Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Whew... I think it is because of our sweet little newborn taking up most of my time that I didn't get around to making homemade gifts this year, so yesterday and today we decided to wrap up a little something (Chocolate) for our friends and neighbors in a simple homemade way using tissue paper, Japanese tape, crayons, and markers. Our four-year old of course took the lead.

(photos by blackeiffel)

Pom-Poms and Felt Balls

When I see people creating magic with fun little poof balls like pom-poms and felt balls I get totally jazzed. Remember the last few posts about these (here and here)? If you are wanting to get your craft on to make something like these, check out the pom-pom tutorial (via Full House) and Jordan's DIY felt ball garland.

Happy Weekend from coast to coast...

Wishing you all an excellent weekend! Have any fun 1st weekend of December plans? We are headed off to San Diego this weekend to attend our first ugly sweater party, we are excited! I think it is so hilarious, have you ever been to one? Do tell or email me over a picture at {blackeiffel@gmail.com} I'd love to see your shots.

For the ones looking for well-crafted gifts and ideas here are a few things that you may want to check out from coast to coast.

If you are in New York City the second annual Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale is going on this Saturday! I really wish I was going, because yet again the vendor list is spectacular. Check out the details here.

If you are in Utah you should stop by the Beehive Bazaar + Communal while you're at it for some yummy food. (*Remember to enter the Communal Restaurant giveaway here.)

If you are want more Advent activity ideas or to learn about local events in Seattle check out Tysha's list -- it is perfection. I'm going to be doing many of her suggestions.

Have a fantastic one everybody! What's going on in your area?

(Images : Martha Stewart Craft Bird | Kate Spade Goggle Hat | Bah Humbug via Two Tall Blondes)

Turkey Day for kids...

Love these simple kraft ideas for a kid's table at Thanksgiving. See these and a few more ideas over here.

Craft Lake City

Over the weekend I went to Craft Lake City with Stephanie and was very impressed by the variety of vendors and high-quality designer crafts.



A few of my favorites included ... Allison Cornu from print print press, I couldn't resist the letterpress "Joie de Vivre" print. I really loved her minimal and feminine style. Check out her etsy and blog.



Loved these books and coasters by Easy Keeper Lettepress.



There was adorable stuff at Wee Waldorf, I was especially charmed by the Wooden Skittle Play set.




I was impressed by these awesome Polaroid toy friends which you can also get letterpress cards to draw on -- a super cute children's toy idea. (*2nd image from their etsy shop)




There was lots of creativity brewing at Colt City with Colt Bowden and his wife Abi sharing their artist letterpress print and handmade collages. I really liked this monster print and these other creations.



Noble Town Vintage had sweet revived and vintage jewelry.

Overall it was a really great event and unfortunately my tired and pregnant frame after lots of walking around, didn't get to see everything or even photograph a few of my other favorite craft/design vendors. Here are a few more I also loved ...

Urban Patchwork : stunning quilts and other beautiful handmade crafts.
Smart & Wiley: gorgeous typographic prints & sketchbooks.
Sycamore Street Press : an all-time favorite letterpress duo.
Freshly Picked : pretty bow bags and other goodies.

Did any of you locals attend -- what did you think?

Nuno Magazine

There are lots of autumn and forest inspired craft ideas in the new online magazine Nuno created by Elizabeth Abernathy Graham and Rachel Abernathy Braff. I was emailed a copy to preview today and it is well-done & beautiful. I am especially charmed by the beautified paperbacks and artist's pocketbelt. You can preview the issue here or download it for $5.


(photography by Elizabeth Abernathy Graham, Rachel Abernathy Braff and Royce Graham)