Sunday, November 13, 2011

Brown Paper Packages

It snowed here the other day. It melted when it hit the ground, but still...it snowed. I love the snow. I can't imagine having winter without it; the two are synonymous. For me they have to be, because if winter's not cold then what would happen to all those cozy indoor holiday traditions? Would they loose their magic? Because they do have have it. There is a tiny bit of magic woven into the fabric of our holiday traditions.Holidays can bring about a lot of pressure. Scheduling in your family time with your spouse's family time, digging out all the decorations that don't seem to be in the same spot you put them last year, frantically trying to finish up all those handknit scarves you're giving to all the women in your family, mall parking - 'nuff said. But the thing about all of those stressors is that, when you live in the moment, you'll find they're really part of the joy of the season. We can't manufacture time, but we can make something out of it.One of my favorite things to do is to weave some of that magic into each and every gift I give. I may not make all of my gifts by hand, but it doesn't mean I won't spend hours dressing them up and grooming them just so. Most people see gift wrapping as a tedious chore that's rushed through the night before, but not me. I cherish that time spent wrapping. I see it as a luxury; a chance to sit and immerse myself in the moment. I get to re-look at my purchases and envision how their intended recipient will use it, wear it, love it. I get to surround myself with my favorite things - scissors, paper, glue - and turn a white shirt box into a masterpiece. And that smile that lights up someone's face before they've even unwrapped their package - well, that's just plain old magical.

For more handmade holiday traditions, including cute printables and yummy recipes galore, take a wander through some of my EtsyGreetings team member's blogs by clicking either arrow above.

til next time,
-Kate ♥

15 comments:

  1. "We can't manufacture time, but we can make something out of it."

    Isn't that the truth?! Reading your post is such a delight. I enjoy your writing, even if I don't like the cold. :)

    I love the act of wrapping, also. Your packages are gorgeous!

    Cheers,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the look of brown wrapping paper, simple yet elegant. I love the gold details too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow- really beautiful wrapping! I'd really love to receive something so beautiful- I wouldn't want to open it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oooooh! May I have a present from you please?? It can be an empty box... I just want the packaging!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a lovely wrapping idea! Simple yet such exquisite results!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great way to wrap packages. Love all the different elements you used especially the brown paper.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those are beautiful! Can't wait to try it. I miss the snow, we don't get enough in the south. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Awww...beautiful packages with so much time you put into it, very thoughtful!! I might not even want to open it. It's TOO pretty! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. very beautiful!! brown paper packages are the best!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh my goodness Susan you just made my day! I do so love to write, but rarely find the time for it anymore...what with all the brown paper packages I'm wrapping, lol.

    Thanks ladies for your kind comments. I'm definitely feeling the love ♥

    ReplyDelete
  11. Well said! I love wrapping presents and "dressing them up". I have let it go some because of time, but need to hang on to that.

    ReplyDelete