Candy Stripes

I'm not a big fan of Christmas colours in general. My usual theme is either gold or silver with an accent such as teal or lilac. This year, however, it have embraced what Americans call 'candy stripes' - red & white stripes.

During my recent holiday I found some red & white striped wax paper which set me off on this path. I recently also found a large roll of paper in IKEA which has allowed me to to do lots of wrapping in this theme!

Below are a range of presents with different accents or accessories.

MINI REINDEER PEGS (Paperchase)

FELT TREE TABLE SCATTERS (Paper Source)

POM POM WREATH TAG (Pom poms & pegs - Hobbycraft)

WASHI TAPE & BOW

FELT TREE DECORATION (Paperchase)

FELT TREE DECORATION (Tiger)

FELT BIRD CUT-OUT (Tiger)

MINI JINGLE BELLS (Paperchase)

Christmas Wreath Gift Tag

I'm a little in love with pom poms this festive season. I have a selection in my craft store for a few months but haven't really found a good use for them. Today I changed that.

At the beginning of Christmas I saw a pom pom wreath for Christmas trees and thought this would make a great gift tag idea. (See previous post for pom pom wreath from John Lewis)

I started by making a rough circle out of cardboard with a cut out centre which I then covered in washi tape.

WASHI TAPE COVERED CARDBOARD RING

I then attached a ribbon loop for the hanger and covered the front of the ring in pva glue. I then placed as many mini pom poms over the glue to cover the surface. I decided to be very relaxed with colours and pattern but you could use only one colour pom pom or have your colours in a certain design.

POM POMS AND RIBBON

Once the glue dried, I affixed a card to cover the centre space as my message area. I suggest you write your message prior to affixing!

WITH MESSAGE

I really like the feel of the gift tag and you could have so much fun with colours and design. I have some larger felt pom poms in my store which may be good as accents on other tags.

Pom poms are widely available from craft stores but can be expensive. Stock up on special offers or even make your own!

Christmas Inspirations

Before I start some festive wrapping posts, I thought I'd post some images of items you can currently find in shops that are inspiring me in 2013.

POM POM BAUBLES

WOODEN TREE DECORATIONS

BIRD BAUBLE

ADVENT BUCKETS

All above items are available from John Lewis. 

TABLE SCATTERS

CERAMIC GIFT TAGS

SEASONAL INK STAMPS

The last few images are for items available at Paperchase