Sunday, November 24, 2013

"Twiz' the Season"

I know, I know...another Christmas post, and we haven't even made it through Thanksgiving, but I really wanted to share this great idea with you.  It's simple, inexpensive and it fits my personal gift criteria...unique and thoughtful.

Before I had my girls, I would spend weekends at the cinema taking in a movie (or two).  There is nothing better than watching a movie on the 'big' screen with a pile of over-priced goodies in your lap!  You can even get nachos!, but I prefer the staples:  popcorn, Jr.Mints and Twizzlers.  

So....when one of my customers (who has become a dear friend) approached me with a gift idea centered around the movies for which she needed a custom tag, I was immediately intrigued and inspired.  

This is how most of my custom orders start...with a photo and an idea.


She found the original idea on Pinterest but wanted to expand on it by purchasing movie gift cards to stick into the tags then tie them onto vintage canning jars full of Twizzlers...a gift for all her movie friends.  She also wanted the tags to read:  "Twiz' the Season".  
How perfect, indeed!

This particular customer is not only a wonderful person, but she allows me free artistic liberty with all of her custom projects, and I love that!

Originally, I thought I'd use standard coin envelopes, but the gift cards fit too snugly inside leaving no room for the tie hole, so I ended up starting from scratch (as they say).  I designed an envelope template to fit my needs and traced it onto double sided paper.  A little more work, but the bonus is I get to choose the paper!

My Minds Eye - Lost & Found 3 Collection

For those of you who know me, you know that I l.o.v.e. texture, and with the paper having a design already on it, I decided that my texture would come from a (painted and glittered) cigar style band wrapped around the envelope.  Another template was born and more tracing and cutting.  So worth it though!



While the bands dried, I delved into incorporating the 'Twiz' the Season' tag line.  My handwriting is fairly legible, but I envisioned the final tag as having a more finished look, so I turned to the computer... 


...and they looked too 'commercial', so I added some red glitter glue.  Nothing says homemade like glitter!  A bit of ink here and there, an added snowflake embellishment and ribbon, more glitter and voila...her idea and my vision realized.


If you're a movie buff as I am, then you'd appreciate receiving this unique and thoughtful gift for the holidays.  Right?!
Similar tags are available at Reverie Creations, and if you make your purchase on November 30th in celebration of Support Small Business Saturday, you'll receive free shipping on your order.

Find some time for yourself today,
M.

Monday, November 11, 2013

It's an Old Tyme holiday

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday.  
For so many reasons.  My world becomes a little more beautiful (with the lights and festive holiday decor every where) and there's a magical sense of peace in the air.  All the everyday worries and hardships seem temporarily suspended in a collective joy that touches the kid in all of us.  

I also LOVE the hunt for that perfect gift for those on my 'nice' list....almost as much as I love creating for the holidays!

This year I decided to go simple in style and created the OLD TYME Collection for Reverie Creations.  It celebrates a time when everyday items found around the home were used to create beautiful and timeless holiday decor.  A style I personally love because of the history behind the vintage items I often use when creating.

Vintage Shabby "JOY" Paper Cones
These sturdy 12" vintage paper cones spell out the word 'Joy' when strung together, but they're also hand stamped with numbers so they can be displayed year round.  Created using lots of vintage:  paper, trims and jewelry.  They'll look lovely displayed with pine and berries OR filled with trinkets and goodies as a gift.

Shabby Chic "Noel" Glass Ball Ornaments
Covered in vintage sheet music (or book paper) with glittered tops, these glass ball ornaments are perfect for tree trimming.  Purchase a few and display in a bowl.

Shabby Vintage Paper Medallion Ornament
And what tree doesn't need a paper medallion ornament?  Do you notice the distressed bottle cap and safety pin?  You'll also find plenty of vintage!

Shabby Vintage Paper 19" Tussie
I love the look of old paper rolled up with goodies tucked inside.  This old time tussie is perfect for gift giving or as a centerpiece to your holiday table.

Vintage Muslin/Burlap Stocking Ornaments
No Christmas would be complete without a stocking.  These were created simply out of coffee stained muslin and an old coffee sack with vintage buttons and trim.  Small enough to hang on your tree but large enough to stuff with little surprises!

Visit Reverie Creations on Etsy for the complete OLD TYME Collection and for so many unique, handmade holiday items as well as gift-giving ideas.  It's never too early to think Christmas!

Have a wonderful day, my friends!
M.