Gina Tepper .com | Inspiring the creative designer in everyone

Necklace Hanger

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Gina

I love the look of long, layered necklaces — they can dress up and add style to almost every outfit. Unfortunately, I have never had a very good way of storing them. I would hang them over candle holders, picture frames or put them back in the jewelry box only to find them tangled and intertwined with other necklaces when I wanted to wear them. I came up with this idea of a necklace hanger to solve this frustrating problem. I love the finished product because it actually looks like a piece of art or a pretty accent piece in a room.

Materials

Artist Canvas (stretched art canvas over a wooden frame)
Decorator Fabric
Push Pins
Buttons
Metal File
Beacon Fabri-Tac Glue
Beacon Gem-Tac Glue

Instructions

Step 1: Measure the fabric to the size of the Artist Canvas plus enough extra to wrap around the sides and inner edge of the board.

Step 2: Use Beacon Fabri-Tac glue to attach the fabric to the artist canvas. Glue the fabric to the inside edge on one side of the wooden frame first to secure. Work in small sections, smoothing the fabric with your hands to make sure it is attached to the canvas.

Step 3: Trim the inside edge of the fabric so it fits nicely on the inside corners of the frame and to remove the bulky excess.

Step 4: Fold the ends of the fabric up and over the edge of the frame and glue.

Step 4: Trim the remaining excess fabric the length to fit to the inside edge of the frame. Turn the ends of the fabric up and over the frame and glue.

Step 5: Cut off the loop of the button with scissors.

Step 6: File the remaining piece of the loop flat with a metal file.

Step 7: Attach the button to the top of a push pin with Beacon Gem-Tac glue and let dry.

Step 8: Push the button covered push pins, evenly spaced, into the wooden part of the frame.

Step 9: Remove the glass and cardboard backing from the frame and fit the necklace hanger into the frame.

You can add glue to the inside edges of the frame if you would like to lock everything in place. I just wedged the canvas board into the frame and it was secure. The push pins can be easily removed to add more hangers. The finished product can sit on a dresser leaned up against a wall like I did or hung up like a picture. Be creative and choose different fabrics, buttons and frame colors to match your decor. You can ever make some smaller versions to hold bracelets or keys. This would also be a nice addition to a walk in closet.

Posted in Crafts, Everything, gifts, Mother's Day | Tagged beacon fabri-tac glue, beacon gem-tac glue, decorator fabric, fabric jewelry hanger, Gina Tepper, handmade gifts, jewelry, jewelry box, long necklaces, necklace hanger, storing long necklaces | Leave a comment

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Gina

I stopped by to see my friends at WBAL this morning to show some of my handmade Mother’s Day gift ideas. I hope you enjoy this beautiful day whether you are celebrating with your mother or spending time with your amazing children. Happy Mother’s Day!

http://youtu.be/CDB1OZ5b8B4

Posted in Cards, Crafts, Everything, gift box, Gift Wrapping, gifts, kids, Mother's Day, reuseable | Tagged breakfast in bed, burlap, can planters, chalkboard plant sticks, gifts for mom, Gina Tepper, handmade cards, jar vases, mother, mother's day, mother’s day gifts, necklace hanger, picture letters, removable double sided tape, wbal, yarn covered vase | Leave a comment

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Gina

Since Mother’s Day is creeping up on us (Sunday, May 12^th), I thought I would show some gift ideas of things that I love and also give as gifts. I think soothing gifts are always nice because moms are so busy taking care of the kids, they never have time to slow down. A spa treatment is a great present — it gives Mom an afternoon on her own to indulge in ultimate relaxation. You could also give her some of these spa-inspired relaxation gifts so she can pamper herself at home.

A. Coconut Milk Mango Candle from Anthropologie – $16.00

This soy based candle smells so delicious, I just want to eat it. I give these candles as gifts all the time and everyone asks me where I bought them because they want to get more. I also love the Avocado Mint scent.

B. Bath Bombs from Lush - Price varies from about $5-6 each

These handmade bath bombs have an amazing scent for the ultimate bath experience. They are a bit pricey so I cut mine in half to get more value out of them. Lush has a large selection of bath bombs and fragrances to suit every mood.

C. The Comforter Bubble Bar from Lush - $10.95

I love the scent of this bubble bar — I call it a jello bath because it is more of a fruity, black currant scent and reminds me of the Jello flavor I make for the kids. Just break off a small piece of the bar and crumble it into running water for an unbelievable display of purplish-pink bubbles to soothe away the day.

D. Muted Tones and Soft Colors Gift Bag - Handmade

Create this easy to make gift bag to hold your relaxing Mother’s Day gifts — it is sure to bring a smile to her face. I believe that presentation is a big part of the gift.

E. Tea Maker from Teavana - $19.95

Nothing is more soothing to me than a warm cup of tea after a long day. This tea maker looks like something that would be found in a mad scientist’s laboratory, but it actually steeps the perfect tea.

F. Peach Herbal Tea from Teavana – $6.80

I love tea with peach flavors — I drink a least one cup of peach, ginger green tea a day. This tea is a fancy version of the type I get from the grocery store. It is a calming blend of peach and citrus. There a so many tea blends at Teavana so test them out to find the perfect one for the tea drinking mother in your life.

G. Flower Garden Gift Bag - Handmade

Here is another one of my easy to create gift bag designs that is a pretty way to give your Mother’s Day gifts. This would be especially nice for a mother who loves her flower garden.

Posted in Everything, Gift Wrapping, gifts, Mother's Day | Tagged anthroplogie, bath bars, bubble bath, candles, Gina Tepper, lush, mother's day, mother’s day gifts, relaxation gifts, soothing gifts, spa gifts, spa treatment, tea, teavana | Leave a comment

Muted Tones and Soft Colors

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Gina

I love working with muted tones and soft colors — they make such elegant designs. I found some double-sided scrapbooking paper in a cardstock weight with a beautiful pattern on one side and a coordinating solid on the other. It is so much easier to create a project when you already have the perfect color combination all on one piece of paper. There were a few different designs of paper in the same palette so I purchased them all. The colors just spoke to me as if they were saying “please take home and make something beautiful with me”.

I created this gift box design using both sides of the paper. I decorated an Anthropologie gift box with double-sided scrapbooking paper. I made the box reusable by gluing the paper to the top and sides rather than wrapping the box.

Anthropologie-Box-1

Here is a Victorian Gift Box design using a different pattern of scrapbooking paper from the same color palette. The instructions for this gift box can be found here.

This gift bag would be perfect to hold a Mother’s Day gift.

bags-1 To create the gift bag:

Step 1: Cut a piece of scrapbooking paper slightly smaller than the front of the gift bag and attach with a glue stick.

Step 2: Cut a piece of ribbon the length of the front of the gift bag and attach with craft glue.

Step 3: Make a bow with a coordinating piece of ribbon and attach with craft glue.

Step 4: Glue a fabric flower over the ribbon bow.

Step 5: Fill the bag with decorative tissue paper.

bag1

Posted in Crafts, Everything, gift box, Gift Wrapping, Mother's Day, reuseable | Tagged double-sided scrapbooking paper, easy gift wrap, gift bag, gift wrap, Gina Tepper, mother's day, mother’s day gift wrap, muted tones, reuse, scrapbooking paper | Leave a comment

Gift Wrap Accented with Yarn

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Gina

I have always enjoyed wrapping gifts with unexpected elements — using yarn instead of ribbon to decorate gifts is a nice way to wrap a Mother’s Day present. Gifts accented with yarn not only create beautiful and unique designs but also add a unique flair that is sure to impress your mom. It would be especially nice touch if you mom likes to knit or crochet. Here are some of my easy to create designs using different types of beautiful yarn.

Yarn Bow

This gift design is easy to create. The lid of a jewelry box is decorated with scrapbooking paper and yarn to create a reusable box. Adding a yarn bow to a gift will amaze people and leave them wondering how it was made. The secret is packing tape! Just add strands of yarn to the sticky side of packing tape to create a yarn ribbon.

Yarn Wrap

Here is a quick way to wrap a pretty gift with things you have on hand. A band of yarn wrapped around the box add interests to a present. This present was wrapping with reused tissue and a piece of coordinating scrapbooking paper. I attached a silk flower and rhinestones to accent the gift. This gift took less than 10 minutes to create. Look around your house, you will find all sorts of treasures you can used to adorn a gift.

Yarn Bow

A knitted bow adds a heartwarming touch to a gift. It especially looks nice on a baby gift because of the softness baby yarn. This is a perfect project for a person who is just beginning to knit and also is a great use for leftover yarn from baby blankets, hats and booties. This would make a great gift for the expectant mother for Mother’s Day.

Yarn Flower Gift Bag

This inexpensive kraft bag is accented with different types of yarn to create an elegant and sophisticated gift bag. Household items such as a bottle cap and packing tape are layered with yarn to create the flower and yarn ribbon.

Yarn and Extra Button Gift Wrap

Use extra buttons to create a fun, whimsical gift wrap design. This gift is wrapped in reused double-layered crinkled tissue paper. The buttons are threaded onto textured yarn and wound around the box in a random pattern. The yarn is tied in a double knot on the back of the box to secure. You can also attach the buttons onto the gift with craft glue.

Posted in Everything, Gift Wrapping, gifts, Mother's Day, Recycle | Tagged baby gift, expectant mother gift, extra button Gift wrap, gift bag, gift wrap, Gina Tepper, mother’s day gifts, packing tape, yarn, yarn gift wrap | Leave a comment

Teacher Appreciation Week

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Gina

Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday May 6th through Friday May 10th.

I always like to do something nice for my children’s teachers to make them feel special. I usually give food rather than items. Sometimes I will put some Godiva Chocolates or Truffles in a decorative gift bag like the Ribbon Apple one I made here or bake some of my signature chocolate chunk macadamia nut cookies which are always a hit. I think regardless of what you give your children’s teachers whether it is candy, cookies or a sweet card made by your child, it is the warm gesture that they appreciate.

This ribbon apple gift bag design is an updated version of giving an apple to your teacher. I attached ribbon to packing tape to make the apple design. This bag is perfect for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Here’s how to make the Ribbon Apple Gift Bag

Posted in Crafts, Everything, Food, Gift Wrapping, gifts, kids | Tagged apple, gift bag, Gina Tepper, packing tape, Ribbon, ribbon apple, school gifts, teacher apple, Teacher appreciation week, teacher gifts | Leave a comment

Quiche Cups

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Gina

Every Sunday morning in my house I make brunch. It can vary from scrambled eggs and pancakes to omelettes and yogurt parfaits. My menu usually includes amazing maple turkey and apple wood smoked bacon from the Amish Market. Sometimes I get in the mood to be creative and make a new recipe to spice things up. This past Sunday, I decided to put a spin on a traditional quiche and make them in a cupcake pan lined with flour tortillas. They came out absolutely delicious — the tortilla became crispy and brown and the eggs and cheese melded together in total harmony. The beauty of this incredible breakfast delight is that I didn’t need to use a fork — it can be picked up and enjoyed without any mess. The leftovers heated up very well for a yummy Monday breakfast. These would also be great to serve at a party or for a Mother’s Day brunch.

Here is my recipe for my mini quiches.

Ingredients

6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 t salt
1/8 t dried thyme
3 large flour tortillas
Cupcake or muffin pan

For the Spinach, Mushroom, Onion and Tomato Quiche

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion
1/2 cup fresh chopped spinach
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
6 grape tomatoes sliced in half
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (my favorite cheese in the whole world)

For the Ham and Cheddar Cheese Quiche

1/2 cup grated cheese (I used chedder and pepper jack)
1/2 cup chopped ham

Directions

Step 1: Add 1 T olive oil in a saute pan and cook the onions and mushrooms over medium heat until lightly browned and soft.

Step 2: Add the chopped spinach and tomatoes and saute until the spinach is wilted. Add sea salt to taste and remove from heat.

Step 3: Cut tortillas in to 4 equal parts.

Step 4: Fit the tortilla pieces into the muffin cups.

Step 5: Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, white pepper and thyme together in a glass measuring cup.

Step 6: Fill the tortillas with the ham and cheese mixture for half of the cups and the spinach, onion, mushroom mixture for the other half.

Step 7: Pour the eggs into the cups until they are about 3/4 full.

Step 8: Grate Parmigiano Reggiano over the spinach quiches.

Step 9: Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the pan half way through so they cook evenly.

Step 10: Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Posted in Everything, Food, holidays, Mother's Day | Tagged breakfast, brunch, cupcake eggs, cupcake pan, eggs, Gina Tepper, ham and eggs, mini omelette, mother's day, muffin pan, Omelette, onions, spinach, Sunday brunch, tortilla | Leave a comment

Tuxedo Gift Design

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Gina

There is something about a themed gift wrap that always makes people smile. I was inspired by the classic tuxedo to create this Black Tie gift design…perfect for a wedding or a formal event. It is easy to make and I teach how to make the boxes reusable so they can be saved as a keepsake from the special event. I worked with Nashville Wraps to create this design.

Posted in Everything, Gift Wrapping, Media, Wedding | Tagged Black Tie, black tie event, formal event, Gina Tepper, groom, groomsmen, Nashville wraps, reception, tuxedo, tuxedo gift wrap, wedding, wedding reception | Leave a comment

Handmade Cards

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Gina

Mother’s Day is the third largest card giving holiday of the year, behind only the winter holidays and Valentine’s Day. Rather than purchasing a card, I like to create a unique and beautiful hand-made card. Here are a two of my designs using recycled materials.

Brown Paper Bag Card

A great way to recycle a brown paper bag is to create a beautiful card. The brown paper is sponge painted with metallic bronze and gold tones. Reused tissue is used to create the flowers and accented with beads recycled from an old piece of costume jewelry.

Leftover yarn is wrapped around the card for finishing touch. This card was created from 100% reused and recycled materials.

Recycled Gift Wrap Card

A beautiful floral card design can be created from items you probably already have around your house. This is an easy design to create and can be made over and over again once you have constructed your initial pattern. You can get creative with the colors and textures of your flowers and even change the color of the cardstock to create your own signature card.

How to make the Recycled Gift Wrap Card

Posted in Cards, Everything, holidays, Mother's Day, Recycle | Tagged brown paper bag cards, cards, floral cards, hand-made cards, mother's day, recycled paper cards, tissue paper cards | Leave a comment

Ginger Lemon Tea

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Gina

With allergy season upon us, not only am I dealing with a nasty case of sniffles and scratchy throat but I have somehow managed to catch a cold on top of it. Here is my remedy to soothe my aliments and help lessen the duration of my discomfort…or at least I keep telling myself that. Homemade ginger lemon tea with honey is a delicious and easy way to help me through the unpleasant times. Regardless, if it doesn’t relieve my symptoms, at least it is comforting to curl up with a good book and sip ginger tea.

Here is my recipe. I like to make one cup at time so it is very fresh. I also don’t like an overpowering ginger flavor so you can add more ginger if you like a spicier tea.

Ingredients:

2 slices peeled fresh ginger root ( I like only a hint of ginger so add more if you would like it stronger.)
1 lemon wedge about 1/8 of a fresh lemon
1-2 teaspoons honey or to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Add ginger slices to a decorative tea cup. (Pretty tea cups make you feel better too!)

Step 2: Squeeze lemon into the tea cup.

Step 3: Drizzle honey over the ginger.

Step 4: Pour boiling water into the cup, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir to meld the flavors together and release the ginger into the tea.

Enjoy!

You can make variations of this recipe by substituting the lemon with orange, lime or even grapefruit juice. For a stronger ginger taste, add ginger slices to water and boil for 10 minutes before mixing in the lemon and honey to add that extra zing to your tea.

Posted in Everything, Food | Tagged allergy remedy, allergy season, cold remedy, Gina Tepper, ginger honey lemon tea, Ginger Tea, homemade tea, lemon tea, sinuses | Leave a comment