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Check out page 230 to download free Christmas tags. Print labels on sticker paper for some sweet gift wrapping labels or on card stock for some kid-friendly, simple ornaments! Enjoy!
I was hoping to make this year my third annual handmade Christmas, but there was just no physical way that was going to happen. Up until just recently I’ve been working full-time as an in-house designer for DownEast; so between that, other design work, sleep and a ferociously hyper toddler, there was just no way I could squeeze in a million hours of crafting. It just got to the point where I had to ask myself, “Do I want to be institutionalized?” to which I breathed a sigh of disappointment and let go of all of the crazy ambition for handmade gifts and crazy cool decorations. Next year, perhaps?
I totally could’ve bought handmade gifts, but I wanted to surprise Chris more than anything.
Just after my brother-in-law bought his gun, he brought it over to show off to Chris. Chris was clearly jealous by the drool on his chin. I knew right then, that was what I needed to get him. Something that he’d NEVER suspect I’d buy. Well, not unless he got a little nosy. I pretty much dragged every male from my family and Chris’s into the whole thing asking for advice, models, etc. Even the guys at my work were excited about it, too.
There were a few times leading up to Christmas day where I thought he had figured the whole thing out. Turns out he was thinking I was getting him a wedding ring. (note: he’s been through two wedding rings so far.) It was better than Christmas to see the surprise on his face when he opened his gift! AH! It was a fabulous surprise. He’s taken it to the range a few times since Christmas and it’s just fun to see his excitement about all of it.
Chris sort-of surprised me this year, too. He had led me on thinking that I was getting a pair of boots. Then a couple of weeks before Christmas he asked me about my camera bag and if I wanted a bigger one. That was a dead give away. While I had my suspicions I would’ve never guessed he’d get me the bag that he did.
Have you heard of Chrome bags? You might if you’re from San Francisco or you’re super hip. The bag that Chris got me is the smallest of the messenger bags and it’s ENORMOUS. There’s so much room inside. Did you peek at the cool buckle above? Rad. Now when the sun decides to come out and warm up the frozen valley, I’ll be the hippest fixie rider in town with my Chrome bag, rolled up pant leg and bright blue & yellow fixie. Thanks Chris for upping my coolness.
Merry Holidays everybody!! Here’s my 3rd annual Christmas candy box. I’ve been a little stumped with ideas for what to do this year. LAME. So 40 hours, a pep talk from Chris and a few temper tantrums later, here it is. My gift to you.
The color scheme was inspired by 100 Layer Cake’s Red + Green colorboard. Have you been to that blog before? It’s a fabulous resource, wedding or no. I pretty much drool out the side of my mouth every time I visit that site. The pattern was inspired by Orla Keily and one of my favorite wallpapers.
I really hope you enjoy this printable and USE IT! I plan on using these for the annual candy party with my mom and sisters. Oh, and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s fairly holiday neutral, so feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations, or anything. Ever! Click on the button below to download for free.
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The assembled box measures about 3.25 in x 3 in x 1.5 in, which is perfect for homemade caramels, chocolates, jewelry, etc. Let me know how you’re using it! I’d love to see pictures or hear about what you did, so please comment!
I found the most lovely no-sew, no-glue wreath tutorial online last week thanks to twig & thistle’s lovely wreath tutorial round-up. Most tutorials I find these days end up collecting dust in my delicious account these days, but not this one. It uses felt + ruffles, the two most trendy things on the crafty interwebs these days, so there was no denying it.
I added my own little pom pom mistletoe to the mix.
Sadly, I didn’t find any felt colors that I was happy with, so I used some scraps from my favorite Fabmo. Making the wreath wasn’t hard at all, all it really took (besides the materials themselves) was a good hour+ of tv and a thimble. Not Bad, eh?
Giddy like a 12 year-old-girl is probably the best way to describe my post-project mood. After I hung up my festive little wreath I couldn’t help but point out it’s loveliness to Chris every 20 seconds. Thankfully I have a very indulgent husband who agreed with me. You can find the fabulous tutorial at domestifluf.
Chris and I live dangerously close to Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. Most of the time it’s fun, but it gets really annoying when trying to drive around the hoards of pedestrians making the Christmas mecca to see the lights. I’ve seen the lights many, many times growing up, but it’s always magical. Every year. Nothing gets me in the mood for Christmas more than seeing the lights, watching the nativity program and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Christmas tunes while walking around the gorgeous temple grounds.
Last week I was smart. I brought my camera and tripod to Temple Square and I took photos of the lights and my favorite chapel. It just looks heavenly, doesn’t it? Now I need to find some time to put up our two Christmas decorations. What are you doing to get into the Christmas spirit?
