SHIM + SONS

package #3 :: graph it

I adore graph paper, all those neat little lines make me happy. Not only is it fun to jot notes on it makes for some handy wrapping paper. I've seen graph paper in various sizes at our local office supply store and my favorite is the graph paper vellum [seen on the package with the blue ribbon]. But if you don't have a nice stash of graph paper at home you can always print your own at home using this nifty website [I love how you can customize the size and color, oh and you can also print out your own writing paper!].

merry christmas!

[J's treats for his classmates]

snowy day emergency kits

This year I decided to put together "snowy day emergency kits" for some families on our gift giving list. I think everyone is struggling to stick to a budget when it comes to holiday gifts and I found this to be fun + economical.

I designed "snowy day emergency kit" tags and sewed several drawstring bags of various sizes [depending on the contents to go inside]. Although I love wrapping paper, drawstring bags are great since they can fit all sorts of odd-sized gifts and are reusable. 
 

I bought one board game for each family and wrapped them up in my favorite IKEA double-sided wrapping paper. This wrapping paper has the perfect weight [I hate really thin, flimsy wrapping paper] and I love the fact that you can create folds to show the contrasting side [no need for ribbons in my opinion].

And who doesn't love some Dagoba hot chocolate + homemade marshmallows [from Whimsy + Spice]? I also added a nice cozy throw for one family...the possibilities are endless. Hope the snowy day emergency kits are put to good use!

what i've been up to

 

We've been keeping busy over here, just like many of you out there. Last week was a blur but I know j got his second [first state-side] hair cut by the fabulous John at Urbaca Salon in the pearl district, Appah returned from an overseas business trip, we put together some goodies for J + j's classmates and teachers, watched our sweetest shepherd boy [j] in his school Christmas program, mailed off Christmas presents to our extended family in Chicago + California and spent time with good friends while feasting on Appah's delicious spicy crab. This week I plan to finish up a few small gifts, make another dress from my Japanese sewing book and another UN origami wrap, have dinner with some girlfriends, celebrate Christmas with some dear friends and enjoy some good family time. Hope you have a wonderful week!!

holiday sale!

Holiday sale [15% off] in the shoppe and SHIM + SONS office shoppe. Sale ends Friday, December 11, 2009.

pretty packaging >> simplesong designs

You all know I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. As much as I love packaging things up for others, it is such a treat receiving a package you just don't want to open because it looks so picture perfect. Well, I ordered some lovely letterpressed goods from Suann at simplesong designs and was so impressed with her attention to details. Not only are her letterpressed goods beautiful the packaging is really amazing. I cannot wait for Appah to open up his custom initial letterpress flats.

And Suann was so sweet to include some "shim + sons" flats. I can't wait to frame one and hang it in my new studio. Thank you, Suann!

shim + sons >> stocking stuffers

> in the shoppe now <

> travel tissue holders <

 

> push pins <

> many new designs <

> pencil cups <

 

> fabric coaster sets <

these are a few of my favorite things...

[prints by UN+ Ah Yi]

I think I can confidently say most of us have gift giving on our minds. I'm trying to keep things low key this year. I have plans to make several gifts [need to get cracking on that ASAP], but I'm also outsourcing a lot of the work. Fortunately it is so easy these days to buy handmade and support some of my favorite artists + designers [many of whom I'm lucky enough to call friends]. I know there are a billion holiday gift guides out there, but I wanted to share a short list of gifts I have either bought [so I can attest to their beauty + quality] or gifts I plan to purchase in the near future [if not for the holidays, then for upcoming birthdays, etc.]. 

A few of my favorite things:

> come darkness, before the storm print [ah yi] $27

> dipped horizon print [uniform natural] $22

> address file [lovely design] $65

> blind impression custom initials notecard set [simple song designs] $27

> NAME cuff [silvercocoon] $22

> hazelnut chocolate whisky sandwich cookies [whimsy & spice] $9

> whisper rings [oli + me] $35 for one or $150 for set of 5

> asphalt grass denim wool pillow [uniform natural] $82

> your family's custom silhouette print [le papier studio] $20-40

> bird cushion in yellow [roddy & ginger] $35

You can also find some of my gift giving recommendations over at Cafe Mom's "25 gifts for $10 & Under -- From the Wishlists of Creative Mom Bloggers"  as well as their "15 Gifts for $20 & Under" list. [Thanks, Sheri, for including me].

hello, december!

I can't believe it is the first day of the last month of 2009! I'm so not ready for the year to be over. 2009 has been quite an adventure for our family and we're still feeling like nomads, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've noticed how my picture taking has declined over the year and I really need to change that around in 2010. And to help me get my mojo back, I'm thrilled to be over at habit again this month, along with a group of amazing creative women. There is going to be a big party over there this month with 35 of us posting photographs throughout the week. I hope you come visit and find a bit of silence amongst the holiday celebration [and chaos].