pack. I thought this would add a unique touch to the entire creation.

I used about 50-55 newborn disposable diapers, and accented the cake with useful trinkets like baby's comb, milk powder container, a sippy cup, a set of baby keys, and baby's first spoon and fork.

This diaper cake may be recreated using slightly different materials, in accordance with my goal to make each diaper cake as unqiue as possible. It makes a great centerpiece for baby showers or christenings.

For orders and inquiries, please contact me at my e-mail: gail_apostol@yahoo.com.