tape that makes us happy: japanese masking tape
From the country that brought us Harajuku style, anime, and Maru comes this super kawaii (cute) innovation: Japanese Happytape, now available in the United States and making its brightly colored presence known around the blogosphere. Made from washi paper, Happytape has a million uses besides making me smile. Seriously — there’s an entire blog full of projects for inspiration. The tapes are perfect for low-impact crafts such as gift wrapping, card making, scrapbooking, and just making anything a little less mundane. — Katie D.
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and more moustaches
Moustaches as a design trend — tired of them? Still like them? They show no signs of going away. If you’d like some help embroidering your own, Sublime Stitching diva Jenny Hart has provided a free downloadable pattern so you can add a moustache to your own crafty designs. Another one that was new to me was Chocolate Moustache on a Stick, $15, by Neopolitan Printing & Co., yet another find at Crafty Wonderland. So if you’re ambivalent about the trend, you can enjoy it for a few minutes, and then it’s all gone. What will the next big trend in crafty facial hair be?
Beards, of course. (You can buy the extra-fancy glitter beard shown from I Made You a Beard, $40.) — Mary T.
new pen purchases, old-fashioned resolutions
Give me much more to write than a grocery list, and my hand cramps up — one of the side effects of using the computer for virtually all correspondence, I guess. This new year, I have one resolution set in my mind: writing more letters and cards by hand. The aptly named “New Ambition†pen in yellow would be a good starting point, although the thought of going totally old school is not without its charm. — Sarah L.
final touches: we have tag envy
Most years, gift tags are an afterthought for me. But this year, I have tag envy something fierce. The mini silhouette tags got me started, and now I’m loving these Lil’ Bloomer gift tags/ornaments, $9 for 12. Each tag comes with wildflower seeds inside — just plant them after the holidays and watch your gifts keep giving well into spring! — Sarah C.
We’re also loving the Moose Gift Tags, $6 for three, from Linda & Harriett around here — and not just because I live in the Northwest. Each tag is laser cut from chipboard and would be a great touch for a gift like a bottle of wine. It’s too late to order them for Christmas, but they’d add some fun to a New Year’s Eve hostess gift. — Mary T.
wish and gift list: paola t
Wishing for:
Mini Gasket Seat, $133.11
Dear Santa: I have been coveting one of these slot-together seat-cum-table thingies from Zaishu for the longest time but have balked at the shipping charges from Australia. But you could just sling one on the back of your sleigh, couldn’t you?
Painting by Amy Ruppel, $100
If you’re looking to get me something smaller and more easily transportable, then I wouldn’t say no to this little 5 1/2†x 5 1/2“ guy by Portland-based artist Amy Ruppel. In fact, I have to admit that I liked it so much I couldn’t wait for you to buy it, but there are still a few others left in her latest online art sale.
Wood Button Coasters, $44
Something cheaper you say? I’ve been good, but not THAT good?
Well, I adore these wooden button coasters from Eden and Eden.
Billie Candle Holders by Jean Pelle, $80/pair
Or maybe these polished and ebonized wooden candle holders from Jean Pelle.
And you know that chocolate is ALWAYS acceptable, don’t you? A teensy weensy 10-bar stack of truffle bars from Seattle Chocolates would do just fine. Believe me.
City in a Bag — London, $14
And for that little something something, I’m thrilled that Muji has finally opened an online store in the US and would love this little wooden London set to sit on my desk and remind me of home. (If you’re not a Londoner like me, they also do other cities including New York, Paris, and Tokyo).
Shopping for:
Lundy Stockholm Dollhouse, $200
I just also wanted to say how delighted I am that you will be bringing my small daughter a Lundby Stockholm Dollhouse. It has lights! And a swimming pool in a drawer! And sun loungers! I am beyond excited and might even let her play with it sometimes.
Illy Almodóvar Collection Espresso, set of six, $150
I am also very happy that you’ve bought my coffee-loving husband the latest collectible set of Illy espresso cups, designed by Pedro Almodóvar. Actually, I’m a bit worried about this one, though really, how can he object since they’re covered with pictures of Penelope Cruz? If they’re really too girly for him, you know I’ll give them a very loving home.
But maybe you ought to get him an Eames House of Cards, $35, just in case.
Chocolate Pie Chart, $20
And why not throw in a Chocolate Pie Chart from Mary and Matt while you’re at it? Lots of love and a big hug to Rudolph. — Paola T.
Sarah C’s list
Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list
