Christmas cheer

I finally brought out the Christmas ornaments, made some fun green and red paper chains, and bought a poinsettia to place by the door.  It's nice to have our home look a bit more festive.

I'm also enjoying all the cards and holiday photos all my friends are sending me!  Thanks, guys!

I know our "tree" looks a little sad but I really hate the mess a tree brings into the house (falling needles, dying branches . . . yes, bah humbug).

I've also started shopping for gifts.  I've decided to make all my gifts this year so I'll be baking away (don't worry--I won't be giving away any bread turds), painting cards, and finding creative ways to wrap everything.

Speaking of creative and thoughtful ways to wrap gifts, have you checked out Charissa's awesome blog on the art of gift wrapping?  Check it out at the Gifted Blog. 

Image courtesy of Gifted Blog

I especially love her tutorials.  This one on making your own gift bag looks handy.  I love me a homemade gift bag.

Now to keep the Christmas cheer coming, I must drink some hot apple cider, watch my favorite Christmas movies (Little Women, Elf, and the movie with little Ralphie), and enjoy the spiritual significance of this season of waiting, giving thanks, and celebrating.

The Photography of Stephanie Yu

Another artist I had the privilege of meeting at the DR 96 Gallery show was the fabulous Stephanie Yu.  Stephanie is a talented photographer and frugal fashionista.  All images courtesy of Stephanie.   Thanks for letting me share your work, Stephanie!

 

Installations "Just Hair" and "caucASIAN Eyes" exploring Asian American identity

Collaboration: Monsters and MISfitted

I had the pleasure of meeting the Monsters and MISfitted through the art show I participated in recently.  The Monsters collaborated with MISfitted to create some sweet bows.  I like that the Monsters are versatile . . . one day you may see them on bows, the next day you may see them on buildings in your city.  They're a bit elusive so they don't keep a website but check out MISfitted's Etsy store for fun and quirky handmade gifts this holiday season.  You can also catch her at Unique LA this weekend.   
      

The Monsters wait . . .

Monster mail!

Mini Monster canvas added to my mini gallery.

Monster bows . . . perhaps they will go to some cool little girls named A and C when the girls get older.  They'll be the coolest kids around.

Bottle cap bows: unique, quirky, with that handmade touch!