Christmas Tree 2012

I'm trying something different this year -- Mostly because I found out that my super cheap christmas lights were actually white wired, instead of the green type, AFTER I got home.    So I decided to instead of trying to hide the unsightly cords, I would highlight them.

You can see the lights better in this picture.  I juxtaposed the warm white wired lights with the cool LED bigger bulbs for a more graphic effect.  I really like how it turned out.  It  has a bit of a Whoville feel to it.  :)

How to wrap a gift card

Many people believe that gifting cards is not personal and lacks thoughtfulness.  I think otherwise.  Gift cards are a great way to spread the cheer in a way that the hard to please recipient can truly enjoy.  Teens and teachers can do wonders with gift cards and meanwhile, you can exercise your creative muscles by making the presentation festive and personal.  I made these for my son's teacher's this year using the cricut machine.

They are actually pretty easy to make with scissors:

1. Simply cut a 8"x 6" rectangle out of a page of two sided scrapbook paper.
2. Trim one end with scalloped scissors.
3. Fold it in almost half leaving a bit of the scallop showing.
4. Cut a semi-circle and inside slits for the card.
5. Attach a tag with the handwritten initial of the recipient's name with some baker's twine.

Voila!  A beautiful gift wrapped, personalized gift card for a loved one.  The dimensions I gave you will fit any of the Target cards and their holders.

Happy gifting!
Catherine

Minnie Mouse Birthday Party

I had the opportunity to style and plan a Minnie Mouse inspired birthday party for a two year old, adorable little girl.  This was a rushed event.  I only had a couple of weeks to put it together, so I borrowed a lot of my ideas from Pinterest.

All paper products were designed and produced by Emily Claire.  To see sources of inspiration for all the other ideas, please visit my pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/cvhopkins/mickey-mouse-birthday/.

And a special thanks to Kristin Jackson from The Hunted Interior.  I used a variation of several of your ideas and kept your design sensibility in mind while making my choices.  :)

Unfortunately, we had rain so the clubhouse bouncer and lemonade stand went unused.  The entertainer and face painter kept the kids busy indoors.  :)

METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY