UPCYCLING: K-Cup Holiday Gnomes

For my birthday this past summer I got a Keurig Coffee Machine and I have to say, it’s my new bestie. I love how easy it is to make a cup of coffee whenever I want one without wasting a whole pot of coffee. How spoiled are we that we can press a button and voila – a fresh cup of coffee. There is a little bit of guilt with each cup when I throw away that little plastic K-Cup. Uggh. I was determined to come up with an idea to recycle some of the K-Cups. The light bulb went off one day because I’ve also been wanting to make some gnomes for the holiday season.

INKLING: Birch Gift Tags–Free Printable

It’s game time friends. And since the holiday shopping frenzy is about to start I made these pretty birch gift tags and I wanted to share them with you so we can all get a head start on our holiday prep. The free printable is at the bottom of this post.

CELEBRATIONS: Cork & Feather Place Cards

The entertaining season is upon us friends! Time to spruce up the house and get ahead of the curve.

EXTRA CREDIT: Holiday Lists and Tiny Prints

 This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

It’s that time of year when things get a little stressy and frazzly. Before the real craziness begins, do yourself a favor and knock a few things off your holiday list.

CELEBRATIONS: Vintage Wagon & Logs Holiday Place Card

I just love this little metal vintage wagon. I’ve had it for nearly 30 years! The little wheels actually turn and it’s so well made.

EXTRA CREDIT: Tree Classic Garland Giveaway

Today I have a wonderful giveaway opportunity for you. This year is the 40th Anniversary of Tree Classics – the maker of faux Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and more. I’m so excited for one of you to win a Classic Noble Fir Garland.

UPCYCLING: Old Sweater to Gold Napkin Rings

When you’re cleaning out your closets after you make your New Year’s resolution to get organized – don’t forget to save your old sweaters for crafting throughout the year.

GOOD TASTE: Marshmallow & Peppermint Stir Sticks

There’s nothing like a cup of hot chocolate on these chilly nights and during the holidays it’s fun to add a pizzazz to your cocoa.

CELEBRATIONS: Dollar Store Coffee Mug Sock Cozy

We’re officially in the holiday season. O.M.G.!! I have a million things still to do. If you’re like me and need some quick and easy gift ideas, this dollar store coffee mug sock cozy couldn’t be any easier or easier on the wallet.

HOMEWORK (Reading): Artful Christmas 30 Elegant Craft Projects

Today’s reading aka book review is just in time for the holidays. Artful Christmas by Susan Wasinger has over 30 elegant craft projects that will make your house beautiful for Christmas without breaking the bank.

ETCETERAS: a winter centerpiece

I failed so miserably with Christmas décor this year that I had to do some post-holiday winterizing. Between my new day job and being away almost every weekend at my son’s volleyball tournaments we just didn’t have time to haul out the Christmas décor. Add to that the fact that it’s been almost 80 degrees here in Southern California and I almost feel like it wasn’t the holiday season.

CELEBRATIONS: holiday wreath from a fall wreath

Don’t you love a bargain? I always check out the clearance section after a holiday.

CELEBRATIONS: Animal Snow Globe

There have been a couple of trends that I love in the crafty world – snow globes made from jars and painted plastic animals. I decided to combine the two into a holiday stacked animal snow globe.

ETCETERAS: Christmas Shadow Box

Shadow boxes are fun and the sky is the limit when deciding what to fill the little cubbies with. I think this little box will be constantly changing but for now I’m enjoying a few silver and white Christmas trinkets.

CELEBRATIONS: Easy Glitter Tape Place Cards

Nothing dresses up a table like pretty place cards. It makes everyone feel special to have their name marking their reserved spot at the table. These glitter tape place cards are super quick and easy to make and will add a touch of glitter and elegance to my holiday table.

CELEBRATIONS: Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging

It’s beginning to look… a little more like Christmas around here.

CELEBRATIONS: Brown Paper Packages Advent

Phew… I barely finished this year’s Advent Countdown in time. We’re on day 2 so I probably should have had this all done a week ago. But a week ago I was thinking about turkey and stuffing. With not much time, I went with a simple concept this year inspired by the classic lyrics “brown paper packages tied up with string…”

CELEBRATIONS: Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media. Co-hosted by: Shannon's View from Here, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Joans 5 Star Reviews, Sweetphi, Mommy Kat and Kids and Naturally Frugalicious.

I’m so excited for this giveaway. I joined a large group so that I could offer you a giveaway with a fantastic prize. Wouldn't this shiny red Kitchen Aid Mixer make your holidays jolly!

Show & Tell: handmade market - link party

Welcome to homework's first annual Handmade Market link party. Throughout the year, the majority of link parties welcome crafts, diy, recipes, decor and other creative projects but often ask that you refrain from linking your shops. Now it's your turn to market your handmade or Etsy shop with the chance to be featured in a Holiday Gift Guide that I will put together from selected link ups.

Upcycling: holiday packaging pencil cans

I did some of my holiday shopping online and got a bonus in one of the boxes. This cool brown packing paper was wrapped around some mugs from Crate & Barrel.