The JOY Gift Bag

I love to make stuff. If I had the time and the space, I would seriously try to make a living just making stuff. When we had our shop a few years back, that was one of the best things. But, since I try to live in the real world most of the time, I usually have to limit making stuff to holidays, birthdays and celebrations like that. So...since it is holiday time, I spent some time this morning putting together a gift bag for the uber cool Jennifer that cuts my hair. Here's how it happened....

I must say that I think I remember seeing something like this somewhere (how informative of me) so if anyone has made this and thinks I have tried to copy them, please set me straight! All I will say now is thanks for the idea...it's a great one! Here's how we roll....

First, make a copy of some vintage sheet music. I chose "Joy To The World".


Run the copy back through the printer adding the word JOY or whatever fits the occasion. Then trim, tear or burn the edges and attach to the bag with spray adhesive.

I used a couple pieces of my Virginia holly and tied them with vintage baker's twine. You can use a ribbon, but I just like this simple look.

Wrapping the twine around the branches a few times, I added one of my thrifting finds, an old mercury ball ornament.

What are we getting the bag ready for? Absolutely THE BEST candle...ever. Outsmells (is that a word?) Yankee, McCall's, Cheerful Giver, Root...it is the best, long lasting candle and the scents are incredible. This one is Hot Maple Toddy...

Add some tissue to the bottom of the bag for cushioning and to keep the candle from moving side to side....

Add some filler...these pieces have been cut from an old 1930's dictionary.....

And I just crinkle them up!

Put the candle in and there you have it....

A gift bag that can have another life by holding a poinsettia plant throughout the rest of the season!

It all worked out...Jen loved the bag and the candle and my hair looks terrific!