Eco-Chic Thanksgiving Table Favors and a Giveaway

With Thanksgiving so near, you may be starting to menu plan, decorate and planning the center of all that is treasured on this American celebratory day: the table.

These origami table favors are so easy to make. You can whip up a batch faster than you can say Pumpkin pie.

Have you ever stopped to take notice of all the brown paper bags we bring into our homes on an almost daily basis? I think crafting with brown paper bags has become so eco chic since they are never hard to find!

Start by opening your bag at the seams with scissors so you have enough room to cut an 8" square from the flattened bag.

Here is the tricky part but its really easy once you do it a few times.

Fold the 8" square into a triangular shape like this.

Next, fold one corner in so that it meets the other end of the triangle.

Repeat on the other end. Your pouch should begin to look like this.

You will end up with two flaps at the top of the pouch. Fold one towards you. If needed, use a wet or dry paper adhesive to hold in place.

Flip the pouch over and repeat, gluing down the flap. You now have what resembles an origami cup or pouch. The layers used when folding make it sturdy enough to hold small treats, silverware, napkins, etc. without tearing.

Now its time to jazz these up some...

Use lumiere paints by Jacquard Products to dry brush a light coat on both sides.

These burlap circles by Canvas Corp will make the perfect embellishment for the front of the pouch.

So I dry brused the edges of the pouches and burlap circles with Neopaque in Black by Jacqaurd products.

Next,sew a wool felt die cut letter and a stamped sentiment on cotton to your round piece. I chose "thankful" and "grateful."

As a special touch, I used Lumiere 3-Dimensional paint on the edges of my pouch. This product comes in the same beautiful lumiere colors but has added dimension. It will be available to US consumers in January 2012.

Glue your burlap circles to the center front of your pouch. Add other special touches like these corrugated flowers created from a recycled box and die cut.

If you want handles for your pouch,here is one option.

Take a larger circle punch or cutter and cut circles from black cardstock. Take a smaller circle punch or cutter and cut out finger holes from the larger circles.

Glue your handle to the insides of the pouch.

Want more origami pouch projects? See my pouches made using recylced magazine pages or my pouches using old newspaper.

And Now for the Giveaway details!

Welcome the holiday party season by winning a full set of their fun body glitter! Jacquard's Glitter Body Art Kit is non-permanent body art with a shimmery twist! Draw designs with the medical-grade adhesive using the fine applicator bottle or apply through one of the 6 included stencils. Or apply using a brayer and a rubber stamp. Instructions included! Includes 3 colors of glitter. Lasts for days or is easily removed with baby oil.

Here' what to do: Visit Jacquard's Facebook page here and mention Body Glitter Art Kit. Make sure you "like" them while you are there. On December 1st, 2011, at 12 EST, we will chose a winner (us only please) by random drawing. Good Luck!