JAPANESE WASHI TAPE

Have you heard about Japanese Washi Masking Tape? Forget the boring cream masking tape that we all know. This stuff comes in all colours and patterns, making it perfect for all manner of craft projects and daily use. Washi is Japanese rice paper, in tape form it can be torn by hand and is totally removable and re-usable, making it versatile and cost effective.The fabulous Holly from Decor8 posted a little DIY project to decorate picture frames with this tape, here. I can't wait to try it.
As always, you don't have to look any further than Etsy for the best variety of this tape. Why not start here. I took the liberty of choosing my favourites from the following shops.

Pretty Tape

Little Happy Things

Love Petit Zakka Japan

There really is almost too much choice but I can't wait to dive in and start my collection!

CANDY CANES

For many people, thoughts of Christmas are triggered by images of Santa, a decorated Christmas tree, a wreath, the Nativity or a snowman. For me it has to be the candy cane. Such a simple form with clean red and white stripes and fresh cool peppermint, that will eternally put me in the Festive spirit. And not forgetting how yummy they are too! Give me red and white at any other time and I will run a mile, but this classic combination really is my favourite Festive inspiration.

1. Zuppa Artista Candy Cane Heart print, Zuppa Artista 2. Candy Stripe Stockings, Poppy's Wicked Garden 3. Peppermint Stick Baker's Twine, California Craft 4. Candy Cane Lane Album, Heart Speak 5. Hand knit Ornament, Bad Amy Knits 6. The Candy Cane Train print, The Black Apple 7. Candy Cane Personalised Notecards, Perideau Designs

Now on the subject of Candy Canes...I can't believe that you can buy them in all kinds of colours and flavours these days. Whatever happened to tradition? I have to admit that I did have to think twice before buying pink ones the other day and was really only turned off by the thought of the bubblegum flavour they came in.

WRAPPED UP!

One of the exciting parts of gift giving for me, is to personalise the wrapping of a gift, either to reflect the gift itself or the person I am giving it to. Actually on second thoughts, it would be more truthful to say that my choice of wrapping for gifts is more an expression of my own personality.

I must admit that I am a fan of the gift bag and tag approach, or the stylish box and tissue paper choice as these wrappings can turn out to be an extra gift in themselves. When I do use wrapping paper I tend to go for one specific theme. Last year it was Kraft (brown) paper with pink twine, this year I am looking for something different to use as my theme. I have toyed with the idea of rubber stamps and assorted inks to create my own unique paper but my collection of craft materials is currently in storage waiting to be shipped to Vermont, so that one's out! No matter what I do, it has to be simple and stylish. It is always hard for me to resist the lure of a pink and green scheme, but I personally don't see why Christmas should be a barrier to my favourite colours so maybe I should just give in to it!


1. Brown Wrapping Paper, Olive Manna Brown Paper 2. Lovely Deers Masking Tape, Hebe Accessories 3. Pink Japanese Masking Tape, Pretty Tape 4. Blank Gift Tags, California Craft 5. Baker's Twine, California Craft 6. Light Pink Velvet Ribbon, Kiwii

7. Starburst Tags, Every Jot and Tittle

....or why not forget the wrapping and ribbons, and plump for one of these beauties.

8. Paper Mache Boxes, with or without trim from Frippelous

I know I said I wanted something different this year, but I think that the brown paper gives a great basis to add colour and texture in ribbons, tape and twine so I am sticking with it! I guess you could say I have my theme all "wrapped up" now...

WINTER WONDERLAND

I have been resisting the Christmas themed posts but today I woke up to 8 inches of snow, and it just keeps on coming (atleast a foot by now). Added to that, I received an email from Mandy at Belle & Boo with details of their Christmas delights and that was it...my first Christmas post had to be about the wintery adventures of Belle and her rabbit, Boo.

While Belle and her friends get to play in the snow, skate and build snowmen, I am contemplating how to shovel myself out of the house!

HAND WRITTEN NOTES

For a while now it has occurred to me that with the advent of email, the art of letter writing is becoming lost. I for one, write better on the computer than by hand (I think my hand writing is unique and pretty, others close to me think it is illegible) but I am always seduced by the beautiful letterpress notecards and personalised stationary that can be created to reflect your personality, that of the recipient or the event you are writing about.
I love choosing the perfect card for that special person and the thought that goes in to this can in itself be a little gift. So much so, that I have a box full of the most gorgeous unique cards, for every possible occasion. I resolve to commit to the art of letter writing now that I am living in another country from most of my friends. So, with that in mind, I have decided to search out a new batch of cards for imminent use. My personal favourites are the monogrammed notecards for that classic touch, but in updated colours and fonts. Here are my favourite little works of art from the most talented bunch out there. These cards can either make a statement through their design, or serve as a canvas for your own sentiments. Rest assured there really is a card for every one, and every occasion, out there.

Pink Loves Brown...perfect stationary to personalise.

PaPaYa! ...all that glitters! These cards are so unique and sparkly, these pictures cannot do them justice.

And not forgetting Etsy...

Sycamore Street Press

Pistachio Press

Pops has a rule that he writes a note as soon as he comes home from any event, so that he never forgets to send a thank you card. Pre-stamped envelopes also ensure that the cards always get sent. Nifty tip.

I found this cute card set from Lucky Bee Press which could have been designed just for Pops. Snoozing in his armchair or smoking his pipe are two of his favourite things.