Gift Wrapping With Shells and a Sharpie

Who needs gift tags when you have shells?

Or special wrapping paper for kids? I just used grown up paper and recycled ribbons from my stash to liven up these packages that Santa will deliver to the grandkids.

I just used what I already had on hand.

Like a strand of clear beads. And a mussel shell to match with a thin strand of plaid ribbon.

If I know Ava, she will delight in these little gem-like baubles!

So who needs traditional gift tags?

As they say, necessity is the mother of invention!

Tiny Gift Boxes Ready To Fill

I started out with these tiny little cardboard gift boxes you can pick up at any craft store.

And collected some "moose" moss. That's the pretty moss you can always find hanging from the limbs of dead tree branches here on the coast.

Cranberries, pinecones and a sea shell get laid on a bed of moss.

This moss has a wonderful wispy trait and is such a pretty shade of green.

A few years ago I decorated some of these tiny gift boxes with some family photos.

with some ribbon glued on for trim.

with pine cones, cranberries and some glitter.

To make the glitter stick, I used spray adhesive on the cranberries.

The final touch is just some colorful tissue paper for the inside.

And it's always nice to have a few of these on hand to hold a handmade gift.

New Life For Your Old Maine Atlas

I always find it hard to depart with an old tattered, coffee stained, well worn and coming apart at the seams Maine Atlas. It represents memories of exploring new places, adventures with people dear, strangers met that left a lasting impression, and the promise of a return trip to a favorite spot. But it is my fondness for Map 16, my favorite 20 mile grid that I have always been drawn to, that is my weakness, my passion and the 1 page I enjoy paying homage to before I release it back into the world. This year, "Map 16" will take on a new life as the gift box that will hold my sister's birthday present to celebrate her return to Maine.



While I was at it, it seemed a shame to let go of any part of this dear old friend. I wonder if other Mainers struggle with getting rid of their old Gazetteers too. Something tells me they just might.