Washi Tape Holiday Photo Shoot

Back in October, Natalie of The Knock-Knock Factory posed this question on her Facebook page -- "What's on your party bucket list?" I left a comment saying that I've been meaning to have a party inspired by Japanese washi tape. Next thing I knew, we were talking about having a washi tape holiday photo shoot. Within days, Paula of Frog Prince Paperie, Glenda from Cute Tape, Xiaolu of 6 Bittersweets, and Frances, the owner of The Pear Tree Cottage, were all on board.

We're so ecstatic to have the details and photos featured on The Sweetest Occasion today. The post includes free downloadable gift tags from Frog Prince Paperie, plus a fabulous giveaway from Cute Tape. Thanks to all of the talented contributors, I can officially cross off "washi tape party" from my list.

Photography: 6 Bittersweets

As seen on: The Sweetest Occasion / Whipperberry

Peppermint Holiday Party

For this year's holiday party with our families, I went with a simple red and white peppermint theme. I hardly spent anything at all on the decorations. The peppermint candy and monogram ornaments were made from leftover felt and ribbon, and hung on the same branches that I used for my Halloween and Thanksgiving parties. Check out the felt ornament tutorials at Pink Seude Shoe and Say Yes to Hoboken. The red paper pom poms were also from Halloween.

My little helpers decorated the peppermint gingerbread house from World Market.

Nothing goes better with peppermint than chocolate. Brownie bites (made from the box) were topped with chocolate ganache and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. They were so easy to make and tasty too! See the simple recipe at The Farm Girl Recipes. You can find the tutorial for the peppermint dessert stand here.

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Wishing you a happy New Year.

Printable Holiday Photo Cards

It's the perfect time to order your DIY holiday photo cards. Just customize a card with a favorite picture, then print as many of them as you want at your local photo lab, like Costco or Walmart. There are so many beautiful designs online, you'll be sure to find one that fits your style and budget.

These vintage photo cards from Sweet Pea Baby Designs will really stand out.

Send a message of joy, peace and love this holiday season with a card from FLIPAWOO.

Check out the huge selection of festive photo cards at Dimple Prints.

Download these free printables at the Craft Nest.

Tutorial: Peppermint Cupcake Stand

The candy corn cupcake stand that I made for Halloween can easily be transformed into a holiday dessert stand simply by using white and red round peppermints.

Photograph by Rebecca Watkins

For this project, you'll just need three sheets of white 12"x12" glitter card stock (this one is from American Crafts purchased at AC Moore), 14" and 10" cake circles (from Michael's), a glass vase, two-sided tape, glue, and three 6.5 oz bags of round peppermints.

1. Trace and cut one sheet of glitter card stock using the 10" cake circle as a template. 
2. Glue the card stock on top of the white side of the cake circle.
3. Cut 3/16" strips of the card stock and glue to the sides of the cake circle.
4. Unwrapped peppermints and glue along the edge of the cake circle.
   
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 with the 14" cake circle.
   
6. Fill the glass vase with wrapped peppermints. Then put two-sided tape along the lip of the vase and set the 10" cake circle on top. 

To make the peppermint garland, tie the ends of the wrappers with clear monofilament cord.

As Seen On: Craft Gossip / Tip Junkie Christmas