a little bit D.C., a little bit design, a little bit me
I am always am looking for cute gift wrapping ornaments, and if it is something I can create quickly and inexpensively, all the better. These pom poms can be made up so easily, and they really make a package stand out. All you need is two toilet paper rolls, yarn, scissors, and a wire hair [...]
When I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, aluminum Christmas trees were not all the rage. Not anymore. With their futuristic look, they were widely popular during the 1950s and 1960s, until they weren't. According to the Internet, a 1965 punch issued by a little television special called A Charlie Brown Christmas knocked [...]
I decided to throw traditional red aside for this year's holiday wreath, and went with blue instead. Turquoise is my favorite color for decorating in general, and I use it throughout my house. Using it on my door is one way of bringing the inside out this year, and this way it stands out a [...]
This gift wrapping idea has to be the easiest showstopper ever. The paper poinsettia can be created in five minutes with just folding and a stapler. Tape it to the top of your gift for a stunning effect, or use for holiday decorating. Materials: 2 Sheets Red Paper Yellow Scrap Paper 1 Sheet Green Paper [...]
Like most of you, I like to do a little something extra for all of the wonderful people in my life during the holiday season. This year I was running short on time, so I bought some boxes of Godiva chocolate. I then added a personal touch with my custom tags. It is so simple, [...]
I love retro holiday decorations. A couple of years ago, I fell in love with Shiny Brite glass balls, which were hugely popular in mid-century America. (I plan to post more about them when I share photos of my tree in a few days.) For this year's wrapping, I decided to design a gift tag [...]
Most of Washington D.C. doesn't feel much like a city to me. My town is long avenues and parks and statues and domes. It lacks grit. But Adams Morgan is a bit different. It is not quite the same as it was when we were young and heading to Madam's Organ. Expensive condos have taken [...]
Thanksgiving is in the books, and I am looking toward Christmas. I am planning to decorate my house this weekend, before things get too hectic. Last year I bought a silver tree and decorated it with glass Shiny Brite ornaments. I just loved the retro look it brought to my 1940s house and cannot wait [...]
In 1948, Charles and Ray Eames entered the design for the molded plastic rocker in MoMA's competition for low cost furniture design. A classic was born. This free printable poster honors that design with a black and white silhouette. If you need a printing recommendation, the companies I use the most are: Adorama: The luster [...]
One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is wrap gifts. They are little ephemeral works of art, made all the sweeter because they do not last. This idea requires no expensive materials or complicated bow making. All you need is a few things already in your supplies, kraft paper, baker's twine, and [...]