Many of you know that I was born and raised in gorgeous New Mexico, where the mountains are picturesque and the sky is always blue. So, when I was given an opportunity to go back to my roots with World Market (one of my top 5 fave stores), I jumped at the chance. My task was to create the perfect gourmet gift basket for any host or hostess, Santa Fe, NM style. You should know by now that I like to turn everything into a craft project, and this task was no exception. When they set me lose in the aisles of World Market, I found these awesome cork trivets that I knew I could give a New Mexican twist to.
On a side note, if you are looking for party ideas or even favors, World Market is a great place to browse! I spotted tons of cute owl and sock monkey stuff. They even polka dot takeout containers with matching napkins. I also love browsing the children’s section for unique baby shower gifts. What I love most about this store is that you can walk in and buy gifts for every single person on your shopping list, their selection is that diverse. They truly have something for everyone, even those hard to shop for people in your life.
Back to crafting, here’s how you make these Kokopelli trivets. For those of you who have never seen a Kokopelli before, this little flute playing guy can be found all over parts of New Mexico in petroglyphs. Besides being a symbol for agriculture, they are also a symbol of fertility (the hump being a baby that he carries on his back). Yes, I’m a total history nerd and that’s why I know this.
Materials
Round Cork Trivets (found at World Market)
3 Southwestern Acrylic Paint Colors
Stencil Brush
Adhesive Stencil Film
Multipurpose Heat Tool or Exacto Knife
Directions
Step 1: Freehand or print out an image of a Kokopelli. Place adhesive stencil paper on top of the image and cut around the image, using an exacto knife or multipurpose heat tool, creating a stencil. Repeat 2 additional times, so you have 3 stencils (adhesive stencil paper can’t be reused).
Step 2: Peal adhesive backing off of stencil and adhere to the cork trivet. Use a stencil brush to add 2-3 coats of paint. Allow to dry before pealing off stencil. Repeat with the 2 additional trivets, using coordinating paint colors.
Step 3: Use as kitchen or office decor. You can’t use it as a regular trivet anymore, as the paint will melt to the hot pan. They would make fabulous tack boards to pin favorite southwestern recipes up on. I added my trivets to my Santa Fe themed gift basket.
Speaking of gift baskets, let me show you what else I found at World Market. I happily roamed the aisles last weekend, toddler-free, for 2 whole hours. It was heavenly. I’m a big fan of using something practical as the “basket”, so I picked up this awesome rattan chip and dip serving set to use as my “basket”. I also found a pair of fun margarita glasses at World Market, perfect for my Santa Fe theme.
What’s a pair of margarita glasses without the mix and salt, oh yes World Market had both. Now we’re having a fiesta! I also added in lime flavored tortilla chips (how yummy do those sound?!) and chili lemon peanuts. Anyone that has been to NM knows that you can’t leave without trying at least 3 different salsas or dips, so I headed to the food aisles of World Market and found three chile salsa, chile con queso dip and guacamole dip mix. Put it all together and you have the perfect Santa Fe themed gift basket for any host or hostess.
With all this talk of margaritas and salsa, I bet you wish you were in NM right now. World Market is currently hosting an awesome Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes, here are the details:
**Grand Prize package includes:
- A trip for two to to Santa Fe, New Mexico (this is a 5 day Trip for 2 to Santa Fe which includes airfare and hotel)
- Hands on Southwestern Cooking class with Master Chef
- Personally signed glossy cookbook
- Multi-course dinner at the acclaimed Geronimo
- Southwestern Foodie Tour with a cultural kick
- A $1,000 World Market gift card
**There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $500 World Market gift card!
**The Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes runs from August 18, 2012 until September 21, 2012.
**If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
You can find World Market online here:
Website – Twitter – Facebook – Google+ – Pinterest
The fine print: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own.
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So VERY cute! I love the kokopelli trivets, such a great and unique gift idea! xo, Kimberly
Kimberly @ A Night Owl recently posted..{Pinning!} Week 26 :: A Pinterest Party
Thanks Kimberly 🙂
What a GREAT idea for a gift basket!! I love that you created those trivets to go with the theme of the basket!
Thanks Alissa 🙂
Beautiful, yummy basket. 🙂