# The gentle soothing sound of flowing water can help you relax and meditate in your bedroom after a hard day’s work; # Start day listening to music of splashing water and enjoy invigorating effect it has on your mood. # Fountains humidify indoor air, especially if your home or workplace is dry due to continual air-conditioning. This is extremely helpful in preventing your skin from drying out. # Fountains release negative ions, said to promote better moods and concentration. Building a water fountain can be as simple as putting some stones and a small pump into a container with water. It does not have to be expensive or fancy. Nothing can compare to feeling of accomplishment from creating your own fountain.

Materials Needed:

1 A waterproof container or bowl of proper depth. Choose a container between 8-16 inches across in diameter and depth of at least 4-6 inches. The water has to cover pump; otherwise, pump will burn out. You can use ceramic bowls, plastic flower pots, glass, or wood boxes. The easiest and least expensive containers are plastic pots or ceramic bowls. Some plastic pots tend to vibrate when you put everything together. Ceramic bowls are more solid, lessening vibration Look in your cupboard for a casserole, serving dish, punch bowl, or fruit bowl if you're in a hurry to make a fountain.

2. A small water pump (less than 100 gallons per hour) and clear plastic tubing (1/2" inner dimension or 5/8" outer dimension). Fish tank pumps are fine. The smallest ones work well for typical size containers. Some shops supply suction cups with water pumps. Both pump and tubing can be found at an aquarium, hardware, or garden supply store. To straighten hose, boil it in water for a while.

3.Rocks; pebbles; slate; crystals; semi-precious stones; drift wood pieces; shells, anything that goes in water can be used. Each item can have a special meaning, thus adding to individuality of your fountain If you select rocks from your garden make sure you clean them well in a water-bleach bath. You can substitute polyethylene spray foam for bigger rocks thus reducing need for heavy rocks.

Since you have probably already decided who you are giving gift basket to, and for what occasion, then first step is to write down a list of your recipient’s interests. By making a list like this, you can decide what kind of theme your gift basket will have, and what kind of gift items you will include. Does your recipient like cooking, gardening, reading, golfing, fishing? Is gift basket intended for a specific occasion such as birth of a new baby, or a particular holiday? The answer to these questions is where you will begin to make your own gift basket.

Pick a container. You can use a traditional basket as your container, or you may want to use something entirely different. If you are making a gardening gift basket, why not choose a clay pot, or if you are making a fishing gift basket, you could use a tackle box as container. You could use a colander for a cooking “gift basket”, or an Italian theme basket. You could use a child’s small wagon, or a large toy truck as a container for a child’s gift basket. The possibilities are endless! Just let your imagination run wild.

Now, refer back to list of themed gift items you made earlier. You will use these items to build your basket. Adding pre-packaged food items into your basket is always a good idea! People love treats! You can also use, wine, champagne, nuts, non-perishable cheese spreads, crackers, popcorn, candy, or whatever special items your recipient likes to snack on. If you are making a basket for a new baby, you could use baby powder, baby shampoo, baby bath wash, hooded towels, bottles, rattles, receiving blankets and like. Pre-packaged food mixes, such as pancake mixes, brownie mixes, cookie mixes and so forth make great items for housewarming baskets. Maybe you could use a skillet as your container, and add some wooden spoons, potholders etc. Let your creativity flow!

Now it is time to begin to assemble your gift basket. Here is a list of items you will need, they are all available at your local craft store:

1. A Container (basket or something else)

2. Foam blocks, newspaper, bamboo skewers, clear tape, scissors, wire cutters, GlueDots (optional)

3. Your gift items

4. Silk flowers, eucalyptus stems, or other items to “enhance” basket.

5. Cellophane wrap, wired ribbon (for bow), and shred or curling ribbon to match general color scheme of your gift.