New obsession: bows-to-go!

This weekend I was a busy bee preparing for the Home for the Holidays event at DestinyUSA on Nov. 16. In addition to giftwrapping tutorials, I'll be selling these little pre-made giftboxes, which I dubbed "bows-to-go." Like many of my projects, the ideas and execution got better the more I practiced, and I'm really happy with the result.

They remind me of little petit fours. I spent most of the weekend making as many unique combinations as possible. The best part is they're made with a top and a bottom, so they're reusable, and you don't have to tear or untie anything. The only thing better than a pretty prezzie is a eco-pretty one!

Also very happy with how my new moocards came out! They're so cute and affordable! Thanks, Moo. I'll be ordering more soon! Let me know if you're interested, because I can refer you and we both get a discount!

I'll display them on this nifty dessert tray I bought for my custom mongram boxes, because I'll be taking orders for those at the event, too. I hope I'll see you there! Friday, Nov. 16, 2-7 p.m. Until then, cheers and give pretty!

Mini is better.

New obsession: minigami. I was working on a prezzie for my friend Michelle, who mentioned that her daughter liked a butterfly-adorned gift on the Jolie Colis site. Since the giftbox was pretty small, the butterfly had to be teeny. I love a challenge.

These were made with a .75" square of origami foil. Good thing I have small hands! I love tiny things. My friend Camille at Craftistas put her finger right on it when she said, "Mini is better!" Here's the finished prezzie. What do you think?

Thanks, friend.

Spring is usually my down-time for Jolie Colis, but this year my lull went into summer. I've just been dealing with other things, and haven't felt much like going into my shop. I've been sad; it's a long story.

But it's interesting, the dark times are when you're most able to see the bright spots in your life. In my case, I had five bright spots -- new friends who have become the most incredible support system at a time when I really needed them. I'm lucky; I am blessed with a great, loving spouse and family. But my mom and sisters live pretty far away, and the comfort of "my girls" has been so important to me. Lately I have needed the kind of support only girlfriends can give.

So, after a four-month hiatus, I went back into the shop and created a little tribute to my friends, who are helping me stay positive, even on the worst of the bad days. As usual, the wrappings are inspired by their styles and personalities:

C (top left) is a fun and carefree, casual fashionista. Her style is natural and polished, and her easygoing style fits her laid back personality. Her laugh is infectious, and she lightens the mood of the room when she walks in.

W loves red, and it looks great on her. She often chooses color and pattern with high-contrast and always has a high-impact look. Her style is sexy, but always tasteful. Her fiesty personality and quick sense of humor make her fun to be around.

N's style is what I like to call "monochrome chic." She's a real glamour-girl, and if I had feathers and sequins in my shop, I would have used them. She's intensely hard-working at everything: career, fitness, family, friends. Even wallpapering her living room!

A is a real girly girl. Her style is super-feminine and she reminds me of a southern belle. She often chooses soft, pastel colors that look just right on her. She has a gentle, sympathetic personality that is really comforting.

C (bottom right) is preppy and adorable, which is the first thing most people notice when they meet her. But it's not just chipper cuteness. She has amazing inner strength, and always knows just the right thing to say, no matter how heavy or serious the situation. It's such a rare combination.

The prezzies contained little faux diamond paperweights. Seemed appropriate, since they're the little gems in my life.

Holiday giftwrapping how-to: monogram gift boxes

The long-awaited how-to video is here! This is my first time shooting and editing video, so bear with me; I'll get better at it. The captions look pretty small in window, so click here to see it on YouTube.