10 – the long thread

November 30, 2007

Sugar Cookie Cards

Aren’t these holiday cards adorable? Not to mention some sweet sisters. I’m getting them out today — ahead of the rush!

These days so many mothers are opting to start their own business to suit the needs of family and allow for personal creativity. Ashley Baine of Sugar Cookie Cards began hand-painting invitations for friends. Her designs became so popular that she started a successful business with her sister, Newell. You can find the whimsical designs of Sugar Cookie Cards at a store near you. They offer invitations, stationery, holiday cards, stickers, notepads and more.

November 29, 2007

Recycled Ornaments

Festive Sweater Ornaments from Viva Terra.

I’m thinking about waste a lot today; perhaps this is because we made a trip to Party City. I have now convinced my almost five-year-old that it will be acceptable for us to make a pinata for her birthday party. We are making it from cardboard and tissue paper and it will have pull strings. We’ll see how this turns out. Anyway, with Christmas splattered all over the stores I was thinking that it’s nice to make/recycle/pass along ornaments like these pretty tin can angels made in Guatemala (pictured below), also from Viva Terra. Great Green Goods has a nice list with these and others.

November 26, 2007

Holiday Gift Tags

I decided not to buy any more stuff and made my own gift tags this year. You can find the .pdf file below . I created these with an Avery 5294 template, so you could use them as stickers. I am printing them on card stock and punching holes with my new Martha Stewart hole punch. I’ll put the to/from on the back side.

ornament.pdf

November 26, 2007

Another Wreath

In my earlier post I found some great wreaths and check out this new one from Betz White. I have a pile of fabric scraps and a wreath form just waiting for some inspiration. Not everyone has a million beautiful cashmere sweater scraps lying around the house, but isn’t this pretty? I am already seeing houses decked out in decorations, so I guess it’s time.

November 18, 2007

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

I’m not one for fussy centerpieces but instead like something simple, artfully arranged that will last a while. Right now we have some squash and pumpkins, a couple of low candles, and bundles of wheat decorating our table. I made a runner from burlap that was leftover from the scarecrow. I keep seeing the Martha Stewart pumpkin candles and wish I had a grown-up occasion to light some candles. Seems like the guidelines when it comes to centerpieces are: keep it simple, keep it low and avoid overpowering fragrances. Glittered pumpkins on a silver platter, glass bowls of acorns, several small vases of hydrangeas and berries. I think the only essential is that you have candles, and the more the better.

And if you have a sideboard, don’t forget to display those beautiful desserts so your guests can save some room. How about this apple spice cake baked in a pretty bundt pan? Yum.