China Apparel & Textile Blog

An Unforgettable Wedding Gift – Cake Towel
One of the most remarkable and beautiful wedding gifts I have ever seen was created by one of my sisters for another sister’s wedding. She built a pristine “wedding cake” from white towels and decorated it with ribbons, held in place with pearl pins, and hid a cd in one of the layers, not that anything additional was needed. The “cake” was such a work of art it stole the show from the real cake! Everyone wanted to know who had made it, how long it took, etc, and no one with a camera passed up a chance for a snapshot of it.

Creating a towel cake can be as simple or as complicated as you need it to be. It is easy to make it unique with your own special touches and add personal touches that will make it an unforgettable part of any wedding or shower.

This is easy to make and the bride to be will love the personalized touch! The colors can be coordinated to go with the wedding theme and colors.
Step 1. Roll the Towels
Fold each hand towel in half lengthwise twice. Start with one end and roll the towels together. Set aside. Repeat this process with the wash cloths. Fold each bath towel in half lengthwise and repeat the folding until the width of the towel is roughly 6″. Roll the two towels together in the same way as the hand towels. You should now have the three layers of the cake.
Step 2. Assembling The Layers
I used large wide rubber bands to hold each individual layer together for ease of handling. To decorate choose ribbon in colors that coordinate with the towels or wedding colors. My niece had requested purple towels so I selected a wide white ribbon adorned with pearls. Cut the ribbon into 60″, 40″ and 30″ lengths. Tie the large piece around the bath towels layer and repeat for the other two cake layers. When complete, stack the cake layers starting with the largest layer at the bottom. I used small pins to hold the layers in place. If you do use pins try to place them through the tags on the towels not the towels themselves.
Step 3.
This is the fun part! Use your imagination and decorate with silk flowers, fall leaves or wedding bells. I placed the cake on a footed cake plate for presentation.

These tasteful cakes look so delicious. But please do not eat. It is the soft cotton washing clothes artfully hand wrapped to resemble a tasteful cake. This delicious looking designed favor will make your mouth water, but it is calorie free. They are great for wedding favors, bay showers, gift baskets, Christmas stocking items and all other occasions

Different Towel Cakes for Different Occasions
A towel cake is a unique and creative way to give a Gift for a wedding shower or a housewarming gift. I use matching bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths for the Towel cake. There will be 2 - 30 X 54″ bath towels, 4 - 16 X 26″ hand towels and 3 - 12 X 12 wash cloths. For a romantic theme, I use bath products such as lotions, bubble bath, incense, bath beads and other items. For a bath/kitchen theme, I use wooden spoons, wire wisks, spatulas and other cooking utensils. The color schemes vary and can be specified by the customer. The ribbons used can be specified to be a wedding theme, otherwise the ribbons will be color coordinated to the color of the towels used. The towel cake pictured is a chocolate cake theme. The bottle in the top of the cake is a champaign shaped bottle of scented bubble bath. Additional picture will be posted in the future.

Wedding Towel Cakes are Full of Charming Surprises!
The first thing to consider when makeing wedding towel cakes is what kind of towels to use. The usual “recipe” calls for two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths, all white. But you can adjust towel cakes to include any type or number of towels you want. If you know what color towels the couple would prefer, choose accordingly. Don’t skimp on quality. You’ll only save a few dollars, and the appearance of your towel wedding cakes will suffer.

Decorations for your wedding towel cakes are limited only by your imagination. The tiers of wedding towel cakes would look elegant “belted” with wide ribbon. Or tie smaller bows and pin them here and there. Faux flowers are another possibility. Pearl-topped straight pins inserted around the edges give a finished look, help hold the cake together, and are a gift in themselves. Make sure, though, to warn the recipient of the hazard.

Your finished towel wedding cakes will have to sit on something, and a pretty bath tray would be perfect. You might want to buy the tray before putting the towel cakes together to make sure of a good fit. You could also set the cake on a matching round bath mat or rug. Surround the cake with scented flower-shaped soaps. Tie a bow around the handle of a fancy pumice scrubber and lay it beside the towel cake as a “server.”

Cake Towel Gain More Popularity

Cake towel is practical and yet full of personality; so despite of the price which is a bit higher than traditional wedding gifts, people still prefer it as cute and romantic Wedding Gifts for the once a lifetime occassion.

Currently, towels sold as, for instance, a gift are folded in various manner and arranged in a storage box, and the top side of the storage box is covered with a transparent film, so that the customers can see the arranged towel(s) inside the box through the film, thus drawing the attention of the customers and increase the customer’s desire to purchase. Among these, with the focus on characteristics such as the towel’s texture, thickness, and flexibility, some towels are formed into animals and dolls by way of attaching the towel cloth by sewing or fastening with a pin or the like, thus being offered exclusively as decorations.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for cake-shaped decorative accessories using a towel cloth as a gift or present, and there has been a demand for other types of decorative accessories that have a cake shape.
Traditional wedding gifts such as chocolate gifts are so common that people want to add some personality and uniqueness to their wedding gift; cake towel seems to be a perfect choice.

For purchasing on line, you could check the Kitchenware Directory and looking for the qualified China Kitchenware Manufacturers.

The Unfavorable Factors Now Facing Shoe Industry in China
More Cost for Labors
The Uprising in RMB
Raw Material Price Keeping Rising
Foreign Anti-dumping Charges
America Sub-prime Mortgage
The “Red Sea” Competition Within Shoe Manufacturers Themselves

Shoe Export Slows Down
Guangdong, a province in south China, exported 490 million pairs of shoes in January and February 2008, valued at USD 1.59 billion, decreasing 27.5% and 0.6% from one year before, citing customs statistics.

In the meantime, the average price of the exported shoes surged 37% year on year to USD 3.2 per pair. In the first month of 2007, the Beijing authorities reduced the export rebate rate in footwear products by 2 percentage points. The move has been further weighing on shoe makers, whose profit margin are not high, especially in the country’s key footwear production base in the Pearl River Delta region, part of which are located in the province.

From September 2007, Guangdong’s export of shoes began to fall, 18.5% year on year in November of the year and 20.3% and 35.7% in January and February 2008. Besides, in the first two months, the number of shoes exporters in the delta decreased 1,855 year on year to 1,512, due to a rising renminbi, the US’ subprime mortgage crisis and a rise in China’s labor cost.

Four Manufacturer Bases of Footwear Industry in China
Guangdong Province
Many factories Close-downs is the must paid price for the industry transformation
Jingjiang City in Fujian Provice
Who will laugh at last? The “red sea” competition condition for the sports shoe in Olympic 2008 is getting more and more fierce.
Jiangsu Province
Brand cultivating and promotion is the core

China Shoetec - an UFI Approved Trade Show
Dongguan China Shoes.China Shoetec is an UFI approved event and the only shoes fair in Dongguan of PR China. It is the best one-stop sourcing platform in Asia for middle-to-high end footwear, materials & machineries. Dongguan, being the production hub of middle-to-high end shoes in PR China, provided an ideal platform for shoes exhibition and it’s convenience to plan for factory visits after show. To facilitate buyers’ visit, Dongguan China Shoes will be held in the same period of Canton Fair, and free shuttle bus will be provided to ease the traveling.

New Opportunity Especially for Sports Shoes Market: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
With the approaching of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, more and more Chinese customers attend in various of sports, athletic sports gradually become one of the parts which can’t lack of in common people’s life, sports shoes market will be more and more larger. Besides townsman’s professional demand to sport shoes is advancing.

The influence of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to science and technology content of sports shoes product. Nowadays the current of product with the same quality is more and more serious, who can keep ahead of technology and make out larruping and suitable product for customers, who will be favorite. Besides, sport shoes manufactures need improve professional capability, at the same time enclose with athletic sports requirement, via reduce cost to supply bargain gym shoes product for person.

Compared with burgeoning markets such as Vietnam and India, experts said China still has advantages in terms of cheap power and water supply, excellent infrastructure and an integrated industry.

E-business Web Choice – Finding Authentic Shoe Suppliers in China
If you happen to be a buyer, looking for appropriate China Supplier partners. Would you like to get comprehensive information, such as company business registration condition, actual production, trade, R & D abilities and quality management system, of potential partners quickly? Do you hope that this information is from an impartial authoritative organization like SGS? If you are looking for such suppliers and need such important business information, please choose www.Made-in-China.com. It has already become a leading B2B portal especially in assisting global buyers and Chinese manufacturers to make contact and conduct international trade.

For purchasing on line, you could check the Kitchenware Directory and looking for the qualified China Kitchenware Manufacturers.

Shoes manufacturers in China now encounter many difficulties due to many reasons stated in this article. But the market is promosing, In Olympic year 2008, Sports Shoes market will facing great opportunities.

Anya Hindmarch’s trendy “I am Not A Plastic Bag” design makes enormous gains in popularity, which sold out of London stores just hours after being released. The aim of the design is simple — to encourage people not to use plastic carrier bags. The simple bag has become a symbol of ethical intent - and a very fashionable one at that.

The popularity of this bag should be proof that consumers are willing and excited to have some non-plastic reusable alternatives. Hindmarch told the media: “I hate the idea of making the environment trendy, but you need to make it cool and then it becomes a habit.”

We are now pleased to see all kinds of reusable bags step into the market and become a focus. Bag manufacturers have sensed this trend and making actions.

Reusable Fabric Options - No More Plastic Bag

String bag: This bag is completely lightweight yet able to carry a lot of groceries. The best thing about it is its ability to stretch, so just when you think you’ve fit all that, you can still throw in that last stuff. Meanwhile, the problem with the string bag is its lack of structure when loading and also the perception that it could be unsanitary, especially when it comes to food.

Lightweight Nylon: The cool thing about this alternative is that it fits in with the current system for bagging groceries at the check-out counter. It is a more durable but still lightweight material compared to the plastic bag. But again it lacks structure when loading.

Heavy Duty Nylon: This bag is made to last a lifetime. Tote bag often made of this heavy nylon. It resembles a traditional paper grocery bag with some added handles; it stands nicely on its own for easy packing. However with that durability and quality of materials come a not-so-compact package. It folds similarly to a paper grocery bag.

Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. The thing is, they all have the potential to save thousands of throw away PGBs from plastic bags.

Supplementary to Typical Leather Handbag or Designer Bag

At first blush, the trend of reusable shopping bags would seem at odds with the explosive growth of high-end handbags. But it turns out that some consumers are eager to walk around with a $1,000 Coach purse on one arm and the Coach shopping bag it came in on the other.

Until recently, high-priced, top-of-the-line imported handbags were a status symbol. But today, designer goods have flooded the market, are no longer as exclusive as they once were. Every woman needs a leather handbag or a designer bag, but they also need a practical bag, such as a tote bag or shopping bag for holding many stuff that their leather bag can’t handle, such as A4 document, a cup of coffee, lunch box, some big accessories…

For example, last summer in 2007, many women in china are choosing straw bags for their reasonable price, their suitability for the summer season, and the possibility of matching them up with many different styles. The best of all, it is nature and reusable.

Pattern and Style Choice

Environmental friendly people want to be associated and seen with natural fabric bags. Available in soft and natural hues, some bags ooze class and concern. Multicolored patchwork bags, printed bags, embroidered and embossed bags are everyone’s favorite.

In bag related trade shows, lots of design elements and latest fashion trend is revealed. Certain bags are cute, featuring a corsage, embroidered beads, or braided ribbons as decoration, while others are more flashy, featuring rhinestones, of are inspired by classic Asian styles, with wooden beads or sea shells. There are bags for all outfits and occasions. Some women at fireworks festivals and other summer events this year prefer carrying straw bags. Some bags can be paired with dresses for a softer, more feminine look, but they also go will with slightly mannish short-sleeved jackets and pants sets and suits. Anyway, versatility is an appeal.

Popular Items - Straw Bag, Tote Bag in Green Design

Tote Shopping Bag - Big and Practical

Big is the fashion. Bags get bigger with cooler weather because you have more to carry (umbrellas, wraps, hats). Nearly every woman has at least one tote bag, whether it’s for a day at the beach, a picnic, browsing at the flea market or just a day at the mall. After all, a good tote bag is very popular - an absolutely indispensable item. Because canvas tote bags come in a variety of designs and styles, you can match them with coordinating sandals, a t-shirt, gym clothes, or your favorite dress. You can make a bold fashion statement with these versatile bags. Tote bags can replace traditional plastic and paper shopping bags. After you use the tote bags for groceries, fold them and place them near the door so you can pick them up next time on your way.

Straw Fashion

Straw handbags combine colorful and funky designs with the latest trends for natural looks and environment-friendly statements, carrying a unique appeal to consumers. Compared to the conventional leather and fabric handbags, they are much lighter. The use of natural grass also fits in with the trend for environmental protection, while many handbags even come as “natural” straw to accentuate their appeal - and probably even enhance health requirements for the product.

Trend or Demand for Future Reusable Bag Industry

The reusable bag is still the bag of choice for most occasions under the prevailing theme about environment protection. So people would strive to make it better, and the solution should be a bag that is, (I mean many kinds of bag suited to different occasions):

1 Easily folded flat, both for storage at the checkout counter and for refolding for the return journey;

2 Relatively inexpensive to produce, so the supermarket and grocery stores would use it in greater amount not worrying about their cost control.

3 Made of durable, sustainable materials that give the bag structure but also keep it lightweight;

4 Easy to carry, possibly in different configurations (traditional handles, over the shoulder, etc);

5 Has an appropriate strategy for end-of-life disposal when it is finally properly disposed of after a lifetime of good use.

6 Not only durable and long lasting, but also attractive, comfortable and classy.

The last point means that the reusable bags can also be connected to “fashion”. When you think of the “I’m not a plastic bag” craze though many western countries recently.

Alluring Business Potential for Reusable Bags in this Eco-friendly Market Atmosphere

Use of recyclable and reusable bags has now been promoted as a lifestyle. In cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, customers have begun treating eco-friendly bags such as nylon bag as an indispensable accessory that can be reused for weeks, even months, to carry laundry to the cleaners, books to the beach or lunch to the office.

These bags are the most popular choice for both corporate as well as personal gifting. So stores or manufacturers, sensing a marketing opportunity, are racing to a heated competition to make the most durable, fashionable reusable bags. From upscale emporiums to midprice chains, retailers are investing millions of dollars in new flourishes like plastic-coated paper and heavy fabric cord handles.

Resource Box: For purchasing on line, you could check the Kitchenware Directory and looking for the qualified China Kitchenware Manufacturers.

Potential Opportunities Catalyzing the Alluring Markets

In recent years, a great number of overseas orders of craftwork and gifts have been transferred to China, mainly from the European and USA general merchandise industry, multinational chain supermarkets, and professional distributors, etc. Meanwhile, Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the World Expo Shanghai 2010 will also bring great business opportunities to the craftwork and gifts industry.

Popular Gift Ideas (Buying Trends)

Gifts for Family Decoration

Craftwork is an important composition of family interior soft-environment design, reflecting peoples’ temperament and interests. Practicality and nice design are two important factors people considered when choosing home gifts.

Promotion Gifts Complement Traditional Marketing Methods

The value of promotional gifts in today’s competitive marketplace can’t be underestimated. Many businesses nowadays turn to promotional gifts to help them enhance their brand awareness, improve customer loyalty and increase sales.

Holiday Gift: Nurture Your Relationship

Holiday occasions or a special day for an individual bring us together, creating a chance for our relationships to grow. Gift giving in this case is indispensable to enhance the feelings or atmosphere. Personalized and engraved unique gifts especially make distinguished and memorable presents.

Fashion Jewelry Gifts a Timeless Favorite

Since ancient times, jewelry has been one of the most popular gifts to give and to receive, and it still ranks among the top gifts as a universal, particularly pearls and birthstones. A gift of jewelry delights the recipient and evokes a genuine smile. Birthstones, among various choices, are very popular with Its Culture-added Value. Almost everyone appreciates a birthstone, and it shows that you actually put some thought into the gift. Many people believe that wearing their birthstone protects them and brings them good luck.

Yiwu City: a Terrific Destination for Your Gift-purchasing Plan in China

China Yiwu is the largest mart for petty commodities. Currently, Yiwu has the largest wholesaling market around the world. The business area of the market covers 1,500,000 square meters, gathering 320,000 kinds of commodities from all over the country with a daily customer flow of more than 200,000 person-times, and the daily output of commodities up to nearly ten thousand tons. Up to now, more than 300 overseas trading offices and 10,000 foreign purchasers have resided in Yiwu.

Notable Domestic and International Gift Fairs

International Gifts & Home Decor Trade Fair

The largest fair of its kind in East China, was held in Shanghai every year, which can both serve the industry and add luster to life, creating a real buzz in Shanghai Mart.

Shenzhen International Toys & Gifts Fair

This event is an ideal platform for sourcing from China. Many of these exhibitors are already leading suppliers in the China market, and they have expressed keen interest in developing business overseas.

Sands Expo Center — The ASD/AMD Las Vegas Gift Expo

Dollar for dollar ASD/AMD Trade Shows are the most cost-effective and convenient way to get buyers and sellers together in a sales and profits-oriented marketplace.

Challenges Facing the China Gift Industry and What’s On Trend

China gift industry desires for professional and creative designers. Competition enhances design capability in a positive way. Brilliant designer teams stay abreast of trends and always scout for new ideas or options when going to some relevant events or shows. Gift magazines and Internet sites are used as references as well.

Brand Name Promotion

Companies that do not have any awareness in promoting their brands cannot survive. Companies are now getting to that awareness. Brand stands for everything - low price, convenience of purchase, emotional attachment, and for performance and quality. As far as allocation of funds (for brand promotion) is concerned, it should be carried out on a sustainable basis. It has to be part of the overall budgetary allocation of the company.

Creating Value, Adding Value and Maintaining Value

Whether it is Culture Value added or Technology Value added, they would undoubtedly make your gifts more competitive. Many traditional Chinese gifts maker should strive for new technology to bring novelty to their products and maintain freshness. Meanwhile, we can’t ignore the culture value of the gifts or even an enterprise. For instance, Swarovski Crystal are paying much attention and funds in its culture value promotion (crystal history, magic function etc.), it’s the culture connotation that contributes much to its overall success, attracting people to buy it and enjoy it.

Know the Psychologic Profile of The Target Market

How can gifts marketers and retailers better understand the hearts and minds of their consumers and use that insight to capture a greater share of the consumers’ gifting budget? These are questions every gift enterprise should investigate into seriously. For the foreign gift trade business in china, it would be favorable for the profits and markets to grow, for example, if the manufacturers could produce gifts that taking in more western flavor, religious imply, personalized demand, or of high quality level.

Environmental Friendly - Go Green

The environment is increasingly on consumers’ radar screens, according to many surveys. “Eco-friendly” products are more popular in holiday season than in the past. Wrapping stuff like plastic bags are not so welcome. This shopping intention was consistent across gender, age and income groups based on many survey statistics.

E-business Web Choice – Finding Authentic Suppliers in China

If you happen to be a buyer, looking for appropriate China Supplier partners. Would you like to get comprehensive information, such as company business registration condition, actual production, trade, R & D abilities and quality management system, of potential partners quickly? Do you hope that this information is from an impartial authoritative organization like SGS? If you are looking for such suppliers and need such important business information, please choose from the china manufacturer directory.

For purchasing on line, you could check the Kitchenware Directory and looking for the qualified China Kitchenware Manufacturers.

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