Dig Gift Ideas

MAKING A NEWSPAPER BASKET

The holidays are coming and most of us are scrambling to come up with gift ideas that won’t leave us with empty wallets. A basket made of newspapers, once painted, decorated, and filled with homemade candies or cookies, might be just the thing! By following the directions below and answering the questions that follow each step, you not only will be practicing your reading and math skills; you will be creating a treasure to put under the tree!

Let’s review the ground rules for reading a “how-to” article. First, you must read the entire article through. You need to know exactly what you are in for. Then, before you actually start following the directions, you need to assemble all the needed materials. Only then can you start to create!

MATERIALS
To make a newspaper basket, you will need scissors, tape or glue, a stapler, a measuring stick or ruler, a newspaper, and a whole lot of patience!

PREPARING THE REEDS
A. Cut 13 sheets of newspaper. If you use our Daily News, each piece will measure about 12.5 inches by 22.75 inches.

1. What is the area of each sheet of newspaper?______________________

2. Restate the length, width, and area of the newspaper using fractions instead of decimals for the part that is less than one whole inch.___________________________

B. Folding the reeds:
Using the long side of the newspaper, fold the newspaper in half.

3. Into how many equal sections have you divided the sheet?_____________

4. Each section is what part of the whole newspaper sheet?________________

Open up the newspaper sheet. Fold each end to meet the center fold and crease sharply. Mark the center fold so that you will recognize it quickly. Open the newspaper up again.
5. Into how many equal sections have you divided the sheet now? _________

6. Each section is what part of the whole sheet? ________________

7. Each section is what part of half the sheet? ____________________

Now fold one end of the newspaper to meet the first fold. Keep folding until you meet the center fold. Do the same for the other side. Open up the newspaper again.
8. Into how many equal sections have you divided the sheet now?_____________
9. Each section is what part of the whole newspaper sheet?___________

10. Each section is what part of half the sheet?_____________________

11. If you measured the folds accurately, you would notice that not all the sections are, in reality, exactly equal in width. This is because of the folding method we are using. What is added to the width of the newspaper strip each time you make a fold?____________

Fold the end of the newspaper to the first fold line. Continue folding the newspaper until you come to the center fold. Do the same on the other side. Open up the newspaper.

12. Into how many equal sections have you divided the sheet now?___________

13. Each section is what part of the whole sheet?__________________

14. Each section is what part of half the sheet?________________________

Refold each end of the newspaper on the fold lines you just made. Then fold both sides at the center fold. Glue the open ends together with a glue stick.
Repeat step C for all the newspaper sheets.

C. Assembling the Basket

Lay four of the reeds side by side on a flat surface. Measure across the width of the four strips. After you have finished weaving the bottom of the basket, you will have a square .

15. What will be the perimeter of the square you will be making for the bottom of the basket? _____________________________________________

16. What will be the area of the square? ________________________

Weave four more strips into the four side-by-side strips. Slide the strips together tightly to form the bottom of the basket centering the square as you go. To figure out how long the remaining part of the strips (the spokes) should be on each side, subtract the width of the square from 22.75 and divide by two. Then answer you get is how long each end of the strips should extend on both sides of the square.

17. How long will each of your spokes be? ________________________________

Glue the edge pieces of the square to the spokes to help keep them in place.
Fold each end of the strips up to form the side spokes.

Now, tape or glue the end of one of the remaining strips to the base of a spoke. Weave the strip in and out of the spokes, around the basket . Tuck the end behind a strip and glue, staple, or tape in place.

Weave in two more strips, one above the other.

As you weave in the next strip, you will finish the basket. As you weave the strip, cut off any excess paper, leaving just enough to fold the top over the last strip and tuck it in underneath the strip. Glue, tape, or staple in place.

Use the last strip for the handle. Cut it to the desired length and staple it to the inside of the basket.

18. What are the dimensions of your basket? _____________________________
_____________________________________________.

19. How many cubic inches could fit into your basket? ______________________
_________________________________________________.

20. How did you find the answer to number 19? ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________.

21. Jonathan got the very same directions that you did to make his basket. Jamie, however, had one small difference in her set of instructions. In Jamie’s set of directions, the word “inches” was changed to “centimeters.” How will this affect her finished basket when she compares it to the one Jonathan made? ______________________________

22. If you made this basket again, but start with newspaper sheets that were only half the size of the ones you used here, what size would the newspaper sheets be?
___________________________________________________________.

23. Predict the volume of the basket made with sheets that are only half as big as the ones here. Explain how you came up with your prediction. __________________

___________________________________________________________________.

24. What uses can you think of for your basket?

25. How could you test the strength of a newspaper basket?

FINISHING THE BASKET
Use craft paint to coat the finished basket inside and out. Add decorative stickers, symbols, stencils, bows, or anything else you can think of. Did you have fun?

Draw a picture of your basket below.

JDS COLLECTION

THE BEST GIFT PACKAGE FOR SCHOLARS OF DAGAARE STUDIES

JDS is now offering its readers and the general public the opportunity to send the most appropriate gifts to scholars of Dagaare Studies, Dagaaba, and friends of the Dagaaba. If you are in search of the best gift ideas for a birthday, a wedding, a graduation, a promotion, Christmas, New Year, Easter or any kind of anniversary, simply contact us. At USD50, we can send any three volumes of JDS of your choice to your party at short notice.

JDS has fast established itself as one of the most important reference sources for cutting-edge knowledge about northwestern Ghana. Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your loved ones informed about the latest research topics on northwestern Ghana and the West African region.

Editor

How to Decorate Stemware Using Acrylic Paint for Glass and

How to Decorate Stemware Using Acrylic Paint for Glass and Ceramics

Figure 1: Two Examples of Hand-Painted Martini Glasses

Source: http://www.lolitamartiniglasses.com

If you are searching for gift ideas with a unique twist, painting stemware is both a fun and affordable option. Painting stemware such as wine or martini glasses adds a creative and personalized touch to any gift or to your own set of stemware. All of the materials needed for this project can be found at many discount stores such as Wal-Mart or Target, and craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.

Before you get started, you will need a few basic materials:

* Glass stemware (usually in sets of 4 or 6)
* A set of acrylic paint for glass and ceramics
* A set of paint brushes with various sizes. (See Figure 2 below)
* Rubbing alcohol
* Printed designs or stencils (optional)

Figure 2: A Typical Set of Paint Brushes in Different Sizes Used to Paint Stemware

Source: http://artreproductionsonline.com

The acrylic paint for glass is available at Hobby Lobby for about $15. One brand is FolkArt(r) Enamels(tm) Sampler Value Pack which comes with 32 colors. The paint brushes can also be purchased here in value packs for $3 or $4. The number of glasses you paint is up to you, but a set of 4 can be found at Target for as low as $14.99.

Steps for Painting the Stemware:

1. Wash each glass with soap and water. Then, wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol. These cleaning methods will allow the paint to adhere more strongly to the surface of the glass.
2. Tape any stencil or design you would like to use in the correct placement on the inside of the glass. Examples include store-bought or hand-made stencils and images that can be hand-drawn, printed from the internet, or cut out of a book, magazine, newspaper, etc. (Note: this step is optional; you can also decorate them free hand if you choose.)
3. Carefully paint your design on the outside surface of the glass. If you need to apply more than one coat of paint, make sure that the first coat is completely dry before painting over it. Waiting for the paint to dry before proceeding with another coat will keep the paint’s texture smooth on the glass and keep it from getting lumpy.
4. When you are finished painting your design, allow the glass to air dry for at least one hour.
5. Place the glass in a cool oven and heat to 350o. Bake for 30 minutes. Baking the glass is necessary for the paint to adhere more strongly, making the glass safe to wash after use without the paint peeling off.
6. Do not remove glass directly after baking. Allow it to cool in the oven. The glass can be hand washed or placed in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Figure 3: Another Example of Finished, Hand-Painted Stemware

Source: http://www.lolitamartiniglasses.com

The Advantages of Painting Stemware:

Having your own hand painted stemware can provide an aesthetic addition to your dcor and serves as an excellent, fun conversation piece when entertaining company. It allows you to add your own personal touch to your glasses. In addition, everyone enjoys receiving handmade gifts, and these glasses are the perfect way to thoughtfully incorporate the recipient’s personality and interests into the gift.

References

http://artreproductionsonline.com

http://www.lolitamartiniglasses.com

FamilyCares Holiday Hope Chests Instructions and Gift Tag

Making A FamilyCares Holiday Hope Chest

1. Take an average size shoebox or plastic box and decorate it with wrapping paper, comics, stickers, etc. IMPORTANT: Wrap the bottom and top separately, so the box can be opened or closed without tearing the decorations. The box will become a “treasure chest” for the child who receives it.

2. Use your imagination to fill the box with small NEW gifts. The average total cost of these gifts should be at least $15.00. It is better to get together with someone else and make one Holiday Hope Chest than to put one together with too few items. Choose infant, baby, pre-school, elementary, middle school or teen. (There is always a great need for infants and teen chests). There are gift ideas for each age group listed on the back of this flyer.

3. Create your own hand-designed holiday card to include in the box.

4. Cut out the Holiday Hope Chest Gift Tag at the bottom of this page and tape it very securely on the top of your box. Use 2 or 3 strong rubber bands to keep the lid on tight.

GIFTS, FAVOURS, CONFETTI & PRETTY PACKAGING FOR YOUR GUESTS

info@elsje.co.za ? www.elsje.co.za ? studio +27 (0)21-976 7111 ? mobile +27 (0)83 253 5556 ? aurora, durbanville

Gifts for Guests are fresh and unique, bursting at the seams with creative concepts and fashion forward favours.

These days favours or table gifts do double-duty as both a symbol of gratitude, and as a creative way to enhance the wedding decor. Our unique gifts have come to reflect this creativity. As couples get more involved in the details of their big day, choosing less conventional gifts is a great way of personalising things. Fresh, fashionable & creative are words describing our gifts range.

Most of our gifts are unique one-of-a-kind items that you will find nowhere else. We focus on supporting exceptional talent – empowering local craftsmen. We have worked very hard to source original gift ideas that your guests will want to treasure and actually use! To ensure that every gorgeous gift is unique to our client, Elsje and Annemie focus on personalising packaging in tins, bags and boxes with custom-printed tags, also adding to the table dcor. Personalisation ideas are created with quality and even a bit of playfulness.

We aim to celebrate your special day with thoughtful details that make your dream reality.

today’s dateWedding Plannerwedding date and yearCollection dateBRIDAL COUPLE’S DETAILS
bride’s name and surnamephysical address
day tele-mailcellgroom’s name and surnamee-mailcellWEDDING DAY DETAILS
Wedding venueTown/CityColour scheme Mostly white or cream?Wedding style and dcor
(please describe the look-and-feel)How would you best describe your dcor, style and picture you have in mind for your wedding?
WEDDING STYLE
OPTIONAL TO COMPLETE, BUT THIS WILL GIVE US A BETTER PICTURE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WEDDING STYLE
Please indicate which style signifies your wedding day style best. You are welcome to choose more than one!
Yes!Wedding StyleStyle Description1. RomanticDreamy, Sentimental, Poetic, Vintage, Royal Old World, Opulent, LaceYou’ve spent a lifetime dreaming of your prince, the castle, the fairy-tale ending. The mood is magical, the scenery enchanting. Vintage designs with old-world ballroom accents like baroque. Calligraphy and fonts are soft and stately.
Stationery: Vintage designs with old-world ballroom accents, calligraphy and type is soft and stately.2. GlamorousDramatic, Urban, Vivacious, Jet setting, Luxurious and Lush, Glitz Vibrant and attention-grabbing go hand-in-hand with your love of the lime light. With a style that’s sleek, chic and a little bit romantic, you adore the spotlight and all the glitz.
Stationery: Lush and shiny, sparkly crystal and pearl accents to give your stationery a glitzy, eye-catching look.3. Classic Timeless, Elegant, Understated, Sophisticated, Polished, Graceful, TraditionalDelicate details and simple elegance define your wedding day picture. You take inspiration from traditional, tasteful and timeless elegance.
Stationery: Formal typeface, silk bows and overlays to make a sophisticated statement.4. ModernMinimalist, Trendy, Chic, Fashionable, MinimalistBold yet minimal, untraditional with a classy twist. Slightly unconventional and always fashion-forward, you enjoy setting new trends.
Stationery: Minimalist monograms, simple designs and tone-on-tone colourings.5. Casual Relaxed, Simple, Pure, Healthy, Sporty, Garden or BeachYou’re style is easy, relaxed – you prefer a look that is pure, innocent and casual.White-sand beaches, garden greens or a flourishing vineyard create the perfect backdrop for your go-with-the flow wedding.
Stationery: nature inspired creations (eg parchment, linen). Designs adorned with elements like naturical stripes, starfish and garden thmes such as daisies and leaves, pull together your simple, relaxed theme.6. BohemianEthereal, Hippie, Enchanting, Earthy, Free Spirit, WhimsicalA little bit wild and somewhat zen, your look is earthy, pretty, and ethereal. A collage of customs and cultures plays host to your big day.
Stationery: homespun charm incorporating rustic elements.
GIFTS INFORMATION
number of guestsnumber of giftsCatalogues received: please bold or high light
Chic & cheapExclusive & expensivePackagingConfettiinvitationsFrom which catalogue /s to order would you like
Please specify which item/s your where interested in
How many of these items would you like to order?Would you like to give a gift per couple or rather separate gifts for men and women?
Gifts for menQuantityGifts for womenQuantityWould you like to have gift tags or wrapping with a thank you message printed?
Specify the language that the tags will be printed in?Please supply the text for the tag
Please keep in mind that we need your 50% deposit at least 3 months before your wedding date.
We aim to promote Proudly South African handmade gifts, we need to check availability well in advance.
Rush orders can be made but will be done so at an additional cost. Prices are subject to change without notification.Other information that you would like to bring under our attention?
Where or how did you hear about us? eg. friend, bridal expo, magazine and please specify
Any suggestions of how we can improve our service to you?
We look forward to putting our passion and energy for design into creating your unique wedding signature.