One Good Thing: Banquet Creativity Kits

I've been a big fan of the whimsical creations dreamed up by the team at Banquet for a long time now, and their new creativity kits are no exception. While the mobile kits were created as a craft to do with kids (great idea) - I'd have to keep them all to myself, dust them in glitter, and then hang them from my Christmas tree instead. Check out more from the Banquet line including art prints, completed mobiles, and creativity kits right here.

Real Reviews: Martha Stewart's Holiday Paper Tape

One of my favorite things about the Holiday season is all the crafty goodness that starts filling the shelves in local and online shops. On Monday I popped into Michael's and discovered that Martha Stewart has a few sets of paper tape as part of her holiday line. I'm being pretty reserved with my holiday purchases this year, but I just couldn't resist getting these!

So here are my thoughts: The tapes are pretty nice overall, but do lack the delicate tactile appeal of traditional Japanese paper tapes (so if you are used to/love those, these might disappoint you). These are much thicker than regular paper tape and probably wouldn't lend themselves to layering as well as the kind we are all already familiar with. I really like how the box that the tape is packaged in also serves as a tape dispenser with a handy serrated cutting edge. The designs are great (my favorites being the Scandinavian Birds, Aqua Icicles, and Red & White Checkers - I scanned strips so you can get a better idea of the designs) and will look really cute sealing Christmas card envelopes and treat bags. Overall I'm happy with my purchase and think these will definitely be put to good use over the holidays. If you are interested in purchasing the tape you should be able to find it in your local Michael's craft store or online at EK Success here and here.

Inspiration Daily: 11. 10. 10

Gorgeous makeup artistry by Jessica Tarazi.

Fancy This: 11. 09 .10

A few things I'm fancying on this unseasonably warm Tuesday:

• My obsession with all things Madewell is still going strong - this entire look is ace.
• This necklace would look just as good paired with jeans and a tee as it would adding some edginess to a girly frock.
• I dream of having my entire house organized in chic baskets like these.
• Finally a holiday wreath look that I can really embrace (not literally silly, that would hurt).
• Sweet initial clip purses - how cute would these be poking out of a holiday stocking!
• The perfect way to glam it up underneath all your warm seasonal layers (and they are super affordable too).
• Truer words were never spoken...errr written. (discovered via Ed Winser on pinterest)

ALT Summit Here I Come

Hello lovelies! I just had to pop by to share a tidbit of exciting news with you. Have you heard of/attended the Altitude Design Summit? Well, I missed it last year, but I'm super delighted to be able to tell you that I'll be attending this January as a speaker. A speaker!...What?! Me?!!! When I was asked to be a part of ALT I nearly fell out of my chair. What an honor. I can't wait. Check out the list of amazing creatives who will be speaking (see...such an honor to be included amongst such company).

Guess what, you can be there too! The Altitude Design Summit is a three day event filled with informative and entertaining talks for/by bloggers and lifestyle sites, hands-on workshops, and a chance to meet a heap of super awesome and inspiring folks! There is a lot more info on the ALT site (get your tickets while you still can). If you are able to make it to the summit you absolutely should. And bonus: you'll get to meet me in person and see what a goof I am in real life (that should be fun right). If you can't make it (not to fret) I will be sharing posts about the summit here on Creature Comforts this January. Woohoo! I hope to see you there!