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DIY – Inexpensive, Handmade Gift Wrap Ideas

Handmade wrapping paper is beautiful, but can be expensive. Here are some inexpensive, do-it-yourself gift wrap ideas that look fabulous, but won’t put a dent in your wallet this holiday season.

A repeated holiday phrase in a script font becomes elegant packaging for small gifts. It’s simple, inexpensive and can be easily done at home with your computer and printer. Thanks Better Homes & Gardens!

Blogger, Creature Comforts created this darling gift wrap using celery {yep, the veggie} as a stamping tool. Here’s the step-by-step.

Here is another clever stamped gift wrap idea using buttons. To create a button stamp, Martha Stewart suggests affixing button to a cork with double-sided tape. Top the present with a pretty button tied on with baker’s twine.

This spray painted lace wrapping paper by Eddie Ross is gorgeous and is a fraction of what hand block wrapping paper costs. Love the batik look.

Martha Stewart’s nature inspired wood grain wrapping paper is one of my favorite this year. Here is the how to.

Whether it be in satin, velvet or grosgrain a beautiful bow always puts the finishing touch on your gift. Need a refresher on how to tie a bow or square knot?

But, it’s the thought that counts right? Here is a picture of the gifts my little girls wrapped for one another. My five year old has no idea that the heart she put on her sister’s gift reads, “hot babe.” Too funny!

And now to organize all that wrapping paper neatly away – here’s five gift wrap storage solutions for you to consider. Happy holidays!

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Read full story By on December 16, 2009 in Christmas, holiday decor, home organization

Our Christmas Fireplace Mantel

After giving ideas on decorating a fireplace mantel for Christmas, I have decided to share images of my own mantel dressed up for the holidays. It’s an eclectic look, but I love it.

The beautiful oil painting of the turquoise Imperial Horse {by my grandmother} is displayed year-around. Live pine and fir garland is hung around the fireplace to balance the look.

Festive red ornaments and winter berries are added to branches.

Pinecones, vintage clowns, miniature trees and tea lights line the mantel.

A golden bird ornament perched on pine branches mirrors the bird on the Chinese vase.

What do you have displayed on your mantel for the holidays?

*images from Simplified Bee

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Read full story By on December 14, 2009 in Christmas, holiday decor, mantels

Bee is for Baby Shower

bee baby shower ideas - simplified bee

Bee is for Baby! How could a bee lover resist this buzzing theme to celebrate a baby-to-be? Here are some pictures of a baby shower I recently hosted for a couple expecting a baby boy, but the theme would work for a girl too. Martha Stewart’s bumblebee paper punch from Michael’s came in very handy – used on the table, baby sign and bumblebee “chandelier.” Also, a big thank you to Lolliblog’s B is for Baby Shower for inspiring me!

bee is for baby sign bee theme baby shower #beebaby shower bee bannerbee-baby-shower-ideasbee cupcakes for baby shower - simplified beebee baby shower honey party favors

* images from Simplified Bee

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Read full story By on December 3, 2009 in baby and children, Entertaining, Parties, simplified bee portfolio

Holiday Decor: Ideas for Decorating the Mantel for Christmas

Decorating our homes for Christmas is a wonderful way to catch the spirit of the holiday season. Because the fireplace is in many instances the focal point of a room and Santa’s big entrance, decorating it with holiday décor is a must. Here are everyday tips on decorating your fireplace mantel and a few basic elements you may want to incorporate when creating your Christmas look:

* Display holiday stockings {with care}.
* Hang a live wreath over or garland around a mirror on the wall.

* Lay or hang live garland or pine branches along the mantel.
Continue to add and layer holiday items – pinecones, ornaments, candles, ribbon, seashells – that best communicate your design style.

Here’s a collection of mantels decorated in a variety of styles for the Christmas holiday. From opulent to simple, classic to rustic, and monochromatic to colorful, hopefully you will find one that inspires you.
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Read full story By on December 2, 2009 in Christmas, holiday decor, mantels