Dolls, how was Black Friday shopping? Did our tips help (as seen in Twinzies: Survival Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday)? We hope so. Now let’s gather up all our goodies for Christmas in Twinzies fashion much like layering or decorating a Christmas tree. But what truly makes the holiday season special is picking out those gifties that hold meaning and will surprise those you love. It’s all about the shock and awe factor in our book…how else would we do it? This year we have made a “Santa’s list” of our very own! Pull out those layers (friends) that have been there for you all year long and gear up. For us it’s all about DIY items such as a gingerbread house and Christmas tree, candies, tie blankets, desserts, scarves, and candles tied in bows.
(Free People, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Kate Spade, & Juicy Couture)
(Michael's Gingerbread House & Tree Kit)
For starters, we wanted to do something that would definitely make a mess! This is where building a gingerbread house (Courts' very own Marie Antoinette Palace), and Chels’ own miniature Christmas tree (Nightmare Before Christmas tree) made our venture even more fun! Starting with kits from Michaels we went to town with glitter confetti, candies (Oreo’s, kisses, dots, black licorice, mints, and Reese’s Pieces) tossed into the mix. This is one of those precious gifts that the holiday season gives without a price tag attached.
(Zara, Tolani, Victoria's Secret, M.A.C., & Wynk Boutique)
Our next DIY gift on the list is tie blankets! Tie blankets are not only warm, but personal with those cute patterns with personality. Go to your local Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart etc. where they carry fleece materials to make tie blankies. You next pick out the pattern; choose something the person receiving the blanket likes (pattern on solid or pattern on pattern). In Twinzies style, we love to combine funky prints so do whatever you want! Take your time tying all those little knots there is love and care put into these little fleeces. The basic steps to make one of these fabulous beauties include:
1.Pick out two pieces/patterns/colors of fleece material (1.5 to 3 yards each)
2.Spread out material so soft/bright sides are each facing out on the floor layered upon each other.
3.Cut 4 inch squares on each corner of the blanket
4.Start cutting one inch stripes along the four sides of the blanket mark with yard stick
5.Tie the stripes together in knots/bows (cont. until all sides are completed)
6.When finished grab a buddy and pull the blanket (ripping sounds may occur NORMAL)
7.Fin: Wrap that blanket with a big red bow!
Other little gifties suggestions are: candles, home-baked goods, scarves, and of course some retail therapy…
December: a month of lights, snow and feasts; time to make amends and tie loose ends; finish off what you started and hope your wishes come true…<3
Enjoy the holidays, wrap away, and spend time with the loves you love!
XOXO –Twinzies <3
