ICING Coloured Plush Toys

Such lovely icing coloured plush toys for my friends' babies. Cute!

Eco ICING Cards

I made some cards with leftover ribbons and fabric today. Simply love the deep pink texture cloth!

And these will be given with every online purchase from www.IcingGifts.com. While stocks last. =)

Recycling of Sweet Lovely Ribbons for Gifts

Don't you just love ribbons?

And how these lovely sweet things can make a plain gift wrap simply charming...

Here's some way to show you how you can mix and match, or even recycle your ribbons to up the loveliness factor of your ICING Gifts Animal Pouches.

They now come in metallic colours too, like Pink Champagne and Silver. And we've added in a handle so that it'll be easier for you to carry these cute animals everywhere.

The ICING Gifts Animal Coin Pouches especially will look even cuter than on its own!

Besides the minis, we now have the biggies known as the "clutch", which measure an average of 30cm in length and 13.5cm in height.

If you love the ICING Gifts Animal Clutches, do grab some before these limited edition ones are sold out!

How To Make Your Own Pretty ICING Accessories Display Frame

There were some customers who asked about our ICING Accessories display frames of late. They too wanted to hang up their accessories the same way at home.

So, we'll share how to go about doing one up for yourself back home.

Materials needed:

• Picture frames, we got ours from IKEA but you can get them from elsewhere and just discard the glass covering if there's any.
• Pretty cloth or fabric
• Thick cock board (~1cm)
• Sponge
• Cloth tapes with thick width
• Art glue
• Pins with thick heads so that the accessories can be hung onto them; Cute or pretty ones preferably, like those below.

Steps:

1. Paint or spray paint the frame in a different colour if you prefer. You'll need a steady hand to spray paint. For oil paint, take care to let the many layers of paint dry thoroughly before painting over to avoid creasing.
2. Cut the cock board and sponge to size of picture and use glue to stick on cockboard on the backing first. If you're unable to get a thick cockboard (1cm), do use 2 pieces instead to secure the pins. Glue the sponge such that it is on the topmost layer. Choose a fluffy sponge so that the middle portion pops out.

   

3. Measure the pretty cloth and cut out enough to allow the cloth to cover the front and be folded behind. You can fit the frame backing (with the cock board, sponge and cloth covering them all) into the frame.
4. Tighten the cloth and pull them lightly to neaten the crease and ensure it's adjusted tautly before using the cloth tape to tape down the loosed ends behind.
5. Push your lovely pins in and ta-daa!! Easy-peasy!

You now have your own ICING Accessories display frame at home too! You can even hang them up on your walls! =)

Pressies For Mummies This Mother's Day

Mummies are easy to please. For if you give them something that comes from your heart, they'll treasure it and love it to bits.

What are you giving your mum this Mother's Day? Here's some ICING Earrings that I find suitable for mums. There's more new designs available online now.

And I know my mum will treasure time well spent so I will buy her a meal too.

Do share with us your plan this Mother's Day!

Unique Gift Giving Ways This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and have you gotten your presents for your loved ones yet?

Here at ICING, we have 3 simple suggestions to make this year Valentine's day a more meaningful one.

• Write a love/BFF letter: It's always sweet to receive a hand written letter from your lovers or friends. We're not talking about cards here but more of a letter that reflects your heartfelt feelings for your loved ones. This is a very thoughtful gesture that will be remembered and treasured.

• Spend it with your family or a bigger group of friends: Afterall, this Valentines's Day falls on the same day as the Lunar New Year. What a better way to spend it with more loved ones and invite your non-Chinese friends to your homes to join in the Lunar New Year celebration too? With a big gathering of friends, you may even be able to play cupid this Valentine's Day and spread more love around. ;)

• Prepare desserts for everyone with love: The desserts will certainly be great accompaniment to all the festive dishes and add more joy to this special day in year 2010.

Do share with us if you have unique ideas for us too!

Make A Rose This Valentine's Day

Jan came across this interesting video and we thought we'll share it here.

It really does look pretty easy and even someone like me who isn't all that good with handicraft should manage alright.

Do let us know if you have tried it and plan to give it to your friends this Valentine's Day!

Gifts Recycling Ethics

Now that the 12 days of Christmas is almost gone, I'm sure many of you have received gifts that aren't necessarily to your taste and liking.

Well, let's admit it. Some of us really do recycle gifts and in this bad economic climate, why not pass it on to someone else who may appreciate it much better?

For e.g. If someone gave you a top that doesn't go with your skin tone at all, wouldn't it be better to pass it on to your sis/friend than to keep it in the wardrobe and let the moths feed on it?

Once you've decided to do so, just be tactful and take note of these "ethics":

-Don't recycle foodstuff; you won't want to receive a Christmas fruitcake sometime in the middle of January or cookies may have lost its crispiness too. (especially so in Singapore's humid weather)

-Make an effort to re-wrap the gift and make it presentable.

-It should go without saying that you should not return the gift to the gift-giver or anyone that he or she may know.

-Never recycle a gift that is old, damaged or not presentable as a gift in the first place! Gift recycling is about passing on the items to someone who will appreciate them more, not giving away things you consider junk.

If you have to tell a white lie, do so and get rid of the guilt fast! After all, it's the thought that counts right? And knowing that the gift will make someone else happier than it made you should ease any guilt of yours.

Now, remember to take time to understand your friends' taste and liking so that he or she won't be doing the same back to your gifts. ;)

Disclaimer: This is just a suggestion for those who absolutely have to recycle their gifts, we at ICING gifts don't practice this of course. ;)

Interesting Cross-Cutural Gift Giving Etiquettes

Did you know that there's many nuances when it comes to gift giving? This is especially so in the business settings whereby gift giving in some cultures may be seen as a form of bribery.

Just a few to share here:

Japan

. Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette and is deeply ingrained into Japanese business culture.

. The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving not the gift itself.

. Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.
. A gift for an individual should be given in private.

. Expensive gifts are common.

. The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit.
. If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present.
. The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.. Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.

. Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.

France

. Gift giving are expected at social event and as a form of saying "thank you".

. Gift giving is left to the foreigner's discretion.

. Good gifts to present include books or music as they demonstrate intellectual pursuits but do ensure you are reasonably acquainted with the recipient's taste before giving these kind of gifts.

.French business etiquette dictates that you don't include your business card with a gift.

. If you're invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor and bring flowers, quality chocolate or liquors to the host. Present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.

.Don't bring the gift of wine unless it's a special French dessert wine or a high quality liquor as the host usually prefers to make the evening's selection.

China

. It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged as a way of giving thanks and even as a sweetener for future favours.

. Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.

. It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.

. When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to ask what you would like.
. It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture by asking for items such as ink paintings or tea.
. Do not give cash as gifts and do not be too frugal with your choice of gift
. Depending on the item, try to give the gift in pairs. Chinese stresses harmony and balance (think Ying & yang) so giving gifts in pairs are thought to be more auspicious.

And in general:

• Sharp Objects

In many cultures, items with a sharp edge symbolize the severing of a friendship or relationship. In these cases, you wouldn’t select a knife,pair of scissors, or a letter opener for a gift. Because of this common symbolism, it’s better to select a gift from another category, rather than risk making a bad choice.

• Locally Produced Product

If you’re doingbusiness in a country known for producing a particular product, local pride and quality dictate that you wouldn't offer that item as a gift, especially if it were manufactured elsewhere.

• Electronic Gadgets and Office Accessories

Business gifts that are useful for a businessperson, whether an executive or a staff member, are electronic items such as laser pointers, PDAs, calculators, and address books.

• Desk & Office Accessories

Good gifts include fine quality pens, or pen and pencil sets, business card holders, good leather briefcases or leather organizers for use in the

office or in a briefcase.

• Liquor

A quality bottle of liquor or wine always makes a good gift for someone who drinks alcohol, unless the person lives in a region noted for producing the product.

• Chocolate

Universally, this is a good choice. There are many fine quality chocolates that make exquisite gifts for a business meeting, for taking with you to someone’s home as a hostess gift, or for a thank you to a staff person who’s helped you on a project. Because it can be boxed in various sizes, it also works if you need a gift for a large group.

There’s even kosher chocolate for you to give to your Jewish business associates and clients.

• Flowers

Flowers can be frequently used as a gift, especially if you’ve been invited to someone’s home. You may want to bring flowers with you to the house, send them prior to the dinner party, or have them sent the following day as a ‘thank you’. It’s best to advise the florist that the bouquet is to be a gift, and the reason for the occasion, so an appropriate selection can be made.

In Europe, the old European tradition of always giving an odd number of flowers is still followed today (all except 13 which is considered unlucky).

In some cultures a particular color or type of flower is associated with romance or funerals, and would not be chosen to give a hostess. Red roses are frequently considered romantic. Funeral associations frequently occur with lilies or calla lilies, chrysanthemums, Frangipani, white roses, marigolds, carnations, heather, and white or purple flowers. In some Latin countries, yellow flowers symbolize contempt.

Now that you know these "rules", you may want to take note of the art of giving before your purchase something for your business associates.

And for your friends and others, you may want to consider some of ICING gifts. ;)

ICING Festive Recipes (Tuna Pasta Salad, Potato Salad & Gingerbread Man)

We have a handful of request for our ICING Party food recipes and I thought it is a good idea to share them here with you. These recipes are suitable for all occasions, not to mention this festive season.

Tuna Salad

Ingredients

400 g fusilli

1 pack of cherry tomato

1 green capsicum

2 cans (abt 185g per can) of tuna in brine

650g of mayonnaise

250ml of Italian salad dressing

Methods

• Boil the fusilli until al dente and put aside to cool when done
• Wash the capsicum and cut into small cubes
• Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut into halves
• In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and salad dressing together until a smooth consistency. The above proportion is just a guide, mix to taste. If you prefer the dressing to be more sour and liquid, add more Italian dressing and the reverse applies.
• Mix chopped capsicum, cherry tomatoes and tuna in a big bowl with fusilli
• Slowly pour in the salad dressing and mix

Place in refrigerator and you're ready to serve the guest when they arrived. You can even prepare this the day before to free up your time on the actual party day.

Potato Salad

Ingredients

1.2 kg potatoes

4-5 pcs of chicken sausages

650g mayonnaise

spring onion

paprika powder

ground black pepper

Methods

• Boil potatoes in water until it is soft, use a fork to test whether it is ready
• Boil chicken sausages for about 5 mins until cooked
• Chopped spring onions and place aside
• When cooled and ready, remove potatoes skin and cut them in small cubes
• Allow sausages to cool and slice them into small pieces before mixing in with potatoes
• In a separate bowl, pour in the mayonnaise and mix in paprika and pepper to taste
• Add 2 pinches of spring onions into salad dressing and mix
• Carefully mix salad dressing into potatoes and sausage bowl so as not to break the potatoes pieces
• Garnish with some spring onions

Please in refrigerator to cool down. Like the tuna salad, you can prepare this salad the day before.

Tip: Try not to use USA Russet Potato as they tend to break into small pieces easily.

Tip: To cook potatoes faster, skinned them and cut them in cubes before boiling.

Ginger Bread Man

Ingredients

75 g soft brown sugar

2 tbsp golden syrup

1 tbsp black treacle/molasses

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp ginger powder

1 pinch ground cloves

zest of 1/2 an orange

95 g butter, cubed

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

225 g plain flour

Icing to decorate

Methods

• Blend sugar, syrup, treacle, ginger, cinnamon, zest and 1 tbsp of water together in saucepan
• Bring to boil and when bubbling, remove pan from heat and stir in butter and bicarbonate of soda
• Mix in the flour slowly until you have a smooth manageable dough
• Cover the dough and leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 mins until dough becomes firm
• Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
• When ready, rough the doll on a slightly flour surface until it is about 3 mm thick
• Cut out gingerbread man using cutter
• Arrange gingerbread man on lightly grease baking sheets and bake for 10-15 mins or until they feel firm when lightly pressed

The ginger bread man was exceptionally popular and it'll be great fun to let your guest decorate their own gingerbread with icing or currents too.

We hope you'll enjoy these simple recipes and have a great time with your friends and loved ones this season!

Do feel free to leave some feedback too or share your recipes for our own Christmas Dinner. =)

Tip #2: How To Wrap Odd Shaped Gifts Nicely?

Have you ever had the challenge of wrapping a gift like the one below? If it's oddly shaped, it give you the freedom to decide on what shape you want it to be! Below are some simple suggestions to help you enjoy the process of gift-giving and wrapping.

1) The most conventional way is to find a box to fit the gift in. Just remember to put in enough paper stuffing or bubble wrap to hold the gift in place and wrap as usual.

2) A variation of the above suggestion is to think tissue! Be prepared to use more tissue wrapping paper and layer the gift item such that it becomes more regularly shaped to be wrap with a wrapper.

3) Use gift bags.

This ideas never fail and you can make it more special by giving a gift bag that can be reused and is a gift in itself. The bags below can easily hold a few small gift items and can be reused as shoe bags or clothes bags

And there's always the lunch bag inspired pouch from ICING that can easily be reused as toiletries bag etc after the gift items have been taken out.

4) Think giant candy next. If the present is round, use a thin gift wrapper and gently squash the two ends of the wrapping such that it looks like a giant candy or Christmas cracker.

Or you can squash just one end instead like this:

5) Socks can also gives an interesting twist to gift wrapping. Even if you cannot have a fireplace in Singapore, you can add a touch of the Christmas sock filling feeling.

6) Lastly, just use a bow. Tie a big pretty sash around a teddy bear, or a simple and classy ribbon around the bottle of wine and you're good to go. This work especially well for gifts that are pretty in themselves already.

So, if you're ever caught in the situation whereby you have to wrap an odd shaped present, just tell yourself that you're creative and it's simply time to show off your creativity!

Free Cards for Mother's Day!

Print a giftcard for Mother's Day!
Card measures est 15cm by 10cm(Postcard size)

1) Simply right-click and save the image to your desktop.
2) Place image in programs like words or powerpoint.
3) Print image with 160gsm white artcard with your home printer.
4) Add your personal message at the back of the card! Seal the card with a lovely envelope!
5) Optional! Tie a ribbon or add a bow on the giftcard!

Present these simple yet meaningful gifts this Mother's Day!

Tip #1: How To Create Charming Gift Packages

Gift wrappings can be customized to suit the receipient and make your gift stand out too. Here are some ways you can explore and have fun gift wrapping:

1. Use unexpected and interesting paper wraps like art paper, tracing paper, brownpaper, paper bag, plastic etc.





2. Wrap gifts with related materials and items. For example, wrap a baby product in a baby blanket. Or you can place sweet ICING Accessories in a cupcake paper liner and package it in a clear plastic.

   
   

   
   

3. Use different material to tie the gift package. Strings, lace, buttons, sash and even leather strips will add an interesting mix to the whole package.

   
   

4. Place the gift in an interesting container or holder like a shirt in a cookie jar, a ring tied around an egg, cookies in brown paper or a sweater in a flower pot!

   

5. Make the gift more meaningful by packaging it with something that adds sentiments like a rose given by your loved one, a candy can tied to a Christmas gift and a baby spoon or a baby safety pin tied to a gift for a baby. You can even past a sticker or add a chop that gives meaning to the receipeint.