Real Gift Guide: Desk Goodies

Well, looky here. More gifts for the last minute shopper! $15 and under.

1. Fox in the Snow Card Set - Moorea Seal $15
2. Porcelain Typography Tray - Nordstrom $10
3. Tattly Premier Set - Tattly $15
4. Classic Stripe Notepads - Kate Spade $14 (I bought this set and divided amongst a few ladies last year)
5. Fox Journal by boygirlparty - $11 (I've seen them at Barnes & Nobel, too)

Real Gift Guide: Animals

Welcome to Part 2 of the "Real Gift Guide," featuring items under $20. These aren't stocking stuffers, these are legit gifts (at least I'd be happy to get any of them!).

1. Whale Sandwich Print - CactusClub (Etsy) $20 (I got this last year for Christmas)
2. Narwhal Screwdriver - Urban Outfitters $16.00
3. Carved Wood Alpaca Ornaments - Crate & Barrel $2.96  (I bought one for me)
4. Wooly Penguin Ornaments - Crate & Barrel $3.71
5. Animal Mug - H&M $5.95
6. Owl Ceramic Plate - H&M $3.95

my wish list 2011

Today, I take my inspiration from a few of my favorite fashion blogs and share my Holiday Wish List.

1. Golden Pinnate Necklace (but, in silver!) - $28.00
2. German Military Surplus Utensil set (they snap together!) - $12.00
3. Latte Bowls in Mint - 4 for $20
4. Porcelain Dish in Zigzag - $6.00
5. Architectural Difusion Bracelet - $16.00
6. Amazing Everything: the art of Scott C. - $16.49
7. Lost at Sea T-shirt - $36.00
8. Keyboard Memopad - $10.00
9. Simply Ponytail Holders - $12.00
10. Bronze Tentacle Necklace (a lustworthy item) - $180.00

Are there any gifts you're hoping for this year?

holiday time is upon us

Hola! Two weeks ago I went to Molokai, Hawaii (trying to cross all the states off my list. Plus, I got an amazing deal on hotel and airfare). It was fabulous. I'll post photos.

In the meantime, I spent a few hours yesterday photographing and listing items in my Etsy store. I generally don't like mentioning the shop on here (because it feels like schmoozing and self-promotion, which I detest), but I thought I'd better since it seems as though I haven't been doing much of anything according to my posts!

Take a look. I listed scarves, prints, and earrings.

If you're looking at anything and want it in time for Christmas, any order received by December 15 should make it in time. Shipping is listed for US and Canada only, but if you're from another country just send me a message on Etsy and I can get you a quote on shipping and create a custom listing. :)

Thanks for listening... now back to my regular posts...

DIY round up: Christmas Decorations

So let's pretend you have even more time to spare before the holiday. Looking for some fun projects? Well, look no further:

In number order:

1. Twisted felt garland [via purl soho]
2. Wine bottle cozy [via design*sponge]
3. Star garland [via Creature Comforts]
4. Sugar cookie ornaments [via Creature Comforts]
5. Modern paper holiday garland [via curbly]

DIY round up: Christmas presents

Assuming you have some time, here are some excellent Christmas gifts and bags you can make for friends and family. I love how deceptively easy these projects are (minus the fox because I can't follow sewing patterns - but I'm sure you can!)

In number order:

1. Felt Christmas Tree Pin [via purl soho]
2. Wrapped Wreath [via In Color Order]
3. Heat Transfer Goody Bag [via How About Orange]
4. Simple Drawstring Bag [via whipup]
5. Electrified Fox (!!) [via matsutake]
6. Easy Baby Blankets + color ideas [via purl soho]

Christmas Crafts: part whatever

Another fantastic CraftStylish posting by Jeffrey Rudell! How to Make the Perfect Hostess Gift is simple, straightforward, and chic.



Now if only I were decorating my apartment this year...

Advanced paper garland

Who can follow a Martha post? How about the man-Martha-of-paper himself: Mr Jeffrey Rudell? Every time I see one of his posts on CraftyStylish I have an insatiable desire to raid the local paper store.

Today's selection, How to Make Garland with Punch, is probably ridiculously time-consuming. But at least it looks pretty easy! And you've gotta love the end result. Gorgeous.

I even love his mid-action shots!

Who knew an exacto knife and grid could look so beautiful? These are the Sartorialist shots of the craft world.

Wrappin'

Martha Stewart's Japanese Newspaper Gift Wrap tutorial is simple and amazing. I love the idea of using foreign newspapers as wrapping. Very clever. It might be worth a trip to the international newsstand! Check out the video here.

Also, if you're interested in "green" wrapping Apartment Therapy did a good round-up today.

(And speaking of rapping, the new Kanye album is kind of lacking. But I suppose since it seems to be about the alienation and loneliness of fame, the slow tempo is appropriate...?)

Christmas craft ideas

Hola! I'm already about 70% finished with Christmas present shopping and crafting. The next large chuck of preparation will be closer to the actual day. I normally make dozens and dozens of cookies. Yesterday I bought my tins, and I'm definitely excited to choose my recipes. In addition, I've knitted a handful of scarves for the little ones. I also bought another large load of yarn yesterday to make more.

Today I found a few other Christmas projects that look promising. If not for this year, than next.

Jingle Bell Wreath - via Martha Stewart

Napkins and napkin rings

Felt stocking - both via Amy Butler

stuff I've made: ornaments and snowflakes

Whoops. So I'm a little late.

Last year I made marble ornaments and this year I took a cue from a friend and made some with a little sparkle.

The same friend had a birthday, and I decided to decorate the party place -[ a boy apartment if you can't tell ;) ]- with some snowflakes. Most I did myself, but eventually I got tired and used templates. Find some here.

stuff I've made: les Ornaments

Using ceramic paint and glass bulbs to create marble ornaments is incredibly easy. Surprisingly easy, actually.