One of my absolute favorite things in the world is washi tape! It comes in so many lovely patterns, colors, and widths that I can’t get enough washi tape in my life. Each time I pop into an office supply store, I must walk down the tape aisle to see if there are new patterns available. I’ve got it bad, right? 😉
I rationalize my obsession because washi tape is so functional and versatile. I frequently use it to wrap gifts, embellish gift bags, make cards, and decorate candles. One really fun thing I made recently was some washi tape twist ties; they’re perfect for tying off little treat bags! Since I can’t get enough decorative tape in my life, I thought it would be fun to share some of my current festive favorites with you.
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Oh my goodness, the sparkles! This metallic tape technically isn’t washi tape, but it’s so pretty that I had to include it. I have a several rolls of this metallic tape in my stash. Not only is it perfect for the holidays, but it’s one that I use all year for various occasions.
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This trio of tape is so dainty and shimmery—I love it! You can use it to embellish gift boxes, bags, or even on the envelopes of your holiday cards.
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You get 8 rolls in this holiday tape bundle for only $15—that’s a steal! I get stoked whenever I can find tape for less than $2 per roll. 😉
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I’m in love with this Scandinavian moose tape! This design is discontinued by MT, so the best way to get it is on Etsy. Depending where you live, you may prefer to buy it from this shop (UK) or this shop (US).
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You can’t go wrong with classic red and green tape in your collection. Solid colors always pair well with most wrapping papers and other patterned tapes like the moose tape above.
It’s time to pull out your craziest Christmas sweater because this Friday, December 16th is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Who even invented this holiday? I’m not sure, but it gives us all a reason to wear our heinous holiday knits! If you’re in need of a sweater, then I’ve got you covered. Whether you want to wear your sweater to the office or a yuletide party, here are some glorious garments that’ll make you smile and snicker.
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Like one my granny used to wear, this knitted vest is a hodgepodge of Christmas imagery that includes a wreath, plaid patches, holly, a stocking, a snowman, and more.
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I know this isn’t a sweater, but I simply had to include this oh-so-Christmassy suit! Guys will look both dapper and tacky is this festive outfit.
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For you DIYers, you can decorate your own ugly Christmas sweater with this all-in-one kit. The box comes with a sweater, pompoms, sparkly pipe cleaners, beads, bells, and more. When you win the tacky sweater contest at your workplace, you can claim all the credit!
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For all you A Christmas Story fans out there, this leg lamp sweater is just for you!
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Elf is one of my favorite Christmas movies, so I absolutely love this holiday sweater featuring Buddy and one of his many quotes. Buy it for yourself or a beloved cotton-headed ninny muggins. 😉
A couple of days ago, Pantone announced the 2017 Colour of the Year: Greenery. If you’re a design and colour nerd like me, you anxiously await this announcement each December, and you enjoy seeing how designers and brands embrace the chosen colour over the course of the upcoming year. To help you stay ahead of the curve, I scoured the internet for a variety of gifts in Greenery for you to purchase for your colour-loving friends and family [or yourself!] this holiday season.
The Greenery Goodies:
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For the fashionista on your list, these Keep Me in the Hoop Earrings feature faceted cuboids hanging from large but delicate gold hoops.
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With 2 layers and a stainless steel knife and fork, this leakproof bento box is perfect for packing lunches for both teens and adults.
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French ovens are a staple in any chef’s kitchen, and this 5-quart oval Le Creuset French oven is excellent for home cooking. For larger and smaller sizes, click here.
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We elves LOVE washi tape; we use it when crafting, decorating, wrapping gifts, and more. If you’re washi addicted as well, then you’ll like this green Scotch® Expressions Glitter Tape. Washi tape also makes a great stocking stuffer!
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Stay warm, cozy, and ahead of the trend with this green knitted scarf from Etsy seller Sesen Arts. If you decide to purchase this scarf, make sure to take advantage of Etsy’s special holiday promotion, which ends tomorrow.
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Keep holiday stress at bay with this aroma diffuser. Use with your favourite essential oil, such as lavender, and feel more relaxed as the scented mist fills the room.
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Whether you it fill with juice, holiday punch, or eggnog, this Granada Juice Glass would make a beautiful addition to your kitchen.
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With Go Go Green Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer, you could paint all of your nails or have a Greenery-inspired accent nail. To pick your nail art colour palette and get ideas for other colours that work well with Greenery, visit Pantone’s website.
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Oh me, oh my, I love super chunky knit blankets, and this green Merino wool one is a beauty. This blanket is from Etsy seller Merrisson, so don’t forget about Etsy’s special holiday promotion that ends on 12 December [tomorrow!].
We elves love all of the handmade goodies on Etsy so much that we feature one unique item from them here on the blog every single day during the holiday season. From felt ornaments to knitted goods to ceramics and more, Etsy has gifts for basically every person on your list, as well as loads of holiday decor items to make your home nice and festive. If you’ve never purchased anything from Etsy, now’s your chance because if you spend $50 or more on your first purchase, you’ll get $10 towards your next one. This offer ends next Monday, 12 December, so click here to peruse the crafty wares.
If you love all of the handcrafted goodies on Etsy as much as I do, then surely you will also have fun at one of these indie Christmas craft fairs, which are essentially Etsy in event form. At these markets you will find a wide variety of wares—clothing, jewelry, baked goods, ceramics, cards, and loads more. By shopping at one of these fairs, not only will you be able to find truly unique Christmas presents for your loved ones, you will also be supporting local small businesses, so it’s a win-win.
Below I’ve highlighted a few of these merry markets, but if you have a favourite local indie craft fair in your area, let me know in the comments!
Frustrated with the lack of indie craft fairs in Philly, Rachel from The Crafted Life decide to host her own! During First Friday, head on over to the Holiday Maker Fair and browse the goodies from a curated selection of local crafters—some of whom even make neato Philadelphia-themed items. While shopping you can also enjoy refreshments or pop into the holiday photo booth.
Holiday Maker Fair
WeWork Northern Liberties
1010 N. Hancock Street
Friday, 2 December
6.30–9pm
Admission: Free!
If you’re in the Twin Cities area, be sure to check out the 12th annual Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama. This indie, urban, and modern art & craft show will feature woodworking, ceramics, cards, handcrafted dog toys & treats, and more. And as a twist on the traditional tote bag giveaway, each vendor will be giving away a free No Coast tote with the first sale of the day on both days—no matter how big or small the purchase is.
Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama
Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake Street
Friday, 2 December: 3–8pm
Saturday, 3 December: 9am–5pm
Admission: Free!
This holiday season you’re invited to a crafty birthday party, as City of Craft turns 10! To celebrate this past decade, they’re hosting a weekend-long party with more than 60 of T-Dot’s best makers, workshops, installations, and giveaways. Whether you go on Friday night for drinks & music or show up bright & early on Saturday morning for one of the limited edition swag bags, you’re sure to have a great time.
City of Craft X: Handmade Decade
The Theatre Centre
1115 Queen Street West
[entrance on Lisgar St.]
Friday, 9 December: 6–10pm
Saturday, 10 December: 11am–6pm
Sunday, 11 December: 11am–5pm
Admission: $3 [Kids 12 & under free]
Named Best Artisan Market by the Nashville Scene in 2012, Porter Flea Holiday Market is a juried and curated market that focuses on unique, local, and handmade gifts. Here you will find a variety of goods, including children’s toys, enamel pins, home decor, clothing, and holiday cards. You have two options on how to attend: the more intimate, ticketed Preview Market on Friday evening or the free Main Market on Saturday.
Porter Flea Holiday Market
Skyway Studios
3201 Dickerson Pike
Friday, 9 December: 6–9pm [Preview Market]
Admission: $25 [Buy tickets here.]
Saturday, 10 December: 10am–5pm [Main Market]
Admission: Free! [But you can skip the general admission line with a $15 Porter Pass.]
Join Firefly Handmade for their first ever outdoor holiday market inside a giant heated tent at the popular Twenty Ninth Street shopping district. This event will feature indie wares from 100 vendors, such as bohemian inspired jewelry, coffee scrubs, paper goods, and craft wines. If that wasn’t enough, there will also be artisan demos, food trucks, live music, AND a vintage VW bus photo booth.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Twenty Ninth Street
1710 29th Street
Saturday, 10 December: 10am–4pm
Sunday: 11 December: 10am–4pm
Admission: Free!
Additional Craft Fairs
While I would love to feature all of the indie Christmas craft markets, I have to get back to my other elfy duties. But, since I really just can’t help myself, after the jump you’ll find info on just a few more craft fairs happening this month.
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