Homemade Holiday

We woke this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground but it quickly has turned into a sleeting rain that will surely slow down activity for the next day. So here I am, home by the fire, enjoying every second! 

I am struggling to finish up my Christmas shopping and just can't seem to find the right gift for the remaining friends and family on my list. I have a few ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are adorable and add such a special touch but with a little over a week away I am hoping I will have time to pull it together.

Martha Stewart always has festive decorations, crafts for all ages, and never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. This Sequin Bauble Ring and Leather Star Ring caught my attention and I definitely might have to give this a whirl. What girl doesn't love a bit of glamour and glitz without breaking the bank this year. 

Click on this link for directions in creating your own Sequin Bauble Ring

The folds for your Leather Star Ring...looks a little tricky but if anyone tries it let me know how it turns out.

Southern Flourish online magazine has a few great homemade holiday ideas to satisfy someone on your list. This one is especially wonderful for your coffee lover...the personalized koozie. What a chic and easy gift, thanks Southern Flourish for the great ideas.

Southern Flourish

One of my favorite ideas for a homemade gift and I am signing up for a last minute session for next week is Wine and Design. The location I am referring to is here in Raleigh, NC but I am sure there are others in locations across the United States. It is such a fun and productive experience. A glass of wine in hand, painting until your heart is content, and voila you leave feeling like Picasso.

Look at these gorgeous hydrangeas.

Beautiful boats for the man in your life.

Neighbors, this one is for you...yummy and adorable packaging too.

Homemade by Jill posted these hot chocolate gift tins via Blonde Designs Blog for a holiday gift-giving idea. They were kind enough to even post the resources for all the goodies needed to create this darling tin.

Just click Here for the skinny on making these cuties and if you don't have enough time to order the tins, the hot chocolate would be great in mason jars...add some peppermint too, yummy!

Put a cork in it

Bond Street Imports

As I mentioned in my last post I have two exciting new businesses that I would like to sing their praises... bravo!

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a friend/client's wine tasting event for his company Bond Street Imports at Nana's in Durham, NC.  Bond Street Imports www.bondstreetimports.com  is a company that was launched in 2005 by Eric Bowers in Charlotte, NC. Bond Street does not"view wine as juice in a bottle but rather as a work of tradition that brings people together for special occasions and provides everyday enjoyment at all levels of sophistication." Bond Street offers access to small and limited production wineries from all over the world and they are considered a boutique. Some offering less 500 cases a year.  Bond Street Imports will do private parties for your business and friends, if you are interested and in the area contact jvoltz@bondstreetimports.com. James is one of my clients, based in Raleigh, NC and knows wine almost as well as I know how to drink it so give him a call and he will set you up!  

Eric Bowers founder of Bond Street Imports

The guest speaker of the evening was Alex Gambal a UNC alum whose passion for Burgundy took him from a world of real estate to the French life of producing over 60,000 bottles of exquisite wine that can be found on tables in more than 20 countries. What a dream to follow your passion, move to France and produce some of the finest wines. I must say they were all very savory and each with a unique taste. Visit www.alexgambal.com for more information about Alex and his operation.

Alex Gambal

photos courtesy of Bond Street Imports

Elizabeth, Alex Gambal and the birthday girl Ashley Harris

with a very nice signed special bottle of Burgundy from Alex.

Wine and Design

"Uncorking your Creativity"

213 Bickett Boulevard

Raleigh, NC 27608

Emmy Preiss and Hariett Edwards Mills

These two gorgeous ladies are the talent and vision behind the newest art venture in Raleigh, NC, Wine and Design. I was able to go there for the first time for a birthday party on Sunday and fell in love! I mean really, take your own bottle of wine, pay $35 and they supply your apron, canvas, paint, brushes and anything else you may need. It is the best and you go home with your piece of art!

Our birthday girl chose brown cow because we had a private party and you can choose your own for larger groups.

My brown cow which is perfect in my son's room!

The artist's brown cow...not so bad if I do say so myself!

They have 4 artists to help and guide you through the process, because really it is meant to be fun and relaxing. "We want people to come in relax, leave all their worries at the door, and at the end of the night, be proud of something they did!" Emmy and Harriett

Check out their website for their schedule of paintings and sign-up online www.wineanddesignnc.com. They also have information about private parties, children's parties, fundraisers ad more.  

As a special gift to my followers, all comments will be raffled and a drawing will be a $35 certificate to Wine and Design. The winner will be announced on Monday the 24th!

Here are some more pics from our party, everyone did such a great job! 

The finished product...look at the herd!