Ideas and Inspirations from Country Living
Make Your Own Personalized Gifts
Personalized Gifts
Hostess package
For a hostess who loves to cook, say thank you with an apron monogrammed with iron-on transfer letters. In keeping with the culinary theme, include some wooden kitchen utensils and a blank recipe book. You can personalize the book's cover with a sticker printed with a customized stamp.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
PROJECT 1:
Iron-On Transfers
TIPS & TOOLS
You will need a computer, ink-jet color printer, iron-on transfer paper (available at craft or computer stores), and an iron for this project. Be sure to turn the iron's steam function off, or you risk ruining the transfer.
HOW-TO
Using a word processing program, type the initials you wish to monogram in the font and color of your choice. Consider the color of the apron, and choose either a contrasting or tonal hue for the monogram. Flip the letters on your computer, then print onto transfer paper. Trim excess paper closely, leaving the letters connected. Position letters on the apron and iron according to the included instructions. For best results, use natural fabrics such as cotton or linen (though cotton-polyester blends work as well).
CARE
Machine wash the apron only on a delicate cycle to preserve the transfer. Avoid ironing the monogram once it has set.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
PARTY FAVORS
Show your friends how well you know them with favors customized to reflect their favorite interests. Stamp inexpensive containers, such as these terra-cotta pots, with their initials and then fill with goodies. Small baskets or mugs would work here, too.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
PROJECT 2:
Rubber Stamps
TIPS & TOOLS
Choose porous containers to re-create the weathered-looking lettering shown here; unlike plastic, their surfaces will absorb some of the ink. If you wish, paint the pots first, then stamp the initial using a coordinating ink color.
HOW-TO
Clean a small terra-cotta pot and dry thoroughly. Coat the stamp with ink from an ink pad, and with a steady hand, firmly press onto the pot (you may want to practice on paper first to gauge ink levels). Let dry, then fill with thoughtful tokens, such as seed packets, theater tickets, or colored pencils.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
OVERNIGHT GUEST KIT
Expecting overnight guests? Make their stay more comfortable with bathroom amenities -- a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and cotton swabs -- presented thoughtfully in a monogrammed glass. Leave it bedside with a personal note.
PROJECT 3:
Etching Cream
TIPS & TOOLS
Wear rubber gloves and long sleeves when using etching cream. Work in a well-ventilated area.
HOW-TO
Wash and dry a clear drinking glass. First make the letter stencil by taping contact paper to a cutting mat. On top of the contact paper, tape a premade stencil of the initial of your choice. Trace it, then cut out the letter with a sharp X-acto knife and discard, leaving only the contact paper template. Peel the contact paper from its backing and position on the glass where you want the monogram; smooth out any air bubbles. Using a small paintbrush, apply the etching cream inside the template and let set according to instructions. Rinse the glass thoroughly with warm water, then peel off the contact paper.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
EMBROIDERY
Present monogrammed bath towels to overnight guests or kitchen towels to a dinner party hostess. These embroidered stick-on appliqués, found at craft stores, make a terrific shortcut. Simply stick on the appliqué, then iron the towel's underside.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
STAMP IT
Give a personalized stamp, such as this one from PSA Essentials, and your hostess can make her mark on stationery, notecards, and more. finestationery.com
MORE RESOURCES
FORYOURPARTY.COM
Ideal for any large event, this web site stocks party-perfect cocktail napkins, coasters, matchbooks, and gift bags.
FINESTATIONERY.COM
In addition to announcements, invitations, and letterhead, this site offers colorful place mats, luggage tags, and book labels.
CUSTOMCANVASES.COM
Send in any photograph and the site's artists will paint a stylized version of it on canvas.
IOMOI.COM
Head here for unique gifts, such as graphically patterned coasters, paperweights, trays, and notebooks.
NAMEMAKER.COM
Design your own fabric clothing labels or order monogrammed gift boxes at this 70-year-old company's user-friendly site.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Personalized GiftsWendell T. Webber
