More Christmas Cards

I thought you all might enjoy some more ideas for handmade Christmas cards.  I went on a search for Stampin Up! blogs, and I found a few great ones.

Stampin Pretty features an entire gallery of images of cards.

Mojo Monday features a "sketch" of a card layout, then showcases multiple cards made from that template.  What a great way to use one layout to create many cards for all occasions, not just Christmas.

The Stamp Link is also great, with pictures of handmade cards as well as "card recipes" so you can make the card too!

Handmade Holiday Cards & Gift Tags

Over Thanksgiving Break, I finally had a chance to stamp a little bit, and I made some neat Christmas cards and gift tags.  I choose a color palette, and made many different looks with only a handful of stamps, ribbon, and punches.

These tags were so easy to make, first I stamped a simple snowflake on cardstock.  Then I used a tag-shaped punch to get the tag itself.  Next, I used a small round hole punch at the top, then threaded ribbon through.

On the back, I stamped a little saying on each one.

On this tag I stamped in light blue on white cardstock.  I used different sized circle hole punches to give the snowflakes depth, revealing gray cardstock behind.

For this gift card I used sage, burgundy, and ivory cardstock, along with sage ribbon to give these gift boxes a 3-D effect.

On the back I stamped a little snowflake as an added touch.

This card is made with a gray background, and eggplant and sage ink colors on white.  I used different stamps repeated on small sheets of white, then I cut out tree shapes.  I used a sponge around the edges of the trees to give them more depth.  Natural hemp and a simple "joy" stamp finish this card off.

Transition between Rooms

These two rooms blend together so nicely.  The cool gray walls of the living room contrast well with the chocolate brown dining room.  The warm gold tone of the cushions, painting, and flowers tie the two rooms together.  And of course I love the antler chandelier!

Song of the Moment

Kenny Chesney's "All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan".  A perfect song for the beachy Christmas post from yesterday.

Room of the Week

This delightfully simple kitchen is classic and clean.  The arched window and crown moulding around the ceiling make simple architectural statements.  I love the warm brown wood island contrasted against the terra-cotta colored barstools, green of the topiaries, and ivory of the cabinets.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I was told that I better have a good post on Thanksgiving day...so here goes!  Coastal Living Magazine has some great beachy Christmas decorations for indoors and out.  When I saw all the chic ideas they have, I started thinking: wouldn't it be lovely to have Christmas in a beach house?  It would be a completely different atmosphere, but still filled with the warmth of Christmas tradition.  Here are some decorating tips for interiors:

I love how the wreaths are hung on a window instead of a door.  What a great way to bring color to the space.

The starfish is a great way to decorate wreaths, garland, and Christmas trees.

And for outdoor decorating tips, check out these gorgeous trees with a stunning view of a beach in the background:

Just stunning...I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Pumped for my Ikea Trip!

Today I'm going with my dad on a day-long business trip.  First we'll get to visit the completed corporate office building that his company has done the windows for, then we'll get to stop at Ikea.  Here are a few images from their website that represent their clean, bright style.  I especially love how they create things that can be used in smaller spaces, and of course their oh-so-affordable prices!

Holiday Gift-Wrapping Ideas

I am always trying to find unique ways to wrap gifts for the holidays that are different, personalized, and simple.  I think these images do a great job of including that festive charm of the holidays, yet are also fresh and contemporary.  Here's some inspiration as you begin your holiday gift wrapping.

{Images courtesy of Bahraini Diva, Cute Indie Finds, Good Housekeeping, Geris Specialty, Creature Comforts, i tags, E how, Mi Spa}