Capes and Crowns

This is the first Christmas of my life that I have had nieces and nephews. This is also the first year that I have had a sewing machine, a talented sister in law and a modicum of crafty ability.

Thus, said sister-in-law and I made capes and crowns for the nieces and nephews, thereby securing our places as favorites for all time.

For the crowns we cut out a stiff fabric facing, ironed it onto grey felt, hot glued little sparkly gems all over and then glued in some wide elastic across the back. Voila!

For the capes we took two left over rectangles of red fabric, cut them to cape shape, sewed up the seems, added some elastic around the neck and painted lighting bolts in gold fabric paint.

Aunt of the YEAR!

The United States of Cheese

This fancy little etsy shop sells cutting boards in the shape of states.

Awesome, right?

*Lesson learned: If you cut something in the shape of a state, people will buy it.

Look closely at the boards for my favorite detail... You can have your little heart of start custom placed to represent the town you call your own.

{via Cup of Jo via I *Heart* You via Happiness Is...}

Surprise Ball

I love this idea. It's called a Surprise Ball.

It is a series of little vintage trinkets wrapped up in yards and yards of crepe paper and confetti, so you keep getting new surprises as it is unwrapped.

I would probably use something different than vintage trinkets, but I would love to give a gift wrapped up like this!

Pocket Ninja

This is a pocket ninja, which you can purchase here. (And I want one.)

Because its an American Tradition and all...

If my birthday were about a month from now (it is) and if anyone were thinking of getting anything for me (hugs are encouraged) and needed a few ideas, then they might consider the following:

1) Domino Design Book

2) Pear Bookends

3) Mr & Mrs Pillows

4) Manhattan Typography Map

5) Eat, Memory

6)  Steven Madden Lorane's, in blue, size 8

Art, books, shoes and pillows. What more could a girl want?