Holiday Picks '11


Here are some holiday finds that I would love to have in my home. From West Elm, Matthew Mead Home Collection and Anthropologie. All beautiful & useful things...

David Stark Twig Topiary from West Elm


Bottle Brush Trees from West Elm

Tall Tray Butler Stand from West Elm

Grand Tiered Stand from Matthew Mead Home Collection

Gingerbread Bird Silhouette from Matthew Mead Home Collection

Snow Stag Ornament from Anthropologie

Quill Cheese Knife Set from Anthropologie


An interview with Matthew Mead


Pop on over to Oh My! Handmade Goodness today to read an interview I did last week with Matthew Mead from Holiday with Matthew Mead magazine.

I've had a major design crush on Matthew for years. You may remember I had the chance to meet him this past summer in New Hampshire. I've also had the honor of having my designs featured in his beautiful magazines and getting to know him as a friend these past months.

Read the interview, you will be inspired by his words, his beautiful photography and a fun holiday DIY. There is also an amazing Giveaway from his new home decor collection that you can enter to win.

Enjoy!

Debra

I've got weddings on my mind...



Today, you can find me over on the Wedding Bells Magazine blog doing a simple and pretty DIY.

and ... I'm thrilled to share with you that I am now a monthly contributor to their blog.

This months DIY is a pretty paper napkin ring using decorative paper from The Paper Place. I love this shop. Have you been? It is full of gorgeous Japanese papers, stationery supplies, crafting materials and unique gifts.

Although this is a wedding DIY you could easily switch up the papers or color scheme to fit the upcoming holiday season. It would be fun to use vintage wrapping papers, ribbons and notions.


You can see earlier DIY's I've done at Wedding Bells here, here, here and here :)


Old Fashioned Holiday Treats & Packaging!


Babiekins is one of the loveliest online magazines.



I don't just say that because I am a proud contributor. It is full of beautiful images, inspiring ideas, amazing fashion and entertaining ideas.

The latest issue of Babiekins is available now here. You can see my story "Ice Box Cookies" on page 129. It was so much fun to create. I had a great time pulling out some of my much loved Christmas decorations and baking up a storm.

Here are some of the images you can see in the magazine as well as a few more.

Be sure to visit Articipe on Etsy for great holiday gifts! One of my favorite items on the shoot was the custom, hand-lettered recipe prints from Articipe on Etsy. It was specially created for the shoot. I think this is a great gift for someone who loves to bake or cook..maybe one of your Grandma's recipes?



Vintage Christmas ornament boxes make ideal packaging for homemade treats. Line the box with cupcake liners like these festive ones from Sweet Estelle and fill.
Decorate!
Roll your cookie dough in sanding sugars, sprinkles or crushed candies.


Wrap it up!





Other useful packaging supplies include: glassine bags and kraft paper bags. Add a personal touch by adding Japanese washi tape, vintage paper or stamps to embellish. Schoolhouse inspired notepaper bags and cupcake liners are from Sweet Estelle.


Vintage Christmas cards can be re-purposed into festive tags.
Re-use coffee tins, jam jars, and boxes to create pretty packaging.

Stamped cotton muslin bags make great packaging.
These are available in my shop and can be personalized!



Happy baking & eating too!