Warm welcomes, everyone! Our good friend, Paige, has been so kind to me as I begin my blogging adventures, and has generously allowed me to sit around the table with you today, and let's just say I couldn't be happier.
As you've heard here, Paige is moving and tackling the sometimes-daunting task of organizing, packing, unpacking, and styling her next abode. Adrienn has done such a lovely job guiding us in baby steps to a fresh, clutter-free, and efficient use of our space. And me, I'm thinking about what to give her?
I am always searching for the perfect gift and always wishing I had more time to think of something extra good. You, too?
So let me offer some of these little brainstorms I've had in thinking about great gifts for our friends moving near or far. I've moved nearly twenty times, and these are just a few of the goodies I'd like to take with me.
1. BE GLAD FOR THIS MOMENT TINY TEXT BOWL - I love being surrounded (and reminded) with powerful words, and I find this thought particularly poignant for our besties transitioning and handling so many tasks and emotions. It's a super cute 3" size, perfect for jewelry or love notes, and it's $22.
2. WRAP IT AND MAP IT - This one's from Martha herself. She's so good. When you've found just the right present, why not wrap it in a map from your home city? Or the new city with a little tag noting the distance from you to her/him? No distance too far for friendship.
3. CAN'T WAIT TO PLANT MY FEET AT YOUR DOOR - Great design is everywhere, even in rubber doormats. How about a super stylish new welcome mat for your friend to put right outside? Crate and Barrel offers this one for $16.95.
4. MOBILE LOVE - If you have a little more money to invest, this metallic IPad leather sleeve is really beautiful. Dewdrop Designs sells this one for $55, and I adore the translucent leaf image!
5. THIS IS WHEN I'LL SEE YOU NEXT - Circle the date of your next girl getaway on this awesome calendar set from Monkeymindesign. In true quirky Etsy Shop style, the artists say that it is "inspired by modern fabric prints and design, this calendar is full of patterns, geometric shapes and color. Displayed all together, it will really jazz up a space." It's also automatic, stunning wall art for your pal's new pad. A total steal at $12.
6. YOU'VE LEFT YOUR MARK ON ME - I know, I know snail mail is so rare these days, but don't you love fine stationery? I'm a sucker for embossed stamps like this one. Tiny Prints offers this one with a great modern edge. This one tops the list at $69.99.
For our dear Paige, I wanted to do something homemade, handmade. She's been so supportive (and patient with a newbie blogger), and she's totally embodied the feel and look of her blog. She's the real thing. So, for you, I've crafted my first official DIY (though I have made similar gifts for lots of great occasions).
I'm a big fan of totes, particularly natural canvas ones, because you can use them for everything, they stand the test of time, and they look great at the farmer's market, the library, and at the beach (some of my favorite spots).
Paige has put a lot of thought into her blog, and I want to give her a little blog branding love she can take anywhere.
You'll need a canvas tote, masking/blue tape, fabric paint, paintbrush, iron, and your design on iron-on paper*. Iron-ons are so fun, and you can transfer any image/text onto fabric with them. The style of paper I used required me to reverse the image before printing. Just follow the instructions on whatever style paper you use (some need mirror image, some do not).
I added a chevron to the bottom with masking tape (remember that the paint will go in the space not covered with tape). I learned the hard way that I need to cut clean edges for each piece to keep the paint lines crisp.
Iron on your design, using your hottest, no-steam setting. It felt so good to see the paper peeling away to reveal JOY underneath.
I added some of Paige's cute asterisks around for a bit of whimsy. Using the foam brush, I painted on the lime green being careful along the tape edges. Oh, the satisfaction of removing the masking tape and seeing the grand reveal of a crisp, clean line.
And, that's it. She's got the design and branding on the front and the back and a whole lot of room for all the blogging accessories a great writer needs.
I can't wait to give it to her. Don't tell her what it is, okay? I hope you'll give this one a try, too. I promise, you can do it. Thanks for the read - it was lovely to be with you. I'm over here if you need anything! Fairy godsister, MJ
didn't MJ pick some great stuff!!! & that bag?!?! I'm super pumped about it!!!! On a totally different note: Ms. Chandace is the winner of the giveaway announced Monday! When asked to describe herself Chandace says "I am a wife, mother and nurse. Being a dreamer makes me wonderful at being those things. If I won the lottery I'd pay someone to remember to pay my bills and hang up my clothes!" {disclosure: Chandace and I are friends in "real life" but I didn't think there was any reason to exclude her from Adrienn's sweet offer.} Congratulations dear!!
