Housewarming Gifts

Yes, I know it's been ages, but my job has sapped me of my creative energy. (insert frowny face)

Ironically, it was my job (in a way, at least) that spurred a flurry of creativity this week. One of my bosses has moved into a new house and tonight is his housewarming party. I can't go empty handed, so I thought up a clever gift to present to him and his wife.

One of my favorite films is "It's a Wonderful Life." I'm sure you recall the scene where Mary Baily presents the Martini family three gifts. (I'm paraphrasing) " Bread that you may never know hunger; salt that your life may always have flavor; and wine that you may always have joy."

I created a card with those words:

 

The image is from Dover Publications and I used one of my favorite fonts, Albermarle, by Fontcraft. I printed the image onto watercolor paper and colored it in with watercolor pencils and then used a wet brush to activate the watercolor pencils. It turned out quite well, I think.

Then I assembled a gift basket with those three things. I baked a loaf of white sandwich bread, hand-mixed exotic salts (Pacific black and red sea salt, Atlantic white sea salt) in a nice crockery container, and added a bottle of Vineyard Tears white wine from my favorite Michigan winery, Round Barn in Baroda.

I know that Bryon and Jenn will appreciate not only the contents of the basket, but also the effort that went into making the gift!

Meanwhile, I still hope to get back to podcasting. If nothing else, I'll post projects here on my blog so you don't forget me!

Oh -- and excitement of excitements! Today when I was at my market buying the wine, I discovered that Honey Crisp apples are in season! Callooh callay!

'Til later (I hope not much later!),

'thann