A Labor of L*O*V*E!

I love to wrap, I love to create and I love to give personal & unique gifts! So, one special friend of mine has a birthday approaching and I had to brainstorm what to give her. She and her sister both are very hard to top when gift giving is the agenda. Their whit and creativity are unmatched in my opinion, which makes it very difficult to reciprocate the "perfect" gift. The following is my attempt:

Yes, the creativity process got a little out of hand and resulted in the birth of two gifts, one for each sister. Wrapping to me is all about presentation. It is like a first impression, you only get one chance and you must woo your recipient.

The cake is tops! I started by making the base out of a noodle can I had been salvaging, folded some scrapbook paper for the cup, stuffed it with floral foam and added the flowers & candle.

A peek inside reveals two precious dolls! (A slight obsession of mine) The first one began with a vintage boy scout first aid tin, which was befitting since my friend is a retired nurse. From there it all began to build momentum and I had to refrain from adding too much.

Everything is salvaged, recycled, vintage or hand made, which makes the possibilities endless. This is a shot of her purse made of an old matchbook. The strap is part of the chain from my closet light, it was too long anyway.

I cannot believe what is at your fingertips when you begin looking at "things" through creative lenses.

She also enjoys gardening, hence the name I dubbed her "Mother Nurture" i.e. gardening and nurse combo. Her bouquet is a vintage 50's floral pin and her watering can is one half of a salt and pepper set I found at an antique mall.

She would not be complete without a removable birthday hat.

As for sister, she was inspired by this tobacco tin. Both sisters love a good cig, so I had to jump at the opportunity to make her extra special.

The custom broach on the skirt even has a hand made flamingo accent. Another quirk which makes it unique and personal to them both.

She has some somkin hot legs!

A stack of packages resembles what they they do best, gift giving. Hence her name "The Giftaholic".

I could go on and on about my how to's and why's and where's, but I must come to a close. I feel fortunate just knowing each of these women, while it may have been a labor of love, I LOVED every minute!