Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the Ginger Tea blog! There was so much I wanted to share with you this month - DIY decorations, handmade cards, and knitting! Unfortunately time got the best of me and I had to sacrifice some blog time in order to get everything done for the holidays! I will share everything with you when I return to blog land in the New Year!

I hope all of your holidays are merry and bright!

Love,
Mary

Photography: Frost

Day 28/365, originally uploaded by mtheginger.

The frost has set in my lovelies. All I want to do is sit by the fire with a blanket and some hot tea, but the holidays have me running around like a chicken with no head! I'm pushing to get all of my Christmas cards sent out this week. That includes my handmade cards for Brooklyn Bride's Holiday Card Swap. I'm also finishing up knitting/sewing the last 6 gifts on my list for friends and family.

I have a confession. We still haven't decorated my house. I've been too busy, my mom is away on vacation, and everyone else has been too tired. Tonight I finally prodded my stepdad into going with me to pick out our tree. Usually this is a tradition that involves me, my mother, and my stepdad together - but we'll have to make do. We usually pick the tree I want anyway. If it's not too dark when we go I might have some pictures of our find later for your.

I do apologize for the irregular posting for the last few weeks. As soon as this craziness passes I do promise to return to regular posting.

Design: Minted Design Challenge

Voting is open!

Voting is now open on Minted for their next batch of independently designed Save the Date cards! I have 8 designs submitted so if you like any of them, please give me a rating! Support independent designers and pick your favorite designs that you would like to see sold on Minted! You can vote for more than one!

Inspiration: Hard at Work

Cuba Gallery: Retro / vintage / fan / wood / photography / Retro furniture / interior / design, originally uploaded by Cuba Gallery - Now on Twitter!.

Fans work hard to keep us cool in warmer months, just like I've been working hard all week on the Minted design contest, as well as holiday gifts and cards.

I promise on Monday I'll return to regular posting with gift guides, the two DIY decorations I had promised for this week, and with the Friday Etsy Post that didn't get done today.

Inspiration: Holiday Ribbons

Gift ribbon heart and bokeh, originally uploaded by ♥ Moa Maria.

I'm a busy little elf in my "workshop" aka the dining room, working on gifts and cards. The holidays are creeping closer and closer! Do you have everything done yet?

Inspiration: Tea Cups

250909: World's Littlest Coffee Morning, originally uploaded by * Madonna *.

Morning all! After yesterday's post about Alice in Wonderland I spent some time on etsy stalking vintage tea cups because I have a slight obsession with them. Wouldn't you love to have this quirky little set in your collection?

Design: Minted Design Challenge

Vote for my design on minted.™ see more from Mary Veterano vote for me! Check out my competition in Christmas photo cards and Save the Date cards at Minted.

You may have noticed this button on the sidebar. I have designs submitted in the Minted Design Challenge, so if you like what I have submitted vote for me! If my designs win, they could be sold on the Minted website.

Photography: Down the Rabbit Hole Engagement Session

{ via Green Wedding Shoes }

Today I saw this absolutely amazing Alice in Wonderland themed shoot on Green Wedding Shoes shot by the brilliant Hunter Leone of Three Nails Photography. I'm a huge huge huge fan of all things Wonderland as well as Three Nails Photography so I thought I'd share this with you. The shot is styled beautifully, and they have brilliant elements - the rabbit (a sweet little white and grey dwarf), the outfits (styled and created by Hunter and his fiance), painting the roses red, the frames, the vintage details - it's insanely perfect. And how cute is the couple? They couldn't be more perfect if they tried.

Just last night Roy mentioned an idea to me for a proposal/Save the Date card using the eat me and drink me elements. I'm designing it this week, so I'll show you when it's finished.

Blog Break

I need to take a blog break today. My cat got very sick over the weekend and unfortunately we had to put her down this morning. My beloved Suzy is in a better place now.

I will return tomorrow.

Papercraft: 2010 Holiday Cards

Happy holidays to you and yours from Mary and Roy!

Here's the whole gang of me, Roy, and my friends that I illustrated last night.

Friday Etsy Picks: Recycled

{ via Betsy and Bess }

This is a great looking messenger bag upcycled from corduroy pants. What I really love about it is the inside fabric pattern! It's so charming against the strong, and sturdy corduroy. The bag is sizeable, which is great for those of us that have a lot to carry! You can also trust that it will last when it's made from corduroy.


{ via Sevenply }

This trendy mustache was cut from an old skateboard. It has a lot of character and personality - it's quirky! If you're looking for something one-of-a-kind and really individual check out this necklace!


{ via Curio Designs }

This wallet uses recycled leather to create a classy piece to carry your things. With an elastic and button closure you can be sure that you'll always be able to close it no matter what. There are three thick slots for cards and a long money pocket. You can't go wrong with this supple looking wallet!

Have a great weekend!

DIY: Holiday Gift Wrapping

Do you go out every year and spend money on wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon that is over priced and runs out too quickly? I used to, too. But why should we feed into consumerism when we're crafty?

It's quite easy (and quick!) to make your presents look merry and bright this year without breaking your wallet! I picked up some tulle, lace and ribbons by the spool in the dollar section of the craft store. I used a roll of kraft paper to wrap my packages and added little notions to them to spice them up.



I only added lace, twine, and ribbons to mine (with the printed gift tags found in the freebies section. If you have stamps you can easily use them to create patterns. I also considered doing felt shapes to add to my packages. Another easy embellishment (with no knitting skills required) is a yarn pom.

Simply cut out two circles with the centers cut out, wrap your yarn around the template, then stick your scissors between the templates and cut around. Before you remove your yarn from the template tie another piece of yarn around the pieces and make a tight knot. Trim the edges of the pom and roll it around in your hand to fluff it up. Monday I'll be back with a post about my yarn garland!

Here's a good video tutorial for yarn poms. And here's a free pdf template I've created for your yarn poms.

Sewing: Busy at Work for Christmas

I'm sorry I didn't have the gift wrapping post I'd promised up yesterday! I got sidetracked working on some Christmas presents. This is how I looked all day yesterday, making measurements and cutting out pieces to be quilted.

Stick around, later today I should have something up about gift wrapping!

Inspiration: Frosted Berries

Frosted Gift, originally uploaded by Tommy Simms.

It was nippy this morning! All of the rain from yesterday turned to frost and I was out there, trudging around with the dog before I went off to the gym.

I bet there berries would be icy and crunchy! I've got cranberry scones to make today and these reminded me of that.

And I wanted to say welcome to the new followers!

Gift Guide: Jonathan Adler

{ via Jonathan Adler }

1. Cookie Jar Set
2. Ornament
3. Cocoa Mug Set
4. Popcorn Jar Set
5. Bottle Stoppers
6. Hurricane Vase
7. Votive
8. Bottle Stoppers
9. Napkin Ring
10. Vase

Here's my picks for some great gifts to get for the people on your list this year from Jonathan Adler. I love love love the Jonathan Adler website, and the holiday section doesn't disappoint! My favorite are the carbs and calories cookie jar sets, they crack me up!

Twice a week up until Christmas I will be putting up gift guides from my favorite places to shop.

Check back tomorrow for a gift wrapping post with DIY wrapping decorations - no more buying the overpriced paper from the store!

Inspiration: Let It Snow

Snowflake, originally uploaded by Yani Ioannou.

Happy December 1st! I'm dreaming of snow while it's pouring rain outside.