Last Minute NY Eve plans?

Last minute NYE get together at your house? Stuck at home because of bad weather?  I found these decorations using recycled items on this blog, Crafting A Green World.

http://craftingagreenworld.com/2010/12/28/five-recycled-new-year%e2%80%99s-decorations/

My favorite is the recycled party blowers. Just kidding. My favorite is the glass of champagne!

What recycled decorations do you use or plan to make?

Buddy Crowns

Shop and Tell

Trish Schepp, CreativeLove

From the time I was a baby until right now, I have been a huge fan of napping. I love the nap. Love. It does help to have a nice, dark room though.

One of my more recent etsy.com purchases was an eco-friendly, organic sleep mask from www.doodlebugsfunfabrics.etsy.com. 

What makes mine so great (besides the purple peacock-printed fabric) is the 100% bamboo lining that covers your eyes. Softer than silk. No, really. It’s not scratchy and will not pull on your delicate eyelids if you roll over in your sleep.

It also has two adjustable straps to fit every person perfectly. Prices range from $16-35 and the shipping was prompt!

This would make a great gift paired with loose tea and a mug!

Don't forget the reindeer!

Here's a cute last-minute craft, with free printable tags from The TomKat Studio. Sure, we all remember to give Santa his cookies and milk, but the reindeer do all of the hard work! This treat will make sure they beeline to your place next year!

Reindeer Food Tags

I first spotted the idea on Our Best Bites, with this recipe.

Reindeer Food

Happy Holidays!

Handmade Gift Wrap

You finally found those perfect gifts, now you need to wrap them.  I managed a greeting card/gift shop for 7 years, I HATE gift wrapping! This year I decided to buckle down and make it fun for myself. Here are a few of the ideas I found.

Etsy Storque has a great How-Tuesday with several links to great tutorials. Your presents will be the first ones snatched from under the tree!

 photo from amarshall at ArtMind

Design*Sponge has a tutorial for handmade gift wrap that is a fun family activity. What a great tradition to start!

photo courtesy of design*sponge

What do you do to make your gifts extra special?

Shop and Tell

Trish Schepp, CreativeLove

From the time I was a baby until right now, I have been a huge fan of napping. I love the nap. Love. It does help to have a nice, dark room though.

One of my more recent etsy.com purchases was an eco-friendly, organic sleep mask from www.doodlebugsfunfabrics.etsy.com. 

What makes mine so great (besides the purple peacock-printed fabric) is the 100% bamboo lining that covers your eyes. Softer than silk. No, really. It’s not scratchy and will not pull on your delicate eyelids if you roll over in your sleep.

It also has two adjustable straps to fit every person perfectly. Prices range from $16-35 and the shipping was prompt!

This would make a great gift paired with loose tea and a mug!

Polar express: Local Line

Here is a link to a post by CrownTowner Nikki Mueller of Not Made in China, showcasing local Charlotte artists. many of them will be at the All Arts Market this week, so start making that shopping list!

Meet: Your Local Makers

December All Arts Market

Still looking for that last minute gift, yet you still want it to be special? How about something handmade? You've heard of the All Arts Market in NoDa, now its time to play Santa and check off all those names on your christmas list. 85 vendors, handmade gifts, local artists. Cash Bar.  Screams holiday shopping to me! Come visit all your CrownTown Handmade friends Wednesday and Thursday, 12/15 & 12/16, 6-10pm.