Paper, Paper Everywhere!

I have a serious addiction that I've mentioned before. Paper. Anything paper.  So much so that this weekend I opened a drawer to grab a thank you card and found my drawers overflowing.  For some women it's shoes or bags, for me it's paper.  Cocktail napkins, tissue paper, gift bags, gift tags, wrapping paper, place cards, the list goes on and on.  I find myself always checking out the "sale" shelves at Tarjay, Hallmark, the Paperie, Papyrus, etc. and always snatching anything that is cute and a good deal, needed or not.  My thought process when buying paper: it doesn't expire, doesn't go bad, and rarely goes out of style!  The hubs just shakes his head.  I think my addiction started as a child when my mother would pay me to wrap beautiful presents.  A few Christmas seasons I even had my own little "business", wrapping presents for neighbors. So I guess my hubby can thank my mama.

For me, it's all about the presentation.  It's as important as what's inside the box.  I love making people feel special and to see them smile at the sight of a beautifully wrapped gift.

Here are some of my favorite stores and boutiques for all things paper.

The Stationery Studio
- love it because there's always a sale going on

Namemaker's

- love them for their personalized gift wrap and ribbon

Gifts In 24

My go to for these adorable notecards and personalized napkins

These in blush pink are a staple.  Timeless, classic and super affordable ($35).  Awesome gifts!

Great for showers & hostess gifts!

Papyrus

One of my favorite places to buy cards.  Cards are always buy 3 get 1 free.  {Target stores also carry a small selection of their cards.}

The Container Store

This place is heaven for lots of reasons, not just gift wrap.  My go to for holiday wrapping.

And if you live in a shoebox, like I do, this store will be your best friend for maximizing space, hello Elfa!

Hallmark

LOVE their gift wrap!  They have some really cute burlap, pink and green pieces right now in addition to super cute baby gift wrap.

I stocked up on the red & green houndstooth a couple of Christmases ago and use it year round.

And since I live in a shoe box, I'll dream about beautiful spaces to house my paper addiction until the day comes when I have space.

What are your favorite places to shop for stationery?!?!

Hope your Wednesday is fabulous!

cBv

My Advent Calendar!

I'm joining in Kimba's DIY Day over at A Soft Place To Land. Ever since I stumbled upon Buzzing of a Queen Bee's advent calendar last year I was determined to make my own. It was so stinking cute and looked pretty easy. "Technically" I had an entire year to make it but it didn't happen until this weekend. Nevertheless I don't think my hubby minds since he gets 6 days in 1 in order to catch up. Saturday morning we woke up to snow(!) so it was the perfect day for a festive craft. Here's what I needed to make this super cute calendar.

-24 paper mache boxes (in various shapes and sizes)
-holiday scrapbook paper

-1 picture frame (12x14 for me)

-Mod Podge

-24 goodies to stash inside

-hot glue gun

-exacto knife

-sponge brush

-scissors

-tape
I started by spray painting a "natural" wood frame with Rustoleum's Colonial Red.

Next I took the cardboard insert and covered it with scrapbook paper to make the base for the calendar. Then I cut out the scrapbook paper for the lids of the paper mache boxes. My "type A" self was telling me to cover the sides of the boxes w. paper too but my lazy bone took over. Cut the paper to fit the tops using an exacto knife (scissors and tracing will work too). Once you have all of the paper cut figure out the layout for your boxes.

Since I was only able to find one star box I decided to make that Christmas day. After you figure out the layout start applying the Mod Podge to the lids and paper. Tip - a little goes a long way. I got a little MP happy so I applied MP to the lids as well as to the back of the paper. Then once I placed the paper on the lid I applied a thin coat over the paper for a glossy finish. Set them out to dry.

In case you have preferences as to where each paper should go lay them in order to dry. Next, using my glue gun I glued all of the bases to the background.

I let the lids dry for about 30 minutes then I put them on. And no art project would be complete without ribbon. I finished off the calendar by making a ribbon hanger complete w. a box. Fill with your favorite treats and you're all set! (If only Starbucks gift cards would fit inside!)

cBv