Ribbons!

Today, I present to you an inexpensive, versatile, and beautiful adornment: the ribbon!
One of my favorite accessories of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is the simple ribbon choker. They are showcased in countless paintings and fashion prints, and their simplicity and elegance never fails to flatter the neck.

Ribbon chokers are quite versatile- there's the option to wear the bow in front, on the side, or at the back; one can go with thick, embellished ribbons, or simple small ones, and one can even dress up a simple thin ribbon with a bauble borrowed from another chain.

The brilliance of it all is that it's incredibly easy to make your own choker (or any sort of ribbon necklace or bracelet for that matter). All you need is a length of ribbon and a pair of scissors. Simply tie the ribbon around your neck and (if you did not pre-measure it) trim the ends off as desired. Make sure that you can easily untie the necklace with just one tug, and keep it fairly loose (you should be able to slide your thumb under it without feeling discomfort).

I hope my little rant has inspired you to get creative with ribbon- however you might choose. It's a fantastically inexpensive way to spice up your style, and by using simple, biodegradable materials, you're doing the environment a favor as well.

Handmade: Group Gifts!

Photo by Saquan Stimpson on Flikr

Is there ever a season that's not for giving? Birthdays are year round after all, plus there are tons of other celebrations and a whole variety of holidays in between (including Mother's Day and Father's Day, which are quickly approaching!). Instead of buying something for your friends and family, why don't you consider making a group gift this time around? Here are some ideas for you to consider:

The Group Letter
If you have a friend who lives far away, a great (and easy) gift to send would be a group letter. Next time you have your friends together, pass around a paper and pen, and have everyone write a little something. It's a great way to share good times with a friend who can't be present.

The Group Story
Let's say you're more on the creative side. If that's the case, you really ought to write a group story. Instead of just having friends write a letter to the recipient, have them contribute to a story. Google Docs can make this super easy, especially if not everyone is in the same location. Chances are you'll end up with something really hilarious- and certainly more memorable than 99% of the impersonal disposable gifts out there!

The Group Scrapbook
To give contributors more flexibility, you can allot them space in a scrap book instead of giving them a specific writing assignment. They can design special pages, include pictures, write stories, or do anything they please. In the end, you'll have a beautiful collection of wonderfully personal contributions that the recipient will love.

The Group Photo Album
If you are planning your gift far in advance, consider this an option: buy a couple of disposable cameras (or lend out your digital), and give the recipient's friends and family a chance to take some pictures of themselves for you to put in a special album. You can ask people to make all of the pictures related to something- such something that characterizes their relationship with this person. You'll get really fun results!