Free Holiday Printable from Fawn & Forest

I came across these adorable free printables from Fawn & Forest over the weekend and couldn't wait to share them with you all. It might be too late to get started in on the free advent calendar for this year, but I was thinking that (aside from getting a jumpstart on advent for next year) the printable could be used to create cute little gift tags. Just punch with a decorative craft punch and string with twine or ribbon.

Then there are the adorable accordion-folded paper-cut garlands — too cute for words. Choose from templates for the sweet bird, gift bow, or acorn...the patterns are all free! Hop on over to Fawn & Forest to download yours. xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 12. 13. 10

Japanese Cranberries by Jena Coray. Also be sure to check out Jena's wonderful blog.

Etsy Finds & Faves: 12. 10. 10

Happy weekend lovelies! I hope that your next few days will be filled with relaxation, excitement, and every good thing in between. I'm getting ready to start on a big xmas gift that I should have started ages ago (wish me luck). See you here next week! xo Ez

A few lovely and inspiring things:

• Zen Ring with Azurite - MSO Joies
• Winter Wonderland Cupcake Kit - Sweet Estelle's Baking Supply
• Starlette Sparkler Bobby Pin - Giant Dwarf
• Vintage Doily Cushion - Octavi
• Rimma Art Print - Tush Tush
• Sugar and Spice Gift Tags - Handmade by Traveling Mama

Living Things Mini Book by Lizzy Stewart

Little Otsu is know for publishing fun and fabulous work (such as art prints, books, calendars, planners, and more) in tandem with some of the great artists of the indie community. When I spotted Lizzy Stewart (one of my faves) new Living Things Mini Book (first in this series of themed artist books) it was love at first look. The mini publication is available for pre-order now (it officially releases next week). Only $6.95! See more from Little Otsu here, and don't miss Lizzy Stewart's portfolio and etsy shop.

Birthday Berries

This past Sunday was my birthday. I would have been fine with it skipping by without a howdy-do, but it insisted upon showing up yet again (it has a way of doing that every year - odd). In any event, it was a pretty ordinary day filled with work and a few crying jags regarding my rapidly dissipating youth, and then my Mom called to invite us over for birthday dinner/celebration.

I really wanted to get out of the house, so we hopped in the car and moseyed the 1.25 hour distance to my parent's house (over the river and through the woods) and got there just as the sun was setting. I must admit, my "party" expectations were rather moderate. It's not that there is anything wrong with my Mom or family (I love you guys), but my Mom is a self-professed "non party planning sort of person," so I didn't want to expect too much.

So imagine my surprise when I walked into a beautifully decorated room with ribbons strung from the ceiling and this beautiful bouquet of winter berries that my Mom had driven all over the back roads looking for earlier that day (insert tear here)! A little later on as we were enjoying a yummy meal my Mom explained that she had stopped by Creature Comforts to "see what colors I was into these days" and happened upon a recent Color Crush post of mine. The ribbons festooning the room in reds and taupes were coordinated with my palette..and honestly I couldn't have been more touched. So family...if you are reading, thanks for the lovely lovely evening full of laughter and fun! I treasure each and every one of you more than I can ever say. xo Ez