In a recent post I wrote about the uses of Lavender so I thought this post would be dedicated to ‘Gluten Free Lavender shortbread gift wrapped to perfection’
Not only do you get yummy biscuits but they are wrapped beautifully too!

How deliciously, considerately wonderful is to give a gift that is lovingly homemade, perfectly presented and temptingly, aromatically scented?  These recipes for Gluten Free Lavender Shortbread, and Lavender with Lemon Shortbread will provide a delightful house-warming, coffee morning, birthday, Mother’s day, thank you or any-time treat gift wrapped to perfection for someone special.

Purple Stitched and Fern Stripe Ribbons by Jane Means

Dietary Requirements.  With so many nutritional needs to consider, if you are in any doubt, the gluten free, vegan option is another way to show your consideration and ensure that your lavender scented, crumbly, melt in the mouth gift will be most gratefully received.

Not a confident baker?  Worry not, these delights are incredibly quick and easy to make and you will be so proud and inspired by your own talents when you present the finished package.

Image courtesy of The Contented Baker

Ingredients for Gluten Free, Vegan, Lavender with Lemon Shortbread

175g non dairy butter, at room temperature, OR coconut oil

110g caster sugar OR (to exclude refined sugar) use 170g maple syrup

280g gluten free flour blend

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp pure lemon extract

dash of salt

zest of 1 lemon

1 tbsp of dried lavender flowers

Method.  Whip the butter together with the lavender flowers to release the maximum flavour from the flowers.  Beat in the sugar.  Mix in the sweetener, vanilla and lemon extracts, lemon zest and salt.  Stir in the flour.  Bring together and knead with your hands ‘for a long time’ until smooth. The dough should neither be too sticky, nor too dry.  Roll out the dough to a thickness of approx. half an inch thick and use a cutter shape of your choice.  Heart shaped cookies can be especially nice for a gift.  Place the cookies on a baking sheet in the oven at Gas 4/160C (fan) for about 15 minutes.  Do not overcook as they will harden as they cool.

Ingredients for Lavender Shortbread

175g softened, unsalted butter

100g caster sugar

225g plain flour

25g demerara sugar

2 tbsp fresh, finely chopped lavender flowers

Method Whip the butter together with the lavender flowers to release the maximum flavor from the flowers.  Beat in the sugar.  Stir in the flour.  Bring together and knead with your hands until smooth.  Divide mixture in half, make two cookie mix sausages and roll each in the demerara sugar before wrapping in clingfilm or foil for 30 minutes.  Slice each unwrapped sausage of firmed mixture into about 10 cookies, place on lightly greased baking tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes on gas 3/140C (fan).  Place on a wire rack to cool.

Next.  Wrap your sweet smelling, delicious looking cookies before you are tempted to eat them yourself.  Well, perhaps you can try one… just to make sure they are yummy

Packaging your gift is the exciting part.  This is when you add the wow factor.

Purple stitched Ribbon by Jane Means
Image courtesy of The Contented Baker

Ribbons
I have a few ribbon designs that are perfect for packaging these very natural, rustic and lilac speckled cookies. Ribbons are very versatile when it comes to tying around jars, boxes, baskets and packages in order to compliment lavender’s colour and to emphasise the homemade nature of your gift.

Image courtesy of Chindeep

Gingham Ribbon by Jane Means

Cookie jar simplicity
We spotted this jar of Lavender sugar on Pinterest but this could easily be adapted for a  house-warming gift of cookies.  Freshly baked and placed in a prettily shaped, airtight, cookie jar, your Lavender shortbread will be irresistible when tied with ribbon and personalized with a hand-written gift tag.

Lavender Ribbon by Jane Means
Gift Bag by The Carrier Bag Shop
Fresh Lavender by Clifton Nurseries

A little bag of shortbread cookies
Try placing 2 or 3 lemon and Lavender shortbread cookies in a decorative gift bags and adding the detail of a stitched purple ribbon bow to secure the folded closure, with a sprig of lavender tied in.  This would be ideal as a take home gift after a coffee morning, for example.

Raspberry ribbons by Jane Means

A box of biscuits
Taking a simple box, lined with greaseproof paper and filled with lavender scented shortbread, try a combination of brown wrapping paper and a contrasting, colourful design, divided by a beautiful bow.

Paper plates by Talking Tables

Ribbon by Jane Means
You could even cut a paper plate and fold it in to a basket…perfect for packaging cookies

A simple but perfectly pink, gorgeously green or beautiful blue paper plate is perfect to place your lemon and lavender biscuits upon.  You could even wrap it in cellophane and secure with purple or green ribbon and a sprig of lavender to finish.

Ribbons by Jane Means

Lavender shortbread & tea.
As the perfect compliment to a biscuit is a cup of tea, what about combining the gift of lavender shortbread with a beautiful, and possibly purple, cup and saucer?  Fill your teacup with shortbread biscuits and either, wrap with cellophane or place in a cellophane bag and secure with a matching (green) ribbon and a (purple) label. You could even double up and add some Peppermint Creams.

Now that I’ve enticed your tastebuds, it’s time to pop the kettle on and reach for a biscuit!

Happy Baking x

Join my Gift Wrapping Workshops at Kirstie Allsopp’s The Handmade Fair this weekend, plus we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets for this amazing event…..read on!

At Hampton Court Palace, after the resounding success of The recent Handmade Fairs, Kirstie is back again to inspire, impress and surprise us and to feed our hunger for all things arty, crafty, creative and handmade.  Tables of champagne, china teacups and cup cakes will accompany and sustain much perusing inside white marquees, as a vivid variety of handpicked sellers, step by step project instructors and skilled presenters give thousands of creative imaginations a treat.

September 15-17th  are the dates to put in your diary if you wish to have a magical time among like-minded hobby crafters.  Not only is there the wonderful experience of hearing from Kirstie, along with many, varied skilled experts but there is also the promise of extensive, high quality, crafty shopping.  Either, stock up on craft-making essentials and accessories or treat yourself to something stunning, hand-made by an expert.

A unique collaboration.  Kirstie Allsopp has very successfully spearheaded the popular resurgence of crafting for over 5 years now and her passion, her appeal to people of all ages and her prominent position in the media have enabled her to draw so many well-known experts together so that everyone can learn from and enjoy this very hands-on event, where each person who attends has the opportunity to make something to take home.

Inspiring catering is also a must, after creative minds have crafted and also shopped themselves into exhaustion.  There are plenty of opportunities to sit and take a break with a variety of refueling snacks and drinks.  The Artisan Marketplace will also supply you with more goodies and gifts to take home.

Celebrations Skills Workshops will take place throughout each of the three days and my gift wrapping workshops will begin at 2.30pm each afternoon, featuring how to wrap a gift beautifully.  I will explain, step by step, how to make the presentation just as good as the item inside, and you will take your gift home.  As a regular speaker and demonstrator at trade seminars and corporate events, I am looking forward to returning to Kirstie’s The Handmade Fair very much, after enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere of last year’s event.

Giftwrapped book by Jane Means

Come and find me at Stand E9…  I will be signing copies of my book, ’Giftwrapped’ at The Handmade Fair and will be happy to talk wrapping paper, ribbon, have photos taken together and enjoy a quick chit chat

Unique ribbons, raffia, luxury paper, lace, boxes, bags and more…  Displaying practical and inventive ideas to wrap up all occasions and celebrations, I am looking forward to being a part of this very special fair and to enjoying what I know will be a fabulous weekend of inspiration, fun and meeting lots of like-minded people.

Come to a stunning and inspiring setting.  Hampton Court Palace, home to Henry VIII, after originally being the residence of Cardinal Wolsey, evolved through Tudor, Stuart and Georgian periods of royal and architectural history and is a unique and wonderful venue for such an event.

Hampton Court Palace is also well-known for its yew tree maze, designed as a humorous distraction for William III, and the world famous gardens, designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, are a stunning feast for the eyes.  The estate covers 750 acres in total within a loop of the River Thames and, if you make a weekend trip of your Handmade Fair visit, the palace and all its attractions are well worth exploring.

Located in the beautiful parkland surrounding the palace, with its white marquees, adorned with bunting and surrounded by picket fences, The Handmade Fair is a wonderful day out or weekend away and offers so many opportunities to both sellers and craft enthusiasts.

It is also wonderful to know that Kirstie will be around, chatting, drinking tea, happily posing for photos with people and generally soaking up the fantastic atmosphere that this spectacular event creates.

Travel.  The palace, located in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames, in Surrey, is easily accessible by train, bus and coach and there is extensive parking but it is advisable to pre-book a parking space.

So if this sounds like your perfect day out, we are giving away 2 pairs of Admission Only Tickets for this wonderful event. Simply leave us a comment by 22.00hrs BST on Wednesday 13th September why you would like to win, and our 2 lucky winners will be revealed

For more details about ‘Kirstie Allsopp’s The Handmade Fair’ log on to www.thehandmadefair.com

See you there folks x

It’s the time of the year to be gathering and harvesting our much loved garden lavender, which I love to use in my craft projects and gift wrapping. Here’s some of my favourite ideas

Image by Melanie Ward
Ribbons by Jane Means

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden with lavender, cut and gather up into bunches to be hung and dried, place onto old cooking trays and put into the airing cupboard to slowly dry.

Purple stitched ribbon by Jane Means

Gift Wrapping

Once dry then sprinkle the aromatic dried flowers in between layers of
tissue paper before wrapping special gifts….the intrigue and joy of finding little bits of natural flower confetti will not only make an eye-catching result but smell great too

You can also look at other flowers and can incorporate them in to your wrapping. I love the delicate use of baking paper and vellum as an alternative wrapping paper

Lavender Ribbon by Jane Means

Sprigs of Lavender can be tied on to handles of gift bags. You’ll need about 20cm of ribbon to do this

Soap Making

Image by Sisoo

You could even have a go at making your own soap and decorating it with hessian, string and lavender. These make great gifts and wedding favours.

Lavender Bags

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Linen bags filled with lavender seeds can be tied with string or ribbon. Decorated with lavender and a buff tag, this makes an ideal gift for a neighbour or a guest who is coming to stay. You can also pop one on your pillow to help you sleep

Invitations and Stationery 

Image by Melanie Ward
Wax Sealing kit by Manuscript Pen Co

Envelopes and gifts can be wax sealed with sprigs …there is no stopping us when we start thinking about gorgeous wrapping.

Baking with Lavender

You could even make your own shortbread with dried Lavender and can get the recipe from my previous blog post

Image by Wings View at Home

There are so many wonderful uses for Lavender, from helping you sleep to deterring moths in your home.

I’m a huge fan of lavender and can’t wait to visit Provence next year

Jane x

Its been a busy few days behind the scenes and we’re delighted to announce the launch of our Gift Wrapping Collection in Singapore at Spotlight Stores

With glue guns, papers, ribbons, crafty accessories and staple guns, it’s been a busy few days styling the ‘Wrap Love’ window displays in the busy Singapura Plaza

Jane Means ribbons and wrap accessorised with Spotlight Boxes, seals and decorations

Within the first hour of products going on sale in Orchard Road, the response was overwhelming. Jane who is partly based in Singapore said “I’m delighted to be stocking one of my favourite stores which is brimming with crafts in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district”

Reversible papers are now available in store as well as online

Contrasting ribbons by Jane Means

Jane Means has been busy in her Singapore studio designing the next collection of Winter Gift Wrap soon to be launched at the store

We will keep you posted x

Jane Means at Spotlight Stores
Level 5, Singapura Plaza
68 Orchard Road
Singapore, 1 238839
(Located at the Dhoby Ghaut MRT)

With my love of haberdashery I couldn’t wait to write this blog article featuring Ribbon Curtains and Canopies for Weddings, Parties and Occasions

Ribbon is a pretty and versatile accessory and our creative and innovative curiosity perpetually searches for new ways to use and reinvent ways to weave these beautiful lengths of colourful fabric into our lives.

We look back through ribbon’s finely woven history to be inspired, look to fashion for ideas and constantly try to create something new by looking at the competition and trying to establish what is missing from the ribbon world.

Pink Dotty Ribbon by Jane Means

Ribbon Curtains and Ribbon Canopies are a wonderful way to dress and personalise so many celebrations and occasions.  They transform your venue and can be themed and colour-matched perfectly to your individual needs.  A ribbon curtain’s light, feminine simplicity makes it ideal as a backdrop to a wedding ceremony or for wedding or christening photographs.   Ribbon Canopies can adorn the finest restaurant or can dress a barn for a more refined rustic celebration.

Themed events.  Red, white and blue ribbon curtains draped all around your function room would define a very royal or British affair, whereas baby soft pastel shades of ribbon would be ideal for a baby shower or christening celebration.  Sumptuous red, green and gold could form a seasonal backdrop in your home, whereas a purple, green, orange and black ribbon curtain ‘scream’ Halloween party.

Image courtesy of Jose Villa Photography

Inside out.  Ribbon curtains can be constructed in a compact or more sparse, open way.  It is not uncommon to tie long ribbons into tree branches for garden-based receptions or parties.  These ribbons should, of course, be well beyond billowing range of burning barbeques and away from outside heaters.  Ribbon curtains created in trees add a romantic, colour-matched feature to your garden party.  They can seamlessly continue the distinctive decoration of your venue from the inside to the outside.

Image courtesy of Bailes and Light

Creative Canopies involve a little ladder work and safe securing of ribbons (most usually, to a bamboo or plastic pole) to prevent any cascading of strands into soups or sorbets!  Temporarily transforming a cold, hard ceiling into a rolling cavern of colour for your celebration will make your venue distinctive and very pretty.  Draped between beams, disguising a conservatory roof and, optionally, combined with fairy lighting, ribbon canopies can add intimacy to high ceilinged rooms and bring magic to an ordinary space such as a village hall.

We love this spectacular look with fairy lights taken at the Amadeus Centre where we run our London Gift wrapping Courses

Image courtesy of Oh MY Charley

Ready made or ready to make?  It is, of course, possible to buy ready-made ribbon curtains and they come in a range of colours.  Making a bespoke ribbon curtain yourself, however, lets you control the combination of ribbon colours, fabrics, widths and overall length.

Your personal choice of curtain pole and possible addition of pole top embellishments means that your design feature is purely in the hands of your imagination and, of course, your budget.  Simple or sumptuous ribbon can be used or you can mix and match to create an impressive overall impact.

Our 100m rolls of ribbon are perfect for making ribbon curtains and canopies, when it is often necessary to have an endless supply of your specifically selected ribbons. My recent pop up shop at Clifton Nurseries was adorned with ribbon backdrops.

Whilst ribbon curtains and canopies are more synonymous with weddings, these features can be beautifully adapted to birthday parties, family portrait photography, interior design, retail display, Easter and Harvest festival celebrations, Halloween, christenings and Christmas, to name but a few.

Image courtesy of MyHomeStylist

Interior Design.  Whilst a ribbon curtain can be a delightful, feminine feature above a bedhead, along a bedroom wall or as an actual bathroom or bedroom, light diffusing, tied back, drape, hooped curtain canopies suspended over bedheads make an extremely pretty, light and airy adornment.

Image courtesy of The Glittered Barn

Hooped ribbon mobiles.  These colourful creations make a great kids craft project, can make use of many leftover short ribbon lengths and they make lovely features for a child’s playroom or bedroom. Even with small remnants of ribbon these can be used to make miniature bunting

Fuchsia Dotty Ribbon by Jane Means

Versatile.  Ribbon is a fabric of very versatile persuasion.  Let your imagination run wild.  Ribbon is not merely for wrapping presents.  It comes in so many stunning designs, fabrics and colours that sometimes you just want to bring ribbon into everyday use on garments, within the design of your home and as part of seasonal decor

Image courtesy of Style me pretty

So when you’re next looking at your rolls of ribbon in the bottom drawer, not knowing when you are going to use them, or if they are too pretty to cut up and add to gifts, remember they can be added as a feature to your decor so you can enjoy hours of pleasure looking at it

Enjoy! x

I’m often asked about Gift Wrapping for the men in our life. Should you include ribbon, tie a bow and are there any colours or themes that should be followed? So read on about ‘Great gift wrapping ideas for Father’s Day’

Vintage Grey Ribbon by Jane Means

Whether you are wrapping for a Father, a loved one, husband or friend, the gents in our life also appreciate good presentation and many love those extra embellishments and thought that has gone in to the gift giving process. If you’re giving a tricky shape and have no idea how to wrap it, you could always hide it in the shed or garage and present the key tied with ribbon

Moustache Paper by dotcomgiftshop
Marble paper by Rossi
Brown Ribbon by Jane Means

For me, the main thing is thinking about the person you are giving the gift to. Are they a keen gardener, do they like wine, Is there a favourite country they like to visit or do they enjoy dealing on the stockmarket?  All of these traits can be catered for and adapted to the recipients personality

Often on my gift wrapping courses, I hear stories of gifts being wrapped in newspaper by the amateur gift givers in our family. Some of my own wrapping has included newspapers and magazines. In this project I’ve included some petit pleats and you could add some rich grosgrain ribbon if you wish.

Even if you’ve left it to the last minute and have a limited amount of resources, you can get a dramatic look by doing some recycling. Here I’ve used some used brown paper and scrunched it in to a tight ball to give a consistent crinkled effect. Teamed with some raffia, sticks and feathers this is the perfect theme for a Country gent

Another great theme is the classic understated look. This small gift has been wrapped in some Charcoal colour art paper and finished with a classic black edged grosgrain ribbon

Marbled Paper by Rossi
Twine by Clifton Nurseries
Tag by Jane Means with Calligraphy by Judy Broad

And if Dad is really not in to Ribbon… well fear not you can experiment with some coloured Twine and tie in a heartfelt tag.

And if you really are struggling to buy something for Dad, have a think of his favourite tipple, maybe buy a DVD of his birth year, or treat him to a trip out fishing, golfing or visiting a favourite landmark (dads often value time with their children more than gifts themselves)

Although Fathers Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this day on the third Sunday in June

Happy Gifting folks!

After 20 years in the business, I’m now finding myself travelling the globe sharing my knowledge and decided it was time to write my latest post ‘International Gift Wrapping ideas to suit all cultures’. My in laws live in Japan, my second home is in Singapore, plus I have Scottish ancestry and run courses in Glasgow and have American relatives, so I’m fascinated how to wrap presents differently to suit the different nationalities and cultures. With all of this and my courses in UK, Singapore and Australia, I’ve dedicated a section in my book ‘Giftwrapped’

I’m a firm believer that first impressions count and it’s what is on the inside that counts…we’ve all heard that saying ‘Packaging is everything’

There are obvious symbolic similarities between Chinese and Japanese theming but two beautiful and very different oriental giftwrapping styles can easily be created.  The similarities come in the use of lavishly embellished silk and symbols such as fans and chopsticks, together with their respective and beautifully illustrative, calligraphic characters. I also love to wrap items creatively and constrasting colours like Yellow and Red

Chinese styled giftwrapping.  The flag of China inspires the use of red and golden yellow, and stars are very much a symbol.  A gift wrapped in shiny, red paper or red, silk fabric, tied with a golden yellow silk, sash ribbon needs only the addition of chop sticks slotted into the bow and a gift tag in the shape of a large, yellow star to achieve the required look.  Add a carefully chosen and perfectly positioned Chinese symbol or two to your wrapping paper.  With a little practice and painted in black, these symbols will instantly define your oriental theme.

Red stitched ribbon by Jane Means

Japanese styled giftwrapping.  With its red circular sunburst design on a white background, the Japanese flag is a good source of inspiration.  With a focus on the traditional colours of red, black and white, embellishments of chop sticks or tassels and the use of painted, red, Japanese symbols onto white paper with red, silk ribbon, a very traditional, Japanese style can be created.

Reversible Gift Wrap by Jane Means
Image Courtesy of The General Co

In addition, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding is ideal to introduce to this theme.  Using origami to add embellishments of simple fans or more complex flowers will, no doubt, make your gift look very pretty.  Paper pleating is a Japanese technique, which looks rather stunning and will impress any recipient.  It is an interesting fact that, historically, an odd number of pleats on the gift was used for a happy occasion, whilst an even number of pleats would have meant the gift was intended for a sad occasion.

Image courtesy of The French Tangerine

American styled giftwrapping.  Well, it is hard to think of America and not think of stars and stripes and red, white and blue.  Any combination of these colours is a great place to start.  For example, red and white striped paper with a blue ribbon, blue paper with red and white striped ribbon (see my red and cream striped grosgrain ribbon) or a combination of contrasting blue paper with white paper, centrally separated by a red ribbon.  To add American stars, position white star stickers on the blue paper.

Tartan by Scotland Shop

Scottish style giftwrapping.  I have various tartan ribbon designs in my range and when they are used generously against navy blue, red, forest green or parcel wrapping paper and combined with embellishments of heather or thistles, the Scottish theme is clear.  Add celtic symbols in the form of brooches, trinkets or hand painted emblems on homemade gift tags to enhance the theme. Having Scottish ancestry I also love to use Tartan and Tweeds in my Gift wrapping projects.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Indian styled giftwrapping.  Famous for its vivid and spice-derived colours, India evokes thoughts of silk saris, bangles and opulent golden necklaces, lavishly embellished with precious stones.  The peacock, with its iridescent feathers, is the national bird of India and vivid blue, a rich green green and intense purple, the colours of the peacock, combined with embellishments of gold coloured chains,  pendants and varying textures of gold ribbon can form the strong basis of an Indian theme.  Brightly coloured layers of tissue paper offer the image of saris whilst tying in several golden bangles with a brightly coloured chiffon scarf adds to the embellishment of your gift.  Bright colours and opulence are the main features and the presence of a peackock feather, elephant charm or pendant or a handmade circular gift tag featuring the ‘Ashoka Shakra’, a 24-spoke blue wheel that appears on the Indian flag.

I am a huge fan of India. I have been several times and hope to run some future courses there.

Red Ribbon by Jane Means
Map Paper by Clifton Nurseries

Pick a country and try to capture the essence of its nature as you wrap your gift.  Perhaps the gift originates from that country or is to be given to a person from that location or to someone who is going to travel there soon…  Creating a personalised theme only serves to increase the meaning and quality of both the gift giving and receiving experience.

Jane Means is a Worldwide Gift Wrapping Consultant who works for Luxury Brands, Celebrities and Royalty

If you are stuck on what to give as a gift, check out Minding Manners who cover perfect Gift Giving on their brilliant etiquette workshops

Happy Wrapping

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog post ‘Perfectly gift wrapped wedding cakes and favours to take home’ as our shoots have been swarming with homemade biscuits, yummy cakes and calorie ridden treats. We’ve all been there, enjoying a wedding with a lavish meal, only to find that we are too full to eat any of the cake, so you ask if you can have a gift wrapped wedding cake slice and favours to take home (we’ve all done it!)

Cake and Props by Lyndsey James, Ribbon by Jane Means

…It is time for guests to leave the party with their traditional piece of wedding, birthday, christening or celebration cake.  This departure will not be enhanced for anyone by being handed a parcel of soggy serviette.  However, there are many creative ways to send your guests happily on their way with a piece of cake perfectly wrapped.

Folded paper plate baskets.
Simple, inexpensive paper plates, available in so many colours and designs, can be easily cut, folded and secured to make a high-sided basket in no more than 5 minutes.  Tie a pretty ribbon around the basket’s edge and finish off with a bow and possibly attach a personal message with a paperclip.

Pistachio and Pink Ribbon by Jane Means Paper plates by Meri Meri

Wrapped in a layer of greaseproof paper first, each piece of cake can then be wrapped in a colour co-ordinated, paper napkin and tucked inside the basket for safe carriage home.

Gift wrapping by Jane Means

Plastic glasses or beaker wrapped in cellophane or napkins.
A variety of shapes and sizes of plastic beaker and goblet are available and they come in varying transparent shades of clear, pink, blue and many other colours.  Disposable plastic cups can also be used.  With the portion of cake inside the cup, a large piece of cellophane can safely wrap the entire package and be tied tightly with colourful ribbon, leaving a frothy explosion of cellophane at the top.

Kilner jar by Lakeland. Ribbon by Jane Means

Image by NellieBellie

Glass Jars filled with cake.
These jars can be bought in every conceivable size and, for those with a celebration cake consisting of many cupcakes, small, chunky kilner jars can be perfect to house each cake.  With ribbon around the neck of the airtight jar, the cake is safe to take home in its own little presentation pack.  The addition of a handmade tag also provides a personal touch. Guests will also be able to re use the jars for storing biscuits etc.

White lace bags, tags and ribbon by Jane Means.  Calligraphy by Judy Broad

Decorated mini bags.
My clear plastic, white lace print bags would be perfect as a pretty and simple solution. Tuck the cake into the plastic bag, fold over and secure the top of the bag and attach a (ruffle) bow for a neat, compact package. Alternatively you can secure with some ribbon (check out my YouTube tutorial to learn how to tie the perfect bow)

Ribbon sets by Jane Means

Boxed simplicity.
It is possible to buy cake portion boxes but what about making triangular cake slice shaped origami boxes yourself?  I will be preparing online tutorials at a later date to demonstrate a variety of very useful decorative origami projects.

Origami may look fiddly at first but with a little patience and practice, it is possible to achieve such beautiful, handmade, inexpensive designs, which are bound to draw comment and curiosity.

Box: Stylists own, Paper by Fox and Lark, Ribbon and Tags by Jane Means, Calligraphy by Judy Broad

A gift box.
Take a simple, small box and dress it up like as a gift.  It’s purpose may be merely to contain a slice of cake to take home, but it can be a beautiful miniature presentation with a coloured tissue paper lining, a ribbon around the coloured body of the box and an embellished lid.  Coloured crafting jewels, origami or artificial flowers, spike bows, ruffle bows or your preferred applied accessories.  Have fun and make it a gift to your guests.

Image courtesy of Bloved Blog 

Remember:  Wrap your cake portions in greaseproof paper.

I think after writing this blog post we now need to indulge in a bit of Afternoon Tea

Jane x

Pulse is the UK’s ultimate boutique trade event for inspiring new gifts, modern living and fashion and Jane Means will be there next week to launch new wholesale products to the industry

As well as our British made Reversible gift wrap, we will be launching our new ribbon cubes which make the ideal gift for craft addicts and are perfect for the bottom drawer.

At the show we will be offering a trade minimum order for £50 which is perfect for a small business or a cottage industry. Wholesale orders can also be placed online so if you have a business or require a large order, please Contact Us

We look forward to catching up with our existing suppliers and meeting new customers and you can find us at Stand M24

The trade show will be held at Olympia on May 14-16^th

Venue:
Olympia London
Hammersmith Road
Kensington
London
W14 8UX

Nearest tube: Kensington Olympia

Opening Times:

Sunday 14 May 2017          09.30-18.00
Monday 15 May 2017          09.30-18.00
Tuesday 16 May 2017        09.30-17.00

If you’re coming to Pulse, please pop by and say hello to us. We’re stand M24

For more details and for registering please head to the Pulse website

We’ve an exciting few weeks ahead with the launch of our brand new website and new product lines, so for a limited time you can enjoy up to 80% discount in our Spring Edit. 48 hours only!

Our Flash sale ends on Wednesday and all UK orders will be sent out First Class

Here’s some of our featured items…

Reduced from £9.50 to £3.80 is this elegant lace planter which makes a perfect housewarming gift

Our Midnight Palm tissue is ideal for the bottom drawer and very on trend

And if you love a bargain, grab the last of our Whitby Stripe ribbon with 80% off while stocks last

We can’t wait to launch our new website with lots of new products in the pipeline, and will keep you updated with developments.

In the meantime happy shopping x