Homemade Holiday

We woke this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground but it quickly has turned into a sleeting rain that will surely slow down activity for the next day. So here I am, home by the fire, enjoying every second! 

I am struggling to finish up my Christmas shopping and just can't seem to find the right gift for the remaining friends and family on my list. I have a few ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are adorable and add such a special touch but with a little over a week away I am hoping I will have time to pull it together.

Martha Stewart always has festive decorations, crafts for all ages, and never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. This Sequin Bauble Ring and Leather Star Ring caught my attention and I definitely might have to give this a whirl. What girl doesn't love a bit of glamour and glitz without breaking the bank this year. 

Click on this link for directions in creating your own Sequin Bauble Ring

The folds for your Leather Star Ring...looks a little tricky but if anyone tries it let me know how it turns out.

Southern Flourish online magazine has a few great homemade holiday ideas to satisfy someone on your list. This one is especially wonderful for your coffee lover...the personalized koozie. What a chic and easy gift, thanks Southern Flourish for the great ideas.

Southern Flourish

One of my favorite ideas for a homemade gift and I am signing up for a last minute session for next week is Wine and Design. The location I am referring to is here in Raleigh, NC but I am sure there are others in locations across the United States. It is such a fun and productive experience. A glass of wine in hand, painting until your heart is content, and voila you leave feeling like Picasso.

Look at these gorgeous hydrangeas.

Beautiful boats for the man in your life.

Neighbors, this one is for you...yummy and adorable packaging too.

Homemade by Jill posted these hot chocolate gift tins via Blonde Designs Blog for a holiday gift-giving idea. They were kind enough to even post the resources for all the goodies needed to create this darling tin.

Just click Here for the skinny on making these cuties and if you don't have enough time to order the tins, the hot chocolate would be great in mason jars...add some peppermint too, yummy!

Bits and Baubles

Hello Wednesday, Happy Day to you. I am getting back into the swing of things, feeling refreshed and somewhat rejuvenated from a 3 day trip to NYC. I must say I was feeling a bit ho hum before I left but there is nothing like the bright lights, busy streets, and endless energy of the city to awaken the senses. Holiday windows when visiting New York this time of year are a must see and department store Bergdorf Goodman did not disappoint.

 Another favorite on my trip was a quick trip up Park Avenue to the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute which is currently showcasing more than 70 items of clothing and accessories from Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga. The collection is breathtaking, each piece a work of art from the man known as the "Spanish Master." Tis the season for eating your way through a city and we did just that...the madness must stop!

 

Back home I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jessica Thomas Capps the Raleigh, NC designer and creator of Jessica Thomas Jewelry. Jessica invited me to her gorgeous home (French Furniture, Turquoise, Coronata Star...mi amore) on the eve of a Holiday Open she is hosting where she will be showcasing her new jewelry as well as an antique collection. Chatting with Jessica and seeing what inspires her, was a treat and an inspiration to me, thank you!

Jessica Thomas Jewelry is sold throughout the United States for a list of stores or to purchase online clink on link below.

Jessica Thomas Jewelry