Holiday Bling

There's no better time than the holidays to add a little bling to your wardrobe. Baltimore Etsy Team can help you out-- check these beautiful options lovingly handmade from local sellers-

sweet bangle from All Wired Up that's sure to become a favorite.

Festive Red Swarovski Crystal Ring from Trinkets N Whatnots.

Gorgeous Labradorite studs from Jill Popowich Designs...dressy enough for New Years, versatile enough for every day.

Classic and sexy crystal dangles from Heavens to Bessie.

Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Necklace from Jersey Girl Design

Don't forget your hair! This feather hair clip from Design by Night will help you make a Gatsby worthy entrance.

Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

Indie-pendent Biz: The Gift Cellar

The Gift Cellar is a charming shop located in Historic Lauraville/Hamilton in North-East Baltimore City. They showcase handmade items by more than 30 local Maryland artist and crafts people including quite a few BEST members. Featuring jewelry, housewares, accessories and much more...there is a little something for everyone!

The Gift Cellar is Located at 4337 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214 just follow the stairs down to explore their wide range of gifts for any occasion.

For a list of all the current vendors visit their website thegiftcellarmaryland.com.

Tutorial: Five-Minute Tea Towel Apron

Before a cross-country trip to visit my family's old stomping grounds in Portland, Oregon this summer, I was frantically thinking about what to take as gifts for our hosts. A family of four, including two pre-teen kids, they are HUGE fans of Baltimore's own Berger Cookies, and I knew they'd be expecting me to bring them. I did, of course, but I wanted to include something a bit more unexpected. Everyone in the family cooks, so I decided to whip up some easy aprons out of supplies I had readily at hand: dish towels, grosgrain ribbon, and twill tape. This project literally could not be faster, and yet feels special and handmade when you give it as a gift.

For a one-size-fits-most apron, you'll need:

• 1 tea towel in the pattern of your choice. My inner textile junkie often leads me to buy tea towels for the fabric alone. The fact that they're functional, too, is an added bonus. If you don't have a huge stash of dish towels at your disposal, head to a thrift store or your nearest Target to stock up on cool prints for under $5 each. Be sure to wash and press any new materials.
• 6-7 ft. (72 - 84 in.) of grosgrain ribbon or twill tape. I used 1" wide ribbon, but you could use wider for a broader sash.
• basic sewing supplies - pins, scissors, sewing machine, or needle and thread. I like to use a thread that is slightly lighter in color than the ribbon I'm using.
  
  

Instructions:

1. Fold towel in half along the long edge.
2. Fold ribbon in half and line up center point with folded top edge of the towel.
   
   
3. Unfold ribbon and pin so that the top edge of the ribbon aligns with the top edge of the towel.
   
4. Starting at the outer side edge of the towel, sew a top seam 1/8" in from top edge of ribbon and towel. Repeat with bottom edge of ribbon.
   
   
   
   
5. That's it! Wrap around your waist or the waist of a friend and start cooking!

Variations:

• If you have another 10 minutes to spare, cut an 8x8" square out of contrasting fabric to make a handy pocket, a la this {beatrice + the bird} apron:
  
  
• For a debatably more "masculine" version, cut the ribbon in half and sew one half to each short side of the apron. Or use twill tape instead of grosgrain.

Happy sewing!

Written by: Lily of {beatrice + the bird}

Simple Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Gift cards make great last minute gifts around the holiday. They are quick, easy and the recipient can get exactly what they want. Where they fall short however is presentation. Although most of us love to get gift cards they are often shoved in lack luster, totally boring envelopes...but no more!

This Simple Gift Card Holder tutorial by Smashed Peas and Carrots will have the packaging for the gift card be just as great as the present it holds. Check out the tutorial from Smashed Peas and Carrots by clicking here.

Last Minute Gifts Ideas for Under $50

Did you wait until the last minute to purchase that gift for someone special. Here are several gift ideas for under $50:

For Him:

Cuff links from Block Party Press

For Her:

Necklace from The Broken Plate

Hostess Gift:

Tea Towels from Fuzzy Mug

Teacher Gift:

Bookmarks by Yummy and Company

Written by Linda's Paperie

Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub Tutorial

Wondering what to give to your mom or best girlfriend for her birthday? Make her some scrumptious Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub. This tutorial is perfect for indulging yourself or your BFF and is super easy to make. Best yet, you can find most of the ingredients in your pantry!

Created by B-more native Stephanie Lynne, this recipe for bathtub relaxation is clear and easy to follow. For full instructions and to view more of her tutorials, visit her website Under the Table Dreaming.

What I'm Working On: Sugar Paperie

I've been busy in the studio developing my newest line of cards that are teeny tiny. Not only are these little guys economical, but so sweet! Their petite size makes them perfect for accompanying a bottle of wine (a thoughtful hostess gift!) or to dress up a charming little package.

Post by: Sugar Paperie