Picnic Love .... Bringing it to you!

Where there's a will there's a way. If you can't go to the picnic, I'll bring it to you!

I could not resist. I saw this on Design Sponge. This little picnic craft is so intelligent and unique that I have to share. It involves an old briefcase and someone who loves the romance of a picnic. Who can forget the shirtless William Holden in the famous movice "Picnic?" or, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in "The Long Hot Summer." The idea of a picnic is far better than the actual picnic, but us romantics love to dream. Check out "The Green Space Travel Case" for your indoor/outdoor picnic park needs. : )

If you know someone who either doesn't have the time or take the time to become "one" with nature, this is perfect surprise lunch kit. No one will say it is practical, but it is a great conversation piece and will definitely bring a smile to his or her face.

What you need: (I took these directions directly from the site so I don't get it wrong)

1. An old briefcase or any kind of case really, preferably one that’s molded plastic so you don’t have to worry about lining it for watering the grass
2. piece of turf cut to size
3. spray adhesive
4. thin ice pack
5. wild life scene printed out to size, or you could also find a little painting that fits
6. cutlery (either standard stainless, fancy silver, or something biodegradable like these WüN guys by Aspenware)
7. a napkin
8. a traditional picnic style plate for nostalgia’s sake and some yummy food bits

How to do:

1. Once you’ve found a case you want to use (I recommend finding one WITH a handle. I didn’t, and it was kind of a pain to work out), get the dimensions of the inside bottom where the grass will go.

2. Call a local supplier of turf and see if they will sell you just that tiny amount. I ended up paying $3 for mine which I think is a pretty good deal.

3. Then set the turf outside on a plastic bag and give it a drink of water. You also might want to run your fingers through it to get the blades standing up again after being flattened by the roll.

4. Next, measure the inside of the case’s lid to get the dimensions for the piece of bristol board or foam core you”ll need to mount your nature scene on. My studio assistant (aka my mom) cut this one and did such a good job that it was a perfect press fit into the lid. That’s ideal because then you don’t have to mess around with trying to make it stay another way. Thanks Mom!

5. Use your spray adhesive to mount your nature scene onto the board.

6. Now you’re ready to green up that case. Take your turf and place it in the bottom space. Voila, instant outdoors.

7. When the time has come to pack your lunch up, take the ice sheet out of the freezer and slide it either behind the pockets (as pictured below) or into the largest pocket, if it will fit. This ice, combined with the cooling / insulating powers of the grass, should keep your lunch fresh. (Although I wouldn’t recommend risking sashimi…)
8. Take your nature scene and press it into place.

9. Build lunch display however you’d like (avoiding runny foods or sauces) and wrap your finished food landscape in plastic wrap. Now you’re all set to go!
I found this Crafty little idea on Design Sponge (great craft site) and at the bottom the credit goes to: PaigeRussell.com who has another site as well PaigeandModern.com.

Trust me. If you make this for someone, you won't be getting it back : )