| As a mixed media artist, in early December I | | | | phone calls and ask people to stop by your home. |
| began making several Victorian Christmas gifts | | | | When I do this, I simply ask, "Could you come |
| for friends and family. Rather than wrapping them | | | | over for a few minutes? I have something to |
| up and giving them away at Christmas, I created | | | | show you." When the people arrive, they are |
| my own boutique right in my family room. One by | | | | very surprised that someone took the time to |
| one, I invited friends over for a few minutes and | | | | create such a wonderful environment just for |
| let them see their gifts on display to take home. | | | | them. It is also more personal than simply |
| It has been a meaningful on-going experience and | | | | dropping off a box at someone's house. It gives |
| one that I wanted to pass on to others who | | | | you an opportunity to say, "I made this just for |
| might enjoy doing the same thing. | | | | you." |
| So, how can you do this also? You can make | | | | It has been such a wonderful experience that I |
| cookies and decorate the tins with flowers, ribbon, | | | | wanted to share it with you so that you can |
| snowflake ornaments-whatever your heart | | | | spread the joy of Christmas to those who are |
| desires. Then, put them on display in a special | | | | near and dear to you. Since this is a season of |
| place in your home surrounded by poinsettias or | | | | giving, what better thing to give someone than a |
| whatever you wish to decorate with. Soft lighting | | | | few moments of your time? If you visit my |
| is also quite effective and will give the area extra | | | | website, you can view Victorian gift tags available |
| sparkle. You can also decorate Christmas | | | | to download for free. If you look under art |
| ornaments for each person and display them in a | | | | challenges, there are examples of my own |
| glass or crystal bowl. You can even glue a picture | | | | Victorian home boutique which can give you ideas |
| of each recipient on the bulbs themselves and | | | | for how to display the pieces you create. |
| then decorate with holly, flowers, or anything that | | | | With my boutique set up, I simply let friends and |
| twinkles. Remember to add glitter for a special | | | | neighbors take the gifts that were created for |
| touch. When creating various gifts, I find that | | | | them. And the best part is, it saves all the time |
| small, white paper doilies work wonderfully with a | | | | of wrapping each gift. When the presents are on |
| Victorian theme and can be incorporated into | | | | display, they are taken home and immediately put |
| many designs. | | | | to use and enjoyed by their recipients. |
| Once you are ready, just make a few impromptu | | | | |