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The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

September 27, 2011

{christmas} Day 2: Tea Time!

Day #2 is for all of the tea-drinkers on your list!  So many cute finds!
Honey, Art Print, Tea Cups, Teapot Necklace, Tea Wallet

Pick two or three of these options and you’ll have a sweet gift for a friend or a loved one.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Pair the handmade teacup with a few of your favorite teas.  Take the bags out of the box, tie a handful with pretty ribbon and place inside the cup. 
  • Tuck a few teabags into the wallet.  Stuff a little of shread/crinkle paper inside the cup and then tuck the wallet inside. 
  • Have the print framed (you can find inexpensive frames at Ikea and Hobby Lobby).  Wrap with kraft paper and twine and then include a note and tuck one of your favorite teas inside the card. 



 Kraft Bag, Tea Box



Packaging Ideas:
  • Any of the teacup ideas would look darling in these kraft bags with the window on the front.  Just finish with a label or some washi tape and you are good to go!
  • For a more expensive option, but one that would definitely become a family heirloom, look into the tea box.  Gorgeous!



September 26, 2011

{christmas} Day 1: Spread a Little Holiday Cheer!

Welcome to Day #1 of my Handmade Gift Giving series! 

It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially if you are hoping to buy handmade.  So all this week, I’ll be sharing a bunch of finds in the hope that you’ll get some great ideas for all those people on your list! 

Spreader, Tags, Muslin Bags, Jam

Today’s idea is a great “go-to” gift and is appropriate for so many people: neighbors, co-workers…it would even be a cute teacher gift.

There are so many options for different flavored jams on etsy, but here are a few other ideas:

  • Share your own homemade jam from your garden’s bounty
  • Use local jam or even jam made from your state
  • Wrap up your very favorite jelly or one that you use often

Packaging ideas:

  • Add a gift tag with some colorful ribbon around the cap.  The handstamped copper ones above are adorable, but any tag will do!  My favorite ribbon is grosgrain…this one is cute, but there are many affordable options at places like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. 
  • Add a spreader to your jar by simply tying it directly into the bow.  I love the ones with a cute phase stamped into it.
  • You can then gift as is or place the jar into a little muslin bag for added surprise!

To make your gift more personal, include a recipe card with a favorite way you use the jam (over cream cheese, spread on a toasted piece of homemade bread, etc). 

Come back tomorrow for Day #2! 

September 23, 2011

{learning} The Story about Ping…(and a little about China too)

Wow, I cannot believe we’ve finished another unit already!  The past two weeks, we have learned all about Chinese culture and ducks.  The Five in a Row book we’ve been reading is The Story about Ping.


Watching “Big Bird in China” on the laptop

These were the books we read:

  • The Story About Ping
  • Ducks Don’t Get Wet
  • One Stuck Duck
  • Big Bird in China (a DVD)

I’m really enjoying spreading out each book for two weeks.  My “formal” lesson plans are brief (only lasting us maybe 45 minutes), but we usually always engage in some sort of impromptu art or math lesson afterwards.  I think that is what I love most about homeschooling – we have the freedom to further explore anything we want.  We aren’t bound by standards and lists! 

Acting out the poem, “5 Little Ducks”

Tangrams…this was a big hit!

Inspired by another blog, I made a “Search and Find” using Scrabble letters and beans.  M dug around and found the letters that matched the words on his sheet.
Science experiment to see how ducks use oil to stay waterproof

We learned a little about the Chinese New Year and made dragons

A peek into our lapbook

Our “Art Gallery” all decked out with crafts!
I separated our learning into a little Chinese culture and a little discovery into the world of ducks.  For China, we made flags, wrote our names in Chinese characters, learned all about the Great Wall of China, and even tried out a few phrases in Chinese!
We incorporated a lot of science into our mini duck unit and I even learned a thing or two!  Did you know that ducks take oil from a gland and spread it all over their feathers, so when they dive in the water, they are waterproof?  I must have missed that in elementary school!  
Tonight we are headed to a Chinese buffet and if the weather’s nice, we may hit the walking trail to see if we can find any ducks at the pond. 
Next up on our trip around the world: Italy! 

September 22, 2011

{etsy finds} Adorable Gift Tags from Fresh Lemon Blossoms

It’s time to talk about packaging!  Last year during the holidays, I challenged myself not to buy anything new – I made myself use up my stash of old wrapping paper and ribbons.  It was so hard to do as I looked longingly at all the beautiful aisles of paper and trims in the stores, but I’m loving the decision now!  This year, I can start fresh!

I stumbled upon the shop, Fresh Lemon Blossoms, and immediately loved her gift tags.  Take a peek at some of my favorites:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
I love all of the little details, especially the glitter!  Wouldn’t they look awesome paired with just solid wrapping (or kraft paper!)?  Shop here.
—————————————-
P.S. I’ve had a little Gift Giving series in the works here at the Big White Farmhouse and I’m excited to say that it’s ready to go!  So be sure to come back all next week for lots of handmade gifts ideas for everyone on your list! 

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