• Christmas,  Christmas Crafting,  Christmas Decorating,  Holiday,  Holiday Decorating,  House & Home,  Uncategorized

    Simply, Christmas

    This post is dedicated to a cousin of mine, who asked me for advice on simple holiday decorating. A busy, single mom to three kids, she was looking for guidance on how to create an attractive, traditional look inspired by nature, and on a budget. Others have asked me for similar advice; there’s so much to share, and it’s easier than you think, so here we go! First off… Decorating, especially seasonal decorating, is VERY personal. Because Christmas comes with a lot of nostalgia, glitter and kitsch, we happily extend the boundaries of playfulness in our homes to include knick-knacks and baubles that we would probably never consider at any other time of the year. Exhibit…

  • Christmas,  Christmas Crafting,  Holiday,  Holiday Decorating,  Uncategorized

    Seasonal Crafting: Scented Gift Tag Tutorial

    I always want to make things at Christmas-time. Maybe it’s the connection to tradition; a century or two ago, people crafted humble gifts for one another:  they knitted, embroidered, baked fruitcake and made preserves; they sewed, cobbled, quilted, whittled and wove. I’ve long since realized I’m a throwback from some previous generation, and so there is something about the spirit of the season that inspires me – no, requires me – to fashion things by hand. The best holiday decorating owes a lot to natural textures and accessories that appeal to all our senses: evergreen branches and pinecones, cinnamon and gingerbread, a healthy dose of tartan, and the clean, crisp scent of snow.…