Hostess gifts

The wonderful thing about crafting is there is a world out there of so many talented people who share their talent and ideas.   They inspire and encourage you to think out side of the box and to try new things.

I know it's been a while since I posted.  The past couple of months have been crazy-busy.  I had some minor surgery, celebrated 40 years of marriage and had an extended cruise thanks to "Hurricane Isaac"

Before we left on our vacation, our sons and their wives thru us a wonderful 40th Anniversary party.

   It was so fun to see old friends, new friends, and even took a picture of half the wedding party - 40 years later.

  Where does time go?  What was I thinking when I picked out my wedding dress?

Anyway, I was 19, cut me some slack!  Hopefully, my taste has changed and evolved a little bit.

Okay, back  to the wine bags.  My son had an over abundance of corks, left over from wine bottles. I borrowed some to use as the "closures" of the bags.  Believe it or not, not all corks are created equally.   Some are easier to pierce than others.  Try to choose corks that are more "pressed together" than a looser cork.
Here is one of the closures I'm talking about:

You will be running a tapestry needle with thin cording thru the cork, so that is why it makes such a difference.  You can decorate the cork anyway you want and add charms and pearls, and flowers, or leave it plain.

It is very easy to put together, just sew up a side, bottom and sew in a casing for the cord.   You can make it out of any material and embellish how you like.

The theme of our anniversary party was vintage/elegance, so I thought the linen and lace would be a good fit.

Remember, all wine bottles are not the same size, so I suggest you buy the bottles first, then make your pattern from their size. ( I always learn the hard way, so I had to take my bags with me and made sure the bottles would fit.)

If you embellish your corks, make sure to use a secure glue to hold your items on.  It will be sliding back and forth, so it will be handled alot.

These would also work for bottles of "sparkling water" for those of us that prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

I hope you give these a try.  Also , please visit Linda at http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com.   She is the wonderful, talented lady that inspired me to make these gifts.