Make This Gift: Stitched Map Art!

Stitched Map Art, photo from Martha Stewart Living

Maybe it’s the weather (or all those delicious fall smells), but I’ve been feeling mighty nostalgic lately. Anyone else feeling wistful these days? I was reminiscing about past adventures just recently when I spotted this great little DIY art and gift idea from Martha Stewart Living.

Celebrate and remember family vacations or road trips with friends by hand-stitching the route on maps and framing them—brilliant! It’s sentimental without being too cheesy; handmade without looking like a summer camp craft you made in the 4th grade; and inexpensive without looking cheap or last-minute. In other words, it’s the perfect DIY gift!

Stitched Map Art, photo from Martha Stewart Living

I already have a few stitch-friendly road trips in mind, including one that would make a great anniversary gift (shh, don’t tell). What about you? Do any specific vacations or trips spring to mind? What was your destination?

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Snuggle Up with Bold Patterns & Rich Tradition

You’d be hard pressed to find someone with a blanket from Pendleton Woolen Mills who doesn’t cherish its luxurious soft wool, hand-touched quality, and while bundled up around the fire, perhaps even its rich history too.

Styles range from traditional plaids to some favorites of mine, the simply-lined National Parks Series. However the bulk of the collections are inspired by the ancient designs and legends of Native Americans.

A visual style not often on my radar, I was surprised at first with how much I was drawn to this recent Tribute Collection. This series pays homage to the four major mills in addition to Pendleton, that produced these dazzling blankets during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The bold colors and patterns were characteristic of the mills—like the hot pink color common to Racine blankets and the dramatic designs of Capps and Sons.

It’s wonderful to look at these and see how seamlessly such traditional designs could incorporate with the modern world’s love of color and pattern. These are a cuddle-up must-have, best loved shared. Do you have a favorite?

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Buelle Manufacturing Co. Tribute Blanket

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Bold with a Sense of Adventure: 10 Statement-Making Gifts for Scorpios

ScorpioZociacPrint

Scorpio Zociac Print from Paule Trudel Bellemare

Scorpios, born October 24 – November 22, are symbolized by courage and power. They’re adventurous and confident, fiercely independent and intense, determined and ambitious. These qualities all add up to someone who makes a statement. Wish them the happiest of birthdays with these gifts that do the same.

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20 Autumn Candles from Clove to Campfire

Costes Orange Candle

There’s just something about this season. Autumn gets here and suddenly I want it to envelop me like a cozy blanket or favorite sweater. The brisk breeze, the turning leaves, the ones rustling on the ground. The scarves, the pecan pie, the chai lattes—I love it all. But what I love the most, yes maybe even more more than the pie, are the smells!

With the window cracked open, warm socks on, and a delicious candle burning, I’m a happy camper. Are you the same way?

I love a good candle. As a gift giver they’re always on my list of gifts for your backup stash. (You know, those things you keep on hand for just-in-case?)

I’ve rounded up some really wonderful ones for you. They’re perfect for a housewarming gift, for new neighbors and for your hospitable host.

From woodsy to spicy, maple and clove, pumpkin and apple, leaves and acorns, chai and bourbon, hearth and campfire—these are the scents of the season and you’ll find them in all kinds of wonderful combinations below.

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