Here are some simple DIY holiday cards using washi tape that match the gift-in-a-jar ideas that I shared last Friday!

Still in need of a few last minute presents? Glass jars are great for repurposing as gifts. This idea works for everyone on your list since it is totally customizable! Just decorate the jars and fill them with something unique for each person.

Displaying gifts in a jar gives a clean appearance that lets the present last long after the holidays. I decorated my jars with washi tape and printed customized tags and labels for them.

One of my favorite things to fill the jars with is homemade granola. It is delicious and keeps for months. If granola is not your thing, try other homemade items such as jam, cocoa or chai tea mix, candy or mixed nuts. The jars can also be filled with non-edible items such as bath salts, mini terrarium, snow globe, craft or sewing kit supplies… and as you can see, the possibilities are almost endless!

Gifts in a jar are a favorite homemade holiday gift of mine because they are easy, inexpensive and one-of-a-kind! I’ll be posting matching washi tape greeting cards and envelopes next week so subscribe to the Ciera Design RSS feed if  you don’t want to miss out!

Washi tape from Pretty Tape.

Free Faces is a website created by designer Simon Foster as a resource for fellow designers. The site is dedicated to free fonts that he uses regularly and that are readily available on the web. 

Of course free fonts aren’t always the best option and good typography isn’t just about pretty fonts, but there are a few out there that are more than worth a look… check it out!

These cinnamon apple chips may be the best thing I have ever made! The light dusting of cinnamon and sugar over the fresh apples makes this the perfect Fall sweet snack with some hot chocolate or cider.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 2 large apples. I used apples from the orchard when I went apple picking!
Directions: Preheat oven to 250°. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Using a knife or mandoline, thinly slice two apples. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets; sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Bake the apple slices, turning every half hour, until dry, about 2 hours. Remove and transfer to racks to cool and enjoy! I am loving this sweet snack and hope you do too! Much Love Monday.

I would like to thank Matt Scribner for the idea to make this delicious snack and Rachael Ray for the recipe.

I made this lettuce free salad over the weekend. It is so easy and healthy and so delicious!

Let me know if you make it and how it comes out!

If I were going to buy every piece of artwork that I love, I would be buying something almost daily. Like most people, I can not buy everything that I want. Over the past few years, I have found a few ways to collect art on a budget and thought it would be nice to share some of my discoveries. I like to shop local whenever possible. You get to support the people around you and get to see the artwork in person before purchasing.

Art Markets are a great place to find a wide variety of local artists. A few of my favorite markets in New Orleans:

Freret Market – 1st Saturday of each month
Arts Council of New Orleans at Palmer Park – last Saturday of each month
Bywater Art Market - 3rd Saturday of each month

Here are some photos of my favorites:

Article featured in Amelie G Magazine