Lovely Linens

Linen hand towels, which have been replaced over the years by towels made of more practical materials, are making a comeback as a decorative item. They look particularly nice when hand-stamped or stenciled with a welcoming theme.

Time frame: Two to three hours plus overnight to dry

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• Cardboard
• Linen hand towels (You can buy these at a craft store.)
• Welcome stencils
• Stencil paint
• Stencil brush

1. Place a piece of cardboard behind the working area of the linen towel. Center the stencil over the bottom middle of the towel. I used a stencil of a house and the words “Welcome Friends,” but you could use the couple's initials, seashell stencils, fruit stencils (for a kitchen), or any other appropriate design.
2. Allow the stencils to dry overnight. You may want to present the linens in a gift box with some matching soaps or candles.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Great Gifts © 2001 by Marilee LeBon. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.