an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.
I am usually not a very fussy crafter – BUT, OH MAN – these cards have been fussed with to no end. The first problem was I loved last year's handmade cards which meant they were pretty tough to beat. Also, I letterpressed the words over a month ago and really struggled with how to make a design work around the text. Thank goodness for fantastic stamps.
Stamped, stacked and sealed they are ready to be mailed.
Three pages of December daily entries staking up and in case you are curious – yes, I broke up with that fruitcake patterned page in the second photo. It is a cut throat world in mini book land.
On December 3rd, I did in fact make another wreath. I will share photos soon. Maybe Sunday.
I also decided last night that I am going to go to church while visiting New York City with Paul's family this Christmas Eve. I was watching West Wing Season 4 and in the Christmas Eve episode a choir was singing Silent Night. I remembered that Christmas is not Christmas without a little tear-jerking Silent Night candle lit service action. So Lutheran Church of Times Square – here I come.
I am off to work for awhile and also on a mission to FINISH MY CHRISTMAS CARDS. They are missing something. Not sure what it is yet.
I cannot even pretend this was my idea – but I wanted to share it. Paper Source hung strips of envelopes for a holiday window display and at least five people asked if they were holiday card displays. They were not orginally – but DUDE, they should be.
Easy to make. Buy a package of envelopes and stick in some patterned liners (templates here.) Next, line up the envelopes and adhere to each other with double-sided tape. I set an eyelet in the top and added a ribbon before hanging on the wall.
'Tis the season is right – I better get some holiday cards to fill this one up…
Happy Thursday – Happy Handmade.
I letterpressed this morning and ended up just printing a few custom orders and then gift tags. Make your own with letterpressed words : available in the shop.
I shared this one last year but it is worth another go around. Peppermint cookies are my favorite holiday food. Next to mashed potatoes.
You can make them with starlight peppermints but a box of candy canes will work perfect in December. I crushed mine in a ziplock bag with the bottom of a mug – works like a charm.
Today is a big day. My little bro is 21. 21. 21. 21. When I turned 21 I broke, lost, found and fixed my camera all in the same day. I also skipped every class in order to check email and blog. Robbie is much cooler than me and will probably do none of those things. (Ro, the photo came from your facebook – it was the best one to be found.) (Internet, yes he is my real brother – we just do not look alike.)
Aside from celebrating (from afar) that historic event, I have suitcases to unpack, errands to run, floors to vacuum, and groceries to buy (I am fairly certain I have been enjoying bad milk on my cereal the past two mornings.)
I completed my first December Daily last night. I realized that most December days I will not be doing something holiday related. So I will make it a short Christmas journal of sorts those days. Like yesterday, I felt it appropriate to announce I know exactly what HANDMADE gift everyone on my list is getting. And also that I am already very tired of the holiday CD at Paper Source. I am going to have to make one. Complete with Frank Sinatra.
Also, I hade a few questions about how to knit. I learned from my Mom when I was eight. I thought about making a video of how to – but this one already exists. And there is less talking in this one. I am sure you can find oodles more options on youtube – but these are a start. I buy all of my yarn at Michael's. I am much more a follow the color instead of buy a type of yarn person.
And, to those of you who think Paper Source should make stamps in similar shapes as their labels, I agree – maybe someday. I would love to recommend Apple Blossom Studio stamps to you as well. Perfect label like shapes. (Scroll down to "The Whole Enchilada")
Okay. Roll on. Happy Birthday ROBBIE BLAHA. You are fantastic. (I recommend water and a multi-vitamin.)
December! Hi to you!
I am exhausted. We are back in Maryland after a whirlwind trip home to California. Yesterday, because of fog and delays and one mishap in which the pilot missed the runway, it took us 13 hours to get from coast to coast. Add the time difference and you have the worst travel day ever.
But no matter – very good to be back home. I am starting my December Daily album today and have a 25 point to do list (of mostly fun things) to tackle this week. Sweet.
I would love to open the newspaper tomorrow and read that holiday shopping broke records today. A great, big, kick the economy into high gear day is just what we may need. Maybe it is because I work in retail – but boy would GREAT SALES NUMBERS be good to see. Anyone brave the crowds today? I went to Target. (Twice.)
If you are looking for some good handmade shopping (and great deals) be sure to check out Marta's blog today. Such great finds for everyone on your list.
I have a few tricks planned for December starting with a shop update on Wednesday, December 3. There will be lots of new prints and possibly a popular reprint or two.
I am of course planning to highlight more handmade holiday ideas throughout the rest of the month. And am hoping to create a PDF pack of all the holiday posts so you can have them for next year as well.
But before ALL THAT, I have a five year high school reunion to attend. "How weird" is all I can say about that.
So thankful today for 1001 things. Like safe flights and short lines. Like laughter. Like stories. Like family hugs and "good to see yous." Like great food and bright candles. And the people who know you the best and still love you the most.
Happy Thanksgiving. Be Merry – Be Bright. Be Blessed
This one is my new favorite.
enJOY it 