Creative – Page 4

Books T.W.O. Ways

Published on October 10, 2013October 9, 2013 by twinswithoriginalityLeave a comment

Decorating bookshelves is not easy. First you have to pick a theme, color scheme, and then purchase the items. When T.W.O. first was presented the task of decorating 2 sets of bookshelves, we did some research by looking through magazines and online. T.W.O fell in LOVE with the bookshelf design by Restoration Hardware (inspiration picture above). The design was rustic, but yet ‘beachy’, which was the theme that we were going for in the room. After studying the photo, T.W.O. decided that this would be a simple, less expensive project if we were to do it ourselves and not buy the pre-made book online. And that is what we did!

Supplies

Books (Paperback and hardcover)
Rotisserie string
Brown paper grocery bags
Scissors

To start the project, T.W.O. headed down to the nearest $1 bookstore. We scanned the books for size (both height and width), color of paper, titles, and condition. Once we gathered the amount needed, we headed home to begin working on the fun part!

First, remove all the book covers from the paperback books. These will be the books you bind together. Decide on the books you want to bind together- they can vary in size, color, etc. Once you have decided, cut your rotisserie string so that it is long enough to go around the books. Cut 2 stings for each “book stack” you make. Tie your books together, one string towards the top, then other towards the bottom. Repeat for the other “book stacks.”

For the hardback books, T.W.O. wrapped each book in a brown paper grocery bag. (Yes, it is like when you were in high school and had to wrap your textbooks. Hopefully you still have the skills to do it! ) Cut your paper bag so that it lays flat. Turn the paper over so that the blank side is face down. Now start folding! Once the book is covered, repeat for remaining hardback books.

Now it’s design time! Place the “book stacks” where you would like. T.W.O. incorporated seashells in glass containers on the bookshelves to tie in the “beachy” theme. Any theme can really work with these books- nautical, Spanish, Italian, aviation, etc. The choices are endless. Just remember- be creative and original. It’s easy as that!

Flower Bouquets by T.W.O.

Published on September 26, 2013September 24, 2013 by twinswithoriginalityLeave a comment

Flower bouquets make great gifts for any occasion- birthdays, hostess gifts, “Get Wells,” “Thinking of You’s”, or just to show appreciation for someone else. But let’s face it, most of the time these fabulous gifts are all wrapped the same way- in plastic. Boring. To add a little more spark and personal touch to each boutique gift, T.W.O. decided to wrap the flowers themselves. Now let’s get crafty!

Supplies

-Large, brown paper grocery bag
–Tissue paper, colored
-Raffia or Ribbon
-Bouquet of flowers

First, cut the bottom of the paper bag so that it becomes a long rectangle. Flip the paper bag with the blank side face down if one side has writing on it.

Next, take 2 sheets of tissue paper and place on top of paper bag, with one side situated higher than the paper bag.

Then, place your bouquet of flowers at an angle on the tissue paper. Start wrapping the bouquet. You might need to fold or cut the paper bag if it is too long. Secure the paper bag with raffia or a ribbon.

Now you have yourself a marvelous gift!

Wine Cork Place Card Holders

Published on September 12, 2013September 10, 2013 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

Having a dinner party with assigned seating? Can’t decide on how to display your guests’ name? Well T.W.O. has the perfect solution for you! All those wine corks you are “saving” for a special occasion can finally come in handy. It’s as easy as one…T.W.O.…three!!

What you will need:

– Name Tags (T.W.O. printed the name tags on Avery template pages)
– Wine Corks
– X-Acto Knife or Swish Army Knife

Step 1: Design and print out your name tags.

Step 2: Using your knife, cut a ½ cm deep line into the cork (lengthwise).

Step 3: Place the name tag in the slit and make sure it’s secured. *

Voilà!

Now that’s an easy DIY project! Happy designing!!!

* If the wine cork place card isn’t standing upright, shave the bottom of the cork to create a flatter surface.

Happy Labor Day from T.W.O.

Published on September 2, 2013September 2, 2013 by twinswithoriginalityLeave a comment

T.W.O. Throws in the Towel!

Published on August 29, 2013August 29, 2013 by twinswithoriginalityLeave a comment

One of the most popular hostess gifts is a bottle of wine. And the most popular way to bring the bottle is unwrapped, no gift bag. The main reason for not having a bag is that you forgot to purchase the bag or you think to yourself, “They will just throw it in the trash anyways!” Well, T.W.O. has a solution for you….Just “throw in the towel” and you will have yourself an original hostess gift! Plus, the host can use the towel again! Not just throw it away.

What you will need:

-Decorative kitchen towel, brand new
-Raffia
-Wine bottle

*T.W.O. has featured one of their favorite Old Vine Zins by Brazin.

Take your kitchen towel and lay it flat on a table. Place your wine bottle in the center of the towel. Gather the ends of the towel and bring up, towards the center of the wine bottle so that it is entirely covered. If your towel is on the larger side, you might need to twist it when wrapping the wine bottle so the ends are not flopping over. Secure the towel in place by tying the raffia around the neck of the wine bottle in a knot. Finish with a bow. You could also add a little name tag (tying it when making the knot) to make it more personable. Now you are all set for the party!

Going Green with Gift Bags

Published on August 19, 2013August 19, 2013 by twinswithoriginalityLeave a comment

How many times have you paid $5+ dollars for a gift bag? Or paid more for the wrapping than the cost of the actual gift? And how many times have you thought to yourself- wait, I can reuse this gift bag, but I don’t remember who gave it to me, so I probably shouldn’t use it. Well, T.W.O. has a solution for you! Reusable shopping bags! They are cute, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly! Plus, it just adds another gift to your gift!

What you will need:
-Reusable shopping bag
-Tissue paper
-Raffia

T.W.O. bought these bags from Whole Foods. Many other stores like Trader Joe’s or Sprouts sell these bags. So next time you see one that you like, buy it because it will come in handy for the next gift you need to wrap!