{charmed earth}

The Lifestyle blog of Katie Storms.: something simple, something sweet, something styled.

20 November 2010

Something Mailed: Upcycled Envelopes

I found the most charming stack of vintage Santa cards out thrifting a few weeks ago. They came without envelopes. I thought I would have the perfect size at home--but it turns out that I didn't. I considered buying a small package for cheap, but as I was sifting through the Christmas labels, tags, ribbon, and string box, I found a few sheets of wrapping paper I couldn't bear to trash last year.

Solution: Make envelopes with something pretty: last year's folded wrapping paper.

Supplies: Scissors, pencil or pen, tape, an envelope to trace (I used a resume envelope, but you could use any envelope you've received in the mail, old labels or white paper, and old wrapping paper, old scrapbook paper, old maps, any old paper will do. I 'm also considering using some Anthropologie magazine pages.

Step 1: Carefully tear apart the pattern envelope.
Step 2: Lay envelope flat on old wrapping paper.
Step 3:Trace the patten of the envelope. I had to add inches to mine so that the card would fit. I determined the right size by placing the card in the middle as I traced.
Step 4: Cut out the traced shape.






Step 4: Flip envelope so the pretty paper faces down.
Step 5: Fold up the bottom edge and side edges. Check to see if card fits.


Step 6: Tape the edges down with Scotch tape (I have way to much of this stashed from last year) or a glue stick.
Step 7: Add a label or white paper to the front for writing the address and return address.
Step 8: Place envelope in card, seal back flap with glue or vintage holiday stickers.
Step 9: Pass along the holiday cheer, and mail this beauty.

17 November 2010

Something Glittery: Christmas Craft Countdown

Coming Soon:

All sorts of Christmas Crafts to glue and twist throughout the season. Here's a sneak peek at a few ornaments--start stashing your corks, searching for old milk bottle caps, and washing your glass jars. And while you're at it, bring on that glitter.

Keep reading. I'll be your Christmas Muse.

09 November 2010

Something Without: Ten Month Confession


"Let's start with ridiculous and work backwards" 
~Stranger Than Fiction

Ten Months. Ten Months without buying a bottle of lip gloss. Ten Months without buying a new nail polish. Ten Months without buying a shiny pack of black Flair pens. Ten Months without buying body wash. Ten Months without buying cotton balls. Ten Months without buying press and seal Gladwrap. Ten Months without buying stationary. Ten Months without buying new books. Ten Months without buying new dishes. Ten months without buying new picture frames. Ten months without buying a new hair dryer. Ten months without buying new slippers.

Ten Months without buying A LOT.

Maybe I can even count it as ten-and-a-half with the tone of a ten-and-a-half-year-old that's almost eleven.

And I suppose ten was my limit. I broke down with birthday cash in September, and tried to pass it off as "okay." And I know it's cliche, but I can't help but think of dear Emma Thompson as Karen Eiffel in Stranger Than Fiction. I'm "okay" with ten months.

But this weekend, when the mall called to me and my Anthropologie giftcard, I admitted defeat: a new shirt and a new scarf. Yes. The total exceeded the giftcard.

And then when Target boasted their new fall lines, I admitted total destruction: a new sweater (inspired by the one marked $128 at Anthropologie), a new dress, and two new, unstretched t-shirts. All new.

I almost made it. And I'm still not giving up. But I thought you should know.



08 November 2010

Something I Love: Falling Back

I woke up this morning at 3:41 a.m. with an overwhelming sense of calm. And I fell back to sleep for another hour and a half willingly. I still hate Mondays, but this one may have been the best Monday morning of the year: I drove to work with Aurora, and I drove home with sights of a cheshire moon above a blanket of pink, indigo, and violet. I wish I had a picture.

03 November 2010

Something Appreciated: Cool Weather

















It feels like Autumn. I'm wearing my winter coat in the black mornings. The leaves are painted gold. My morning coffee warms my fingertips. I hope this weather stays just as it is--no snow--unless it's a snow day!

02 November 2010

Something Thankful: Basketball in Autumn




We're looking forward to another wonderful Spurs season.

I adore the Spurs. No. We are not from Texas. We just like them. And we both adore basketball. I also adore poetry. And autumn. I wish my poetry was as wonderful as Sherman Alexie's, but who am I kidding?

For some basketball poetry, read Alexie's "Defending Walt Whitman." I also enjoy Naomi Shihab Nye's collection Honeybee (she mentions Duncan in the intro)and a poem called "Old Men Playing Basketball," but the author escapes me right now.

Jump Ball!

Thank you autumn for Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan, and, I suppose, Tony Parker.

Thank you for The Post and their NBA league pass.

Thank you for the park, a dribble and a pass away.

Thank you  for my charming husband and charming bulldog.

Thank you, autumn, for basketball.

The photo is from Cheryl. You can find her here. Isn't she amazing?!