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.

LABOUR AND WAIT

Situated in the East End of London, just off it's famous Brick Lane, Labour and Wait is a store that takes you back in time. Selling traditional and functional items for the kitchen, garden and home in a timeless setting, this store is reminiscent of the traditional British Ironmongers (or the American Hardware Store). Items are chosen for their quality and practicality, sourced from specialist manufacturers around the world, and often produced by traditional methods to their original design.

Need an apple-corer, pruning knife, linen dishcloth or ostrich feather duster? Look no further.

You can truly find the perfect little utensil, knife, gadget or vessel for any practical job in your home and garden here. Some of the products can be filed under the "Things you never knew you needed" category, but all are eminently functional and beautifully designed pieces that are sure to last you a lifetime.

WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week, I am loving...

1. Dusty Rose Necklace, Tamar 2. Union Jack Pillow, Hen House 3. Birthday Cake Necklace, Robin's Jewelry Box

4. I Heart Biirkin Tote, Avril Loreti 5. Like A Princess Sweater, Silvivia 6. Julia Feather Headband, Vie Moderne

7. Candy Cane Soap, Lippincott Soap Co. 8. Soy Candle, Bliss Candles 9. Tabac Shaving Jelly, Portland General Store

My next post will be from Vermont, as I move back today to start my journey into independent retail! Wish me luck!