Hampers make the best gifts, and this apron-shaped hamper makes an awesome gift for someone who loves to cook! The idea is create a unique apron-shaped gift box and then fill it up with ingredients required for a particular recipe.
Here’s a list of the materials required:
A rectangular cardboard box about the size of a cereal carton, patterned craft paper or wrapping paper, solid card paper to match the patterned paper, cardboard to reinforce the base of the box, matching crepe paper, extra card paper to create templates, patterned, solid ribbons for embellishments, a pair of scissors, adhesive, a pencil, coloured markers, gifts to go in the hamper.
Method:
Draw out a template of an apron on the extra card paper and then use that to mark cutting lines on the front and back of the cardboard box.
Cut along those lines to create a 3-D apron-shaped box. Cut the piece of cardboard to fit the base of the box and then glue it on inside the box. This acts as a reinforcement for the base in case the ingredients you are filling in the hamper happen to be heavy. Use the patterned paper to cover the outside of the box and the solid paper for the insides. Be careful while pasting these panels, as this makes all the difference in the finish. Don’t forget to cover the underside of the box, as you never know who might take a peek. Add ribbon tie-ups on the top and sides of the box to add to the apron.
Make a little pocket-shaped patch out of the solid card paper and stick it down on the front of the box, leaving the mouth of the pocket open. Draw out little stitch lines with a marker on the edges of the pocket. This pocket is perfect to tuck a little recipe note into. Cut thin strips of crepe paper less than one-fourth of an inch high. Unfurl these strips of paper and fluff them up to create paper hay. This makes a lovely lining for the inside of the apron box. Now, fill in the ingredients into the box and your hamper is ready for gifting away!
Remember to match the theme of the paper and embellishments you choose to the theme of the hamper.
Some tips on themes of hampers:
The bakers basket: Ingredients to make cupcakes, such as interesting flavoured essences, coloured sprinkles, icing sugar etc.
The coffee connoisseur’s hamper: Different varieties of coffee, coffee beans, brown sugar etc.
An Italian affair: A packet of pasta, some jars of sauces, seasoning and maybe olives.
Finally, a handwritten recipe would add that lovely finishing touch.
Happy crafting!
