Chances are that if you are crafty and like to make pretty things, you probably have a lot of gorgeous buttons, ribbons and beads to make them with. I implore you, do not store these gorgeous items away in boxes, and drawers! Why not enjoy them before they make their way to your next masterpiece. Just look that these pink jade stones by Gathering Splendor on Etsy, if they are tucked away out of site, you may forget you even purchased them in the first place.

Pity.

My mother used to sew, and I remember when she would let me look through her box of buttons, I could spend hours looking through them, they were all so different and beautiful. These Dahlia Cabochons from MK Supplies are lovely little pieces just waiting to be put on view.

Make your craft area a place you can't wait to go and create! You could pour them into a larger glass apothecary jar like the one centered above by English Creek Gardens, Or you can opt to sort your collections by color and size into smaller jars like the far left one by Abbott, or the bulb shaped Dover jar on the far right by Artland. Was your New Year resolution to become organized? What better way to start than with junk drawers and craft nooks?

This New Year's Eve, I am preparing for my little girl's second birthday! And since my party flower of choice (peonies) are slightly harder to come by in the middle of the winter, I am going for the next best thing: Tissue Paper Pom Poms. I made several and hung them from the light fixture over the dining room table along with little bird models.

The birds on these paper napkins inspired the bird theme. I am using my husband's grandmother's gorgeous silverware, they were her wedding gift from her husband. Don't you just love the stories that come with heirlooms?

It is going to be a very special day for a very special girl!

I have seen these tissue paper pom poms at weddings, birthday parties, and on patios. They are an inexpensive yet extremely fun way to decorate for a party. Just watch the candles around these, party responsibly!

Want to make tissue paper pom poms for your own celebration? Here are some handy tips from celebration guru Martha Stewart.

Happy New Year!

What makes a winter chalet retreat feel cozy and rustic? A neutral palette of greys, black and weathered whites are the perfect backdrop for the natural warmth of wood, and lots of it. This Osler Chalet designed by Connie Braemer won an award of excellence from ARIDO in 2008.

A field rock backsplash and antler chandelier finish the rustic look in the black painted kitchen. Using very few upper cabinets also gives this kitchen a lovely European flair.

Get this look!

Pillar Candle Rectangular Chandelier: Restoration Hardware $935.00

Antler Chandelier: Capital Lighting $482.00

Distressed Black Buffet & Hutch: The Furniture $1'549.00

Black Walnut Reclaimed Slab Table: Brander Design

Having trouble committing to a gift wrap with so many great choices? How about a personalized wrap that has your name on it? Mountain Cow offers many designs to choose from that are customized with a message from you to your loved ones.