You won't have to bother washing your paint pan if you line it with heavy-duty aluminum foil before using it. This trick is especially helpful if you're painting with different colors -- for each new hue, throw away the old foil (after pouring excess paint back into the can), and put in a fresh sheet, molding it to the inside of the pan.
You'll want to fashion lots of these pretty hair clips (enough for friends -- and a few to keep). Using heavy thread, sew a button or two to the top of a colored bobby pin (for a flower, first sew button to a felt leaf). Stamp name on card stock, cut slit, and insert hairpin.
Direct guests to their seats with name cards topped by leaves that look like they just blew in. To make each card, fold a piece of brown cover-weight card stock in half. Write guest's name with a white gel pen. Cut 1 or 2 notches (about 1 inch wide) in card, at an angle. Slide fallen leaves -- fresh or dried and pressed -- into each notch.
Treat yourself to a restorative soak, or assemble the ingredients for this natural blend to give to friends. Combine 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup Epsom salts, and 2 tablespoons ground ginger. Add to a tub of warm water, and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. For gifts, put the ingredients in cellophane bags; tie with ribbon, and add tags.
Welcome guests to a spring meal with little pots of moss. Covered with a glass, each looks like a mini terrarium. Fill a 1 1/2-inch terra-cotta pot with moss, insert twig in center, and glue a name tag to twig. Cover with a glass, which can be used for drinks.
Sources:
Marta cooler, 18 oz., cb2.com. Birch large plate, in Salt n Pepper, dbohome.com.
These goofy jack-o'-lanterns make sweet party favors. Print the clip art on card stock and cut out. Trim top edge with pinking shears and use invisible tape to secure it around a little bag of candy corn. Curl cloth-covered floral wire around a pencil to create a "stem," and use to close bag.
