How To Create A Thoughtful Gift For Under $5

Have you ever scrounged for a last minute gift only to feel guilty over your choice? Have you ever been invited to a party only to decline because you're between paychecks and don't have the funds for a gift? By keeping a few supplies on hand, you can create a lovely, thoughtful gift for under $5. The key is to pick flowers and paint colors that match the décor and/or taste of the gift recipient.

And the best part is that it will look like you've spent at least $25 at the local floral shop! Follow this project designed by Alyice Edrich of the Dabbling Mum.
 

Materials:

• Paper Mache Flower Pot
• White Gesso Paint by Liquitex
• Acrylic paints: Titanium Buff, dark blue, light blue
• High Gloss Acrylic Spray Sealer
• Elmer's Glue (can also use Aileen's tacky glue)
• Silk flower plant
• Moss (or fake grass)
• Shredded paper
• 1 Paper doilies
• Mod Podge

Tools:

• Wire cutters
• Wide paint brush
• Scissors
• Sea sponge
• Dry cloth
   

Instructions:

1. Paint the flower pot with gesso paint. Let dry.
   
   
    
2. Use Mod Podge to adhere center of doily to bottom of flower pot and fancy part to the sides. Let dry.
   
   
    
3. Cut out center of a doily, then cut the fancy part of the doily in half.
    
4. Use Mod Podge to glue halves of doilies on opposing sides of flower pot. Let dry.
   
   
    
5. Mix dark blue paint with a little water to create a wash, then cover the flower pot with the blue wash—both inside and out. Let dry.
   
   
    
6. Dry brush Titanium Buff over the blue, making sure to leave the undercoat of blue paint visible. Let dry.
   
   
    
7. Dip a sea sponge into light blue paint, then tap onto the flower pot.
   
   
    
8. While the paint is still wet, tap a dry cloth over the sponged area to remove some of the paint. (This will create a more subtle look, blending the colors instead of having them appear as two separate and distinct colors.) Let dry.
    
9. Spray flower pot: inside, outside, and bottom with high gloss acrylic sealer. Let dry.
    
10. Fill flower pot with shredded paper.
    
    
     
11. Pour glue over shredded paper.
     
12. Break up moss and place pieces on top of the glue, making sure you gently press the moss down into the glue so that it adheres.
    
    
     
13. Snip flowers with wire cutters and insert individual stems into pot.
    
    

Congratulations! You've just created a lovely, last minute gift sure to impress even the pickiest of recipients.

FTC Disclosure:
Paper Mache Flower Pot (Item 2839-04) was provided, free of charge, by Consumer Crafts.