Cutest Gift Toppers Ever

Last week, I wrote about these cute paper balls from Paper + Cup Press that I learned to make at an event with my friend Kristin Appenbrink. I had a hunch that they'd make great bows on Christmas gifts, so as soon as I started wrapping, I started experimenting. And I'm loving the results! Head over to Kristin's entry at RealSimple.com for details on how to make them (it's way easier than you think). To make them into bows, all you have to do is use a shorter piece of string to hold the paper together, fluff one side (not both like you do for the balls), and then use tape to attach a few of the "petals" to the package. Christmas cuteness!

7 sites to bookmark immediately

Want a few more deliciously lovely sites for gift-giving, home decor, and general fabulosity? (I mean, in case you didn't have enough already.) Hit up these must-bookmark online shops--some of my current faves.

1. CultureLabel:

Get picks from the best part of any museum: the gift shop. This Brit-based site offers products from over 70 of the world's leading museums, galleries, artists, and culture institutions.

2. You and Me, The Royal We:

A small collection with a mighty impact from three artsy boys in Brooklyn.

3. Merchant No. 4:

So chic I could scream. Unique objects from indie designers worldwide.

4. Gretel:

Pretty, modern home accessories and general cuteness. Even the swooshy-sweet little font of the logo will make you gush.

5. Rockett St George:

If I was a website instead of a person, I might consider being Rockett St George.

6. Envelop:

Fun, colorful "illustrated cotton" finds.

7. Matter:

If the yummy little aqua chair on the home page doesn't grab ya (that's theirs, above), I just don't know what will.

SPACE

Image linked to its source

13 Shakespeare Posters

I spent the past weekend hanging with my lovely aunt Karen, who is super-interesting for many reasons. One of those is the fact that, ever since I've known her, she has been working to see staged performances of every single play written by William Shakespeare. (And if you know anything about Shakespeare, you know that he wrote 37 of them--give or take--and that not all of them are performed that often, particularly the histories.)

I just love this little tidbit about her--and she's only got 11 more to go (an amazing feat!). Are you working your way through anything fun? Lemme know--I am always looking for great lists to tackle...

Othello (two-sided poster) for the Denver Center Theater Company

Much Ado About Nothing by Jen Hamilton

Set of Shakespeare Posters by Yann Legendre

Shakespeare in the Park poster (2003) by Pentagram

Shakespeare in the Park poster (2008) by Pentagram

Macbeth by Alex Leonard Design

The Winter's Tale by Kyra Porada Design

The Tempest by Bill Martin

Here's a 14th! Found it recently from Obvious State:

Images linked to their sources

A few good-ish men

Thanks for all the hard work, fellas. (And also for the day off.)

George Washington pillow by awahldesigns at etsy

Richard Nixon Rug by Jonathan Adler

Neapolitan Abe - Archival Print by JustinRichel at etsy

President Herbert Hoover painting by PatKewley at etsy

Barack Obama / handcarved rubber stamp by lilimandrill at etsy

Jimmy Carter 39th President Portrait by Jack Wolf from smokeyfriedfolkart at etsy

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