T'was the night before the night before, the house is filled with guests. A very special time of year, I love the carols, the lights, being warm and cozy by the fire. Sharing with friends and family, it is all about the feelings.

A brand new life opened up before me this past year, I am forever grateful. It has been so busy with all of the renovations but it is wonderful to see it coming together. A new home, a new venture, a special new love, how amazing life is! May your holidays be special filled with love and joy!

This time of year the music, the carols are so beautiful! For the library tree I wanted to include some antique music ornaments. Using Taupe Rit Dye I immersed sheets of Christmas music bought on sale at a local music store into a shallow dye bath. Removing them quickly, I popped the sheets in the microwave for a few seconds.

Each sheet was cut in half and rolled into a cylinder, glued. The edges were spread with glue and sprinkled with tinsel glitter for a continued antique feel. A ribbon hanger, a piece of music ribbon was tied around and a jingle bell added.

The results a pretty ornament, quick and easy to make. I am adding them to my gift packages tied from the bows.

Happy Holiday trimming!

It is the first Monday of the month and the Designer Craft Connection is hopping with great gift ideas!

Gift giving also means gift wrapping. Recently I had a group of friends over to gift wrap presents. I like to co-ordinate wrapping with the Christmas decor of a home. Adding some fresh pine gives it a fresh look and of course the smell is wonderful!

A shadow box I found on sale was glammed up with some gold Rub n' Buff and I added a sparkly Christmas Card to the center of the box for an elegant holiday greeting. After the holidays the box can then be filled with whatever the recipient would like.

Place settings can be put together very inexpensively and given as gift to be used for New Years. I purchased dishes on sale, place setting of four for less than $20, the chargers were only $3 for the set of four, twelve foil doilies $1, six placemats $6 and the crackers were $1 each. For about $35 I put together four festive place settings. A black gift box tied with gold ribbon will be the wrap for this stylish gift!

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