Reusing Cardboard, Turning it into Gift Tags

I know the holidays are a busy time but if you want to pause for a few minutes, why not do some crafting? 

We're not only crafting, we're also recycling. We're going to turn these cardboard boxes from blah to TADA!

Measure and cut the cardboard into the shape of houses and decorate each one with paint, markers or colored pencils.  

These cardboard houses follow a subdued White Christmas and gingerbread house theme...TADA! 

And these cardboard houses mimic brick and stone cottages with wreaths on the doors...TADA!

Make a hole on top using a hole punch and string on some baker's twine or yarn. Write a quick message on the back for your recipient and sign your name. 

Tie it to a gift bag. A brown paper bag will do. 

Why buy gift tags when you can easily make them yourself? They add a handmade touch to your holiday packages.

And that is how I turned cardboard from blah to TADA!

*****

You may subscribe here if you'd like my future blog posts delivered straight to your inbox and you can follow me on Instagram for more crafty ideas. 

Let's Reuse Gift Wrapping Paper

Hi there! When opening presents, which kind are you? (1) The one who tears the gift wrapper and crumples it into a ball, or (2) The one who gingerly takes out the tape, sliding the gift out of the wrapping paper, and keeping the wrapper from creasing so that it can be re-used?

No shame in admitting that most would fall under Number 1. And I have no shame in admitting that I fall under Number 2, especially if the paper is pretty! I know I can always use it for crafting.

Don't be surprised to see my stash of used gift wrap...I try to keep them as pristine as possible.

I fold them up into paper bags and glue the sides together.

Then I add some embellishments like these handmade gift tags...TADA! I find them extremely useful for birthday presents. The bags and tags are ready, all I need to add is the gift and to write a short message.

This color scheme says "holidays." I simply fold and glue three sides together...

Then add some gift tissue, a hand-stamped tag, and a sparkly sticker...TADA!

I make these in advance, that way, it's easier to wrap gifts during this busy period.  I trust that whoever receives it loves what's inside and is able to reuse the gift bag. 

I hope this inspires you to save your gift wrap (especially the ones from this holiday season) so that you can turn them from blah to TADA!

*****

You may subscribe here if you'd like my future blog posts delivered straight to your inbox and you can follow me on Instagram for more crafty ideas.

Three Thoughts for December

Happy December Lovelies!

Here are some of the things that turn my December from blah to TADA!:

1. Holiday decorations in the neighborhood

The cool temperature and the homes decked out with decorations really get me in the holiday mood. Check out this New York City brownstone with fresh wreaths, red bows, and the smell of evergreen: 

2. All kinds of Christmas Trees

I love Christmas trees and how each one is uniquely decorated by their owners. The color preference and array of ornaments are really a snapshot of somebody's passions. That's why whenever I'm invited to a home, I make sure to admire and compliment their Christmas tree.

Here is a special tree that you'll find in The White House:   

It's called The Gold Star Tree. The inscription says: The Gold Star tree honors the heroic men and women of our Nation's Military who have laid down their lives for our country, those who are Missing in Action, and the families who carry on their legacies. May God bless our troops and their families.  

Some of the names of our brave heroes are written on the star-shaped ornaments.

It's very bittersweet, but remembering in this manner all who have kept us safe, reminds us of their bravery, sacrifice, and that we should never, ever forget.

3. Adding some sparkle to your holiday look

I was going through my jewelry box and realized that I've been neglecting some of my treasured pieces. I'm using the holidays to wear them, specifically these gold earrings:

They are a mix of gifts, thrift shop finds, and travel souvenirs. Each pair tells a story or reminds me of someone I know. Jewelry doesn't have to be expensive. The value is in the sentimentality.

I know that wearing them will turn my look from blah to TADA!

Wishing you all Happy Holidays!