Big thank you to Angela of Saffron Avenue for all her fabulous help in re-creating the new miss prissy paige weddings!  I love the clean & pretty lines of the new site and logo and she was a dream to work with :)

What’s going on in your world?

I’m getting back into the swing of things here at miss prissy paige.  I spent a lot of time over the holidays thinking about my hopes and dreams for 2013.  From where I want to take my business, to strengthening relationships with those I love, finding my “place” and giving back more-I have big plans for 2013.  I’ll be switching things up on the blog and hope you continue to follow along in my journey to grow this business that I’m so passionate about.  If you love what you do, it never feels like work, right.

p.s.  Did I ever tell you that 13 was my lucky number?  I have a feeling its going to a great year! 

Merry Christmas!

Custom Ikat Chevron Painting // Jennifer Moreman

Its still in development, but I’ll be sharing more details soon!

 Today’s Handmade Holiday is a little late – you ever feel like your eyes bleed from looking at the computer too much?  That’s how mine felt today after editing spreadsheets for 3+ hours. 

I love these Handmade Holiday gift ideas and a few of them, you could whip up in an afternoon. 

Ombre Tassel Necklace // Oh The Lovely Things
I love the pink shades she used (she dyed them herself!) but you could pick up some pre-colored embrodiery thread if you don’t want to dye.  This would look super cute in shades of turquoise (hint, hint if anyone wants to make me one!). 

Personalized Lego Tray // Somewhat Simple
Wouldn’t this be a great gift for a little dude in your life?  I think they’d love it!  You could probably find an old tray at Goodwill or Marshalls that you could instead of constructing one.  I love the personalized touch too!  

Personalized Wire Ornaments // Crafts Unleashed
I simply ADORE this idea!  And how quick & easy is this?  Find some jewelry wire at the craft store and I’m sure you’ve got yarn around the house, sculpt the name (I’d print the name in a font I like but she sketched it) and use that as your guide.  These would be great as gift toppers too!  Or place cards!  And the heart on the end – cute as can be.

Gold Holiday Wreath // Canadian Family
Let’s be honest, I was first drawn to this image because of the turquoise blue ribbon.  And the fact that I love wreaths.  But this one is made from thumbtacks (about 1,600 of them) and it’d be an easy project to work on while you watch Christmas movies or in my case, NFL games ALL DAY ON SUNDAY.  Sometimes having one TV is not fun.

Stumble across any fun handmade holiday gift ideas?  I’d love to know!

I was inspired by Katie of a place to dwell to create my own 12 Dates of Christmas list after reading hers last week.  With the holidays officially in full swing, it can be easy to lose focus and get caught up in the holiday shopping stress.  The holidays aren’t about gifts.  Its about spending time with those we love.

This year, I came up with 12 date ideas.  Follow along as I get the holiday spirit!

1.  Go ice-skating.  Ryan is very excited about this one.  We haven’t been ice skating since our last trip to NYC in 2010.  Now that we live in the South and it was 72 degrees this weekend, our skating will be done inside but still fun!
2.  Watch a Christmas movie with hot cocoa, snuggled on the couch.  Suggestions welcome, but I’m thinking either Miracle on 34th Street or Charlie Brown Christmas.
3.  Make a trip to see Lights of the South.
4.  Bake and decorate sugar cookies.
5.  Celebrate 5 years together!
6.  Assemble our Christmas cards.  They are completely DIY this year and I love them!
7.  Make a holiday cocktail & enjoy by our fake fireplace.
8.  Wrap presents together.  Since we are flying back to VA this year, we don’t have many but I do love wrapping.  Ryan is best at passing me tape. 
9.  Attend Christmas Eve service.
10.  Donate to Toys for Tots.  I’m excited to get back into this tradition, in the past when we hosted our holiday party, we asked people to bring a Toy for Tots and it was so much fun donating them!
11.  Shop for a 2012 ornament.  This is a new tradition we started after getting engaged in 2010.  We look for an ornament that sums up our year.  This year I’m thinking it will be something sporting related since we attended so many NASCAR races, NFL games and MLB games.  Ryan will be excited it won’t be another cupcake or donut for the tree :) 
 12.  Go on a brunch date.  Brunch is quickly becoming one of my favorite meals.  Any excuse to have some champagne!

What’s on your holiday date list?  Anything we should add to ours?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Here are some fun ideas for Christmas presents or something to make for yourself to enjoy!

Personalized Coasters // Martha Stewart
Super easy, quick and most importantly very budget conscious!  These would be cute with reindeer, presents, or even holiday sayings like Joy, Noel, Peace.  You could do monograms with last names and customize the colors to your family or friend’s house.  DIY doesn’t have to be expensive!

Clay Letter Garland // Oh Happy Day
This is hands down, one of my favorite ideas yet.  I love how she took something so simple and made an “awesome” garland.  You could do this in holiday phrases, in the family’s name or kids’ names or a universal message – like AWESOME for use year round.  Don’t stop at just letters, incorporate some shapes!  I’d paint the letters after they are dried or add some glitter to them to really sparkle. 

Reindeer Mat // Young House Love
I love this mat and I am considering making one this weekend.  I’m sure you could find a cheap rug from WalMart or even Target if IKEA isn’t close to you.  I’d suggest finding a template for reindeer online and using that to spray, instead of creating your own from painters tape.  You could even do a bell, a snowman or present!

And ps.  if you have a NOOK, today only Young House Love’s book is a NOOK special for only $2.99 (regularly $14.99).  I just snagged a copy for myself! sorry friends, this was valid 11/29/12!

Christmas Bow Wreath // Our Crafty Home
Who doesn’t love bows?  And they are so cheap now.  You could put together this wreath while watching your favorite show on TV.  I love the color palette used here, and I could make that to go with with my red, white & aqua holiday color scheme.  The best part of this, you probably have a ton of bows already!

Inspired to make a handmade holiday gift?  Please share your ideas in the comments!