Vintage Indie

Deck the Halls 2009: Gift Tags & Paper Chains by Ormolu

I love the reds and whites of Christmas time don't you? Ormolu offers classy paperie items for your gifts, scrapbooking and tree. Head over to their shop to see more.

{ SHOP ORMOLU }

Deck the Halls 2009 Advent Calendar: nouveaudesigns

Brooklyn Advent Calendar

Visit Nouveaudesigns to find out what inspired this Advent Calendar.

Deck the Halls 2009 Advent Christmas Count Down: Sweetwater

Countdown to Christmas with beautiful Advent Calendars & Ideas from handmade and vintage shoppes.

Make your own Christmas Count Down with this kit from Sweetwater. Kit includes fabric, crochet thread, rope, 25 number iron-on labels and the pattern.

{ SHOP SWEETWATER }

Deck the Halls 2009: Soft Christmas Wreaths

Deck the Halls in style with handmade wreaths from RoxyCreations.

Some of these pretty wreaths include antique Italian hand woven linens, soft felts, trims and embroideries. Visit RoxyCreations on Etsy to see more from their Christmas Collection.

Deck the Halls 2009: DIY with Sweet Twee Lab

I love projects that have all of the components right there for me. Sweet Twee Lab has created this awesome kit to make your own wreath. It is complete with instructions so if you are un-crafty like me, you'll be set!

Deck the Halls 2009: Nesta Home

Can you believe it is already time to spread holiday cheer? Join us weekly for our Deck the Halls Series 2009.

Today's feature comes from Nesta Home on Etsy. Handmade, hand stamped and hand painted, it's handmade goodness.

{ SHOP NESTA HOME }

DIY - A Thrifted Christmas - Setting a Christmas Table by Barb McMahon

Are you struggling with your Christmas party budget? You've bought the food, prepared the menu, cleaned the house and somehow missed the decor for the table? Contributing Editor Barb McMahon is here to the rescue with a simple and charming way to make your guests feel special at the dinner table. You probably already have all of these things in your home.

You can find nice old quilts at thrift stores and auctions. This one was a hand-me-down from my Great Aunt. If the stuffing's not too thick, they make cheery table coverings.

All of our dishes are thrifted. They don't have to match, though I think the table looks more elegant if they have something in common. In our case, we go for white backgrounds.

We also have two sets of flatware. When I set the table, I try to have matching pieces at each individual setting. I just find it easier to manoeuvre if the knife and fork are basically the same weight.

Flowers can be hard to come by this time of year. But you really can't go wrong with candles and a scattering of Christmas ornaments.


Barb McMahon writes the blog May December Home - home decor with a focus on environmentally friendly/handmade/re-used design.

Be Inspired - Last Minute Vintage Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas by Heather Bullard

Do you need some last minute vintage holiday gift wrap ideas? The super talented Heather Bullard of The Present Past Collection has a must see four part series, that is out of this world gorgeous. Even if you've already wrapped your packages (unlike me who waits until the last minute) you've got to see them. Some of them, would be beautiful just sitting on a shelf! Go wrap an empty box if you have to!
Thanks Heather for sharing with us!

Share the Joy of a Vintage Christmas - Personal Creations

Chris A.  writes, "Here is my newest Christmas decoration creation. My vintage Christmas wreath. Complete with vintage tulle, balls, pearls, ribbon, buttons, etc. It's kind of a Shabby Vintage Style. Now... to find just the right spot to hang it.
Best holiday wishes,
Chris"

 

Thanks for sharing Chris! Visit her charming vintage baby shop Curby's Closet.

An Ornament a Day: 12.16.08 - " A Christmas Star" & A Book Recommendation

I've missed the last couple of days of "An Ornament a Day" I hope I redeem myself with today's feature and a book recommendation.

Today's Ornament comes from DianasStainedGlass on Etsy, a 5 point beveled glass ornament. Wouldn't that look beautiful with the lights flickering and bouncing off the points. 



Also, a book recommendation for my Christian friends. Bright Christmas An Angel Remembers by author Andrew Clements. I read this last night all bundled up and cozy with my family, it brought tears and smiles to our faces.     

Gift Wrap Guide - All the Trimmings - Packaging Kits

I love it when everything is all matching labels, tags, packaging and wrap. I also love it when I don't have to coordinate these things myself. Below is a few companies that do all that work for you with some really great kits for all of your wrapping needs. (Click images to enlarge)

 
Sweet Papery has created these Gable Box Kits that include the ribbon and labels!

KitsandCaboodles one of my favorites on Etsy has created these Gift Wrap Kits including vintage goodies!

Don't forget to shop the Vintage Indie Market - Holiday Edition for all of your gifts!

Gift Wrap Guide - Unique Gift Packaging

If you are looking for something a little different to wrap your gifts in, why not try one of these handmade unique packages.

Handcrafted Chinese take-out boxes by Luna Feliz


3-D Origami Shirt Boxes by vvnvn

 

Penguin & Snowman Handmade Gift Boxes by FayeHubele (must see the larger boxes too) 

Don't forget to shop the Vintage Indie Market - Holiday Edition for all of your gifts!

Gift Wrap Guide - Tags - Part Two

Jolly Santa Clause by kingsQueens

Naughty or Nice by Amyliz.

 

Don't forget to shop the Vintage Indie Market - Holiday Edition for all of your gifts!

An Ornament(s) a Day 12.12.08 - Jolly St. Nick

Cincinnati based artist Maria Pahls creates wonderful and charming ornaments with the German technique known as spun cotton.

It is easy to get lost in the magical world that is St. Nick. Such a jolly fellow with always something to give. Top Left Santa with Puppy, Top Right, Santa with Tree and Goodies Bottom Left, Santa Ornament with Needle Felt Friends. Bottom Right, Santa in Blue and White.

Visit MRCROWSGARDEN on Etsy to purchase and see more of her work.

Holiday Gift Wrap Guide - Tags

 
{Paper Eclectiquess, Damask Tags Pictured}

{ TheHollister25, Do Not Open tags}

Don't forget to shop the Vintage Indie Market - Holiday Edition for all of your gifts!

Gift Wrap Guide - Introduction

Is it easy for you to fall in love with a gifts packaging? Do you stare at the wrapping paper isle, trying to mix and match the ribbon, tags and  paper perfectly? Do you give a lot of thought to a gift including the box and details?

  Remember when grandma used to tell you, "Now honey open your packages carefully I want to save that paper"? (I can't be the only one). OK, so maybe that obsessive save the wrapping paper idea was a good idea you know recycling and all, but then again tearing open the package is all part of the fun right?

Either way on both sides of the fence packaging and holiday gift wrap plays an important role. During this Gift Wrap Guide I hope I have a little something for everyone for all of your gift wrapping, tagging, styling needs. Stay tuned for Part 1!

       

An Ornament a Day: 12.10.08 -Handmade with Vintage Chenille Ornaments

Today's ornament is for the Shabby Chic(R) lover in all of us! Thank you Rachel Ashwell!

These ornaments are handmade with vintage chenille from Etsy shop Loves Me Not.

Visit Loves Me not for other great handmade creations, and vintage ornaments!

Share the Joy - 12 Days of Comfort & Joy with Teresa McFayden

Do you ever find yourself browsing websites and blogs of crafters and designers wondering, just how did they do that? Well you are in for a special treat today. Recently I was lucky enough to happen upon 12 Days of Comfort and Joy. What is comfort and joy you say? Well, besides all of those wonderful feelings you have around Christmas time it is a treat for you and me.

Comfort and Joy is an E-Zine created by the super talented Teresa McFayden , yes that Teresa McFayden, founder of Silver Bella &  Paper Bella Studios. 12 whole days of holiday themed crafting projects with instructions.

(Example above, Bottle Brush Tree Stars)

12 Days of Comfort and Joy has already begun, but it is OK to jump in late and get started. I've already had a sneak peek and can say that you won't be disappointed with your E-Zine purchase. All you have to do is visit Paper Bella Studios and visit their E-Zines link. After you've made your purchase you'll  be given a password to enter. Keep in mind this isn't your ordinary E-Zine, there are giveaways and sometimes special guests! Sounds like a paper crafting, holiday party to me!

What are you waiting for head over to Paper Bella Studio to find out more.

An Ornament a Day: 12.9.08 - Sewing Geek - Vintage Sewing Patterns

For the sewer at heart today's ornament would make a great gift. Sewing Geek lovingly decoupaged this glass ornament to feature a Frosty Vintage Sewing Pattern.

Other styles available at Sewing Geek on Etsy!

An Ornament a Day: 12.8.08 - Trash To Treasure!

Today's ornament is truly a beautiful example of trash to treasure. An antique mirror given new life as an icicle ornament!

This beautiful creation comes from Funky Shique. Check out their Etsy shop for more info!

Share the Joy of a Vintage Christmas - Grandmother's Ornaments

 

Jackie C. from Walnut Creek CA writes " These are my grandma's ornaments from World War 2 (the box they are in says "buy war bonds"). She's 95 and gave them to me a few years ago. They're in a bowl on my dining room table." Thank you Jackie for Sharing the Joy with us! Jackie runs an Etsy shop called Wren's Nest. Do check it out, there are some delightful pincushions in store!

An Ornament a Day: 12.5.08 - Ravenna Girls Upcyled Evergreen Wood Ornament

Recycled from last years Christmas Tree the Ravenna Girls shop created these ornaments/gift tags.

Shop Ravenna Girls for great vintage finds, up-cycled, recycled and original form as well!

Exploring the Colors of Winter - Winter Creams

I love the colors of the winter season, don't you? Today we are exploring Winter Creams from A Charming Store.

 Top Left, Little Vintage Reindeer. Top Right, Handmade Snowballs. Bottom, Little Vintage Bottle Brush Tree.

Do you have any Winter Creams to share? Post them on your blog and link back here or in our special Flickr group Exploring Winter Colors.

An Ornament a Day: 12.4.08 - Slvilov's Shop Funky Junk

Oh no, could it be? I missed yesterday's ornament a day? Terribly sorry about that I must say! I'll make up for it today with two. Up first a little ball of bliss from Slvilov's Shop.

What do you get when you blend vintage velvet ribbons, beads and sparkling sequins in oh so beautiful colors? A Velvet Ribbon Ornament of course! Visit this Etsy shop for even more beautiful ornaments like their line of beaded ones! 

The Daily Swank, Deck the Halls 2008 - Vintage Bottle Brush Trees

Let's deck the halls for today's Daily Swank with bottle brush trees. I'm not sure why I'm drawn to these trees, but some of them are just too cute. Often times you can find these in their original vintage state, other times they've been hand dyed and adorned with vintage embellishments. Today we are highlighting some of the best ones I've found from Saturday Finds. 

 

(bottom left, is a Saturday vintage Find)

The Top two above and bottom right are all custom trees from Saturday Finds. Diane the artist behind these whimsical trees says, " I decorate all of them using vintage ornaments, beads and millinery
to add to that Cottage Charm, of Christmas past."

Head over to Saturday Finds to see more of these adorable little trees and more fun vintage finds.

If you can't find vintage ones there are reproductions everywhere, you can even create ornaments from kits like these at Storia Folly!