Queue The Martha: It's Christmas Time!

Hey Sugarplums! It's December and officially winter here in Dallas. I unwrapped my dry-cleaned-up coat this morning and headed to work as everyone freaked out about snow. Maybe I was driving to work in a daze (YES) but I missed the snow. Anyhoo, saddle up, it's cold, and your even mantles need some warmth, too. (Queue the segue into Martha crafts...)

AAAD Reader and Christmas Craftess Tara garnered loads of Facebook comments when she posted this photo below and a modest "I made this" of the fabulous Martha tree below.
FANTASTIC! I've asked Tara to do a guest post for all of you crafting ladies to try this at home. Enjoy!

Bust out the paper cutter, ladies. It’s time to get your craft on with this eco-friendly Christmas tree made from recycled newspaper. All it takes is a little patience and a lot of time, but the wow factor is WAY worth it. I was browsing on iDIY blog (one of my faves, recommended by the AAAD author herself), and after clicking on a few links I came across this project idea on MarthaStewart.com. I think it’s a couple years old, but it was news to me (no pun intended).

The online video is key – watch Martha’s flawless execution, and it will be a piece of cake for you. Otherwise, the words “bone folder” will probably make zero sense to you. And make sure to get a paper cutter of some sort - don’t even think about cutting those 300 sheets of newspaper by hand. Martha’s “ingredients” say you’ll need a metal knitting needle as the spike that holds the tree together, but I used a wooden bamboo skewer I had in the house already. It worked perfectly, and I even used the side of the skewer instead of the bone folder to fold the paper before building the tree.

Merry Christmas Tree Crafting!
Tara

Thanks, Tara!
Pia The Pig

Neat Idea From The Gap

I would love to work in retail design. Here's one reason why.



Awesomely fun idea. Love the shopping bags!

Enjoy,
Pia The Pig

Sing It, AWESOOOOOOOOOOME!

I am sure going to miss this beast. In Her honor, I am going to start screaming your name the next time I see you. Prepare yourself.



Pia The Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig

And We're Back With Holiday Awesomeness: Shopping Deals!

Greetings, my friends! I am back from my turkey (or non-turkey, more on that later) coma and ready to hit you up with two past weeks of awesome and lots more ahead. I would be remiss if I didn't come back in time for Cyber Monday. So, while we are all thrilled to be reading another post of awesomes, let's just get our credit cards out and heal America. What? You have your credit card number memorized for easy checkout? Me too! Time to buy some froggie slippers!



Here's a roundup of some deals around the web. Please add others in the comments section.

Borders:

All Gap, Inc. Brands:

Free shipping at West Elm:

Free personalization and shipping at Pottery Barn Kids:

The Limited, where I scored the cute Pleated Ruffle Scarf with my Black Friday purchase. It's really cute!

25% off and Free Shipping at Martin + Osa:

Free Shipping on orders over $100 at Paper Source and a new gift guide:

15% off and Free Shipping at Crate & Barrel:

30% off and Free Shipping at Ann Taylor Loft:

Shop for awesome finds with Free Shipping at FredFlare:

Free Shipping at Urban Outfitters:

Free Shipping at Fossil.

Shop for items with Free Shipping on Etsy here.

Also, many deals at Amazon, Apple, and Target.

Happy shopping. Ah, it feels good to be back.
Pia The Pig