Things to do on a Holiday Weekend

I’m excited about this holiday weekend.  I’m planning on doing a little work (fun stuff only) and spending most of my time relaxing and enjoying the sun.  Besides attending a graduation party for a special friend on Saturday, I’m planning to do these things….

Go on a Picnic

Do some shopping

Read lots of magazines

(My stack of unread mags is out of control)

Walk in the park

(the best people watching ever)

Visit Serenbe for the first time

and if I’m really feeling energetic I’m going to see if I can reach 16,000 pins on Pinterest!

I’ll be back on Tuesday to share all my weekend fun.  Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday weekend!

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Entertaining Inspiration: Tassel Garland

One of my new party décor obsessions is Tassel Garland.  There is just something so playful and charming about these dangling poufs of paper pieces.  I especially love them in metallic but just about any color combination is a great way to style a birthday party, baby shower or cocktail soiree for friends. 

Be Inspired!

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I love the idea of adding a pattern into the mix.

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Dip Dyed Tassel Garland

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If you want to buy Tassel Garland check out these great Etsy shops, TheFlairExchange, StudioMucci and GlamFeteByBri or you can make your own with this DIY tutorial below.

I spent time on Saturday making 30 tassels to use at an event the non-profit I work with was holding on Sunday.  Unfortunately the event was cancelled due to weather so now I’ve got 30 tassels to do something with.  I guess a party is in order!

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Have a great day!

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The Magic of Christmas

 Hi all,

You know my friend Suenette, who decorates over-the-top for Halloween?  Well, her Christmas décor is just as pretty and worthy of its own post here on ConfettiStyle so sit back and enjoy in the merriment!

 

This picture does not do their main Christmas tree justice.  It is decorated with hundreds of vintage and Christopher Radko ornaments AND it spins!  It is so magical and beautiful!

 

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Gift Wrap Inspiration: From the Most Gifted Wrappers

Happy Monday and Happy Holidays!

There are only 9 more days until Christmas and I hope you’ve got all (or at least most) of your shopping done!  Now it’s time to wrap all those gift treasures and what better inspiration do you need then wrapping tips from the finalist in the 2012 Scotch Most Gifted Wrapper Contest.

Taking part in the contest was a highlight of my year and I learned lots of new wrapping tips from my fellow contestants.  So, to share the love I asked all the contestants to share a few of their favorite and most creative gift wrapping tips with all my readers.  You’ll definitely want to take notes and PIN these images because you are getting the 411 from some of the nations best gift wrappers!  Just call it my Christmas Gift to you.

Enjoy and be utterly inspired!

image courtesy of Ellinee

 

Our first most Gifted Wrapper is Lia!  Lia is the Creative Director of Elli Design Studio and was the winner of the Most Gift Wrapper Contest. Beautiful is the only way to describe the gifts wrapped by Lia!

 Lia’s gift wrapping tips…

• Use tissue paper and paper scraps to create beautiful embellishments for your gifts like paper flowers, paper bows and snowflake toppers.
• When a plain store-bought gift bag won’t do your gift justice, make your own using fancy wrapping paper and ribbon. 

 To see more of Lia’s gift wrapping ideas and view the tutorials for making paper flowers and gift bags,  check out the Ellinee Blog.  You’ll also find beautiful cards and stationery products in the Ellinee Shop!

image courtesy of Jolie Colis

Next up is Carol!  Carol is the owner and designer of Jolie Colis, The Perfect Parcel, an online custom gift wrapping shop.  Carol can work some magic with paper and ribbon and creates some of the most stylish gifts I’ve seen.

Carol’s gift wrapping tips…

• Create re-usable keepsake boxes by wrapping two-piece boxes separately, to avoid having to tear paper. It’s a pretty and green way to wrap a gift.
• Personalize gift boxes with photos instead of name tags. Not only is this incredibly cute and sentimental, it’s great for smaller kids who aren’t reading yet. They’ll see their face on the gift and know it’s for them.

The Jolie Colis website is filled with beautiful wrapping images and be sure to follow the Jolie Colis Blog for even more ideas and inspiration.

You can also buy Carol’s custom wrapped boxes via her Etsy Shop.

images courtesy of Shasta Blasta

Now let me introduce Shasta!  Shasta loves gift wrapping so much that she created a blog on the very subject.  Shasta loves to wrap with unique papers and color combinations which give here gifts even more style.

Shasta’s gift wrapping tips…

• Look at alternatives to traditional ribbon to wrap your gifts in.  One favorite idea is to create paper ribbons by wrapping gifts in contrasting paper bands.
• When you want a bold topper for your gift, create a paper fan topper that will add lots of pizazz!

Shasta’s blog,  Shastablasta Wraps Presents Well is where you’ll find more gift wrapping tips, craft projects and lots of amusement.

Shasta also has an Etsy shop where she sells letterpress cards and craft items.

photos courtesy of Stationery Station

 Our next Most Gifted Wrapper is Sheryl.  Sheryl is the owner of a great stationery and paper store in Chicago called Stationery Station.  Sheryl has been wrapping for years and love

Sheryl’s gift wrapping tips…

• Layers, Layers, Layers are the way to create beautifully wrapped gifts.  Create belly bands by layering several scraps pieces of paper together and wrapping them around a package.
• Use unusual and unexpected items like dried flowers, ornaments and craft beads to embellish your gifts.

If you live in Chicago, make sure to stop in and visit the Stationery Station or check out the Stationery Station website for more inspiration!

images courtesy of Michelle Beshaw

 Next up is Michelle.  Michelle is a uber talented Theatre Artist and Puppeteer from Brooklyn.  Having worked at one of my favorite stores, Kate’s Paperie for years, Michelle knows the ins and outs of creating beautiful gift wrapping.  Her forte’ is elegant embellishments.

Michelle’s gift wrapping tips…

• Use glitter as a way to embellish plain paper and gift wrap accents.  The white swirls on the gift above were created with chunky white glitter!
• Another way to add interest to your gift wrap paper is by sewing papers together to create layers ( see package with red velvet ribbon).

You can follow Michelle at here blog, Michelle Beshaw Blog or find more of her inspiration on her website, Michelle Beshaw!

Two of the other contestants were not able to take part in this blog post as they are SUPER busy wrapping gifts and running businesses this time of year.

• Michelle at Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, KY.  Michelle is co-owner of this incredible toy store and can wrap any size and shape of toy that comes her way!
• Brenda is keeping busy managing a Papyrus store in California.  If you’re looking for beautiful wrapping paper, Papyrus is definitely a store you want to check out.  I just purchased a few sheets of beautiful paper there last week.

And, of course I couldn’t end without giving you a few gift wrapping tips of my own.  If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I love to take everyday items and use them as part of my gift wrapping.  The unexpected is what gives my gifts their style!

I picked up a pack of pretty holiday paper plates and immediately thought they’d look great as a gift topper.  I punched a hole top and bottom, inserted ribbon and wrapped my box.    If you’re someone who decorates with a theme, you could also use the plates as part of your holiday dining table décor or even as ornaments on the tree.

Looking for a fun gift tag or package topper idea, how about paper wine bottle tags?  I picked these up at HomeGoods for $1.99 for a pk. of 10.  Wine tags already have a To: and From: area so they are an ideal option as a creative gift tag!

Whew, that’s a lot great ideas to absorb!  Now it’s time to get wrapping so get going!

  I’ll be guest posting tomorrow over at Rhonda E. Peterson’s blog Stylish Places Designed for Living so be sure to check out the fun holiday decorating ideas I’ll be sharing!

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Christmas Candles–The Best of the Bunch!

I love to burn candles in my home all year round but during the holidays I love nothing more than filling my home with the scent of the holidays. Over the years I’ve tried just about every holiday candle on the market and so many of them were disappointing when it came to a strong and lasting scent.  There are a few however that made the grade and have become my all time favorite holiday candles. 

 

Here’s the round-up, perfect for gifting to yourself or others!

Nest Holiday Candle–available at Neiman Marcus  $32.00

A friend gave me one of these candles as a gift and I instantly fell in love.  Not only is the scent fabulous but the jar is something you’ll want to hang on to long after the candle is spent.

Archipelago Frosted Cedar–$24.50

You may not be able to pronounce the name but Archipelago candles are easy to remember because their holiday scents are incredible and one of the best candles on the market.  They offer lots of different container options but I love their classic glass jar.

Nouvelle Savannah Holly–$37.00  in decorative ceramic urn.  Also available in glass jar, votive and tin.

I am a big fan of Nouvelle Candle and especially love their holiday collection.  Their ceramic urn candles can easily be incorporated into your holiday decor and make an impressive gift.

Thymes Frasier Fur–$28.00

I know many people, myself included that swear by Thymes Frasier Fir.  It is the real deal when it comes to an authentic fresh pine scent!

Votivo Christmas Sage–$28.00

When I had my retail store, I had the pleasure of spending a day at the Votivo factory seeing how the create their wonderful candles.  Their candles burn clean (no soot) and smell great until the end. And, the silver mercury jar is stunning.  I use them on my desk after the candle is gone.

Illume Balsam & Cedar Pillar Candle–$31.50

It is often hard to find a great holiday scented pillar candle during the holidays so if you find the Illume Balsam and Cedar candle make sure to buy it.  This is another authentic pine scent that will fill your house with joy!

Because I have personally tried each and every one of these candles, you can take my word on it that these are the best holiday scents on the market!

Happy Holidays!

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A Few of My Favorite Things–Holiday Gift Guide #1

I hate to bring this up but, Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?  I’ve checked a few things off my list but have a few more things to buy before I can call it done.  In my search for unique gifts I’ve some across some things that have officially made it onto my Favorite Things list for 2012.  To make my list the item must have gotten a few “oohs” from me AND must have been budget friendly.  Check them out below, you never know, one or more of these fabulous gift items just might make it on to your gift list!

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1 Because eating out of beautiful dishes makes eating more fun!

 2  Every girl needs a sparkly clutch

3   Even as adults, we can still have a ’blankie’ as long as it is plush!

 4  Anything to put a little style into the work day!

5   The perfect way to dress up a plain cardigan for the holidays or a special night out!

 6   Because I just can’t pass up a cute scarf!

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Holiday Wreaths–Easy DIY Looks

I ran into Hobby Lobby over the weekend and was amazed at how much of their Christmas decor has already sold.  It’s obvious that people are trying to get a jump on the holiday so, if you are the DIY type, now is the time to start planning and making your holiday wreath.  To give you a some inspiration, I’ve rounded up 5 of My Favorite Holiday DIY Wreath Projects to share with you.  What I love about each of these wreaths is that they are unique, elegant and EASY!

 How to:  Wire different sizes of silver stars to the upper part of a fresh wreath!  I love that the entire wreath is not decorated, giving it a more whimsical feel.

Isn’t this paper wreath magnificent?  You can learn how to make one for yourself here!

How to: To craft this door adornment, wrap Styrofoam balls (in two different sizes) and  a Styrofoam wreath form with colored yarn. Then use a glue gun to affix the balls onto the form. Note: If you’re hanging your final creation  outdoors, be sure to spray it with a protective finish.

Here’s the same concept, created in different colors with a few glossy ornaments added in for contrast!

 How to:  Wrap small boxes in coordinating papers, tie with a simple ribbon and glue to a wire or wood wreath form.

And finally, the ever popular book page wreath. I love the organic feel of book page wreaths and that you can create different looks just by how you place the roll and place the pages.  I created my own version last year which you can see here!

For instructions on making a basic book page wreath, head here!

Happy Crafting!

 

all images can be found on my Merry, Merry Pinterest board!

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Scenes from the Weekend: Planning for Christmas

Happy Monday!

Did you gets lots accomplished this weekend?  I certainly did! 

Most of what I did revolved around getting ready for Christmas.

I crafted lots of new items for my shop…

I spent time creating a holiday decorating plan for a client.  Decorating with these pieces will be fun!

I picked up this magazine while running through Home Depot.  If you’re looking for some Christmas inspiration this is definitely a magazine you want to buy.

And, I decided how I was going to decorate my Christmas Tree and wrap my gift this year!

 Originally I was thinking of  a black, red and white theme but decided to go with a more colorful and artist look after stumbling upon this inspiration photo. 

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 I love these jeweled toned colors and was inspired to pull out the mosaic ornaments I made about 9 years ago. Yes, I sat in front of the TV for nights on end and swirled paint inside about 90 clear glass ornaments.

Here’s a look at my theme …

 

I’m planning on decorating my tree with nothing but my collection of mosaic ornaments and maybe a few solid silver ornaments buried deep in the tree to add some extra shine and shimmer.

I’m going to wrap all my gifts in solid colored paper and use contrasting color ribbons as the accent.

 Oh how I love ribbon and wrapping!

I’ll be using these festive paper plates,

and this thrift store sweater in fun ways.  Stay tuned!

Every year I try to do something different with my decor, investing in only a few new things and re-using what I have in new ways. Even though we’ll be traveling for Christmas and I’ll be busy as all get-out between now and then, I can’t wait for the tree to go up and the lights to sparkle!

So, did anyone else have Christmas on their mind over the weekend?

I’ll be sharing the first of my holiday gift guides later this week so make sure to come back for a visit.

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