How many of you have something that you obsessively buy and never ever use it? Mama’s hand is totally raised with you (can’t you see it?!). Mama’s mother-in-law’s obsession is dish sets, sheets and towels. In this case, they totally get used but having a set of dishes for every season and holiday is a little much, no?! It’s kind of like the china set that Mama had to register for and has made its way to the table twice. Mama is not afraid of it getting broken, it’s more the hand washing that keeps Mama from putting it out.
So what is it that Mama is obsessed with buying (besides clothes)…? Paper. Wrapping paper. Pretty, pretty paper. Does it ever get used? Not really. Why? Because it’s easier and such a timesaver to throw it in a gift bag with tissue. Mama will also add that most of the birthday gifts given these days are for kids under the age of 6. They do not appreciate the pretty, pretty paper or the card that goes with it!
When Paper Source moved in down the street, it was pure love. You could walk in and see all the pretty papers and envision how your gift, craft or table would look wrapped in all the shiny, metallic paper. Thank goodness the holidays are here and Mama can finally, finally unload some of the pretty papers that have been stored up over the last year. It doesn’t matter that the paper isn’t adorned with snowman or a jolly fat man, pretty paper will make any gift shine.
So today is dedicated to Mama’s love of paper, crafts and all that comes with the two. What is your silly obsession?
Forget the card — don’t even bother with the cards and gift tags that are too small to fill in your whole family’s name. Instead invest in personalized holiday labels that say everything you need it to say without even lifting a pen. Just peel, stick and give! Mama loves the simple, stylish designs at ErinCondren.com, $25 for a set of 23.
Forget the paper — don’t even buy wrapping paper this year (did Mama just say that, *gasp*). Invest in reusable boxes that can be simply tied with a ribbon of your choice. It’s the eco-friendly way to go! While there are much cheaper versions available at the Dollar Store, Mama does adore the gift boxes made in Europe that Paper Source sells! Available at Paper-Source.com in a variety of colors like silver, blue, red and gold, $11.50 and up.
Forget the cheap bows — ugh, you know the ones Mama is talking about. The ones that won’t stick and are just haphazardly stuck everywhere on a present (Lily-girl is totally guilty of this). Be creative and use random items as a bow like paper flowers, butterflies, snowflakes that you made from tissue paper — anything but those bows. Mama invested in the Poinsettia Bloom Kit, $12.50, which makes 12 pretty flowers to stick on top. The added bonus — it’s a craft for Lily-girl to keep her busy while Mama wraps!
Having a party? Don’t stress out and DIY on everything. Take a helping hand in the cute department from Bird Crafts on Etsy.com. She has this amazing Candyland Collection that is going for half price and boy, is it SWEET looking! Mama is thinking about snatching it up…just to have and to hold!
Cute! I actually think that the simple gift boxes tied with a pretty, coordinating bow are often the prettiest. And varying the bow with crafty homemade touches is a great idea!