Ruth Cross

It's that time of the year when the sun goes down early and 7pm feels like midnight. There is nothing wrong with going to bed at 9pm, right? Staying inside more makes me yearn for homemade crafts and food. These super cute and cuddly pieces from UK designer Ruth Cross feel right at home in the season. All the pieces are handknit in her UK studio using top quality organic ethical wool and cotton. The cosies are out of this world cute. Great gifts for the holidays. Prices start at about $20. Check out more: ruthcross.com.

Silhouettes for Holiday Cards and Gifts

Carter Kustera, Custom Portraits, inquire for pricing, jonathanadler.com

I've been thinking about artwork to hang in our new den. For some reason I really want to have silhouettes done of Greg and I. The do agree they seem kinda silly and over the top but I know I will cherish them forever. A great gift for family and friends for the holidays. I had a few sites bookmarked but when I typed "custom sihouettes" into etsy.com I found hundreds more. Above and below are a few of my favorite designs and creations. Enjoy!

Jenny Lee Fowler, Leaf Silhouette Custom Portrait, $50, etsy.com

Lucky Me Beads, Sweetheart Custom Necklance, $48, etsy.com

Cut Arts by Karl, Original Silhouette Portraits, from $25-$150, cutarts.com

Petite Prints, Silhouette Needlepoint, $128, petiteprints.com

May Luk, Bespoke Silhouette Bowl From Your Photo, $88, etsy.com

Petite Prints, Custom Notecards, from $48, petiteprints.com

Miss Crowland, Custom Family Portraits, $55-$95, etsy.com

Carved Wood Printing Blocks

I love the idea of making my own wallpaper using old carved wood printing blocks. Maybe I will give it a try? But you can also use the blocks for cards, making wrapping paper, and art. I found this store that sells on etsy.com and ebay.com. On etsy you can buy 10 blocks for $49 or choose individual version at their ebay store.

I used a couple I picked up at Brimfield to make simple artwork for our bathroom in our old apartment (below). Super easy and cheap. I stamped different shades of pink paint onto watercolor paper in a loose grid pattern. After the artwork was dry I placed the paper into a store bought Ikea frame and hung for a simple display. I would love to make some larger versions that cover a long hallway. The possibilities are endless. Stock up on a few now to make inexpensive holiday gifts for friends and family.

Xenia Taler

From left: Crochet Peacock in dark brown, 7.5 x 10.5", $84. Crochet Tree in dark brown, 7.5 x 10.5", $84.

My sister has been asking me for some fun gift ideas for her artsy friends and their kids. My first thought was Xenia Taler. Really pretty and electic tiles that can be hung or used as a trivets. For the kids, Xenia makes these great boxes out of tiles. I know my 4-year old niece would love putting her special fairy jewels inside. The boxes feel kinda grown up and they would oh so sweet sitting on her dresser.

From left: Meadow in turquoise, 10"diameter, $96. Rain in red, 6"diameter, $36.

From left: Bubble Girl Box in red, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2.25", $60. Bird Box in grey, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2.25", $60.

Sanna Annukka

I've been in love with Sanna Annukka prints for awhile now. My boyfriend and I have a deal: we can buy ourselves a ridiculous present for Christmas and get each other something small. One of Sanna Annukka prints was at the top of my list. But now things have changed. I got laid of House & Garden and now I am buying myself art supplies. So I guess I'll keep it in my "Someday" folder, till I become a famous painter.

Blogger Gift Guide

Grace from Design*Sponge just posted my favorite gift guide so far. A great list of what to give and receive compiled from fellow design bloggers. I just scored this print (above) from midcenturyjo's shop for $20. It was a gift to receive...Happy Birthday to me! Check out the entire list of great links and products by clicking here.

From Jan at Poppytalk, Ceramic objects from Anneke Harmsen

Lacquered Wood Boxes

Handcrafted lacquered wood boxes, like these in timber gray with moon gray trim, have a timeless appeal. An elegant solution for concealing keys and trinkets in an entryway. Available in three sizes to fit all your organizational needs. $55, $75, and $95 each at lilleashop.com.

Global Table's Holiday Gifts

Hole Jug, $30.

Global Table is a small store in New York's Soho. The tiny little shop is always filled to the brim with colorful and eclectic tabletop accessories. I always pop in and grab a few gifts when I am in the neighborhood. I can't resist the reasonably priced pieces that all an incredibly distinct artisan quality.

Cut Red Glass Bowl, $46.

Hakbijl Night Carafe, $18.

Glass Sphere Candlestick, $16 each.

Potluck Studios Fare Serving Bowl, $64.

Lotus Pod Salt & Pepper, $60.

Porcelain Pineapple, $20.

Hot-Water Bottles

Hot-water bottles are a great little gift for an athlete that is prone to sore muscles. In an all over stunning chevron pattern the soft English lambswool feels right at home. The jewel tones in the bottle on the right are my favorite. I am totally digging this multi-color patterning. Available in Light-Colored (left) or Jewel Tone, $50, GarnetHill.com.

J.Crew Goes Festive Vintage

J.Crew has totally stepped it up a notch in the accessory department. Honestly, I never took a second look at their accessories they always felt like an after thought. This season is filled with bright babbles infused with a little classic glam girl. I have been wearing the stripe bangle layered with a yellow bangle for months. The blue beads have been a total hit. Looks great paired with a contrasting color like red or orange. Seriously, snag these up, you will be wearing them for years.

From top left: Cabochon bauble bracelet, $80 . Hand-painted enamel carousel ring, $75. 1/2" harlequin-stripe enamel bangle, $40. Bauble cascade necklace, $135.