Merry Christmas from Us!

I don't know if I'm more excited for Christmas, and seeing my kid's faces when they discover Santa's goodies, or for the extended holiday break! Having the kids home from school, free of all scheduled activities, and me off work, is my very favorite time of the year. I am so blessed to have this flexibility, and treasure every second of it.<br /><br />Last month the fabulously talented <a href="http://goo.gl/1bAWw2" target="_blank">Kelli Trontel</a> was in town, and we were fortunate enough to snag a mini-session with her. It rained all day, but we weren't about to miss the chance to be on the other end of her lens. Especially since we haven't had family photos done in 5 years! We are just thrilled with how they came out, and are so grateful to have this season captured.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="502" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/11469056303_424bd8fa70_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="367" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/11468906095_e86784a81e_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="367" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/11469010986_c40838a2b7_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="572" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/11468905775_11b75ca443_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="595" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/11469010666_1416e7de9b_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="532" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/11468905415_8b0c873456_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="549" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11469055123_e557bb536b_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="535" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/11469010166_c873798c70_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/11468936084_7642e660b2_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/1bAWw2" target="_blank">All photos by Kelli Trontel</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />Can you believe she captured these <i>(and tons more, but since we don't share DNA, I didn't think you'd want to see them all)</i> in just 30 minutes?! Usually I'm lucky to have one good picture for Christmas cards, but this year we could hardly choose. Thank you, <a href="http://goo.gl/1bAWw2" target="_blank">Kelli</a>!!!<br /><br />If I could, I'd send each one of you a Christmas card, thanking you for your support, friendship and clever comments....but have you seen the price of stamps lately?!?! So instead, here's the next best thing...<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="389" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/11469054513_35f9826a98_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Photos" height="417" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/11469077776_7855005d80_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />We used <a href="http://www.minted.com/referral/landing/dwd9lq" target="_blank">Minted</a> this year for our cards, and I was so impressed with their selection, creativity, quality and service, that I'm a fan and customer for life! Our packages got a lot cuter this year with their <a href="http://www.minted.com/referral/landing/dwd9lq" target="_blank">ornament cards</a> and <a href="http://www.minted.com/referral/landing/dwd9lq" target="_blank">tags</a>, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Christmas Home Tour" height="769" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/11255227776_faeed2c9bd_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gift Tags" height="524" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/11469026256_1e600b04ef_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gift Tags" height="552" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/11468951754_782a42cdd1_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I plan to soak in every moment with these precious people, and I hope your holiday is full of love, merriment and magic! Merry Christmas, lovebugs!

Merry Christmas from Us!

I don't know if I'm more excited for Christmas, and seeing my kid's faces when they discover Santa's goodies, or for the ex...

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Attention Procrastinators, It's Not Too Late!

Hey, hey! I hope you guys are having a great Saturday! I don't usually post on weekends, but I was online this morning looking for a few (ahem) final gifts, and noticed that today is the last day to order from <a href="http://bit.ly/W7fZdv" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a> with <i>Free Shipping</i>, guaranteed to arrive by Christmas! Shopping from home in my pajamas sounds a lot better than battling the malls.<br /><br />So hop over to <a href="http://bit.ly/W7fZdv" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a> by 11pm EST today, and knock out the rest of your list! They even have a few things you can order as late as December 23 that will arrive in time. Here's a few gifts to inspire you. <i>(Click the pictures to take you directly to the item.)</i><br /><br /><div id="rs-shopping-widget-84877"><div id="rs-intro-loader" style="height: 32px; margin: 0 auto; width: 32px;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/rewardstyle/shopping_loader.gif" /></div><script src="http://www.currentlyobsessed.me/js/easyXDM-2.4.15.118/easyXDM.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">setTimeout(function() {var transport = new easyXDM.Socket({remote:"http://www.currentlyobsessed.me/api/v1/get_widget?wp=31|Hi+Sugarplum|84877",container: document.getElementById("rs-shopping-widget-84877"),swf: "http://www.currentlyobsessed.me/js/easyXDM-2.4.15.118/easyxdm.swf",onMessage: function(message, origin) {this.container.getElementsByTagName("iframe")[0].style.width = "100%";this.container.getElementsByTagName("iframe")[0].style.height = message + "px";var d = parent.document.getElementById("rs-shopping-widget-84877");var d_nested = document.getElementById("rs-intro-loader");if (d_nested) {var throwawayNode = d.removeChild(d_nested)};}});}, 1000);</script></div>

Attention Procrastinators, It's Not Too Late!

Hey, hey! I hope you guys are having a great Saturday! I don't usually post on weekends, but I was online this morning looking for a few...

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15 Creative Christmas Crafts

<div style="text-align: left;">You guys brought your A-games last week to the<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-diy-decorative-balls-link.html" target="_blank"> Christmas Cheer Craft party</a>! My <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hisugarplum/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> is bursting with all the great ideas...thank you so much for sharing and linking up! Most of the projects have died down as we settle in to enjoy the holiday, but I wanted to showcase some of my favorites from the link party....don't be surprised if you see versions of them pop up here in the next year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokev6b4bcVAVTCCvK-RG5lZtj_YWXP6dfg8GtYxaZvtyFj1yii8EdG6vYrNaKdv-NS-BMXRFGJ8qpoGgr8eH4OVdE82O8ejDQ1ZhWNnB3RK_nf8-B-HQIDs2y8Ia1S8Rfcyh691tSqcA/s640/pretty+painted+pine+cones2.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/08tXsU" target="_blank">Painted Pinecones {House by Hoff}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="diy-yarn-tassel-ornaments" class="size-full wp-image-4228 aligncenter" height="366" src="http://i1.wp.com/twolivecolorfully.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/diy-yarn-tassel-ornaments.jpg?resize=550%2C366" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/Tnx68s" target="_blank">Tassel Ornaments {Two Live Colorfully}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybmOLPp4-JAaOJVVmvS6ImO7HWM7KjB5g8mUWujg_Uq9gmXE8-6IwgYajUFI85jl_4u26BHVkQtl78Kq6aEgPBNRoraAx5HJfa2sRjM0bM3bcXwwQuOkCrUt5meLYTuHR5bnDn0A00t8/s1600/Tree11.jpg" width="426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/uR9Skj" target="_blank">Swedish Felt Trees {Southern Distinctions}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZWHvNGqaRSvBZNumSnrMuFm-IH81mv1tP8LCUsBETur9VERxhoWwRywF5ugTHhrxziYoG6bufAPWXxmdq082mQZ6rhYgaru1lWqE2hyphenhyphen5mrA0kerqeR2PFGWKPZTt3yr7lR7LXtj2otw/s640/christmas+tree+6+2013.jpg" width="426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/68J6vZ" target="_blank">Feather Garland {Sarah M Dorsey Designs} </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL72MPDHtu0v3yRVg2AfgL-qDrm223xTCK12c6vbfhO4LimtIX1-6e4Hu2sRgE2EHL7_LLn6vIA75c2h3sYgzkvRJsPtkZM6UNt45CP6oLkg1n1FwDKesBMjWdmzOehpTlnl8K-izNn9c/s640/table5.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/jR1fEt" target="_blank"> Equestrian Place Cards {Primitive & Proper}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TWdnN-g1PuqgfRgyYO2Bm09gmn4dBEmP-uagCiKt1vX4pXGioArZRvC37P-br3MWeMRn416kIwI5x1kYQp-11-eaDlZVZcTAP5W502qOgheMxY2urOwlqY6ZCsZSGV90cx0MEyXnfR8/s1600/IMG_4290.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/1M3eQf" target="_blank">Joy Sign {Little Bits of Home} </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0vjqzKaQ7ac1WDU_92SNN-2o-MhVWHPGPTbgsqZF-kAhMbFDIG4uLgzVH6WayqfL85wuf5JWb7aeFp8AVRuYMGmR6j0O7xWWHHqANWxKzv2CRUxyFkVvbrgnXJnRouxDHCOfSF1gR5k/s640/2.jpg" title="nativity scene" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/8cs7FE" target="_blank">Clothespin Nativity Scene {Delineate Your Dwelling}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="1 - DIY Wood Slice Ornament" class="size-full wp-image-2882 aligncenter" height="385" src="http://www.bravenewhome.com/wp-content/uploads/1-DIY-Wood-Slice-Ornament.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/iSzl2E" target="_blank">Wood Slice Ornament {Brave New Home} </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DIY "Noel" display from The Chronicles of Home" border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhlDu8H4ltDWfDG1vEqpmU5la6T7yS2nrArUgCvAXyC6uEBasXLXu4wcdlJFtNqcnDj7PI_mwOwaUDzsezWryFxphoThIwJ2nE7_wmCOO8eskRMxJuNImqCyc1qDaNmsD_AoIWp9rSWU/s400/Classic+Noel+Christmas+decoration.jpg" title="DIY "Noel" display from The Chronicles of Home" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/x8k7vq" target="_blank">DIY Noel Display {Chronicles of Home}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZsXs4qdnmg/UoTK_GEff4I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/yShbWgAC2Bk/s640/diy+himmeli+ornament+1_edited-1.jpg" width="406" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/jnindj" target="_blank">Himmeli Ornaments {Nalle's House}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="DIY Painted Bowls" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1373" height="640" src="http://www.homeyohmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DIY-Painted-Bowls-768x1024.jpg" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/Gdw5gp" target="_blank">DIY Painted Bowls {Homey Oh My!}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bliss-at-Home-holiday-wreath-tutorial" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11710" height="640" src="http://i1.wp.com/bliss-athome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bliss-at-Home-holiday-wreath-tutorial.jpg?resize=600%2C800" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/twzPcy" target="_blank">Ornament Wreath {Bliss at Home}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygDjts4_jbTrzieT6yMaWRY61V_xqGODVbQwZdnGAK2xrjD1vNd9K9yEF72qDcI6WoPVGg5y6CiaK9GiSzR-tcmtwusq6JYCmUFYN4467lhpvum6oyQlT6joHex0yK43rVQENYn0UjDE/s1600/tray+garland+7.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/bRWsOQ" target="_blank">Dollar Tree Chalkboard Garland {Dimples & Tangles}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v6_sxHhpasTDv8MgWuO4dIxoqcb6e-BHQpU2qJT1OPk2s3jqNjINiMLUbvnb8Ox7GGWqUs2UuRChE7PqHFPSDgn3dr_inqA1NAriaT5IxOHxNEyZlfZvve-dNivfXB21I8vaIY8kapE/s1600/jinglepillow.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/fsmTHU" target="_blank">Burlap Pillow {Southern Color}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="DIY gold+glitter glass ornaments - simplified bee" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10482" height="640" src="http://www.simplifiedbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DIY-gold+glitter-glass-ornaments-simplified-bee.jpg" width="426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/da23yw" target="_blank">DIY Ornaments {Simplified Bee}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" height="370" src="http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww100/freckleschick4/3e322b26-ed33-45b6-90c8-3c70c78590cf.jpg?t=1387140199" width="550" /><br /><a href="http://goo.gl/xucqHA" target="_blank">Glittered Feathers & Gorgeous Gift Wrap {Freckles Chick}</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you as inspired as I am? Don't you wish the holiday season would go on a bit longer?</div>

15 Creative Christmas Crafts

You guys brought your A-games last week to the Christmas Cheer Craft party ! My Pinterest board is bursting with all the great ideas...tha...

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Sea Salt & Chocolate Caramel Cups

I'm warning you now...you <i>do not</i> want to make these! You will curse me and this blog, and rue the day you saw this post. I know this because that's exactly how I feel about <a href="http://goo.gl/hVdMb8" target="_blank">Megan's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.</a><br /><br />I saw <a href="http://goo.gl/hVdMb8" target="_blank">her post</a> last year and immediately whipped up a batch. And then another. And another. No one could stop eating them. Even worse...<i>I</i> couldn't stop eating them! I'd call Megan and say, <i>'Dang it, I just made another batch of your stupid peanut butter cups!'</i> The same conversation repeated itself again this week, except this time, I asked her,<i> 'Wonder what would happen if you replaced the peanut butter with caramel?! And then put sea salt on top?'</i><br /><br />I'll tell you what happens....clouds part and angels sing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="526" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/11423567304_aee2301e9f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's so simple, even non-cooker-people like myself can make them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{INGREDIENTS}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Chips <i>(spring for the good ones, not the waxy store-brand!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caramel squares or sauce <i>(from the ice cream aisle) Or make your own if you're so inclined. We might judge you for being too perfect though.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sea Salt </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cupcake liners </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Melt half a bag of chips...I don't own a double-broiler, so I improvise by placing a glass bowl over boiling water.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="674" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/11423571636_71517c298d_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Lay out your liners....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="654" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/11423545345_ab2c20e335_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Smooth a thin layer of melted chocolate on the bottom, and place in fridge to set.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="729" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/11423717003_c1627d65d3_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Spoon a dollop of caramel, and spread it around a bit before allowing to set in the fridge.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="726" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/11423716673_7839708dae_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Melt the rest of the chocolate, and follow with another thin layer of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="730" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/11423568154_803bd9e597_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />And finish with a sprinkling of sea salt while the chocolate is still hot. I allow them to cool completely at room temperature. That's not true, I usually eat 3 before they get a chance to set.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="550" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/11423715933_0782d59729_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="414" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/11423569856_6c4676f23f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I challenge you not to moan inappropriately when biting in to one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="540" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/11423543975_eb0b25feac_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Keep the liners on if you package them as gifts. I found these cute striped buckets <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2F&pid=uid7924-1475882-20&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Link" target="_blank">here</a>, and hopefully I'll get them packed up before eating them all!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels" height="610" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/11423543585_d646328cc8_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />If you are able to give them away, be prepared for friends to praise and curse you. I'd invite you over for one, but this batch is already gone, baby, gone. Are you able to make sweets without eating them all?<br /><br />Excited to link this easy recipe up with <a href="http://goo.gl/rklXII" target="_blank">Natasha</a> and <a href="http://goo.gl/RzFKJZ" target="_blank">Heather</a> for our last Christmas Cheer in the Blogosphere party! It's been a fun two weeks seeing what goes on in your home during the holidays. Be sure to check back tomorrow for my favorites from the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-diy-decorative-balls-link.html" target="_blank">Craft Party</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Blogger Christmas Link Party" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/11054542526_c4317b4108.jpg" width="361" /></div>

Sea Salt & Chocolate Caramel Cups

I'm warning you now...you do not want to make these! You will curse me and this blog, and rue the day you saw this post. I know this be...

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Easy DIY Gift Card Holders

Just as I suspected, you and I are kindred folk...peas in a pod...one in the same...total twinsies. You feel me, or do you need more cliches? Because I can go all day. I loved seeing your responses to <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-favorite-things.html" target="_blank">My Favorites</a> yesterday, and loved that we had so much in common.<br /><br />Today I'm sharing a sweet little DIY I whipped-up during last week's Icemageddon....cute gift card holders! I much prefer to give actual gifts, but for some people, gift cards are the only way to go. I'd rather someone <i>(especially teachers)</i> get exactly what they want, too. But I still like to jazz them up so they're fun to receive and open. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="609" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/11405632776_9052270aba_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>{SUPPLIES}</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Felt</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pinking Shears or Scissors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sewing machine or glue</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First cut stockings out of felt using a template so the fronts and backs are the same size. Make sure they are wide enough to fit your gift card, too.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="710" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/11405651314_1623da1c1b_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Then cut a bunch of circles in varying sizes and colors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="512" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/11405633796_9ea6c81d84_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Stack the circles on the front piece of the stocking, then sew them in place. You could use glue too, but since I had nothing but time, I figured I'd work on my laughable sewing skills. I only sewed the middle of the circles so the sides would flap up for more dimension.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="504" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/11405631185_7397f9db19_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />So they'd hang on the tree, I sewed a loop of felt to the back piece.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="650" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/11405630955_3b0a040531_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Final step is to sew the two pieces of the stocking together, leaving the top open.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="548" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/11405650014_4e583c48c2_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="586" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/11405765713_80732faf46_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="553" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/11405630035_bc4314a2e6_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Now they are cute additions to our tree, until Christmas day!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="639" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/11405632276_0a40c2df68_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />A lot more fun than just an envelope, don't you think? And they won't get lost in the pile of presents under the tree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Felt Stocking Ornament/Gift Card Holder" height="825" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/11405629595_3013f3f9c4_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Check out the other fun ways I've packaged gift cards <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/simple-teacher-gifts.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/cute-gift-card-packaging.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Do you like to give actual gifts, or gift cards? How do you package them?

Easy DIY Gift Card Holders

Just as I suspected, you and I are kindred folk...peas in a pod...one in the same...total twinsies. You feel me, or do you need more cliches...

Read more »