DIY // Eraser Stamped Gift Tags

I had to do a double take when I looked at today's date.  Not only did December sneak up on me, it's flying by.  Yesterday my family and I got our tree.  The cats are having a blast with it, as always.  It's hard to believe the holiday is right around the corner and I haven't wrapped a single gift.

I did find time to make some gift tags over the weekend.  The idea came from Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts, which I checked out from the library.  It's a wonderful and inspriing book.  Projects and tutoriols are so accessible on the internet now that I don't look at craft books much, but it was very refreshing to flip through page after page of beautiful craft work.

Anyway, there was stamping project using the erasers on the ends of No. 2. pencils to create little flower patterns.  I went simpler and took the polka dot route, decorating a few shipping tags.  After that I made a few of my own tags from card stock.  A brand new pencil eraser will give you a perfectly round stamped circle, but for some fun I did a bit of stamping with worn erases, too.  The end of a glue stick provided a nice circle stamp as well, and I enjoyed making patterns with it.

Hopefully I can get some presents wrapped this week and put these tags to use.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Vintage Goodies from Little Maison and Antiquaria

I was very excited to learn that I was winner of the Antiquaria giveaway hosted by Little Maison.  Insert “I never win anything” speech here.  The set of four vintage napkins arrived in the mail last week and were more lovely than expected.  The colors are so bright and perfect for Fall.  I’m already trying to think of an excuse to plan a little dinner around them.  Also, they were accompanied by the most adorable card from Peter Pauper Press.  I’m a stationery junkie so of course that went right up on my wall.

Thanks a bunch!

 

Head Back to School

Each Monday I will be bringing you my favorite finds from around the web.  This week’s picks are all about heading back to school.  Whether going to middle school, college, or getting ready to tackle that Masters, these unique supplies will be great for you or someone you know. 

Omoi, a Philadelphia, PA based zakka shop, is now offering these stylish eco-friendly Decomposition Books.  With college and gird ruled pages made completely from post-consumer waste and soy based ink, these notebooks are sure to keep you green in the coming semester.  

While back to school shopping with my sisters last weekend I saw lots of great canvas backpacks everywhere, but most of them had leather trim or accents.  That’s why I love this Neon Trim Denim Backpack from TOPSHOP made from cotton and polyester.  It’s a wonderful alternative for vegans and others who like to keep leather-free.

No matter what you’re studying, pencil bags are a must.  Even if you don’t carry around writing tools, this pouch from Skinny laMinx also makes a great cosmetic bag.  The Cloudbirds pattern pops in all three colors, and also provides a nice graphic escape from the ever-present chevron pattern.

You can’t go wrong with anything from Cavallini & Co. and these scenic white erasers are no exception.  It’s like having a little postcard in your pencil bag to correct all your mistakes!

Ready. Set. Go.

Hello:

My name is Lauren and I am an artist and writer, currently taking a pause from pursuing my BFA (art school is expensive!)  I love cats, art history, and working on my stamp and postcard collections.  Not being immersed in the art community has been difficult, but I’ve been trying to make an effort to keep creating while I job hunt.  One good thing is that I finally have time to focus on some of my other passions like making stationery and hand bound books.  I look forward to sharing all the beautiful things I use, create, and am inspired by with you all.

Best,

Lauren