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Inside the February 2009 Issue Last-Minute Gift Ideas! The month of December is rapidly approaching, and it’s time to send off your Christmas cards, decorate the house for the holidays, and finish painting gifts for family and friends. This issue features an array of designs appropriate for this gift-giving season. As you look through the following pages, keep in mind that in addition to painting the projects as shown, many of these designs may be adapted to a wide variety of surfaces.In view of today’s economy, it’s time for many of us to fine-tune our gift list. With brush in hand, there are numerous ways you can create attractive, economical, gifts for family and friends. Why not think in terms of gift baskets? The container itself can be the hand-painted part of your gift. Many of the projects in this issue can be used in themed gift baskets, and be sure to look to past issues of Quick & Easy Painting as well. I encourage you to think creatively and come up with some inspiring gift ideas of your own. Here are just a few to get you started! Gifts for the Kitchen Purchase a basket or tin at your local department or hobby store and fill with cookies, a pair of hand-painted coffee mugs, and complete your Christmas gift with a hand-painted gift tag or maybe a hand-painted ornament. Another alternative is to wrap a loaf of homemade nut bread in clear plastic wrap and place it on a breadboard (with a hand-painted design on the reverse side) together with a bread knife. Time for Tea! Purchase an assortment of soothing herb tea bags and some teacups, and pair them up with our hand-painted coasters. You can even include a hand-painted teapot or beverage thermos. A Set for the Desk Customize a desk set with a painted design—stapler, stapler remover, pencil/pen holder, notepad holder, paper clip holder, and more. For the Birds Paint a birdfeeder and present it with birdfeed, and perhaps a bird book. Our Winter Ornament Trio would be a perfect choice for this grouping. Relax in the Bath I’ve received several of these gifts over the years, and you don’t have to go to high-end department stores to purchase items to place inside the basket. Choose from hand and body creams, soaps, foot soaks, mini facial treatments, bath sponges—the list is endless! Paint a decorative storage container for these items and present a practical, attractive gift. Time to be Creative! You can keep your gift baskets simple or make them as lavish as you wish. Presentation means everything, so carefully wrap your basket in clear or decorative holiday cellophane. Remember, a personalized gift reflects your creative expression and appreciation for those you care about. Hand-painted gifts from the heart will be held dear for years to come. Have a Wonderful Holiday! |
| How-To's | |
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Winter Ornament Trio If you love nature, you will adore this charming trio. |
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Frosty Trees Chase away the winter blues with this sparkling threesome. |
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Nativity Puzzle Ornaments It's not too late to add this unique pair of ornaments to your holiday collection. |
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Satin Poinsettia Stocking Use puff paint to create a set of these for your mantel. You could easily personalize each with the glittering initials! |
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Holly & Ivy Candle Stands Furnish your home with a warm and welcoming glow! |
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Winter Wonderland Book Box Tuck some holiday cards and stamps inside the drawer to make a great gift for that special friend. |
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Holiday Treat Bags Tuck gift cards for family and friends inside these festive red felt bags. |
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Rusty Sled Ornaments These adorable little sleds are fun to look at and can transport you to winter in Cape Cod. |
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Primitive Ornie Tags Personalize your holiday gifts with these lovely handmade tags. |
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Tin Tile Door Hanger This hanger is the perfect seasonal decoration and a great complement to our Primitive Ornie Tags. |
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Holly Holiday Window Topper The holidays are here, and we hope that you create these window toppers to add a festive touch to your holiday home. |
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Four Seasons Mantel
Clock—Winter Get ready for the next installment in our clock series. Our latest winter scene will delight you! |
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Peppermint Pockets Pack these Peppermint Pockets with all sorts of sugary treats! |
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Poinsettia Party Shawl This design can easily be adapted to any piece in your wardrobe—recycle your favorite party dress or an older shawl to create a totally new look! |
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Snow Globe and
Letter Ornaments This ornament collection is perfect for hanging on a wreath, garland, or tree. |
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Snowman Wooden Cups
with Lids These quaint little snowmen cups are bundled up for the season! You can even knit up little scarves for them, or if you are "knitting challenged," you can use homespun strips of fabric to keep their little necks warm! |
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Nesting Snowman Boxes Display these stacking boxes all season long. |
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Snowflake Coasters These coasters are miniature works of art, and a great companion piece to the Primitive Door Crown featured in this issue. |
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Primitive Door Crown Decorate your doorway with this charming country arch. |
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“Welcome” Snow Angel Greet the season and your guests with this harbinger of good wishes and warm welcomes! |
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Winter Treats Cookie Jars Keep those freshly baked cookies and treats close at hand in these painted jars |
| Helping Hand | |
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Fantastic Finishes: Set in Stone: Faux Stone Trivets These faux stone finishes will add pizzazz to any number of surfaces in your home. |
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Funky Folk Art: Christmas Card Box Your treasured cards from family and friends will be safe in this beautiful box. |
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Seasonal Inspirations: Winter Doormat, Letter Box & Plaque Spice up your entrance hall with this snowy set of accessories |
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Teaching Decorative Painting: How about a little…get up and go! Plan a painting party with help from Gisele and Nony! |
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Try This! Snow Friends Pillow This pillow adorns our cover, and we hope that it embellishes your home for the winter season! |
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Create on Canvas: Northern De-Lights Glaze your way to new heights with this Northern Lights display. |
| Departments | |
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QEP Report • Coming Next! • Finds & Feedback • Designer Directory |
| To order this issue directly from Quick & Easy Painting®, please visit our Back Issues page. |
