Happy Weekend.

• another use for my ever-growing paint chip collection, these brilliant housewarming party invitations :: Oh So Beautiful Paper
• simple paper hurricane covers for your Thanksgiving spread :: A Little Hut
• whimsical wedding programs and thank yous featuring a darling illustration :: Oh So Beautiful Paper
• super cute printable cupcake and teacup notes for the holidays (or any days) :: Creature Comforts
• modern Thanksgiving invitations that I’d love to send out :: Blonde Designs
• clever invitations to a cookie swap :: Brooklyn Limestone
• a nice collection of miniature and tabletop Christmas trees for home or work :: Apartment Therapy New York
• Under $100 Holiday Serving Platters – because everyone needs at least one :: Shelterpop
• check out these DIY pretty fabric pumpkins for a little *pop* :: Design*Sponge

Happy Weekend!

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Advent Calendar Roundup.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the advent calendar. I’ve had one every December for as long as I can remember and my mother still buys me one each year (I’m not allowed to purchase my own!). As a child it always hung in the very same place, the closet door in the living room, and since college it’s adorned my refrigerator. Here are a few that really stood out to me this year, some you can purchase but most can be made with a few simple supplies!

A traditional take on the advent calendar, each of the twenty-five windows revealing a symbol of Christmas. Printed on thick watercolor paper, which gives a texture to the print and a substantive quality to the piece. Sturdy enough to be used year after year.

For the individual that never wants to leave home without receiving their advent treat. And those who like to wear the same sweater for twenty five consecutive days…

A fun project using mini envelopes and colored dot stickers from Nice Package to create a decidedly modern take on the advent calendar.

I love the huge numbers printed on the tall bags and strung from a clothesline. So pretty!

A two for one: twenty five sticker labels for advent gifts plus twelve for the twelve days of Christmas! That Marta thinks of everything…

This one’s a freebie! Just follow the link to an email address and they’ll send you a .pdf to download. I’ve already got mine and am planning on constructing it this weekend!

Each tiny gift box has two sides with adorable designs, the other two sides have been left blank to customize for you or your children.

I love what Hillary did here, instead of receiving a gift or treat each day a snowflake is unrolled and revealed. On Christmas Day the entire garland will be full and you’ll have one more decoration!

This solution is to make an advent calendar with notes and clues. Each spool has a daily note that wrapped around it will lead the recipient on a hunt for their presents.

The minimalist version. Makes me want to paint on my living room walls!

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Happy Weekend.

A roundup of my favorites from the past week, a few printables and a wish for a Happy Weekend! Also, a reminder that you only have until Monday at 9am CST to enter Win It: THe Paper Apartment. So hop to it!

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• in my family wine is a big deal during the holidays so I’m digging this Thanksgiving Wine Guide :: Sippity Sup
• enviable Thanksgiving invitations :: Oh So Beautiful Paper
• make your own coffee stencil! :: How About Orange
• don’t have a clue what to cook up for Thanksgiving? check out 172 recipes from 9 leading food magazines :: The Bitten Word
• check out the new design look on Unruly Things!
• don’t miss a week full of apple recipes :: A Field Journal
• get your mind churning over homemade holiday gifts with these ideas :: Wiley Valentine
• take a trip over to Feather Report to see my week of outfits
• a pale and pretty fall download from Ez :: Creature Comforts
• a sweet CD template and playlist suggestions for wedding or party favors :: Benign Objects
• printable pumpkin goodies :: Love. Obsess. Inspire.
• write a note on this downloadable set of stitchy stationery :: Bread of Many
• download these ABC cards and join in on a birthday tradition :: Design*Sponge

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Holiday Make It #3: Perfect Boxes.

One of my biggest gifting pet peeves is when I can’t find a box that fits perfectly. I don’t want it to be too big, where I have to cram in a wad of tissue paper. Or too small, where the box is literally all bent out of shape. Luckily for me – and all of your other perfectionists – Sharilyn of lovelydesign is the same way. And took the initiative to create a pattern and set of instructions for the rest of us.

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Holiday Make It #1: Tab Sticker Festive Garland Trim.

I waited. I waited and waited. And then I waited just a little more for good measure. And now I can’t wait anymore to start posting about the holidays! My little mind is running rampant with all sorts of projects to whip up, gifts to give and decorations to make. Mind you, only about 25% of my grand plans will come to fruition, but I digress…

Christmas is only 45 days away (gasp with me) and I’m beginning. Here. Now.


With this Tab Sticker Festive Garland Trim from Nice Package. Don’t you love how the end result looks like a stand of light bulbs or ornaments? I do. You can pick up the metallic tab stickers in either vintage silver or antique gold in their shop. Grab some Baker’s Twine while you’re at it, then take a look at the tutorial and trim away!

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