Here's how to make a beautiful one and look like a pro put together.
I was recently asked to make a couple of baskets for a fundraiser at our church.
Of course I said yes, immediately.
I was super happy to contribute, so I offered up two craft baskets. I figured I would make one with activities for children and one for adults.
I know crafts and enjoy crafts, it would be an easy way to give back and help out...or so I thought!
I'd actually never made a gift or raffle basket before.
I thought I knew exactly what I was going to do, but once I was in the craft store, I was stumped.
The first time I went, I was so overwhelmed, I left empty handed!
I suddenly felt an enormous wave of responsibility and insecurity. The purpose of the basket was to raise money.
In order to do that, it would need to be filled with items that people wanted badly enough to throw some cash at them. Plus, they needed to look very enticing.
Honestly, that is...was...the key.
Have you ever been to one of those parties, where pretty packages get passed around and then "stolen" over and over again?
Everyone just wants the gorgeous paper or bow, no one really thinks about what's inside, right?
Of course, I knew I was going to fill my basket with quality, but I also knew it had to look fabulous. From the outside.
I thought it would be easier and turns out, I was right. I went to a discount store and gathered up a bunch of craft kits. There were a variety of painting and sewing projects, window art kits, drawing and coloring activities.
You get the picture. I made sure that I had a variety of activities, so it would draw a broader group to bid.
Once I had the contents of that basket nailed down, I felt confident enough to hit the craft store again for basket number two. This time, inspiration was on my side.
Instead of adding random items, I decided to add all the supplies necessary to make three full (and very basic) crafts: a decoupaged cardboard box, stenciled clay pots and a summer wreath.
I included paints, stencils, the pots, a grapevine wreath, a Bowdabra Bow Maker, silk hydrangeas, ribbon, brushes and craft paper among other items.
I also tossed in two books for painting inspiration. I purchased all of the items with coupons to stretch my budget.
On my way out, I grabbed a roll of that clear hair dryer shrink wrap and got ready to put it all together.
Instead of adding random items, I decided to add all the supplies necessary to make three full (and very basic) crafts: a decoupaged cardboard box, stenciled clay pots and a summer wreath.
I included paints, stencils, the pots, a grapevine wreath, a Bowdabra Bow Maker, silk hydrangeas, ribbon, brushes and craft paper among other items.
I also tossed in two books for painting inspiration. I purchased all of the items with coupons to stretch my budget.
On my way out, I grabbed a roll of that clear hair dryer shrink wrap and got ready to put it all together.
Like I said, cheaper and it allowed people to see what they were bidding on clearly.
Everything was in full color and in full view.
The grown up items were placed in a rustic wire basket.
Again, I wanted all the pretties to be in full view and since these items were not stackable, I needed a container.
I topped each package off with a fabulous bow and a sheet detailing the contents...
...which lists the Delux Watercolor Set, a brand name, not a misspelling!
Those kinds of details are what give the baskets a professional look and feel.
I'm so glad I was able to contribute.
Definitely pretty enough to be stolen at a party! 😉
Here Are A Few Gift Basket Making Tips:
- A sturdy container, that relates to the basket theme is a great way to support all your items. Remember the Easter Basket example. Use a bathtub for a baby shower, or a pet bed for pet raffle theme or a large pot for a garden theme.
- Add a filler, like shredded paper or to fill the bottom of the gift basket and to make it look fuller
- Wrap it up with cellophane. You can find it at most dollar stores in clear and colored varieties and some of them even have themed patterns.
- Stack the heaviest items on the bottom and and display the prettiest ones in full view.
- For added interest, you can wrap a few of the basket items before you add them inside.
- Always top your basket wrapping off with a large bow.
How are your basket making skills?
I LOVE making gift baskets too Kim and I love how you made these two!
ReplyDeleteI just knew you were a basket girl, Vel! You're so crafty! :)
DeleteHi Kim, the gift baskets came out really pretty! I was admiring your pretty bows and now I know why! I like making baskets for the kitchen and pasta baskets. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks Julie! I would definitely do this again...I may basket all of my gifts from now on! :)
DeleteToo cute. I have purchased items for baskets, but someone else always made them up. Now I want to make some.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I had so much fun doing it! It's like decorating, but on a much smaller scale! :)
DeleteGreat good on the baskets, Kim! I was admiring you bow making abilities too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie! I am a terrible bow maker without my bow maker and I really think that the bow makes the whole package! Thanks for popping by! :)
DeleteI've made baskets like that before when my kids were in school. You are right, there's a lot of pressure!! Yours turned out really cute and that matters at those events. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacey and yes, lots of pressure! I think I have it down now, though! Well, until the next time they ask! ;)
DeleteThese are so cute! I always love the idea of putting baskets together but am a major FAIL when it comes to making them. You make it look so easy--- maybe I'll try again!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first basket attempt, Jen. I have to say that the shrink wrap has a way of making everything look great! :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteVery nice, Kim, and generous too. They came out great! I could get distracted by a basket that I wanted, so I might not notice what is inside. Come to thing of it, I can add baskets to one of my obsessions. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! The longer I blog, the more things I find I can add to my obsession list, too!! There's so much pretty out there! :)
DeleteNice job on the baskets, I haven't quite perfected my touch. Pinning :)
ReplyDeleteThe shrink wrap helps a lot, Lori! It was really the key for me! Thanks for the pin! :)
DeleteVery nice. I use to own a gift basket business and these turned out so great!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, Deborah!! That is high praise from a pro ~ you just made my day! :)
DeleteYour baskets look fabulous! I'm pinning so I can look at this again the next time I want to make a gift basket - they are so much fun, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to make....and shop for! I actually wanted to buy a second everything for myself! Thanks for the pin Jen...I love getting pinned! :)
DeleteOh wow, these are fabulous, what a great idea and such wonderful tips too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marty. You are always so complimentary! :)
DeleteThere is a knack to making nice looking gift baskets and you nailed it! So sweet of you to help out!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann...the shrink wrap and bows help A LOT! ;)
DeleteYour baskets look lovely indeed! xoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen...deciding what to put in them was harder than the wrapping! I did not expect that at all!
DeleteSo thoughtful of you to donate the your time and items for the baskets. They're both beautiful, Kim!
ReplyDeleteI was happy to do it, Brandi! :) Glad you liked them!
DeleteLove the name and tag line of your blog - great concept. I used to feel like gift baskets and hampers were dated but they are so not any more. I love how creative people are getting with them instead of including all sorts of weird preserves and sauces like they used to be. Yours are great, I'd want to buy tickets for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kate, for all of your lovely words! Yes, gifts baskets are still a big draw. Especially on the fundraising scene, at PTA, church and various other functions! Lots of pressure to bring on the pretty! Thank goodness for shrink wrap and my bow maker! :)
DeleteHi Kim! Oh, your gift baskets turned out beautifully! I'm sure your church made money on these. The children's one is cute but the adult one is so elegant looking! You did good. I have a friend who used to make gift baskets for a little hospital shop and she did very well.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your visit and your sweet comments on our new adventure.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Thanks for popping over to take a peek, Shelia!
DeleteThose turned out beautifully! I love putting together gift baskets. It's especially fun to me if I'm collecting things for a specific person in mind and have the time to collect over a fairly long period of time -- kind of the "thrill of the hunt!"
ReplyDeleteI had a good time shopping for the basket items! I had to stop myself from buying duplicates of everything for myself! ;)
DeleteMy goodness I love the gift baskets! They really turned out great!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I actually really enjoyed the process! :)
DeleteYou are so inspiring and I think these gift baskets are the best presents you could ever give as they are just so beautiful and so creative and personal!!!! I can see myself making these gift baskets for every single gift now!I'm going to start looking around and collecting baskets and ribbons! Xxx
ReplyDeleteTina Long.
Thanks! It really doesn't take much to look like a pro!
DeleteKim, this is ADORABLE! I am sure the recipients were thrilled. Have a great week, Lynn
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn!! I think they were! :)
DeleteGreat ideas! I love to put together gift baskets. Sheila
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila! I love making up baskets, too!! :)
Delete