I’ve seen a lot of space-saving ideas over the years, but never have I seen a holiday one quite this ingenious. This Christmas tree fabric from Ikea is ideal for the city (or suburban) dweller with either little space, a distaste for the traditional artificial tree, or an intolerance for cleaning up pine needles.

A few other uses come to mind:

• At $6.99 a yard, let the kids paint their ornaments onto it.
• Poke holes and push LED xmas lights through for a lovely nightime effect.
• At your holiday party, hang edible gingerbread men on it and let it serve as part of your dessert buffet.

And if you miss that seasonal smell of pine, just go out and buy Mrs. Meyer’s Iowa Pine cleaning products. I swear to you it’s the real deal.

Images via Oh Happy Day, Cote Maison, and Babble.

Two kids under the age of two plus a full-time job equals an eternal ponytail, stock in under-eye concealer, and less time for my blog. But this is changing…

Because…

I got a book deal! I’m thrilled to announce that my kids’ craft book will be published by Artisan in the Spring of 2014. I’m thrilled/proud/crazed/nervous/giddy about their enthusiasm for my work. (Artisan has published books by the amazing Design*Sponge, Thomas Keller, Lucinda Scala Quinn, the Novogratz’, and Susan B. Anderson. I am in humbling company.)

This means that I am now working full-time on my book, but I have remained at Parents as a contributing editor, so you will likely still see my name (and doodles) on the pages of the best parenthood publication around (if you haven’t seen it lately, pick up a copy…it looks better than ever!).

This also means that my blog will come back to life with new ideas, observations, and musings over crafting, motherhood, and any place where those two things mingle.

I’m happy to be back in action and hope that my readers will find their way back!

xx

For some reason—with designer everything—no one has ever thought to make designer tents. These tents by Field Candy are just that. Unless you are camping in a spot with grizzly bears, why not have a tent that stands out?

 
{found via the Cool Hunter}

Now is the time to figure out what the Halloween costume deal is going to be this year. It’s a tough one, and I can now say that I know this first hand being a mom now. I do hear it gets even harder when kids actually start to have an opinion. I’m going to enjoy what is probably my last year of full costume control with Oliver.

If crafting is not your thing, you don’t have to resort to the vinyl costumes in a bag. Check out these stylish costume ideas that will last for years in the dress up bin…

Kalon studios, the amazing company that makes Oliver’s crib, is selling these gorgeous handmade masks by Amelia McIsaac. All five designs have been handmade from wool from Ameila’s own sheep and plant-dyed from her own garden.

Have you seen these amazing rugs by Youlka Designs of France? They are pure eye candy, and I’m sure any kids would just love to take all the pieces out (and never put them back in!). So while I’m tempted, I think it’d be a housekeeping nightmare.

But function follows form, right? Right.