DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas

It's December 23rd, and I betcha half of you haven't finished wrapping gifts yet. Am I right? I, on the other hand, finished a couple of days ago at which point pigs actually began to fly. I know, crazy. So for those of you still in need of some gift wrapping encouragement and ideas, I've scoured the interwebs to find some simply, fun and totally DIY gift wrap ideas. No grab those scissors and get ready to wrap!

from diylife.com

Shoestrings and kerchiefs never looked so cute.

A pair of baby socks look like mini-stockings. Gimme gimme.

from stylemepretty.com - tutorial available!

A sweet collection of gift wrap ideas by Greg Likes Weddings.

from Urban Outfitters' blog - tutorial available!

Potato stamps, marbling and googly eyes, I would expect nothing less from UO.

And finally, here's a list of some of my very own DIY gift wrap must-haves: - fabric and felt scraps - baker's twine - raffia in various colors - burlap - pine cones, acorn caps and other things gathered from my backyard - old clothes that can be cut up to use as wrapping - large wooden beads Happy Wrapping, y'all! by Stephanie/tefi

Lookie what I got you for April Fools Day.

Tefi Loves: Groundhogs

Who knows whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not? I can handle 6 more weeks of winter - Texas winter, that is. Here in Dallas it's brisk and sunny. I'll take it! In the meantime, enjoy this collection of groundhogs I found on Etsy: 1) feltidermy by girlsavage, 2) print by Amber Alexander, 3) mug by Rough and Perfect, 4) embroidery pattern by Sara Chung, 5) cabinet knobs by Peg and Awl, and 6) wood doll by mamaroots

"Cutie headed your way today."

Christmas Comes Early to the Tefi Household* (say what?) Yes, I bought this: Message from Denny, the artist: "Thank you for the purchase and fast payment...Cutie headed your way today." * Hey HK - I want a Cutie 'View In A Room' under my Christmas tree this year! kthxbye!

Tefi Loves: Bastille Day

I've got a thing for revolutions, claiming your space, overthrowing aristocracies and eating cake. Viva La Revolution!

Les Miserables diaper cover $28 I totally want to see Ian in this!

Shop: http://www.liliesovalley.etsy.com/ Location: Toronto, Canada

Marie Antoinette art print $8

Shop: http://www.cateanevski.etsy.com/ Location: Portland, Oregon

Bastille Day earrings $17

Shop: http://www.lkfarnsworth.etsy.com/ Location: Denver, Colorado

Arc de Triomph vintage postcard $4.50

Shop: http://www.spanishangels.etsy.com/ Location: Granada, Spain

Allons en France necklace $21

Shop: http://www.cocoachuchu.etsy.com/ Location: Toronto, Canada

Streets of Paris passport cover $8.70

Shop: http://www.breeleed.etsy.com/ Location: Southern California

Tefi Loves: Independence

Two hundred thirty three years ago we kicked the Redcoats' hineys (thank you, France)! While our country's history is a bit, uh, spotty at times, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Here's to us, America.
American Girls wooden dolls $25 Shop: http://www.mooshoopork.etsy.com/ Location: Wisconsin
Willie Nelson painting $100 Shop: http://www.jessemosher.etsy.com/ Location: San Francisco, California
Primitive Bird House $89 Shop: http://www.ozarkprim.etsy.com/ Location: foothills of the Ozarks
Frannie folk art cloth doll $25 Shop: http://www.maclancy.etsy.com/
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Continental Soldier figurine $97 Shop: http://www.middleburg.etsy.com/ Location: St. Charles, Illinois
Barack Obama art print $20 Shop: http://www.smokeyfriedfolkart.etsy.com/ Location: America

Raise a Glass of Leninade

For my first Mother's Day, Jason bought me a new closet (basically, my old one collapsed and imploded - loooong story) and this t-shirt here to the left. The Golden Girls kept my sanity intact during those early weeks of motherhood. Thank you Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and especially Sophia! Now it's his turn. His first Father's Day is just around the corner and I couldn't help but give him his gifts early. I know, I know yeah whatever - he wanted them! So in addition to a new set of much-needed headphones and a Cat Steven's Best of CD (including the song "Father and Son"), I got Jason a little something snarky I knew he would love.

These upcycled bottles of Leninade soda by YAVA Glass were the perfect Father's Day gift. They also sell beer and vodka bottle glasses, too. I wish I could have one of each!

So here's to you, Pops. Let's raise a glass of Leninade to all the dads out there!

Go Green for Mom

Tefi Loves: The Purl Bee

It is always a delight to visit The Purl Bee, the official blog for the Manhattan-based yarn and fabric shop, Purl Soho. Day after day, The Purl Bee posts beautifully-rendered knit projects, sewing tutorials, book reviews - even a glossary for those "huh?" moments. My favorite thing about The Purl Bee, other than the splashes of colorful photography, is that the reader does not feel she is being asked to buy their goods. Rather she is encouraged to sit back and enjoy the simple pleasures of knitting, sewing, embroidery, and other textile crafts. To get into the holiday spirit, try your hand at these sweet birdie ornaments, and pick your craft: knitting or sewing. Feeling intrepid? Try both!

Blog: http://www.purlbee.com/ Shop: http://www.purlsoho.com/ Location: Manhattan, NYC

Etsy Dallas Giveaway on Funky Finds!

In celebration of our big upcoming 1st Annual Jingle Bash (co-organized by your truly, Ms. ED Founder), Etsy Dallas is sponsoring a big swag giveaway on Funky Finds. Here's the info from the FF web site: Etsy Dallas is a cooperative craft collective of artisans and artists living and working in Dallas who sell their wares on Etsy.com. The group is made up of over 100 members working in a range of mediums. They have put on several successful shows, including the Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q that was held in May. This Saturday, November 22, the group will be hosting their 1st Annual Jingle Bash at the Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas. The event will showcase 50 local handmade vendors, great food, live music, karaoke, make 'n takes, and much, much more! *GIVEAWAY: To celebrate this exciting event, Etsy Dallas is sponsoring a swag giveaway. You have the chance to win some awesome swag with a retail value of $270! (pictured above) The swag includes the following items donated by Etsy Dallas members: • Dowdy Studio: Original Owl silk screened tee (retail value, $25) • Pamela Michelle: Art print (retail value, $35) • Tefi Designs: Juicy Fruit Necklace (retail value, $32) • Patti Haskins: Stuffed Drawing-Flying Dog (retail value, $20) • Bijoujuju: ‘Treelightful’ polymer pendant (retail value, $11) • Karma Crochet: Wool Headband in Red shades (retail value, $20) • LolaFalk: The Lola Mini-Zip Pouch (retail value, $22.00) • MiaMaria Designs: “Calavera” craft apron (retail value, $24) • Michele Cook Designs: Copper & Blue bead earrings (retail value, $15) • Cut Out & Collect: Japanese Linen Scooter Pouch (retail value, $15) • Freeforged Jewelry: Ionic-Sterling silver molecule post earrings (retail value, $16) • Starrydance: Lucky Cat necklace (retail value, $12.00) • Designing Diva: Pink Fused Glass Guitar Pendant (retail value, $25.00) To enter, visit the Jingle Bash vendor shops listed on the Etsy Dallas blog and choose something you think would be a great gift for someone on your holiday shopping list. Leave a comment ON THIS POST noting the item you have chosen. A winner will be randomly selected & announced on Saturday, November 22. The winner must live in the continental U.S. and must provide a mailing address upon winning. Good luck! Many thanks to Randi, the Designing Diva for organizing this!

2008 Jingle Bash Featured Artists

For the past several weeks I've been working my tail off co-organizing Etsy Dallas' 1st Annual Jingle Bash. A million thanks to my crafty gal pal Pamela Michelle for stepping into the leader role for this event since I am belly-deep into my third trimester. Yay Pampers!

Needless to say, we at Etsy Dallas are super-duper excited to present you with the following Jingle Bash Featured Artists. Show some love; click on the following links and check out their Etsy shops! No time like the "present" to begin your holiday shopping...



Clockwise from top left:
Nerdbomber - wallets, bags, clutches
Bijoujuju - art pendants
Sassy Hoops - hula hoops for kids and adults
Tefi Designs - gemstone, wire, and felted jewelry
Going Coastal - beaded and hemp jewelry
Karma Crochet - knitwear and accessories
Alicia Colina-Ashby - recycled, repurposed housewares
Official Jingle Bash logo
Designing Diva - glassware, metal and glass jewelry
Pinkfairywand Creations - art pins, prints, candles
Pamela Michelle - art pendants and prints
Cut Out & Collect - bags, clutches, wallets
Freeforged - metalsmith jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - children's clothing and goods
Earth Essences - beaded jewelry
Official Etsy Dallas logo

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ALREADY!! This is going to be a mega-super off the hook craft show that you do not want to miss. It's 100% volunteer-run and we aren't keeping a dime for ourselves (really!). It all goes back to the team to work towards promoting our crafts and the handmade movement in general.

So get yer shoppin' done early this year, buy American, and support your local artists and crafters!

Happy October!

This is my favorite time of the year. The wind turns crisp and mornings are nice and cool. Leaves lose their green, which allows their other beautiful colors to shine through - reds, oranges, and yellows. O, Canada! - genuine maple leaf necklace This leads us to the ultimate season of all - Winter! Here in Texas, I treasure our winter since it's such a nice reprieve from the relentless summer heat. I love the ice and sleet and occasional snow, but most of all I love the way the air smells. Happy Autumn!

Let's Get Ready to Jingle!

Mark your calendars, folks. It's nearly time to kick off the holiday season!



Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, is doing it again - even bigger and better this time. The First Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 22nd from 3pm-10pm.

The show will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music, karaoke, great food, and a full bar. There is no cost to the public for admission or entertainment. While this show will be family-friendly, the vibe will be a fun, night-time holiday bash full of handmade love and good times. Think of it as a party - not your typical craft show!

Stay tuned to the Etsy Dallas blog for updates on this one-of-a-kind local shopping experience.

Lipitopo Turns 90 (and I wasn't there)

It was a bittersweet milestone. My grandfather - a man I honor, respect, and think of every day of my life - turned 90 two Sundays ago, and I wasn't there to celebrate with him. He lives in Bogota, Colombia; I live in Dallas, Texas. That's a few thousand miles between us.



But I called and we had a nice conversation, as we always do. We often use this Spanish gibberish language he taught me way back when. Mimic that I am, I picked it up quite easily. The speaker adds a p+preceeding vowel after each syllable. Thus "Lito" becomes "Lipitopo." Lito is short for abuelito, which means "little grandfather." According to my uncle Mauricio, every noun in Colombia becomes diminuitive at the drop of a hat-ito. If it were up to him, every diminuation would mean immediate deportation. Eh.



Here's the whole Clan. As you can see, we eat our males:

Camila (cousin), Lita, Irene (cousin), Yolanda (aunt), Adriana (aunt), Emilia (cousin), Julia (cousin), Alicia (aunt), Mauricio (uncle), Lito, Genoveva (long-time, loyal family maid - Yes, I said maid.)

Oak Cliff Earth Day Festival

Put those recyclables down, hop on the DART rail, and mosey on over to the 2nd annual Oak Cliff Earth Day Festival at the beautiful and scenic Lake Cliff Park. Learn about composting, get gardening tips, check out the latest hybrids, enjoy food and family fun...OH! And why not stop by the crafty booths and visit me and a ton of other Etsy Dallas members: Tefi Designs - gemstone jewelry, felt & fabric crafts B.Liscious - photography, bags, journals, baby onesies Julep 115 - upcycled, reclaimed metal jewelry Texas Tarts - vinyl record bracelets Scribbles - beaded pens Pamela Michelle - graphic art and jewelry Designing Diva - metal and glass jewelry TP Design - paintings, graphic art Tara to the T - vintage-inspired hats and accessories When: Sunday, April 20th Time: 11am - 5pm Where: Lake Cliff Park Parking: at Methodist Hospital, 2 blocks away Map: www.oakcliffearthday.com/where.html More Info: http://www.oakcliffearthday.com/

It's Leap Day!

What a hectic week. As I finalize some deadlines at work, prepare for my BFF trip to Santa Fe next week, and keep Tefi Designs motorin' along, I want to stop to pay homage to this once-every-four-years event..........okay, there. That was nice.

I'm so excitied about my trip. Jen and I will get our yoga on, our shopping on, our mud bath on, and tons of walking and hiking. The hiking part I'm not too keen on, but she is and I know it will be fun so long as I keep it lowkey. My ol' bursitis knees can't take too much.

I'm gonna be a regular Willie Loman, too. I plan to pack my bag with some of my charming fabric bookmarks and hair goodies, and see if I can't get some of the shops we visit to carry them. Work it, work it. The worst word I can hear is No, right? And it's only made up of two itty-bitty letters. *shrug*



Tomorrow night is Jason's and my first in a series of movie nights. I call it "Bitchin' B-Movie Bonanza" with our first installment to be Westworld starring Yul Bryner. Also on the horizon for other BBMB nights: The Warriors, Logan's Run, Soylent Green, and The Jazz Singer. Awesome!

Date Night Recap: Every Wednesday, Jason and I have a standing date night, and this last Wednesday we went ice skating at Plaza of the Americas. I used to go there a lot as a kid and it was weird going as an adult. Everything was so much smaller.

We had so much fun, and altho I did a few twirls and he did a few oh-oh-oh-OH!'s, neither of us fell down! Check it out - that's Jason on the right swingin' his arms like an Olympian (I took that while skating backwards!) and me doing a bit of disco dancin' on the ice:





Have a great weekend everyone!

Saturday - A Craft Story

Wow and wow again!

My fellow Etsy Dallas members and I had such a great time at our second and largest trunk show. In celebration of Cupid and his arrow shootin' ways, over 40 local artists and crafters filled the corridor of South Side offering up such great items as jewelry, art, soap, bags, photography, scarves, and stationery. Be on the lookout for a video of the event, shot and edited by Jason, my fabu boyfriend-slash-videographer.

Alright, you've been hearing me go on and on about this event since we began organizing it a month ago, so I'll leave you with this simple, eloquent statement: Etsy Dallas Rocks!!!!

P.S. Did you see the great press we got in the Quick and The Dallas Morning News? Whoa nelly!

P.P.S. While I'm always sad to see my pieces go, I'm thrilled to know that they are going to people who will love them, treasure them, and wear them with pride. Here are a few that I sold over the weekend. Goodbye my darlings!


Coral Celebration I


Little Treasures


Little Peacock


Wish Box

Press for Etsy Dallas!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy. I'm super excited. Can you tell?

Etsy Dallas got some great press this morning. First off, we got top listing in Pegasus.com's Valentine's Day events listing. Yay! Also, we got a blurb in today's Dallas Morning News Guide section along with a fabu picutre of one of Patricia's boxes.

And, and, AND...We supposedly got a mention in DMN's Quick guide - the daily freebie that focus' on what's happening around town. But I haven't seen it yet! Have you?

O Christmas Tree!

I had so much fun decorating the house and have only gotten around to snapping a pic of the tree. It's chock full of ornaments I've made over the years including beaded icicles, decoupage pendants, and a pearl tree garland. I also hung a display of my blown glass ornament collection, which I can't seem to get a good shot of. But believe me, it's beautiful, colorful, and includes a pink hippo, purple VW bug, green pickle, and yellow "rubber" ducky.



Merry Christmaskwanzaakkah to you and yours!

My Kung Fu Holiday

Tomorrow's the big day. At 5pm I'll begin my promotion to yellow belt. Well, I'll begin the testing. The promotion is not guaranteed, tho I know everything I need to know. Have I mastered those things? No way. But I know them and I'll just have to perform my best. I know my oath, the 7 requirements of Wujido, 3 basic blocks, 3 basic punches, 4 basic kicks, 2 16-point forms, first 2 wrist bends, my etiquette, and my 5 basic stances. The chain stance drill I'm not so good at, but basically because I let my ego get in the way, then I overthink it, then all randomness goes out the window and I end up looking like a black uniform-clad deer in the headlights. I've been studying these things since February and I'm ready! To get the party started, I've taken the day off. I don't believe in cramming before a test, so I will take it easy tomorrow. I'll plan to do all of the following, preferably in my PJs: * sleep in * make coffee, watch TV in bed, do a sudoku * read over my kung fu journal and add any pertinent info * work on my moss green/red tartan scarf * watch The Karate Kid for ego boost and inspiration * see if any Hong Kong shoot-em-up Chow Yun Fat pics are playing on TV (for extra ego boost, however unrealistic) * paint toenails red * shave legs and arms * wash uniform and white belt (for the last time...?) * drink lots of water and stre-e-e-e-tch Wish me luck!