All I Want for Christmas

I love making lists, so I was always the child who started making her Christmas list in August. My family is a bit free spirited when it comes to giving gifts which makes opening presents on Christmas morning exciting because you never know if they followed your list or not. Now that I'm older, I like to drop not-so-subtle-hints about things I would like to find under the tree. For instance, "Wouldn't it be nice to eat fresh doughnuts on Christmas morning? If only I had a doughnut maker..."

Mini Donut Factory

The Office Clue Game

Cake Pops by Bakerella

Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Film Camera

Cooperative Polar Bear Sweater

Urban Decay Cowboy Junkie Set

Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies

Tarte picture perfect

limited-edition gold-toned eyelash curler

Star Wars™ Vehicles Pancake Molds

Red Solid Color Tights

MAC She's Got It All Brush Collection

Anna Sui

How it Pandas Out Hood

What's on your Christmas list?

Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway!

Have a DIY Christmas

I love the idea of giving homemade gifts as Christmas presents, but I usually run out of time to make gifts for everyone. However, I found lots of inspiration at Not Martha and am now busy trying to decide what I can get done in two weeks.

• Lolly Chessie's Famous CP Christmas Trees
• Old-School Clay Crafts
• Homemade Gift Ideas from Your Kitchen
• Molly's Sketchbook: Felt Christmas Tree Pins
• Holiday Craft: How to Make a Handmade Wreath
• Create Your Own Heirloom Photo Ornament
• April's Mini Matryoshkas
• DIY: Ice Chandelier
• DIY: Bottles Full of Light
• Money Origami
• DIY Holiday Gifts
• How-To: Brown Sugar Scrub Gifts

Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway!

Gift Ideas: Beauty Tools

Shopping for Christmas gifts is an exciting part of the holiday season. Here are some innovative beauty tools that would be fabulous presents to give or receive. My favorites are the InStyler and Tarte's limited edition eyelash curler.

Beauty Tools by Icedivastar on Polyvore.com

Clarisonic Clarisonic® Plus for Face and Body "Cleanse for Hope"..., $225
Sultra The Bombshell 1", $130
Junior Hairbrush by Mason Pearson - Bed Bath & Beyond, $126
TEMPTU Perfect Complexion Set ($315 Value) Perfect Complexion Set, $280
Tarte Jeweled Eyelash Curler - Gift Ideas Under $35 - Holiday Gift...
Sewing Stardom: Product Review: The Instyler

Today is the last day to enter the Hem Gems Giveaway!

Gift-of-the-Month Clubs

I have always been fascinated by gift-of-the-month clubs and the surprise of a new something every month. From cupcakes to shoes, there is a club for just about any interest. Here are some of my favorites:

ShoeDazzle

Pick a new shoe every month from your personalized selection.

Field Notes Colors

24 memo books in different colors and styles to keep you busy throughout the year.

Film Movement DVD of the Month Club

Receive a new award-winning independent or foreign film every month.

500 Colored Pencils

25 different colored pencils arrive every month for 20 months.

The Cherry Tee-of-the-Month Club

A soft cotton tee, tank, or cami delivered every month for 6 to 12 months.

STACK

Choose a selection of up to 12 independent magazines to receive for a year.

Bangerang Cupcake of the Month Club

Features 2 Cupcakes in a Jar every month for 6 months. Yum!

DIY Gift Idea: Beret

This Christmas I am making a lot of the presents I am giving to friends and family. The classic beret is perfect for your fashionable friend and your cousin who wants to go to France. This beret only requires a little bit of sewing experience and is totally worth it once you place it jauntily on your head. You may want to play around with the dimensions, and making a cardboard pattern makes cutting out the pieces a lot easier. Enjoy!

Step #1

From main fabric, cut out:

23.5" x 3" strip (headband)

4" x 3.5" rectangle (nub)

11.5" diameter circle (top of hat)

11.5" diameter circle with 6.21" diameter cutout (side of hat)

From contrasting fabric, cut out:

11.5" diameter circle (lining)

Step #2

Fold rectangle for nub in half. Then roll fabric into a tight cylinder. Stitch side shut. Cut tiny hole in the top hat piece and place nub a quarter of the way down. On the wrong side of fabric, sew the nub to the top of the hat. Then pin and sew lining with the wrong sides together.

Step #3

Pin the side piece to the top piece then sew right sides together.

Step #4

Fold headband strip in half length-wise and pin to the side of the hat. Sew with right sides together.
Step #5

Ta-dah! You are done!

For more beret ideas, check out Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim, eco crafts, Martha Stewart and VintageSewing.Info

Gift Ideas for Twihards

Gift Ideas for Twihards by Icedivastar featuring Miss Selfridge

Even if you are not a Twilight fan, chances are you know someone who is or who enjoys the paranormal trend. What better surprise than a Vampire Love Tee or, my favorite, " Yes, I admit I Read Books About Teenage Vampires" tote bag?

DIY Gift Idea: Ninja Notepad

Here's an easy DIY gift idea that is great for people who like notebooks... and ninjas.

Supplies:

flip top black notebook (I used a Moleskin)

flesh colored felt

black acrylic paint or puffy paint (I used acrylic but I think puffy paint would be better)

paintbrush

googly eyes

hot glue gun/glue sticks

How To:

1. Cut an oval out of the felt for the face.

2. Glue oval to front of clean notebook.

3. Glue googly eyes to oval.

4. Trace around oval with black paint to give face a finished edge.

5. Let dry.

This project took me about 30 minutes to make and was made for under $10.