If I could give you the stars...

This post is for my male readers. Valentine's Day is February 14th. I'm telling you about this early so that it doesn't sneak up on you. This year you don't have to spend a small fortune on flowers and candy, or baubles and beads - unless you insist. No, this year I'm challenging you. (Men like challenges right?)

OK - so here's the deal. This year tap into your feelings of love and passion and do something completely out of the box - create something from the heart. (hmmm, that's so fitting on Valentines day isn't it?)

Here are my suggestions. Don't worry they won't hurt.

1. Get out of your comfort zone. There is nothing more charming than watching a man who is a little unsure but still committed to doing something special for the one he loves. A good example is the man who rarely cooks; but decides to visit a gourmet shop, purchase yummy food, read a few cookbooks and blogs for expert advice and then take the day off to prepare a meal that surprises his love with a meal to swoon over.
   


2. Get out of your own backyard. Similar to #1, but this involves travel to a place off the beaten path. You don't have to travel outside your timezone if you don't want to - but you should plan to hold hands and go someplace that you know your love will enjoy. Try a bed and breakfast; a park in a neighborhood you don't frequent; a new bistro; a weekend workshop; or a morning trip to a cute boutique to buy the pj's you'll stay in for the rest of the day.
   


3. Finally - (you guessed it) Be Creative... Make a card, photo montage, a pair of mittens, a key to your heart, a love story, a poem, a sock monkey, or felt hat. Whatever project you decide to do; give it your all. Make it meaningful. Something beautiful and deeply personal.

Spread the love!

Lise

Santa's Little Helper

According to my schedule, it's just about that time to get started on wrapping my gifts.

Years ago when my Nana would open her gifts, she would take her time so as not to rip the wrapping paper. She always told us that the paper was so beautiful. She would unwrap her gift carefully and fold the paper to use for wrapping other gifts. She saved the paper and every card she was ever given. Now maybe this was partly due to her living through the depression era, I don't know, but it did make me value the importance of a beautifully wrapped gift.

In fact, when my budget was really small, the best part of my gifts was often the handmade wrapping paper or creative packaging materials.

Here are a few gift wrapping ideas:

• Grab some heavy paper or wood boxes from the craft store and cover the box with your chosen medium. I have done everything from regal paint colors to detailed animal prints. I think I'm going to try collage next :-). Once the box is dry, tape or otherwise affix the top of the box underneath and add some filler inside the box. I like to use the cut and crinkled paper from the craft store. Then just add your gifts. You may have to tape them into the box to keep them steady. Surround the entire gift with cellophane paper and tie with a beautiful ribbon.
  
• If time is a premium, use a gorgeous hat or photo storage box. But be sure to include a pretty ribbon.
  
• Tag it. Given the vast amount of stamping, scrapbooking, and altered art making materials out there, you can really add some pizazz to your gift tags. Tell a story about the treasure that is enclosed. Add the recipient's name in script, bold or artistic letters. Attach a recipe or hand-drawn image. Since these are easy to create in advance, keep a couple on your inspiration board throughout the year.
  
• Though I prefer to make my own tags, there are times when I can't manage another task. If you can relate, here are a few sources for ready-made but very artistic gift tags:

Lucky Crow

Lexmark

Paper Source

Kristin Sanchez Designs

Happy Holidays!

Lise

___________

Style Points: 85 Gift Ideas for Creative People

Gift giving is a selfless act. Except when you give to a creative person. Because whenever your gifts spark new ideas or revive dormant creative interests you are sure to receive something in return. Your life is immediately enriched. Craft store gift certificates are an obvious choice for the creative people in your life - but if you want to make it a bit more personal - try these gift ideas:

1. Blank canvases
2. Oil, watercolors, acrylic paints
3. Storage boxes for art supplies
4. New portfolios
5. Digital camera and supplies
6. Photo paper
7. Palettes
8. Color charts
9. Website or blog templates to create an online presence
10. Paintbrushes
11. Assorted gel mediums
12. Workshops or classes
13. Jump drives for storing file photos
14. Beads
15. Wire
16. Art Paper (use it for drawing, painting, coloring, or ripping)
17. Felt
18. Fabric (silk, cotton, wool, scrap, etc.)
19. Tile
20. Books on various art subjects
21. Moleskine Journals
22. Markers
23. Colored Pencils
24. Scrapbook supplies
25. Museum or performance tickets
26. Framing
27. Library card or book store discount card
28. Yarn, twine, string
29. Marbles
30. Grout
31. Special lights for taking good photos
32. Gourmet or specialty food ingredients
33. Trip to an artist's retreat
34. Tools (hammer, saw, power, blowtorch, etc.)
35. Lumber
36. Nails
37. Metal
38. Storage space
39. Car or truck hitch for hauling big stuff
40. Unpainted furniture
41. Baskets
42. Art pens
43. Studio or organized work space
44. Easel
45. Work clothes
46. Work desk
47. Large planning/bulletin board
48. Ribbon
49. Clay
50. Glaze
51. Needles (crochet, knitting, sewing)
52. Dried flowers
53. Shells
54. Patterns
55. Stencils or wall words
56. Plastic
57. Folders
58. Computer
59. Software
60. Business cards
61. Marketing support
62. Utensils or kitchen gadgets
63. Letters
64. Stickers
65. Blocks
66. Screen printing materials
67. Storage bottles
68. Bags (cellophane, canvas, paper)
69. Subscriptions (magazines, book clubs, websites)
70. TV channels (upgrade from basic cable)
71. Kiln
72. Jewelry findings
73. Seeds or Plants
74. Design assistance
75. Stamps

And 10 things you can do that won't cost a thing...

1. Listen
2. Encourage
3. Participate
4. Support
5. Organize
6. Be on time
7. Attend
8. Relax
9. Forget excuses
10. Expect something special

Style Points: Creative Gift Guidelines

For those of us who are planning ahead, shopping season probably began a month ago. However, I am just starting to realize that there are only about 49 days until Christmas.

In an attempt to do something a little different this year, I introduced the idea of a handmade Christmas to my children. In one case, I received a lukewarm response, where my daughter poetically noted that many things are not able to be made by hand. (read: the stuff she wants) In my son's case, I received a smirk; as if to say "Mom can't be serious."

Yes she can.

I am determined that we mark this season with some creativity and artistic living. But in everyone's best interests, I've modified my original idea a bit, and come up with some new gift-giving guidelines. And here they are:

1. We will endeavor to make at least one gift for every recipient on our list;
2. These handmade gifts should in some way support the dreams or goals of the receiver; and
3. These gifts will be wrapped exquisitely. The wrapping paper, card, or tag should tell a story. The storyline is up to the giver, but can include how it was made, how you felt while you made it or why the recipient was chosen to receive the gift.

So that's pretty simple - just three guidelines.

For gifts that are not made by hand, I have chosen to support other artists. I have started shopping at Etsy.com. If you haven't discovered this gem of a website, I think you will be pleasantly surprised on your first visit.

In the coming days and weeks, I will share my handmade gift photos with you, so keep reading, and

Be Creative!

Lise

Style Points: My Favorite Hostess Gifts

A close friend of mine is invited to what promises to be a fabulous party at the home of another friend. She asked me to give her a few ideas of what to bring the hostess.

Here are my suggestions:

If you're crafty, you may want to make some hostess gifts for all those parties you've been invited to this year!

• For the hostess that loves to bake; create a beautiful layered chocolate chip cookie mix in a large glass jar. (Canning jars are beautiful for this gift). Simply layer the appropriate ingredients - white and brown sugars, flour, chocolate chips. Write up a pretty a tag with the directions on how to whip up the cookies. Tie the tag around the top of the jar with a pretty ribbon or raffia.
  
  
• Make and give scented candles or handmade soaps in a pretty container.
  
  
• Many friends send you pictures of their kids during the year. Take those pictures and create a mini scrapbook or collage project. They will love this - and I promise, they won't receive another quite the same.
  
  
• Create a small gift basket, fill it with things that have a special meaning for the family. Some possible themes: Game night: popcorn, candy, and a classic video; Gourmet chef: exotic spices, hand-printed recipes, oven mitts; or Creativity Box: Crayons, markers, good paper and journals.
  
  
• Share your gifts - If you specialize in a specific art medium, bring a small sample to your host or hostess.

If you've run out of time to create something just stop by the book store and grab a book or two. I like to pick one up with a title that they may not think of buying for themselves. In fact, this is my favorite gift of all, because depending on the title - it keeps on giving when the party is over.


Enjoy your next party!

Lise

Update :: Visit Gabriela Delworth's website and inquire about ordering a beautiful crown for a birthday girl. The crowns are truly something to treasure!