Yuletide

Working or not, as far as I'm concerned, this period in-between Christmas and New Years is still part of the festive period. So, continue to eat, drink and be merry.. no matter what you're doing.

Happy Yuletide all!

(Top image from Lobster and Swan, second: tumblr.)

Christmas Cards

These are the images I'm using on my Christmas cards this year. I either scanned the images or found them on Tumblr.

I usually open them in a word document with the margins widened and two columns set. I line up the picture on the right hand side and usually fit two on one page. Once they're printed I use a guillotine to slice them to the right size and add some glitter and sequins.

Last year I printed my images onto photo paper and cut the pictures out and stuck them onto card, this years method is far neater and easier, although I quite miss the glossy-ness of the photo paper!

Gifts from across the Pacific

Last week, I received a some awesome things in the post from the lovely Luan over at Green Tea and Cupcakes.

This included a copy of Frankie magazine, which I loved! This magazine is incredibly cool and right up my street. It contained lots of insightful and funny articles, great photography and illustrations all along the theme of cool indie and vintage stuff, which I can't get enough of. I don't think there's a magazine like this in England; nothing quite as twee, but there should be!

As well as that, she sent me a paper bunting, and some matching paper flags which I plan to decorate cupcakes with come spring. She also sent me an awesome flowery headband and a mix-tape with a cool cover, which I love!

I will be sending Luan some things in return, make sure you check out Luann's fantastic blog, it's full of cool stuff written by a lovely lady with a great eye.

Christmas Present Wrapping

Over the past few weeks I been getting some of my Christmas shopping underway. So, I spent some time over the weekend doing some wrapping.

I have been reading everywhere how important good wrapping is, so I got some bright pink ribbon for my sisters presents. Last year I used some old song sheets and maps for some of my wrapping and used pretty bows to make them pretty. (One of the felt boot Christmas tree decorations I made last year is also pictured.)

I also like the idea of using newspaper (the bottom image isn't mine,) but I love that sprig of rosemary tied to the present with string. I've also always thought that plain brown pacel paper, tied with white string and an old luggage label would look lovely..

Vintage Christmas

It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for lots of my friends (and followers, I'm sure) vintage Christmas treats would be much welcomed and can be picked up incredibly cheaply.

I was flicking through a copy of Homes and Antiques when I realised all of the great options which lie in vintage and charity shops for possible great presents.

What's more, money seems to be tight for everyone this year and so what better time to get back to some thrifty gift giving. Good wrapping can also transform a gift and make it truly special no matter how much it cost.

Here are some ideas from Homes and Antiques:

1.) This pretty letter holder looks great with the red ribbon and the supply of cards and envelopes.


I had never thought of buying old hankies before, but these ones looked great neatly folded and placed inside a box.

Vintage tins are also a great way to go - last year I picked a pretty tin up for £1 and filled it with Lush soaps and bath bombs for my sister's Christmas present. It worked out cheaper than the ready made gift sets from Lush and made for an all-round better present.


I was checking out The Curiosity Shop blog the other day and thought that The Vintage Drawer's vintage Christmas boxes were a great idea. With the right shopping and wrapping you could create a really sweet Christmas gift which would be great fun to open on Christmas morning.
Good additions would certainly be little house-hold bits such as vintage kitchenalia and textiles, and vintage post-cards, song book covers and such like would also be good additions.. Perhaps also, some vintage pearls and broaches..

Sweet Paul Magazine

Check out this awesome digital mag, Sweet Paul.

The photos are beautiful and there are lots of great Chritsmas ideas in there. I especially like the 'Hot Chocolate for two in a jar' idea (pgage 156.)


All photos via Sweet Paul Magazine

Ebaying

Another wardrobe clear-out and making use of ebays free listings weekends...

I have a few good things up on ebay this time around, including a hardly worn grey Jigsaw shirt which is very flattering, and a never worn Barbour lining (which is far too warm to wear around here) and a Topshop cardigan which Olivia Palermo was seen wearing a few months ago...

So check out my ebay things here..