Self-Indulgence

What a "me" day I had today.  I managed to pack a lot into today, mostly things that I love doing.  First off, I wrapped and mailed a beautiful package.

Some of you might remember that last year I wrote about how much I love using kraft paper and twine to wrap packages especially when topped with a little woodland-inspired clip which you can make yourself.  When I found myself needing to wrap a round can I wished for some kraft tissue paper.  My wish came true at Paper Source and I picked up several packages this week at my local store.  The tissue paper is simply gathered around the can, tied with twine and topped off with the clip which can be used as a Christmas tree ornament.  I finished off the package with a mist of gold glitter spray which gives it a nice sheen.  Never underestimate the impact of a beautifully wrapped gift.  (Humming "brown paper packages, tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things.")

I also spent time today working in my sewing room and finishing all of the Christmas presents for the teachers on my list.  I'll be posting those in a couple of days.

When I stopped and asked myself what I wanted to do with a day where I had nothing particular on the calendar, the answer was to work on stitching my Alabama Chanin dress.  I have not been making much time for that, so today I spent an hour this morning and an hour this evening stitching, both times at a local coffee shop while my children were otherwise occupied.  I have nearly finished the first of six panels; I'll post some pics when I do.

Today was all about indulging myself, filling the hours with things I love to do but don't have as much time for as I'd like to have.  The feeling was good (tinged with just a little bit of guilt, but not too much).  What have you been doing recently that feels indulgent?  Leave a comment.

Woodland Nature Clip Ornament and Giveaway

The last of the advent ornaments brings a super quick and easy but lovely-to-look-at clip that can be used to adorn gifts as well as your tree.  Once you have your materials gathered, you can put one of these together in less than 15 minutes.  I love to wrap my packages in brown kraft paper and tie them with jute cord then clip this on.  A little spray glitter adds some sparkle.  After the package is opened the decoration can be clipped onto a branch of the Christamas tree. 

I also created a smaller version of these clips on mini clothespins and used them as package toppers on the gifts I made my boys' teachers.

I've written a tutorial that gives you all the help you need in crafting one for yourself.  And, if you leave a comment on this post, I will pick one winner randomly and send the winner this ornament for their own tree.  Comments must be received by 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning to qualify, and the results will be posted on Wednesday morning.

This is the last of my advent posts but watch for my Bag of the Week post later this week.  Sharing this with the folks at Today's Creative Blog on their Get Your Craft On Feature.  Head over that way to see lots of creativity.