DIY Mystery Supply Challenge: Ornaments

You know, guys, sometimes projects just sort of flop, and sadly, I think this is one of 'em. Last week, I introduced you to the DIY Mystery Supply Challenge with a group of crafty bloggers among which I'm still not sure why I'm included. Totally grateful but totally "I'm-not-worthy" situation. Anyway, I wanted to keep it simple. There's enough going on this time of year that there's no reason to go making ornament-decorating too complicated, right? So, I kept it real simple. In person, they turned out modern, understated, and even delightful, but boy, they just don't want to be photographed.

I really wanted to try to give it another go to, you know, impress the shit out of you guys, but my life for the last few weeks has pretty much been consumed by creating this and it just didn't happen.

Really selling it, huh?

So after that convincing introduction, read on to see what I did.

Make a Gift Bag Village on the Etsy Blog

This week, I'm sharing a fun gift wrap idea on the Etsy blog! I use plain kraft gift bags to create a whole Christmas village. Be sure to check it out here!

DIY Wire Leaves for OSBP

I have a pretty strict (perhaps even militant) no-Christmas-before-Thanksgiving policy, so I'm still embracing Autumn. One indicator: These DIY wire leaves tutorial I put together for Oh So Beautiful Paper. Check it out here.

Cinco De Mayo Tablescape Inspiration

Later this month, we're dedicating an entire Craftcourse workshop to making piñatas because...well, piñatas are awesome and Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. To get folks jazzed up, we did a little inspiration shoot using a quartet of cacti piñatas that we made (which were totally inspired by the amazing cacti artwork Helen Dealtry did for Design*Sponge).

I'm sharing a little taste here, but hop over to Craftcourse Nashville for all the eye candy...including some of my best .gif handiwork to date!

Happy New Year

Happy new year! While there was a lot that sucked (to put it mildly) about this past year, this little crafting space of mine has made some great strides! I set some goals for myself at the beginning of 2013. I didn't keep 'em all (ahem - nighttime beauty regimen. ahem - conscience.), but I did see some real success in others. I can only hope that 2014 is as great for Fabric Paper Glue as 2013 was. As for my family, well, I'm definitely hoping for a little more peace and happiness. And I'm wishing the same for you and yours!

Champagne Cocktails Galore!

If you're still looking for a few unique champagne cocktails for your new year's eve celebration, you're in luck. I've got four (4!) great cocktails for Luri & Wilma. Check them out in the holiday issue or on the blog!

Merry Christmas from Nashville!

Christmas is upon us, and I'm just dropping in to wish a very merry week and share a few little peeks at our holiday decor. In the past, we've never done much in the way of decorating for lack of space in the condo and the fact that we were never actually at our place for Christmas. Now that we are living in a bigger space right nearby our families (and even hosting on Christmas day), we're all in. Read on for a few more pics.

Try This: Clever NYE Favors for OSBP

The clock is pretty much running down on any final Christmas DIYs, so I've shifted my attention to New Year's Eve! Hop over to Oh So Beautiful Paper for a clever little NYE favor idea - including a printable tag - that combines good luck (i.e. black-eyed peas on New Year's Day) with good health (i.e. a couple of Alka-Seltzer to deal with any after effects of all the champagne).

Try This: More Gift Wrap Ideas for Design*Sponge

I'm on Design*Sponge this week with two more great gift wrap ideas. First, create unique and easy gift toppers with wintery scenes from the Rijksmuseum's collection. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, make fabric gift pockets with scrap fabric and glittery thread. Um, true story: I haven't actually wrapped one real gift. I mean, I've got fake gifts galore wrapped for all these DIY wrapping ideas, but I've seriously got to get my act together!

Easy DIY Gift | Stained Wood Candle Holders

I'm back today with my last easy DIY gift idea before the big day. Today, I'm showing you how to turn a few wooden ball knobs into unique taper candle holders. I personally love having taper and votive holders of different heights to make a tablescape a little more eye-catching and interesting, so I think these would make a great handmade gift for any friend that likes to entertain. Read on for the full tutorial.

Try This: Glitter Candles for Luri & Wilma

Gosh, I love gold glitter....even if I do find it in every nook and cranny of my home for 3 full months after using it. If you love it too, be sure to check out my easy glittered dollar store candles for Luri & Wilma!

Try This | Happy 2014 Photo Cards + Free Printable

I'm not going to lie. 2013 has been the hardest year of my life. With all of the goodbyes I've had to say and the changes I've had to endure, I'm sort of ready to bid it adieu. So this year, I'm using our holiday cards to ring in a new year of peace and happiness! And let's be honest -- a new year card gives you a few extra weeks to get your act together to actually send out cards (and we could all use that, no?). These were a simple print-at-home job (read: super affordable!), and I'm sharing my template as a free printable. Read on for the full step-by-step.

Easy DIY Gift | Monogrammed Bottle Opener

In keeping with the gifts for him theme (but ignoring my own criticism of beer-themed gifts), I've got an easy monogrammed bottle opener project. It's obviously not an elaborate gift, but it's just enough to show that you care enough to add a personal touch. Pair it with a 6-pack of good beer or a nice set of beer glasses, and you're good to go! Read on for the step-by-step.

Try This: Snowy Tree Wine Stoppers for OSBP

Check out my latest project for Oh So Beautiful Paper -- an easy set of snowy tree wine stoppers. They're as cute as can be and, paired with a bottle of wine, the perfect hostess gift!

Gifts for Him

I hate shopping for men. Is it just me? How many tools or dress shirts or beer-themed things or golfing accessories does a man need (particularly if they don't play golf...like every man in my life)?! Thankfully, Michael gave me a very detailed list of options this year, and I've included all of them here, which means this is a certified guy-informed list. Plus some of my own picks (and yeah, there are beer-themed things here).

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Beer Chalices, PRO-JECT Turntable, DIY Neckties, Lagavulin Scotch 16 Year, DIY Camping Stool, Audio-Technica Headphones, Timex Watch, D&G Light Blue Cologne for Him, Growler Stand, Tweed Sport Jacket, iPad Case, DIY Leather Tie Clip, Pierre Ferrand Ambre 10 Year Old Cognac, Shaving Brush

Try This: Mini Wreath Gift Tags for Design*Sponge

Happy Friday! Stop by Design*Sponge again for another Christmas DIY. This time, I'm making the easiest-ever mini wreath gift tags. Seriously, like 60 seconds each...tops. And so cute, no?!

Try This: Mixed Metal Natural Gift Toppers for Design*Sponge

In my latest project for Design*Sponge, I'm spray painting some dried natural stems to create mixed metal gift toppers, and I am seriously in love with this one (am I allowed to say that?). I can't wait to create even more for all my gifts this holiday season! So, head over and check it out!

Gifts for the Entertainer

In addition to several new great gift projects (like yesterday's bookends), I'm also going to share some of my favorite finds (of both the purchasable and DIYable nature) for all the personalities in your life. First up: the entertainer -- those extroverts you know and love that are always playing host/hostess. Yup. I'm one of those people, so rounding up all these great finds was a pretty easy task. All items guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any cocktail-lovin', dinner party-throwin' friend.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Punch Bowl, Gold Ice Gems, DIY Agate Coasters, Baguette Board, Brass Candlesticks, DIY Marble Placecard Holders, Confetti Stemless Glassware, Elderflower Presse, DIY Table Runner, Gold-Rimmed Coupes, Beverage Tub

HUGE Etsy Shop Holiday Sale!

What better way to kick off Cyber Monday than to offer up a huge sale in my Etsy shop?! Now through the end of the year, use code MERRYMERRY2013 to get 40% off your entire purchase from my shop. That's right -- 40% off a whole bunch of great stocking stuffers for all your color-lovin' loved ones!

Try This: Leather Monogram Placeholders

I promised some last-minute projects for your Thanksgiving table, and I'm delivering. Yesterday, I shared some easy leather napkin rings and simple mini apple placecard holders. I'm back today with the easiest of them all -- leather monogram placeholders. Read on for the tutorial.