Burning the candle at both ends since 1982.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Have Yourself a D.I.Y. Little Christmas

Apparently, crafts are now just as cool as knitting was a few years back...even though sewing is the "new" knitting.
This month, Blueprint's unique gift wrap ideas encourage a little more creativity and less red and green. Unfortunately, their links aren't working too well right now, so check back a bit later.

There's a really great section on how to use layers of colored tissue paper and confetti, as well as rubber stamps in contrasting colors.
If you're feeling nerdy and are at all computer savvy, you can also try this Word clip art idea to make your own wrapping paper. I don't really think using a highlighter pen to give it some extra pizazz sounds very festive though. I mean, a neon yellow snowflake just doesn't say "Happy Holidays" to me.
What about glitter paint or some nice watercolors? Or you could be brave and try to run pre-printed or colored paper through the printer. Just be sure to watch the thickness and make sure it doesn't get wrinkled...that's a headache in the making, for sure.

If you're feeling like you want to support the handmade scene, check out the handmade holiday cards at etsy.com. The cost won't set you back as much as you think, most cards are around $1.00 to $3.00 each. Or you could just get some inspiration there and use the site to get some ideas to make your own cards.
My favorites are like the linocut cards by Rainy Prints, especially the Santa, this funny owl, a little more grumpy of a message and this labrador reindeer.
And you really can't find gems like the "Happy Hanukkah, Hooker" card to the left at Hallmark. You just can't. If you're wondering, this crafter also makes a "Merry Christmas, Bitch" version.
Wonder if Britney would like that one this holiday season?

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