Everyone loves to receive pretty packages!  Wrapping with style doesn’t have to cost much and it’s a great way to tell someone you care.  Oh, and don’t pretty gifts under the tree look stunning??  Love that!

This is the first year I’ve thought about printing wrapping paper.  Check out this printable gift wrap  from Creature Comforts.  It’s adorable!

For simply pretty gift wrapping you’ll love these printable gift wrap sheets and tags at Domesticfluff.  Great designs!!!

You can’t go wrong with a sparkling monogram!  To get the exact letters you can use this monogram template.  Fancy!

I found these inspiring gift wrap ideas at Style Me Pretty.  If I get a gift that looks like one of these I’ll need to stop and take a photo before opening it…Ha!

Simple and sweet button gift wrap by Martha Stewart…so fun!

Who knew a simple brown bag could turn into fabulous Christmas gift bags?!  Her Creative Spirit is full of inspiring ideas to try this year.

Ever think about using a jump rope to wrap a child’s gift?  I’m sure it would be a big hit.

Let you package shine with amazing gift toppers!  They’re quick and add easy…that’s my kind of wrapping.

This beautiful flower is so creative!  What an cool way to recycle!

These shabby fabric roses make this gift look like a million bucks…pretty!

There’s a ton of holiday gift wrapping ideas at Design Aglow to keep you wrapping in style.  I seriously love them all!!!

Handmade ornaments {list of 101 tutorials} are always great gift toppers! 

Now you have no excuse for wrapping you presents like 98% of people do…you’re crafty and creative!!!

Do you have a favorite way of wrapping gifts? 

~Kim

You might enjoy these posts…

• 101 Green Handmade Gifts
• 101 Simple Handmade Gifts
• 25 Gifts for Men {Tutorials}

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Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous just created this crisp, clean and completely awesome craft room of her very own.  Wow!  Wouldn’t you like to be her neighbor?  I would.  I could bring my own supplies and hang out there anytime!

Did you notice the yellow chandelier?  I’m a sucker for a spray painted chandelier and I think every room should have one…at least in my dream world.  My boys would never go for that idea!

This stenciled wall is way cool {thanks to her husband} and looks even better with the pop of color around the room.  I love her color selection, but if you read Craftaholics Anonymous you would know that she has killer decorating skills!

The colorful inspiration board is crafted from an old crib spring…LOVE IT! 

Linda did a fabulous job planning her craft room and it seems perfectly functional and beautiful at the same time.  There’s plenty of room and great details.

To read the whole post and see all the beautiful photos of this lovely crafter’s paradise, just click here.

You might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea first because you’ll get lost for awhile on her creative blog…trust me!

What’s your favorite part of this crafty space?

~Kim

For more inspiring craft rooms take a peek at all of our post in the Craft Studio Inspiration section!

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These crafty green gift tutorials are going to make you recycle, reuse, upcycle or repurpose like never before…you’ll see.  Whatever you want to call it, going green is the way to go!

There’s a little something for everyone and I know you are going to find the perfect gift for your neighbor, brother, mother, sister…you get my drift…there are 101 tutorials here, people!!!!  They’re not just ideas and pretty photos, but these links will lead you on the path to creating fabulous green gifts that are simple and require minimal supplies.

You might need to grab a few extra recycling bins, but it’s worth it!  If you’re looking for Green Home Decor Tutorials, don’t miss the end of the post!

1. Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub – Under the Table and Dreaming
2. Paint Sample Coasters – The Crafty CPA
3. Sweater Pillows – Centsational Girl
4. Grocery Bag Wallet – EcoKaren
5. Yarn Scrap Bowl – About Crochet
6. Bottle Cap Serving Tray – Sweet Something Beautiful
7. Wool Felt Magnets – Everything Etsy
8. Dictionary Art – Brooklyn Limestone
9. Shrinky Dink Jewelry – Just Something I Made
10. Candy Wrapper Patchwork Belt – Lil Blue Boo
11. Repurposed Book Sewing Kit – STC Craft
12. Recycled Magazine Jewelry – CraftStylish
13. Newspaper Basket – How About Orange
14. Felted Soap – Rhythm of the Home
15. T-Shirt Pillow – Ruffles and Stuff
16. Beeswax Candles – Kanelstrand
17. Recycled Bottle Birdfeeder – Centsational Girl
18. Handmade Books – Pioneer Woman
19. Coiled Magazine Coasters – Saved By Love Creations
20. Menswear Stuffed Bunny – Martha Stewart
21. Picture Frame Serving Tray – Better Homes and Gardens
22. Wine Cork Basket – Chica and Jo
23. Sweet Heart Sugar Cubes – Craft Passion
24. Beeswax Candles {hand dipped} – FIMBY
25. Shell Frame – Everything Etsy
26. Book Safe – All Free Crafts
27. Soda Can Bracelet – The Greenest Dollar
28. Chalkboard Planter Pots – Design Sponge
29. Recycled Notebooks – Martha Stewart
30. Acorn Bird Feeder – Design Sponge
31. Green Terrarium – Inhabitat
32. Wool Dryer Balls – Good Mama
33. Coiled Paper Basket – Esprit Cabane
34. T-Shirt Bag – Martha Stewart
35. Custom Notepads – Chica and Jo
36. Herb Soap – Henry Happened
37. Menswear Mouse Toy – Martha Stewart
38. Handmade Paper – Craft Daisies
39. Handmade Goat Soap – Lather and Lotions
40. T-Shirt Yarn – EcoKaren
41. Wine Bottle Candle Holders – Wedding Bee
42. Herbal Fire Starters – WholeLiving
43. Junk Mail Paper Beads – The {NewNew}
44. Book Bead Necklace – The Smallest Forest
45. Phone Book Pen Organizer – Chica and Jo
46. Monogram Button Pillow – Come On, Ileene
47. Recycled Magazine Coasters – Re-Nest
48. License Plate Memo Board – Planet Green
49. Bottle Cap Magnets – Everyday Lovely
50. Tea Soap Tutorial – Cucumbersome
51. T-Shirt Flower – Emily’s Little World
52. Oxford Napkins – WholeLiving
53. Mini Light Fixture Terrarium – Design Dreams Japan
54. Braided T-Shirt Bag – Chichidee Handmade
55. Paint Chip Necklace – Infarrantly Creative
56. Conversation Marshmallows – Come On, Ileene
57. Sheet Music Tray – Centsational Girl
58. Recycled Lunch Bag – Made By Lex
59. Candy Wrapper Pouch – Punkin Patterns
60. Jersey Knit Bracelet – V and Co.
61. Embroidered Portraits – Country Living
62. Woven Rag Rug – Craft Passion
63. Lace Containers – Urban Comfort
64. Lip Balm – Beautylish
65. Wool Felt Bookmarks – Everything Etsy
66. T-Shirt Memory Quilt – EcoKaren
67. Recycled Dog Collar – Keyka Lou Patterns
68. Friendship Puzzle Necklace – Planet Green
69. Cork Trivets – WholeLiving
70. Water Bottle Cookie Packaging – Paper, Plate and Plane
71. Vintage Fork Napkin Rings – Brooklyn Limestone
72. Homemade Dog Treats – Come On, Ileene
73. Felt Ball Cat Toy – Martha Stewart
74. Recycled Grocery Tote – Dana Made It
75. T-Shirt Clutch – Made By Lex
76. Light Bulb Vases – Pizzazzerie
77. Modern Birdfeeder – Life on the Balcony
78. Vinyl Record Bowl – CasaSugar
79. Recycled T-Shirt Dishcloths – Dollar Store Crafts
80. Vintage Sheet Cocktail Napkins – Design Sponge
81. Tree Coasters – Country Living
82. Recycled Gift Card Bracelet – CindyYShaw
83. Mason Jar Sewing Kit – Say Yes to Hoboken
84. Typography Clay Pots – Everything Etsy {Burlap & Blue}
85. Recycled Wool Sweater Blanket – Homade Holiday
86. Recycled Soap Box Mini Book – Creativity Prompt
87. T-Shirt Ruffle Hat – Tao of Craft
88. Recycled Book Handbag – Curbly
89. Sweater Leaf Scarf – Grosgrain
90. Recycled Paper Magnets – Sei Lifestyle
91. Paper Apple Sculpture – Cheeky Magpie
92. Recycled Slippers – Sew Green
93. Modern Candle Holders – Mark Montano
94. Recycled Wool Mittens – Lucky Star Lane
95. Rosette Headband – Lolly Jane Boutique
96. Wool Laptop or Diaper Bag – Not Dabbling In Normal
97. Recycled T-Shirt Scarf- Joy Beadworks
98. Glass Jar Photo Frames – Rikki Hibbert
99. Fabric Scrap Necklace – Smaller
100. Tea Cup Bird Feeders – Something Wonderful
101. Brick Succulent Planters – Ready Made

Why spend a ton on gifts when you can go green???

If you love creative links, please subscribe to Everything Etsy!  New subscribers make my day!

Thanks so much for all your tweets, stumbles, Facebook likes and pins on my 101 Simple Handmade Gift Tutorials and Free Printables posts…you are the coolest crafty friends!

Here’s a little something extra for your home…

Check out 101 Green Home Decor Tutorials to make your home beautiful on a budget!

Have you finished a green project lately?

~Kim

Hooked on Tutorials? Check out these lists on EverythingEtsy.com:

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{Wychbury}

If you are anything like me you might be an Etsy seller, but you’re also a major Etsy shopper!  Once you are hooked on handmade creations you really can’t help yourself!

One of the fun parts of ordering on Etsy is opening the package to find something beautiful…you know, nothing like what you find at the mall.  Etsy sellers take such care with their items because they made them with love and care just for you.  I soooo love handmade!!

Anyway, I gathered some packaging inspiration for those of you with shops.  Even if you don’t have a shop it might inspire you to take a few extra moments with the next gift you give.  The packaging can really add that extra-special “Wow Factor” to a simple item.

Copy book pages for wrapping paper…black and white looks great!

Vintage wallpaper tags {from moo.com} can add instant beauty and style to any box.

{Bluhour}

Oh, the power of twine!  This is simply pretty!

{Stella and Hodge}

I think this button on the top of the package is just the cutest thing!  Why didn’t I think of that?!

Layla Amber hair pins come displayed on their own custom cards.

Pillow boxes are are pretty way to package quickly.

Paloma’s Nest sends ornaments in these beautiful bags…so classy, don’t you think?

These bitty bags are a simple packaging solution and they come in so many colors and styles.

{just lovely things}

Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll come up with something that says “thank you” in your own way.

Do you have any packaging tips to share??

~Kim

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Creative things displayed by creative people…love it!

Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity for your next craft show or event.  There’s always something new to learn that will make your shoppers stop in their tracks and focus on your booth.

{LuLu Dee – Hello, Friend}

{Erin – Sunshine and Carousels}

{Twig & Thistle}

{Renegade Craft Show}

{Julie Ann Art}

{Sycamore Street Press}

Wow! I love them!  Do you sign up for many craft shows?  I’ve mainly done Farmer’s Markets in the past.  I really prefer to sell online due to not having to get up super early and pack a truck full of everything…lol!

I know lots of handmade sellers build their business by shows.  Have you had a good experience with them?

~Kim

*More craft display ideas can be found on my Pinterest boards.

Do you subscribe to Everything Etsy??  Don’t miss out…subscribe today!

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You might not have space for a sewing room, but I bet you might have the space it takes for a dreamy sewing table like this one!

I’m one of those crafty people that likes to do a little of every kind of craft I can think of and I only use my sewing machine for some of them.  A little sewing table or desk is perfect for me!

This sewing space is just BEAUTIFUL!!!!  I love everything about it!

How about sewing in this lovely little area? The natural light is awesome!!  The plants are awesome!  Oh, and the colors are awesome! {Yes, I am a child of the 80s…totally!}

Just a corner of a room can be transformed into a sweet little space…how creative!

I love red and I think I’ve always owned a red car…starting with a ‘65 Mustang.  This red desk rocks!!! You’ll find out how this space all came together right here.

It doesn’t take a whole room to create a fabulous space to have an inspiring sewing area.  Do you have a favorite?

~Kim

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It’s that time of year again! You know, when you start to think all of your craft supplies could use a little organization.

It seems like all the hustle and bustle of summer fun can leave ribbon bunched together, scrapbook paper on the table, and scissors on the other side of the house.

Well, here are a few ideas to get your craft goodies back where you can find them again!

This lovely craft area above has taken that wasted space on the inside of the cabinet doors and made it useful!  Pegboard and metal attached to the inside of the doors is an awesome trick!

I adore this vintage ribbon holder I found at Holly Doodle Designs.  It’s organization & beautiful craft room decor all rolled into one!

Don’t waste that wall space! I love how this beautiful {BEAUTIFUL!!!} craft area uses the space above the desk.

Take an old table, cut some holes in the top for cups, paint, add some wheels….and you have a fabulous rolling craft station!  You could even roll it right into a closet when you’re not using it!

Need more craft storage ideas???

• Simple ideas for those little embellishments and other small craft supplies can be found in one of our most popular craft storage posts from last year.
• Get organized with beautiful vintage storage ideas from this post.
• Got baskets?  Here are some great ideas on how to use those baskets to organize and control the chaos!
• Check out these great scrapbook supply storage solutions!

I’m sure you’ll find a new idea you can use in these links!  I’ll be posting more craft storage tips soon.

Care to share one of your favorite craft storage solutions with us? I’d love to hear how you keep your supplies under control!

~Kim

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Take a look at these dreamy areas for kids to use their imaginations and be creative. It’s so much better than a room full of video games, don’t you think?

This crafty area above is super cheerful and the shelves can be adjusted later when you want to update the room as they grow.  What a fun spot!

This is a great little space to have right in their bedroom.  I love the containers of pencils and such and the robot decals add a cute touch for sure!

This one would be perfect for kids or adults…I want that peg board in a pretty color like this!  There’s room for two to create here and I’m sure lots of creative ideas bloom right here.

Isn’t this beautiful?! I would never think to use a bench with pillows and there’s plenty of room to spread out.

You can make a space like this with storage cubes or a bookshelf on each end with an oilcloth covered sheet of plywood for the top.  It’s quick, easy and CUTE!

I’m always sharing inspiring craft areas for us, but I hope you enjoyed a little change this time.  Did you have an fun spot to create in when you were young? I used to spend so much time out on our back porch with some kind of colored pencils or markers {I always like new ones…they made me happy!}.

I’d love to hear about your creative childhood!

~Kim

*You can find information on these and more fun ideas on my Pinterest boards.

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I love getting feedback from all of you who are part of the world of handmade and Etsy.  A great comment can seriously make my day!

EverythingEtsy has really grown to feel like a little budding community itself and I think it’s great getting to know you all through all the different channels we use.

Your comments are always so inspiring, so creative, and so true! One comment from LuLu of LuLu’s Nest the other day really struck me as a key point that we so often forget to talk about.

Loving Your Craft!

Our business posts sometimes get so into the thinking about what you “need” to do, that we forget to talk about why you started this whole thing to begin with.

Because of what you love to do!

People actually pay for something you created…Yay for you! Most of you are the same as me, you love, love, love, to create things. You love the challenge of figuring something out. You love the thought that somebody across the country or even around the world is enjoying and using something you made.

You love the “idea” of handmade. The dream that maybe, if we all work together, if we make enough of a ruckus, that we’ll get noticed and we can actually compete with the giants of mass-production.

Or, a little less high-minded, we can make a few extra dollars while having a great time!

Don’t Push Too Hard

I often hear from girls who are just plum tuckered out. She’s working on creating, listing, photography, blogging, SEO, and more…usually on-top of what she was already doing such as a full-time job, or being a mom, or a wife, or all of the above!

Deciding on Etsy doesn’t mean you have to become a “must-work-24-7″ crazy person!

Success online takes time by default for most people. It’s tough to create an overnight success and most true successes on Etsy take years to make happen. So don’t stress. Enjoy each day doing what you can.

And loving your craft!

~Kim

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I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and you’re feeling refreshed and recharged!  We had a great weekend around here and then homeschool evaluations for my boys.  Well, I can’t even begin to explain how homeschool evaluations get me all worked up every year.  It never fails to stress me out!  The boys did fabulous and now we get to take a little break before starting up again.  It’s time to enjoy Summer!

Since my brain is a bit jumbled I thought I’d share a little craft room {or corner of the room…he he} inspiration with you.  These always make me happy, so I hope you enjoy them too!

I’ve gone through my phase of “bigger is better” with my craft area, but now I’m all about cute and compact work spaces.  I love how this little desk sports lots of little extras to keep it all organized and looking great…check out the purse hook and the pen holder on the side.

You can put this desk anywhere and be able to create something beautiful without needing a whole room.  Oh, and what about this chair with the lovely fabric…I want one just like it!

What a splash of color! Just go vertical with your supplies using pegboard and spray paint.  {Spray paint rules…just sayin’!}  Then you just add the hooks and shelves you need without using up your precious desk top space.  This chair is pretty awesome, too…I have chair envy today!

If you haven’t had you’re fill of craft space beauty, just visit our craft space inspiration section for lots more!

What size space do you have for your craft or sewing area?  Do you store your supplies in a closet or have them right there and ready to use?  I’d love to hear about your little creative spaces!

~Kim

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