GENERATIONS
                   (by Dinah Seisman)
    Each row -
        like a new generation,
            dependent on the one above
                and helping to support the one below.
    Each lid -
        smooth & solid,
            designed to hold the next generation in line.
    Each weave  -
        interwoven with all the others,
            yet individual and unique,
                like each member of YOUR family.
    The 6 sides -
        a faceted circle
            unbroken and unending.
                Representing various stages in life -
                    an infant to a toddler,
                        a teen to a young adult,
                            an adult to a senior.
 
 
 
 
Teachers Poems  by Jill B..
 
For a basket filled with gifts:
When you look back throughout the years
At students who've walked through your door,
And think of how you beckoned them
To seek, and learn, and strive for more,
You wonder if you've done your best;
You ask for guidance from above.
We hope this gift puts fears to rest:
By generations, you are loved.
 
 
For a basket with tissues:
A loving touch and caring heart
Are qualities you show each day,
You take our children by the hand
And by example, show the way.
So when you need to dry some tears
You always know just what to do.
Please use this tissue basket then
And think how much we cherish you.
 
 
 
 
 
Tea Poem (to give when delivering catalogs) by Joann T.

A cup of Tea I'm sharing with you
So open your catalog and browse through
Enjoy, relax, and dream about. . .
All the products you can't live without!
 
I print this poem up (sideways) on Avery Postcard paper,
I put the poem at the top then I stamp a tea cup at the bottom. 
You can also use a clip art if you want.  I then  put a little
slice at the top of the tea cup and tuck a tea bag in the cup
with the top half sticking out. I put a little piece of tape
to the back side of the card to hold the tea bag in place. 
I also print "Compliments of:  Name, {Your Company Name}
Consultant, Address, Phone, Email" at the top of the back side
of the card.  I put these in a product, when I talk about
the product, I pass it around and tell the guests
that they are free to take one. You can also put one of the
cards in the envelope when you mail catalogs.
 
 
 
All I Need to Know about Life I Learned From a Snowman
 ~ It's okay if you're a little bottom heavy.
 ~ Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.
 ~ Wearing white is always appropriate.
 ~ Winter is the best of the four seasons.
 ~ It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.
 ~ There's nothing better than a foul weather friend.
 ~ The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.
 ~ We're all made up of mostly water.
 ~ You know you've made it when they write a song about you.
 ~ Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!
 ~ Don't get too much sun.
 ~ It's embarrassing when you can't look down and see your feet.
 ~ It's fun to hang out in your front yard.
 ~ There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.
 

 
Wishing For POEM  These can be used for your customers to fill out and give to their loved ones!!

Ho - HO Did you know?
HO!HO!HO! Did you know?
__________ just attended
My {Your Company} show!
A good time is coming
She wishes it was here
It's the very best time
In the whole year!
She's counting each day
On her fingers and thumbs
The weeks that must pass before Santa comes
What will it be this year?
She wonders with a frown
Oh, please don't let it be another nightgown
Maybe something special
Something just for her
She'd love {Your Company Products}
Now that's for sure
I promise to help you
I'd love to assist
So look below and you'll see her list
Give me a call I'm near as your phone
It's shopping made easy
For a happy {Your Company} Home!
Shop early and call before_________ 
to guarantee Christmas delivery.
 
 
 Christmas List Poem
Poem by Helen Jane Peters
Here's a poem to use for your Christmas Catalog:
 
'Twas the night of Christmas, and all through the house,
I was standing and thinking, "My man is a louse!.
No packages in the stockings, no gifts under the tree.
What's the matter with him, doesn't he love me?".
 
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.
I ran to the window to see what was the matter.
There was my neighbor all dancing with glee
While holding and waving a mug of coffee.
 
She proudly exclaimed, "This year he listened to my wishes,
He bought me a set of pottery dishes!".
Strewn on the lawn from her house to mine,
Were baskets and liners from the {Company} product line.
 
As she headed towards home with her gifts in hand,
She turned to me slowly with advice for my man.
"Now remember, each year gift giving can get worse.
Avoid disappointment, have him call your {Company} consultant first!"
 
At the bottom is says -
 
"To avoid this above situation, write your Christmas list below and present this
sheet to your Holiday shopper! Remember the {Company} Christmas guaranteed delivery date is
Nov. ?

SWEETHEART POEM
The flowers were so beautiful, the candy was so sweet. 

But come February 14,  I'd love a different kind of treat. 

A very special basket, it is shaped just like a heart. 

My consultant would be happy To help you do your part! 

Each time my basket comes into view, I will always think of my love for you! 

Order today, please don't delay, make it a very special Valentine's Day!

 
A Tisket, A Tasket
I'd really love a {Your Company Product}!
A blender or nightie or perfume won't do,
I want a {Your Company Products}too.
Some {Products}, there's such a selection,
or {Product} from the {Your Company or Specific Group} Collection.
A {Product} to add to the decor,
or {Product}, and so much more.
I know how you feel, it's so hard to decide,
So I've left you my list, it's on the inside.
Give (your name) a call and I promise you'll hear,
"Oh Thank You!  It's Perfect!
I Love You! My Dear!"
 
 
 
 
"Standing On The Shoulders Of The Ones Who Came Before Me"

In the garden there's a tree
Planted by someone who only imagined me
What love
What vision
I marvel at the gift
No fruit could be sweeter than this.
I'm standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me.
 
Today my life is full of choice
Because a young man raised his voice
Because a girl took a chance
I am freedom's inheritance
Years ago they crossed the sea
They made a life that's come to me
I'm standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me.
 
So in the garden I'll plant a seed
A tree of life for you to read
The fruit will ripen in the sun
The words will sound when I am done
These are the things I pass along
The fruit,
The book,
The young.
I'm standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me.
            By Doug Cottler
 
 
 
 
Woven Memories
This basket of memories was woven with care
Filled with the laughter and tears that we shared.
Like friendship, the splints are not perfect, some bent,
With the strain and the joy of the time that was spent,
In the hands of the Weaver, our Father above,
Our basket of memories was woven with love.
 
The handles, attached with rivets of copper,
Forged with fire, shiny and proper,
Carry and balance the load of our basket,
The good-byes, hellos, whenever we've had it!
In the hands of the Weaver, our Father above,
Our basket of memories was woven with love.
 
The stain on the splints
Not quite brown, not quite yellow
 Is the comfortable glow of a friendship
That's mellowed
In the hands of the Weaver, our Father above,
Our basket of memories was woven with love.
-Cynthia Turner   2000
 
 
  
WEDDING BASKET VERSES
Here are a few "verses" that might go well in a basket given as a wedding gift.  Hope they help!  Hilda
 
Recipe for Happiness    
Submitted by Debbie Fletcher -- Tender Lovin' Cooking
1 cup of consideration
1 cup of courtesy
2 cups of flattery, carefully concealed
2 cups of milk of human kindness
1 gallon of faith in God and each other
Generous dash of cooperation
3 teaspoons pure extract of "I'm sorry"
1 cup of contentment
1 cup each of confidence and encouragement
1 cup each of blindness to others faults
Flavor with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories.
Stir well and remove any sparks of jealousy, temper or criticism.
Sweeten well with generous portions of love and keep warm with a steady
flame of devotion.
Never serve with cold shoulder or hot tongue.
 
 
 
Recipe For A Sweet Disposition           
 Submitted by Esther Panko -- Recipes to Warm the Heart
3 grains of common sense
Plenty of fresh air
Plenty of sunshine
1 good husband
1 large heart
1 good liver
1 bu. of contentment
Do not bring to a boil!!!
 
 
 
Happiness Cake                
Submitted by Myrtle Schwantes -- Recipes to Warm the Heart
1 c. good thoughts
1 c. kind deeds
1 c. consideration for others
2 c. sacrifice
3 c. forgiveness
2 c. well beaten thoughts
Miix thoroughly and add a teaspoon of joy, sorrow, and sympathy.  Flavor
with love and kindly service.  Fold in 4 cups of prayers and faith.  After
pouring all this into daily life, bake well with the heat of human kindness.
  Serve with a smile anytime to satisfy hunger.
 
 
Forever Wedding Cake 
-Cooking With Love-
1 rounded cup of true love
1 heaping cup of perfect trust and confidence
1 pinch of unselfishness
A sprinkle of interest in all he does
Mix all ingredients with a pint of sympathy.  Flavor with a bright fireside
and a loving kiss.
Bake well all your life.
 
 
A WEDDING WISH FOR YOU - SIMILAR IDEA WITH BABY by Cheryl Avis
I made up a "dummy" wedding basket to take to shows
(based on ideas I got from Vonda's Vine and a basket I made up for
an actual wedding of co-workers).  I put together a basket, snuggled
all the items in gold/gold & white tissue paper, added some gold
metallic wide curly ribbon for filler in between items and printed
the following "poem" on a 4x6 index card:
 
 
A WEDDING WISH FOR YOU
Woven here is a basket of wishes for you;
for your life together throughout the years to come.
Bread so you may never hunger,
Salt so your life will always have flavor,
Wine so joy and prosperity may reign forever, and
A Candle so you may always know the glow of romance.
 
So my {Company} basket had a Bread Mix
(I bought a nice looking one from the grocery but you can get those
cute packaged ones at specialty shops just about anywhere), salt,
a bottle of wine (who doesn't have a bottle of wine they've received
as a gift that they are not going to drink -- is that too
tacky? ;-) ) and a small Yankee Wedding Candle.
 
I cut the index card using some of my scrap booking scissors and
pasted to a gold backdrop (cut the same way only larger), punched
a hole in it and put thin wired gold ribbon in and tied a bow. 
I laid this in the basket (I would tuck traditional wedding cards
in the back between the protector and the basket).  I also put the
"From Our House to Yours" tie-on on the front of the basket.
 
For my shows, I have printed up the same verse on 4x6 index cards
and on the reverse of the card I have listed all the possible baskets
that could be used to create this (e.g., Your Company baskets) as
well as my name, phone number and e-mail address.  I will use these
as "party favors" at my home shows for any guests interested.  Having
an actual basket made up plus handing out these cards might generate
some great business. 

 

A WEDDING BASKET ... Fill a basket with the following items!
 
Dear _________________,
 
Soon it will be the day when you and _____________ will PLEDGE your
love for one another.  We can see you had the GOOD SENSE to choose
each other as Husband and Wife.  When family and friends gather
on _____________ we will share all of the JOY a wedding can bring. 
We will toast the Bride and Groom with CHEER.  As the evening unfolds
you will SNUGGLE and CARESS.  We hope you'll have a JOLLY TIME. 
May you have a wonderful FUTURE together and may every WHITE CLOUD
be silver lined.
 

 
 
HER FIRST BASKET
It was simply a basket she bought that night,
a sweet little basket that would look just right,
holding tea packets, or maybe her buttons,
perhaps some miniature blueberry muffins.
 
It was simply a basket she bought that night,
and truthfully the party had been a delight.
So she offered to hostess a party herself,
Those baskets would look great on her shelf.
 
Steadily from that first party, her collection grew larger.
She became a collector, instead of a buyer.
The baskets she loved decorated her home
and found their way into every room.
 
Where once she could not name her first basket choice,
she now spoke with an authoritative voice,
{Product, Product, Product},
perhaps a {Product}.
 
When she entertained family and friends,
baskets were spread on the table, end to end,
holding casseroles, side dishes, salads, and pies,
a beautiful, visual feast for the eyes.
 
In Springtime, she filled them with lilacs and jonquils,
pansies, pink tulips, and bright yellow daffodils.
In Summertime, baskets held fresh picked strawberries,
or tomatoes, vine ripened, juicy and ready.
 
At Christmas, the {Product} became a punch bowl,
The {Product} held gingerbread men, the {Product},  Bouche de Noel.
And who could resist the {Product} under the tree,
filled with holiday presents, "is this one for me?"
 
Each passing season brought renewed appreciation,
of her versatile, functional basket collection.
And like a loved toy, or a fine red wine,
Her baskets just got better and better with time
 
The stain that had once smelled fresh and new,
had deepened and mellowed into a warm, rich hue.
The handles had a satiny feel to the touch,
rubbed smooth from being carried so much.
 
They served her still in ways old and new,
they were durable, useful and beautiful too.
But one day she realized while looking around,
that her baskets were more than the uses she'd found.
 
Her baskets held something precious and dear.
They held her memories, year after year,
Gatherings with people she held in her heart,
flowers from her husband, small children's art.
 
Teddies and toys that she had found on the floor,
snowy mittens and hats dropped by the door.
They marked the changing of the seasons, the passage of time,
they were keepsakes to pass on down through her line.
 
And one day her children would look with affection,
on her much beloved {Company} collection,
and tell of the story they heard all their life,
it was "simply a basket she had bought that night."
Katherine MacDonald
 
 
 
 
 AN HEIRLOOM RICHLY WOVEN
~~by Csavis~~
This basket's life is long and useful
Of this I'm very sure
From baby to adulthood
This basket will endure!
 
Its starts with diapers, wipes and cream
Maybe a rattle or a toy
You'll use if for each little one
Whether it be girl or boy.
 
From diapers into underpants
This basket holds a change or two
To and from the car and back
You be thankful many times that you had it with you.
 
Next it carries favorite things
Crayons, books and teddy bears
Overnights to Grandma's house
Taking goodies to a friend's to share.
 
Growing ever faster, the years flow quickly by
The basket now holds treats from homeroom moms
Library books to return
Even elusive soccer shoes or cheerleader pompoms
 
A basket to hold the Congratulations cards
As your young one
Graduates from high school
And dreams of college fun!
 
Pack it full of things they'll need
It's hard to see them go
College time is here at last
Oh, you'll miss them so.
 
That new job is nearby home
You're thrilled beyond belief
The expense of college forever gone
A very welcome relief!
 
Fill the basket with sponges and soap
Coupons for their favorite treats
A housewarming gift from Mom & Dad
I know they'll think it's neat.
 
Marriage now and the basket sits
Elegantly on the table for gifts
Holding cards again anew
Bride and groom hoping it will be too heavy to lift!
 
A grandbaby on the way
This basket's done it all before…
Diapers, wipes and cream to start
And memories once more!
 
Baskets of Blessings and Warm Memories.
 
 
 
 
 
Hope On The Horizon
Someone passed this poem on to me because they knew that I had lost my mother
 and uncle to breast cancer and I thought that  it was wonderful...
Like all of you I really do believe there will be a cure someday...
let's all be part of that! 
Love and Prayers, Bonnie
 
Hope on the Horizon
Do you know what Hope is?
It's magic and it's free.
It's not in a prescription,
It's not in an IV.

Do you know what Hope is?
It's reaching past today.
It's dreaming of tomorrow.
It's trying a new way.

It's pushing past impossible,
It's pounding on the door.
It's questioning the answers,
It's always seeking more.

It's rumors of a breakthrough,
It's whispers of a cure,
A roller coaster rise,
Of remedies, unsure.

Do you know what Hope is?
It's candy for the soul.
It's perfume for the spirit,
It share it...makes you whole.
    Author Unknown


  
Paint Brush Poems
I bought 15 in a package (2") at Home Depot for around $8.00.
They are really nice and I attached a poem to it. The poem is the following;
(decorator scissors to trim around the edge and hole punch a hole and tie to
brush with raffia or ribbon.
 
Basket Care
My weaves will get dusty, this is true,
But use this brush, it's not hard to do.
Sometimes dusting will make us frown,
But your baskets were woven to be handed down.
So use them and dust them,
but always with care.
And your baskets
Will always be there.
Baskets of thanks,
 
In response to the ladies interested in giving paint brushes as hostess
thank you's we did this and it went over really well.  We also included a
little card and attached it with ribbon or rafia.  The note said:
 
"You are a fabulous hostess,
forgive me if I blush,
when cleaning your baskets think of me
and don't forget to brush!" 
 
I'm not the author of this so I can't even give anyone credit for it but it is a darling poem.
 
Shorter Version
My Weaves will get dusty, this is true.
But use this brush, it's so simple to do!
Just give me some tender, loving care,
And, I'll last a lifetime for you to share!
This shorter version from Cindy Galbraith.
 
 
 
Volunteer Appreciation
 
A poem to use in recognizing special people .
 
Many will be shocked to find,
when the day of judgment nears,
That there's a special place in Heaven
set aside for volunteers.
Furnished with big recliners,
satin couches and footstools.
When there's no committee chairman,
no group leader, no carpool,
No eager team that needs a coach,
no bazaar, and no bake sale.
There will be nothing to staple,
not one thing to fold or mail.
Telephone lists will be outlawed,
but a fingersnap will bring
Cool drinks, gourmet dinners,
and treats fit for a king.
You ask, "Who'll serve these privileged few
and work for all they're worth?"
Why, all those who reaped the benefits and
not once volunteered on Earth!
 
 
 
BABY POEMS
 
 
Baby Poem #1  by Dottie Tedesco
Congratulations!!
On this lid my footprints will go;
Don’t forget to count each toe;
Inside the lid my name will be;
Along with my birthday and weight you’ll see.
If I’m a boy, inside I’ll keep,
Baseball cards, toys, rocks and a jeep.
If I’m a girl, I think you know,
This is the place for my ribbons and bows.
Please don’t forget a lock of hair,
And my first tooth can go in there.
No one can take this Basket from me,
Because on the lid, my footprints will be.
 
 
Baby Poem #2   by Dottie Tedesco
On this lid my footprints will go
Don't forget to count my toes
Inside the lid my name will be
Along with my birth date and weight you'll see!
If I'm a boy inside I'll keep
Baseball cards, toy cars and a jeep
If I'm a girl I think you'll know
This is where I'll hide my ribbons and bows
Please don't forget my first lock of hair,
And first tooth can go in there
No one can take this basket from me
Because on this lid my own footprints will be.
 
 
Baby Poem # 3
A Special little keepsake, meant for Baby Dear...
Given as a Gift to treasure, year after year...
With tiny little footprints left inside this little Basket,
This Heirloom records the beginning... And all of the memories after it.
 
Have the doctors and nurses at the hospital sign the bottom as well as the
visitors.  Then spray with 2 coats of clear sealer.  Stamped the footprints
on the inside of the lid and on the outside, put birth date, weight and length
and full name on the lid.  Inside is the poem, hospital bracelets, Mom and
Dad bracelets etc.  Later, add locks of hair, first tooth etc!
It is no longer a basket, now it is a treasure!
 
 
Baby Poem #4
For precious baby girl to be
A keepsake basket just from me
Inside the lid her prints shall go
With date and weight entered below
Then each birthday as she grows
Mommy and Daddy will buy her a rose
The petals to be stored inside
Until the day your girl is a bride
On that very special day
When Daddy give his baby away
The petals gathered all the while
should be scattered down the aisle
Her keepsake basket she can hold
A very special "something old"
 
 
Baby Poem #5   by Joy Burdette
Open the lid and you will see
Wrinkles and toes belonging to me!
The doctors, nurses, my length and my weight
Can all be found - along with the date.
This special basket is meant to hold
Memories of me for when I grow old.
My first tooth, my first lock of hair,
Even my hospital bracelet will be kept there.
As I grow you'll find toys or a bow
Oh, how swiftly the time does go!
Before you know it this basket will see
Family recipes for my spouse and me!
      
 
Baby Poem #6
"A little girl's basket through the years"
When she is born, her parents have footprints stamped on the lid.
When she is two, it holds pacifiers, nail clippers and q-tips.
When she is four, I holds priceless trinkets, hair ribbons and bows.
When she is six,  it is her own picnic basket perfect for sandwiches and a juice box.
When she is twelve, she keeps her first cosmetics and nail polishes safe from her brother.
When she is sixteen, she keeps her first boyfriend's love-notes inside it.
When she is twenty-one, she uses it to hold her bracelets and rings.
When she is twenty-five, she uses it to hold recipes.
When she is thirty, she uses it as a first aid basket for her children's boo-boos.
When she is forty, she keeps a needle and thread in it.
When she is fifty, she keeps her eyeglasses in it.
When she is sixty, she keeps the pictures of her grandchildren in it.
 
 
Baby Poem #7
 
CREATING AN HEIRLOOM
Let's imagine this little basket were given as a gift to a newborn little girl, maybe it holds a pair of satin and lace booties.  A special gift -- not only bearing the contents, but also the year it was made, guaranteeing the beginning of
an heirloom.  It finds itself at home in the nursery, containing socks, Q-tips, washcloths, hairbows, etc.
 
Before long, this tiny little girl will turn two years old, and proudly she walks into Sunday School swinging her basket with a dry pair of lace panties!
 
The toddler years are filled with mimicking.  As this little girl mimics her mommy, their matching basketswill be her pride and joy.  Whether she puts a tiny baby or teddy to sleep inside, or decides to carry "important things" like mommy does . . . the special memories in her mind are beginning.
 
The primary years of a young girl are years of collections.  She may collect jewelry, buttons, barrettes or erasers.  Whatever her treasure, her basket will hold and hide it all.
 
As the teen years sneak up, her faithful basket may contain make-up, nail polish, dried flowers, or earrings.  In those years of change . . . some things remain constant.
 
An adjustment for mother and daughter arrives with the time when she goes "off to college."  The warmth of the basket in that cold dorm room will remind her of the love of home and the security of memories made there.  Now it might be her address file or her laundry and postage money basket.
 
As that same young girl delicately tip-toes further into her own life and work, marriage will engulf her with new excitement and adventure.  That special basket accompanies her, to hold her wooden matches on the mantle, to file her recipes and soon . . . to hold those same satin and lace booties for her newborn daughter.
 
You see, you've created an heirloom, a basket, treasured for generations. 
Whether you're a daughter of one or forty-one, it's not too late to create your heirloom!
 
 
Baby Poem  #8  by Betty Bergen
 "Holding on to a Treasure".  This is the boy one. 
This little boy, so tiny and new, creates memories in our mind that we'll treasure forever.
Holding his first pair of satin booties...this basket becomes a special gift-not only bearing
those contents, but also bearing the year it was made, guaranteeing the discovery of a treasure
that will become an heirloom. 
It becomes his own treasure chest as it sits in the nursery containing the stocking cap and ankle
band that he wore in the hospital, a thermometer and extra pacifiers.
 
It seems like just a few short days until this little boy turns two years old, full of wonder
and inquisitiveness.  Clumsily his dimpled little hands fill this basket with his latest find
of a wind-up toy, one small shoe and a few stray Cheerios.
 
The preschool years are filled with activity.  Soon the little boy's treasure chest will hold
his favorite Matchbox cars and trucks as he heads out the door with Mom to run another errand. 
He sits and creates all the noises that a four year old car owner makes as he drives his cars
up and down his legs (and Mom's) and back into their own little garage.
 
The primary years of a young boy are years of collections.  He may collect marbles, rocks or
baseball cards.  And he even finds his basket a haven for hooks, bobbins and hopefully
"artificial" bait.  Whatever his treasure, his treasure chest basket will hold and hide it all.
 
Soon the young boy seems to jump into those teen years-just when you weren't looking. 
His faithful treasure chest is found sitting on his dresser holding a few memories from
childhood...but now it becomes the place to keep tapes, special phone numbers and maybe even
that set of car keys.  In those years of becoming his own person, little treasures still find
security inside his basket.
 
Before long, this young man takes a giant step out the front door and onto the college campus. 
Expressing his new identity, he leaves his treasure chest at home.  Mom walks into the empty
room and holds his little basket to her heart as she closed her tear-filled eyes and tiptoes
back to his earlier year of wonder and discovery.  A few weeks later, after one of his visits
home and seeing how confident he is becoming of himself, Mom realizes that he has quietly tucked
that little basket among his clean clothes and has taken it back to school.  Now it sits on his
desk holding laundry and vending machine change.  Those special memories are valuable to him,
too.
 
As that same young man hesitantly steps into his new life and career, marriage soon becomes the
exciting focus of his mind.  He shares the special story of the treasure chest basket with his
new bride, and she gently places it on the mantel to hold matches, as she envisions those years
she never knew.  But before long, while logs are burning slowly, she tucks his first pair of
satin booties inside, and carries on the legacy as their newborn son makes their family complete.
 
You see, his little treasure chest basket has magnified in worth and an heirloom has been handed
down.  A little boy's own treasure chest, treasured for generations.
 
 
  
 
HOUSE WARMING POEMS
 
#1
 
Things you can use in a special wedding gift, new house gift, ...
 
Welcome to Your New Home It is an ancient tradition that upon moving into a
new home a family should be made welcome with these four earthly symbols:
 
A sponge that the house may always be clean.
A loaf of bread that there may always be food upon the table.
Sugar that there may be sweetness abounding,
and Salt that there may be some spice in living.
 
These items are placed in a bread basket and given as a housewarming gift.
 
 
#2
 
Woven here is a basket of wishes for you.
For your life together throughout the years to come.
Bread so that you may never hunger,
Salt so that your life will always have flavor,
Wine so that joy and prosperity may reign forever,
and a copy of a classic to begin a lifetime for "Your Wonderful Life" together.
 
 
#3
 
 
Can also be a Marriage Survival Basket.   Include these items and this note with the following
items in your favorite basket.  Tie up with a nice bow or gift bag.
 
Match or Charcoal - to spark the coals which will smolder and glow with the warmth of your love.
Red Yarn - to tie around your finger so you can remember to say "I love you"
at Least twice a day.
Paper & Pencil - to keep track of your blessings.
Soap - for pure & natural clean living.
Mirror - to reflect on your life as you build it together, always magnifying the positive.
Tissues - to wipe the inevitable tears away.
Chewing gum - to add flavor and freshness.
Band-Aids - to help small hurts heal.
Candle - to soften the glare of everyday bustle with a romantic glow.
Shiny Penny - for Luck.
Paper Clip - to help you keep things together.
Antacid - for the occasional upsets you encounter.
Analgesic - to soothe the headaches in any relationship.
Highlighter - to make the important times in your life stand out.
Eraser - to rub away the problems of the day.
Safety pins - to keep you safely "stuck on" one another.
Crazy Straws - to keep a sense of humor in even the most mundane tasks.
Ruler - to measure your love as it deepens.
Bourbon - to relax & unwind.
Perfume - Wings to scent the night and let you fly.
Flashlight - to light the way through dark times.
Rolling pin - to smooth all the bumps along the way.
Hersheys Hugs & Kisses - to help you think of each other when you're apart.

#4

 
 
THE {Company} BASKET
 
I am a {Company} Basket
As proud as I can be,
All the enjoyment that I bring,
As I started from a tree.
 
The tree is cut down, neatly trimmed up,
Than rolled out real thin;
It is cut up into nice neat splints
From which my life begins.
 
The Formers sort through all the splints
To only get the best,
They weave my bottom; preparing a form
For the weavers to do the rest.
 
The weavers shape my body
Making none of us quite the same;
We're so individually different
All of the weavers sign their names.
 
Than it's off to the line to attach my extra's,
A handle, a lid, or such;
A final step is a bath in stain,
Which gives me that special touch.
 
The shippers give me one final check
Than securely pack me with care,
I am shipped to the hostesses who held the shows
Gathering friends from everywhere
 
I am given to many collectors
Who are valued so dear;
As a {Company} Basket
I'll be cherished from year to year
 
                                              -Mary Miller