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.

Pretty Pantry Gifts

It’s that time of year when I start hoarding all of the gift ideas I come across.  This beautiful package caught my eye while surfing around on Save-on-Crafts website so I ordered one.  It contains a recipe book and all of the wrapping essentials needed to make beautiful edible gifts.  This set would also make a lovely gift itself, especially for a friend who loves to cook.  The $14 price tag at Save-on-Crafts is the lowest I’ve found, though this is available from a number of other online sources including Target and some of the large chain bookstores.  You might save yourself shipping costs and check those bookstores locally to see if they carry this set.

For a DIY project, cut 6” circles from cotton fabric with your pinking shears, and add some purchased hair elastics and cellophane bags.  If you have a die cutting machine you could cut some tags and add a little stamp that picks up your chosen theme.  You could also include some custom printed stickers (search “canning labels” on www.etsy.com for a large selection) or, if you really want to take the gift up a notch, you could include a custom-made stamp like this one I ordered for myself.

I ordered this stamp from Expressionery; they run sales periodically on these stamps which really makes them an affordable gift.  There are a number of appropriate designs available. 

Stay tuned over the next weeks for more gift ideas.  I’m working on some tutorials right now for the upcoming holiday season.  Check back often!

Sharing Another's Creativity

Today I want to post a link to one of my very favorite blogs, celebrate CREATIVITY in all its forms.  Lisa Tutman-Oglesby does a fantastic job of creating inspiration on her blog.  Her pictures are wonderful, her instructions clear and easy to follow.  Her topics run the gamut of craftiness from paper, fabric, edibles, knitting, woodworking.  She posts on the 1st and 15th of each month and her projects never disappoint. 

Take today's post, for instance, entitled Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!  She details how to make adorable (and yummy-looking) animal crackers (and is giving away a set of the cookie cutters, too!) and provides the recipe.  (All pictures are by Lisa Tutman-Oglesby).

One of Lisa's hallmarks is her packaging.  In many of her posts she shows how to create stunning packages for her creations, whether they are for bake sales or gift giving.  In her current post she shows how to package the animal crackers in a way that would be just darling for birthday party favors (I may have to try this for my youngest's upcoming 2nd birthday!)

Please take the time to check out Lisa's blog.  But I should warn you:  You probably can't stop with reading just her current post.  When I discovered her blog I worked my way through her archives, soaking up the inspiration she provides.  I'll bet you do the same.