enJOY it by Elise Blaha Cripe

back in black.

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.

give thanks.

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

on a roll.

This one is my new favorite.

save paper - make good.

The inspiration for these little ones is completely from this post on Design*Sponge. HOW COOL ARE THOSE? I made mine a little smaller so they could hang on tree branches and used an eyelet at the top to string them up.

I love the holiday paper bags from Trader Joe's (Whole Foods bags are great this season too). Kraft and white look so good together.

The paper bags are a bit awkward to fit into a paper cutter so I just went at these with scissors. The smallest strip is about 4 inches and then each strip increases in length by a about a half inch. You will want a strip of one size for the middle and then two of each additional size - one for each side of the ornament.

Once you have all your strips, line them up with the longest out the outsides. Punch a hole through the "top". Set an eyelet through the hole.

 Push up your strips to that the ends of each meet up. The strips should form a bulge. Set an eyelet through the bottom to hold the shape.

 String some some baker's twine through the eyelet hole. Badda-bing, Badda-boom: You're done.

These are also great with decorative paper and cardstock but I love that there is a new use to get out of a paper bag.

Sidenote : here is a link to my favorite handmade ornament from last Christmas season. I am excited to get the old and the new on the tree together this year.

sunday.

Home again for just a few days until heading home for Thanksgiving. I have to say I am crazy excited this year for Thanksgiving. Last year, Paul and I stayed out in Maryland, and while it was simple and sweet it was not ONE BIG HUGE FAMILY DAY OF GOOD - which is exactly what it should be.

We are making a pizza for dinner and then I have grand plans for a HANDMADE HOLIDAY ORNAMENT that I will be posting all about tomorrow.

Happy evening!