11th Day of Christmas // Gift Wrapping

I always end up spending so much money on wrapping paper. It certainly adds up pretty quick! I hate buying the really cheap stuff as it never stays together when you tape it and it always rips when you try and move your presents (mine always end up going on a car ride somewhere!)

This year I’m going heavy duty – I’m using brown paper! It’s nice and strong and is made of recycled material so that makes me feel a bit better. I’m jazzing it up with paper doilies and string with white and gold gift tags.

Follow the tutorial below to see how I wrapped my presents. It’s super easy and pretty!

You will need;

Brown paper (mine is from The warehouse or try a postage shop or stationary shop)

White Paper Doilies, various sizes

Gold Paper Doilies

White Card

Gift Card Pattern – available in a PDF here

PVA Glue or similar

String

Hole Punch

1. Wrap your chosen present in brown paper.  

2. Place a bit of glue on the back of a doily and stick to the top side of the present.   

3. Cut enough string to wrap around the present a couple of times.

4.  Wrap string around and tie in a knot.

1. Trace around the size of gift tag you want for your present and cut it out.  

2. Position the cut out tag under a gold doily and trim around the tag. Glue the doily to the tag.

3. Hole punch the pointed end of the tag, then write the name of the gifts recipient on the tag

4. Thread the tag onto the string on your present and tie the string in a bow.

                                     

You could use coloured doilies if you can find them, or use white doilies and coloured card for your tags.

You could also tie on some mini candy canes or chocolates to add an extra little treat to your presents! 

Like all of my '12 Days of Christmas' DIY tutorials, there is a PDF version of this blog post here. Simpy click on the link, print out the tutorial and get to work. Easy as that. Feedback appreciated!

Make sure to check out the rest of my “12 Days of Christmas” posts for more awesome decorating ideas, recipes, and gift ideas!

4th Day of Christmas // Tissue Paper Pom Poms

I have seen quite a few pictures of these awesome tissue paper pom poms floating around the internet of late. I think they would make some pretty cute Christmas decorations too! You could make big ones to dot over a feature wall or little ones to hang on your Christmas tree or make them into garlands to hang over doorways. After searching around for a tutorial I figured out how they were made and whipped up my own pom poms in no time!

Here is a great little tutorial I found on Martha Stewart Weddings. Below you can see my own little photo tutorial to make these cool decorations!

 You will need;

Tissue paper – 9 layers cut to the width you want your pom pom

Florists wire – 24 gage (Try somewhere like Spotlight or a Cake Decorators Shop)

Pliers

Scissors

 1. Lay tissue paper on top of each other. Mine came in a pack of 3 sheets, so I cut them into 1/4’s and laid 3 of them on top of each other.

2. Fold tissue paper into a fan.

3. Fold a piece of florists wire over the centre and twist the ends to secure it.

4. Cut of both ends of rectangle – either into a point or a curve depending on the effect you want. 

5. Begin releasing each layer of tissue paper and pull up towards the centre.

6. Lift top 5 layers, then turn over and repeat with bottom 4.

7. Do all of one side of the pom pom, then switch and do the other side.

8. Your finished pom pom!!

See, I told you they were easy! Of course they would make great decorations for a Wedding, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower or Birthday too. Something to keep in mind!

Like all of my '12 Days of Christmas' DIY tutorials, there is a PDF version of this blog post here. Simpy click on the link, print out the tutorial and get to work. Easy as that. Feedback appreciated!

Make sure to check out the rest of my “12Days of Christmas” posts for more awesome decorating ideas, recipes, and gift ideas!

DIY // Gold Glitter Boots

Something I've wanted to do for aaaaages was glitter-fy some shoes!! I saw a post on Pixie in Pumps quite a while ago and that is what I've based my DIY on. So it's not my idea originally! All the photos in this post were taken by me though.

First you will need to gather your supplies. I found a cheap pair of boots at No. 1 Shoe Warehouse - I figured if things went pear shaped it wouldn't be a great loss!! The Mod Podge and the glitter I got from Spotlight. I think I've seen Mod Podge at the The Warehouse as well. I got the sandpaper from Mitre 10 Mega and the sponge brush thingy is from The Warehouse. You will also need a container to mix the glitter in and a stirring device.

Make sure to cover the area you are working in with newspaper! Especially if you are inside. 

1. Pour your Mod Podge into a container. (I used half a bottle)

2. Add your chosen glitter (I used about 3/4 gold glitter)

3. I added 1/4 bottle silver glitter too.

4. Stir to combine with a popsicle stick. Aim to have the mixture mostly glitter. 

5. Lightly sand over the surface of the shoes so the glitter concoction will stick.

6. Begin applying the glitter mix with your sponge brush. I found it best to swipe and splodge it on.

7. Leave to dry and repeat with another layer until all the gaps are filled (I did 2 layers!)

8. All finished!! I would recommend 1 - 2 layers of plain Mod Podge over top to seal the glitter.

A special tip; I found it was easier to use a pair of shoes close in colour to the glitter I was using. I have some silver mary-janes I want to DIY next!

 White Cardigan - Random Invercargill Shop, Ornage Dress - Thrifted from Trademe,  

Gold Flower Hair Clip - Christmas isle at Spotlight, Gold Glitter Boots - Made by Me!!

Wouldn't these be perfect to wear on a Girls Night Out??

So there you have it! A fun project to do up some old/cheap shoes. I can't wait to dance around in these! Are you gonna have a go at this DIY? Make sure to leave me a link to your photos in the comments! If you want to reference this post or use my photos please let me know  - thanks friends!!

 

Outfit Post // Golden Roses

Golden Roses Dress - Trademe, Vintage Brown Leather Belt - Shop on Taieri, White Lace Tights - Glassons, Cream Boots - No. 1 Shoe Warehouse, Red Lipstick - Australis

 I bid pretty fiercely for this dress on Trademe! I knew it would be perfect to get me through the Summer and well into next Autumn and Winter. Luckily I got a bargain and only paid $10!! I love when that happens. 

You'll also note I seem to be wearing different boots for a change - I saw these at the beginning of Winter but wasn't keen to shell out $50 for them, so I was pleased to find them marked down to $27.95 today! I love how they kind of look like vintage ice skates - I can't wait to pair them with a bunch of 50's style dresses!!

I'll be having a busy weekend, as its time to shift all the furniture into the new house. Although the settlement date isn't until the 14th, the house is currently vacant and the owners are happy to let us move in our furniture while we wait for the finance to come through. Exciting times!! By the way notice my gorgeous wee puppy Hershey who wanted her photo taken too?? She loves the sunshine!

What are you up to this weekend? Anything exciting planned? I'll put up some photos of the new house soon!!

Thrifty Friday // Scarves and Belts

Brown Leopard Print - Shop on Carrol, Blue - Salavtion Army Tay St,  

Olive Green - Salvation Army Tay St, Red - Salvation Army Tay St,  

Purple Italian Buildings - Shop on Taieri

 Brown leather w. Silver - Shop on Taieri, Navy Blue Skinny - Opshop St Andrew St,  

White Belt - Savemart, Dunedin, Navy and Gold Clasp Belt - Salvation Army Mosgiel,  

Dove Grey Belt - Salvation Army Tay St, Red Skinny - Opshop St Andrew St,  

Brown Leather Girl Guides - Shop on Taieri

Here's a little sneak peak at 2 of my collections that seem to be growing a lot lately - scarves and belts!!

I actually picked up 3 of the scarves the other day from the Salvation Army Store on Tay St, I seem to be finding a lot of bargains there! l Iove how they all have so many different colours in them so they'll go with lots of different outfits!

I usually wear my scarves around my neck, but I think I might try some in my hair for a change. I'll see how it goes! 

I'm so happy its Friday, the sun is shining and its nice and warm for a change. Think I'll make the most of it on my lunch break!!

What awesome things have you bought lately??

 

Thrifty Friday // Cream and Gold Lace Dress

 Cream and Gold Lace Dress - $9.50 Trademe

I'll happily admit, this is my favourite dress of all time. (So far!) It looked pretty when I bid on it on trademe and I was so excited about it's arrival in the post!

It far excceded my expectations, it is absolutley gorgeous. It only has a lining on the top half, which would be an easy fix with a white slip underneath. It has bell sleeves and fits nicely.

Seriously, I would wear this dress on my wedding day!! with long, loose hair and some kind of boots on my feet - perfect!

What do you think? Do you have a favourite dress? What does it look like?

Dreamy Interiors // Dressing Room

One thing I would love in my dream house would be a dressing room especially or me! Now ideally  would love a walk in wardrobe type-thing, but of course thats a bit hard to find in our price range!

So if everything goes to plan I would love a little room where I can have my dresser, a mirror, a clothes rack for my favourite pieces to hang on, a little sewing table with my sewing machine and a few sparkley bits and bobs. I would also include a comfy chair to relax on and a couple of cushions and a throw blanket!

I figured this would go down well with the bf as it would keep the master bedroom so much tidier! Win-win?

What do you think? Do you have a walk-in wardrobe or dressing room?  

 

Wishing Well // Sparkley Blazer

 

  I have been searching for a while for a sparkley blazer. Of course I'm un-willing to spend a lot of money on one so I've been waiting to find a vintage one on trademe. I got lucky the other day and as we speak a pretty gold one is winging it's way to me!

I hope it fits and is all I imagine it to be...ah the joys of buying things on line!!

Do you like sparkley things? What are you looking out for this season? Are you heading towards Spring or Autumn? 

 

Dreamy Interiors // Dream Office

 I went to see a house in the weekend and although I've been trying to tell myself to not get attached until I know for sure there is nothing wrong with it, I think I have a crush...

First on my mind of course is my home office. I've already started collecting a few bits and pieces, including some glass jars for pens and pencils and some little vintage shelves I'm gonna paint white. 

Above are some of the things I would love to include in my office - a squishy chair to relax on morning tea breaks with a coffee or milo in a pretty patterned mug, some textured cushions in velvet and gold sequins for a little bit of sparkle, a white dresser for storage and filing, storage boxes in black, white and purple, a pretty vintage lamp on my desk, a little bit of a Moroccan influence with cushions and lanterns and a pretty pair of sparkley shoes to look at or wear when I'm having a rough day...

I hope everything is ok when the bf and I go look at the property report at the council tomorrow! I'm trying not to think about it too much (although it doesn't seem to be working!!) so I hope it's all good!!

What colour scheme would you use in an office or study? Would you keep it neutral or go all out in brights? Or soft pastels?