Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
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Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

merry thriftmas: glitter animals

I know Christmas is seriously right around the corner, but I love this tutorial by Colleen from Paisley Boulevard so much that I had to share.  This is a perfect project to do with kids, friends.. etc.  It would be so fun to make these for any time of year, since little toy animals and glitter are appropriate all year long.  Obviously.

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I thrift a LOT, because I find that sometimes there are more charms in the things that people toss than a dollar clearance at Target. I saw this bag of animals on the toy shelf the other day and they almost jumped into my arms. There are SO many things you can do with plastic toys, and toy animals are the mother load. I knew for $3.00 I could make this bag look like a lot more.

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I took all of these plastic animal toys and spray painted them a pretty metallic rose gold color. (2 coats to make sure I could flip them a bit.) Once they dried, I used a hot needle to poke through the plastic backs and inserted eyelets that I had on hand for jewelry making. After that I just hand-painted Mod Podge where I wanted to and coated them in champagne colored glitter. A pretty silver cord made super simple tree ornaments that you'd never imagine where a discarded toy!

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If you don't have the eyelets, you can easily coat your critters and display them on a shelf. My little guys are hanging on the tree and a few will also be accenting gift tags on the gifts that we give this season! Thanks so much for having me Heather! Merry Christmas everyone. xo, Colleen blog/twitter/fb

vintage christmas posters

I feel like the holidays just rush by so fast, it sort of makes me sad.  I think the fact that the days are counted down with advent calenders and constant reminders are no help.  I want to enjoy each day this season and knowing we are less then two weeks until Christmas day actually makes me sad.  Maybe I'm never fully prepared for the holidays so the rush seems very overwhelming to me.

Over the next week or so I will be sharing some fun tutorials, favorite things, printables and even just pretty pictures.  Its my way of enjoying the season.  Also eating fudge helps.

These vintage inspired Christmas prints by artist Paulo Viveiros are on my current love list!




Does this season pass you by too, or do you prepare and enjoy every minute?

pacific northwest girls do it best...


Hot Diggity Dog. Time for the next Pacific Northwest Blogger Meet Up!  
It’s open to all you bloggers and creative folks (aka handmade shops and stuffs).
The details…
The location: West Elm, in Portland (Pearl District).
Time: Saturday, November 3rd., 6 pm to 9 pm
Ticket price: $25.

Whole Foods is providing wine and dessert for you to enjoy! Plus, there will also be prizes to win and a little goody bag for the evening. This is a very relaxed get together to meet other bloggers in the PNW.

For the last meet up, the tickets sold out in one day. We have more space this time, but be sure to get your tickets as soon as you can. I often hear bloggers say they are nervous to attend blog meet ups, but no need to worry! Everyone is so nice and I can’t wait to meet you, or see you again... plus where there is wine, there is comfort

Do the damn thing... here.


packaging: holiday style



Adding little touches to gifts can make the things you are giving people feel so much more special.  With inspiration all around us (pinterest, blogs, google, magazines..) its easier now more then ever to find ways to do just about anything.  The handmade movement is moving passed the way of being a trend and instead becoming a way of life.  Showing your creativity and imagination means so much more then buying mass produced wrapping supplies.  Here you will find some of my favorite finds from recent pinterest searches giving you ideas to dress up your gifts with lots of love!

- maps, magazine pages, vintage prints and string -

- kraft paper, string, cut out snow flakes and pom poms -

- material, flower finds, sparkle ribbon and plant garnishes - 

- stickers, lace, scrap book cut outs and kraft boxes - 

- doilies (paper & fabric), pattern paper, book pages and buttons - 

- book pages & twine -

I hope you have been inspired by some of the things that have been catching my eye..
speaking of which how adorable is this free desktop calender from Happy Serendipity?

{click here to get the direct download}


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handmade holiday

As I sit here trying to close my mouth, dry the drool and maybe even blink
while browsing the beautifully curated Handmade Holiday Lookbook by Ruche
the little wheels are a turning in my mind!

I've been in a little bit of a rut the last few days, but I'm ready to get the place decorated, 
make it smell all pretty and I might even take a shower! 
Of course all in preparation to roll out some amazing DIY projects (I will share of course!)
put the new holiday line (plus other stuff) in the shop and get ready for a fun filled month!








What are some of the things you are looking forward to doing before the holidays pass us by?