Post Christmas Reflections

Ever since I was a kid I've enjoyed "reflecting" on purchases or gifts... taking a mental account of every addition, really soaking up how beautiful, unique and special these new things are... I usually do this before I write thank you notes because after I realize how special a gift really is, I sincerely want to thank the giver! (Can you all tell that my "love language" is gifts? haha) Well today I'm going to share these reflections from Christmas (and my birthday, the week before): maybe you'll get fun ideas or want to grab some of these items at the post-Christmas sales!

Let's start with some of my favorite things I found to give to others:


I'll start with grandparents, since it's almost impossible to think of something they need or don't already have. I found these adorable knitted initial ornaments at Anthropologie: immediately useful, easy to store away with other decorations, but more fun and unique than average.


I took advantage of 20x200 (finally, instead of just browsing for hours) and bought my best friend this print by Katie Baum. It's called Frozen, and captures a freezerfull of bright Mexican popsicles. My friend is a true lover of anything Latin American and Spanish, so I couldn't resist giving her some real art (and I had it real framed).



One of my favorite things is my Moleskine daily planner. Not only does it keep me organized day to day, but it also keeps a record of events... something I can look back on and think: "Oh, that's the day I saw the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!" But, if you're not into planners, there's a Moleskine for everyone. This year I bought my dad the large address book and my musician friend Reuben the pocket music notebook, which has sheet music pages.


For my grandmother it was easy to shop. I just bought something that I desperately would have loved to keep! I got her this popover pan from Williams Sonoma - the unique shape of the cups and the space between them gets the pan hot enough to make those giant puffy rolls.


This is a portable USB turntable. My brother-in-law, Evan, is a recording artist in Nashville and when I heard he didn't have a record player, I knew this was THE gift I had to buy. It can transfer your vinyl into MP3's, it has a headphone jack, it plugs in or runs on batteries, it hooks up to speakers, and it's MINT GREEN. I found this particular color at Urban Outfitters.


For my husband, I decided it was about time he had a real grown-up man coat. This camel topcoat from Banana Republic is tailored and fitted well, great quality, and with all of the holiday sales, it was a fantastic price.

Now for some incredible presents I was lucky enough to receive:


My grandmother knows how much I love to cook (and am trying to improve my skills) so she got me lots of cookbooks. I've really been wanting the one by Rick Bayless - his knowledge of Mexican food is famous and I'm a big fan of Mexican! I haven't cooked from the other yet, but is everyone seeing the cover? Yes, that's a roast chicken in a pot lined with bread. Uhhhh yes.


My mom got me these beautiful glass tumblers from Anthropologie (among many other tabletop items I received after some helpful hinting...)



These salad plates are also from Anthro, but I had been searching for some fun and pretty dessert dishes, and thought these were perfect! They match our yellow, teal and orange fiestaware and blend right in, making a smooth transition from dinner to dessert. I also got the matching mugs because they were too cute to pass up - a little dessert and coffee, anyone?


A surprise addition to this set is this light blue Gurgle pitcher from Heliotrope in Decatur. When you pour the liquid, the pitcher makes a gurgling sound! It's beautiful for serving, as a vase, or for a unique addition on shelves or a bookcase.




I got some great accessories for my birthday as well. The headband is one I featured on the blog a few weeks ago, and Collin remembered I loved this girl's work and got me something! The necklaces are from three of my best friends - great minds think alike! The typewriter key is from Hayley, who got it at Young Blood, and the actual key is a vintage find by my friend Rachel in Athens. The sewing machine necklace is from my girl Allie who lives in NYC, it's adorable! In my opinion, necklaces are extra special gifts for women... I have had some necklaces for years and they always remind me of people I love and special times in my life.

And finally, the best present to buy someone who lives in Atlanta...


A Buckhead Life Restaurant Group Ultimate card! It's good at any of the Buckhead Life owned restaurants (Nava, Chops, Atlanta Fish Market and Veni Vidi Vici, to name a few). During the holidays, the Ultimate card is worth 20% more than you pay for! So, if you're lucky enough to have an awesome dad who will splurge $200 for one, you actually get $240. The gift of food... he knows me so well, haha.

I received so many other gifts that are beautiful and special, but these were a few that I thought would be good inspiration for your gift giving - for birthdays, holidays, or just because you like someone and want to make them feel special - there are lots of ways to give gifts thoughtfully.. a little out of the ordinary. Let's be honest, nobody needs any more sweaters!

End of the Checklist: Wrap

If you're like me, right now the last thing you have time for is blogging. Looks like I'm ignoring some stuff on my to-do list, huh? I won't tell if you don't, haha. Anyway, this is what I've been having fun with for the past few days, so I thought I'd share my favorite part of Christmas... wrapping the presents.

I know it sounds a little pointless, but wrapping is my favorite thing to do. Even though it's ripped to shreds in ten minutes, a beautifully wrapped present makes my heart leap. Every year I come up with a theme, I buy supplies in advance, every gift is finished the same way. A few years ago I did brown kraft paper with glittered branches tied down with twine and the name of the recipient penned in black Sharpie. That was a good year. Last year I did red paper with big gold bows. This year... well, take a look:



I bought a pack of wrapping paper from Ikea for something like 97 cents last winter and kept it for this year. I liked that I had five different patterns that all coordinated with each other. The paper is thin as napkins, basically see-through... but come on, it was less than a dollar. I say that's okay.



I saw a picture in an old Elle Decor this summer that caught my eye. I'm pretty sure it was some ad for Japanese finishings for pillows or whatever, but what stuck out to me were these big fluffy pom-poms, paired with the modern Japanese aesthetic they looked so cool and sophisticated. I figured my simply Swedish paper would be a good pairing for these. And for tags? I printed out large block initials to adhere right to the box... take a look at some how-to's for both...



First, I laid out 4"x4" letters in Illustrator and printed off the outlines. I used the typeface Vintage, one I somehow found on mmolai and can't seem to find again. I like how it's got the interesting serifs - playful but not childish. Then, I cut out the letters and used a red Prismacolor to line the edges.



I wrote the whole name smaller inside the letter and used double stick tape to adhere them to a corner of the package. Now for the poms (p.s. if you're wondering, the half-peeled nail polish I'm wearing is Essie Cantaloupe. I love it.)



1) First things first, you're going to need to cut out some donut-shaped forms from cardboard/cardstock. You need two on top of each other, and it's good to cut an angled notch to feed the yarn through easily in the next step.




2) Start winding the yarn around both of the forms, feeding it through the notch and around the entire circle. Keep going until the yarn is pretty thick. You don't want a wimpy pom-pom, oh no.



3) Take some scissors and wedge them in between the two pieces of cardboard - start cutting. I like to put my thumb in the center of the doughnut to keep the yarn from slipping out once it's cut. Cut all around the circle.




4) Cut a length of yarn, about 10", and pull it through between the pieces of cardboard. Tie a knot, pull your thumb out of the center carefully, and pull tight. I like to tie two knots after that just to be safe.



5) Slide off the cardboard on either side of the knot and shake your cutie little pom-pom out. It might need a few hairs trimmed, but it's fluffy and adorable. Ready to wrap up some presents!



For these I used the cheapest red yarn in the world: Red Heart Super Saver. It's about $2.70 for 364 yards, more yarn than you could ever need. We've wrapped up at least 20 boxes with yarn and poms and I'm not even close to being out of yarn. Compare that to the price you pay for assorted ribbons and shiny bows and the choice is clear. Just don't use the leftovers to make a scarf or you'll be itchy and grumpy. It's for crafts only, please!

Take a look at how cute our Scandinavian Christmas looks under the tree:



Merry Christmas and happy wrapping! (And if you're wondering, yes, this does take lots of time and love. If you're swamped, go for the bag and tissue paper, it's okay.) By the way... this is why I love my husband, he loves my ideas and tries to get on board, haha!

A Heartwarming Wedding

Today I thought I'd share a gem of a wedding with you. Really, it's a sight to behold in contrast to the bleary winter days we're having now. Even though I had nothing to do with this one, I have found it so inspiring - I had to share! Meet Ansley and Steven, who got married this past October in Atlanta, Georgia.



There were some things about it that reminded me of mine and Collin's wedding last year, particularly the color scheme (orange, yellow and teal really tug at my heartstrings)... that's probably why I'm so obsessed with it, a wedding after my own heart. Also because it included lots of my most favorite things: bicycles, big candy jars of Rolo's, bottles, King of Pops, caramel apples, gorgeous shoes... the month of October? Can I claim that? Of course, the fantastic photography captures and amplifies the beauty, with attention to detail and warm color balancing. Well, let's stop talking and just have a look, right?









The venue, pleasantly and surprisingly secluded for being in the heart of East Atlanta is historical and oh-so-charming... especially with those fabric pendant banners the bride made on her own! She also made the adorable gold heart cake-topper - I love everything about the dessert table, combining chocolate and gold colors is always a home run when it comes to sweets! Speaking of sweets, who doesn't want a King of Pops popsicle on their wedding day... or any day? Not to mention how nature topped it all off with a gorgeous fall display, just one of those heartbreakingly beautiful days of which we October brides are particularly partial. In my opinion, the best month to get married... well, in Georgia.

P.s. Is it strange that I'm more in love with the groom's shoes than the bride's (even though those are incredible, too)? I think I'm on men's footwear these days (Kuyban, Campers, Sebago x Street Etiquette) Anyway...

Venue: Inman Park Trolley Barn
Catering: Jan Webster
Paper: Steven Beatty (the groom!)
Coordinating: Caye Carscallen
Photography: Jen Schliestett, Photojenik Photography

Holiday Giveaway Winner

After a random drawing (a.k.a. drawing slips of paper out of an ice bucket with tongs - isn't that a good mental picture?) the winner of the holiday giveaway has been found:

Cara!
You have won these "Happy Holidays" notecards and 20% off a purchase on Etsy!



Yaaayyyy! Just use the Contact Me link to send me an email with your shipping address! Congrats and have fun sending your very own BuzzyCraftery Christmas cards!

Holiday Giveaway!

Well Christmas is the time for giving, right? I personally love receiving gifts, but more than that I love to give gifts. Since I've realized this about myself, I've selfishly been able to make my life a lot brighter by being more intentional about giving gifts! Who better to give to than you, my blog readers and supporters?

I honestly don't know how I would continue with blogging and working if I didn't receive such great feedback from you. So many people feel strange or creepy telling me they've read my blog - but it's just the opposite! Sometimes I feel very strange and creepy putting my days on display for the world here... showing you what I cooked for dinner, talking about what I knitted for my friends... it would get all too narcissistic if it wasn't for readers. You give this blog purpose!

So to say thanks for a great year of blogging, sharing, building this baby business and hundreds of well-wishes, I'm giving away a Christmas present to one of you! Just comment on this post and tell us your favorite holiday tradition, and on Friday I will announce the winner!

The winner will receive a ten-pack of these "Happy Holidays" notecards and 20% off a purchase on Etsy (in case you have more than ten cards to send!)



These cards are very similar to the "Merry Christmas" set in red, and mixing the two would be a great idea as well!



Just comment on this post (with your favorite holiday tradition), and check back on Friday for the winner!

(Or if you have trouble commenting via Blogger, just go to the Contact Me link and send an email: write "giveaway" in the subject line!)

Winter 2010 Stationery Collection Launch!

Yes, that's right my bloggy friends... I have taken a wee leap of faith and designed some things in advance with the hopes that you would be spellbound by their charm and purchase them for your Christmas-card sending!

This comes alongside the launch of Buzzy Craftery's Etsy site! All Christmas cards and other handmade items are now (and will be) available for purchase through Etsy - who doesn't love to shop online? Well, if you don't, you are also welcome to connect through the email form on the Contact Page and arrange pickup/delivery.

Also launching this week is Buzzy Craftery on Twitter! You can follow me at @buzzycraftery to hear about blog updates, new items on Etsy, and other exciting announcements. You can find links to Etsy and Twitter on the right hand side of the blog.

And finally, I've been working on a new website to be live for 2011 which will showcase my portfolio, Buzzy Craftery in publications, vendor friends that I highly recommend, and links to all sorts of social media. Keep checking back here for that official announcement!



As you know, I usually work on a custom-order basis... but sometimes we just need things and we don't know it until we see them, right? Then the wonder of how we ever lived without unfolds in our minds, and a sale is made - oh, the miracle of shopping!

Anyway, Christmas is a big favorite of mine (and I think everyone's), so I decided I would design a line of Christmas stationery and offer it to you, my readers, followers, and friends. I've done the photo-card thing... the ones you order online with the jumping reindeer on one side and then the photo of your whole family in white and khaki? Last year Collin and I sent cards with wedding photos adhered, which was nice... but this year I felt like it was time for something different...

The best stationery has a pleasant weight, rich inks, envelopes that evoke excitement when they arrive in the mail... Christmas stationery should be even more fantastic! I wanted to design a line of cards that brought forth the classic warmth of the holidays and iconic verses that celebrate the spirit of the season... let's take a look, shall we?

The first mini-line is focused on bold graphics and solid colors: printed digitally on 100lb cover stock and sold in packs of 10 with matching red envelopes:


"Merry Christmas" - A2 (4.25"x5.5") notecard size, blank inside


"Happy Holidays" - A2 (4.25"x5.5") notecard size, blank inside



"Bright Lights" - A7 (5"x7") foldover card, message inside

The next mini-line was designed to be bright and fun: printed in raised thermography on 100lb cover stock and sold in packs of 10 with matching red envelopes:


"Modern Ornament" - A7 (5"x7") foldover card, blank inside



"Shining Star" - A7 (5"x7") foldover card, available with message inside and blank inside

Finally, this last group of cards was designed around my love of Christmas carols. Even though they seem old-fashioned, I love how the messages of these carols are incredibly true and powerful year-round. I wanted to design these cards with an aesthetic that lived somewhere between a traditional and a modern sensibility: printed in raised thermography on 100lb cover stock and sold in packs of 10 with matching red envelopes:


"Gloria!" - A2 (4.25"x5.5") notecard size, blank inside


"Joyful" - A2 (4.25"x5.5") notecard size, blank inside


"Merry Tidings" - A2 (4.25"x5.5") notecard size, blank inside

I love how all of the cards turned out, and my limited photography skills fail to do them full justice. The raised ink cards shine and glitter in rich red and gold inks, and the digitally printed cards are glossy and clean. Collin and I plan to send ours with a wallet picture of us tucked inside - a very special way to say hello during the holidays!