Melissa Runcie | Uniquely Yours Scrapbooks & More

Not Letting Go...

No, I can't let go quite yet. I want to savor the season for just a little while longer. In just about every corner is a sign that Christmas is here, garlands and red velvet ribbon; pine cones and paper trees; bright lights and Christmas music. Perhaps when the new year comes, I'll be ready to look ahead, but for now, the Spirit of Christmas remains alive and well in our home and our hearts...

 

  

And (somewhat) in the Spirit of the season, here's a oh, so lovely video found via poppytalk. I have no idea what this woman is singing...but it's ADORABLE and I love music that I can't understand, especially French (like Carla Bruni!). It's magical!

Coeur de Pirate || Comme des enfants from Dare To Care Records on Vimeo.

Merry and Bright: Christmas Lights Tour

A tradition for many years in our family...the light displays, which might give the Griswold's a run for their money, showcase a merry mix of beach bum Santas to life size snow globes and reindeer reality stars to baby Jesus in the manger. They seem to get tackier with each passing year, but it's still a spectacle of sparkling bright goodness!

Hit play and scroll down to enjoy! Um, yes, I fully realize I'm now the tacky one!

 

 



 





 


 


 



And if the lights weren't enough just about every other homeowner turned holiday entrepreneur, selling everything from hot cocoa, popcorn, and tamales to hosting live performances for the thousands of awe inspired people who descend on this tiny neighborhood on Thoroughbred Lane in Rancho Cucamonga. 

Hope you enjoyed the show! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A Pair of Trees

These little Christmas trees bring me such joy...Not sure if it's the pattern paper, which I bought several years ago at Paper Source, or the charming little stars that sit atop the tree, or the vintage tinsel, or the fabric button. Perhaps that's why I created the "JOY" banner set in front! Whatever the reasons, I do love them so!

I actually made them as a gift and never sent it. I have made several trips to the post office and every time have turned into a grinch (my kids description, not mine!) I will send it though...and at the rate I am going...Hopefully in time for next Christmas. 

A Green Package

Inspired by this montage of simple lovliness by Martha Stewart, this gift packaging certainly meets the standard of eco chic! Boxes made of recycled materials topped with pinecones and fresh sprigs of rosemary. Just another way to bring nature indoors during this Christmas season. Adding a bit of vintage newspaper print, bakers twine, paper doilies, scalloped felt and ribbon gives it a bit more visual interest!

Delightful, Delicious, Delectable

Hot Cocoa
+
Marshmellows
+
Dark Chocolate
+
Candy Canes
+
Cookies
=

Christmas Dictionary Page Banner + Ray Charles

In keeping with our "Partridge in the Pear Tree" theme of eco-chic decor, I used pages from an old children's dictionary I bought awhile back from my favorite used book store. While the banner style is quite understated, the font adds that holiday-esque feel. Since it was a children's dictionary, most pages had illustrations, too.  

All you need is a page for each letter...I used the pages that had the following words:

Christmas
Holly
Reindeer
Icicles
Sleigh
Toys
Merry
Angel
Season

Then choose a decorative font, like Cast Iron shown here. Print each letter on the corresponding dictionary page.

Hang from silver metal clips and a piece of thick twine to finish the banner.

And since I love Christmas music so very much, here's a little goodness from Mr. Ray Charles...and you've gotta love the 1970's audience! ;)

Christmas Tree Decor

My goal was to create very simple ideas using items we already had around our house. Here's one that even your husband can make...yes, my husband cut and adhered the twigs from our backyard to create this Christmas tree. It's topped off with a beautiful vintage clip on earring for the star and the art project framed adds a nice finishing touch.

  

Holiday Decor Display

My goodness! What a weekend! We had such a wonderful time creating and ushering in the Christmas season...with a Rat Pack Christmas playing in the background and the fresh smell of pine leaves on the tree it was a perfect setting to get creative and be inspired! Part of our workshop was a showcase of eco chic, budget friendly holiday decor ideas. This is one of the displays Kristy and I set up. I'm collecting more photographs and will share some of the ideas in more detail in the coming week.

Brian and Kristy have created an awesome space at PÄS | Project Art School and it was an honor to be there! Check out their calendar for upcoming classes on screenprinting and letterpress business cards.

Sign of Things to Come...

My house has turned into Santa's Workshop as we prepare for this Saturday's "Partridge in a Pear Tree" event! We are busy little elves creating all sorts of easy, inexpensive, eco friendly holiday decor ideas. Materials for our Christmas display include lots of patterned and vintage papers, paper doilies, coffee filters, bakers twine, cupcake papers, coin holders and some produce from the farmers market. With a muted color palette and a few vintage inspired touches here and there, we hope the showcase of ideas will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

 

I really, really, really need to figure out how to shoot photographs that aren't blurry! Hmm...perhaps a New Year's resolution will be to read my camera's manual and take a photography class!  

It Takes a Village...

I am slowly learning the importance of collaborating with a team of creatives...team of support...team of cheerleaders...team of encouragers...team of people to pull off big ideas. Whether it's getting people on board with the ideas that seem oh-so-fabulous-in-my-head or getting people to help execute said ideas...nothing great is ever done alone.

We wanted to bring in some great vendors for our "Partridge in a Pear Tree" event that would help our small tribe of participants shop in a new light this holiday season...instead of brand name...DIY...instead of Macy's...Etsy...going back to supporting the mom and pop shops on the corner...

We received some great giveaways and exclusive discount offers from some really great indie artists and local stores who believe in this spirit of community...here are a few. I hope you will take time to visit their shops! They are vibrant. decadent. cute. vintage. lovely!

There is still some time to join our workshop! Register Now. November 20th is D-Day!

Salvage Life.

A fresh approach to yesterday's fashions, this shop's clothing and jewelry designs are not only the hippest color of going green, but they are so chic. Beth does an impeccable job at selecting and repurposing all things vintage.

Amy Hanna.

 

 Wow. If I could simply be her bag lady on a vintage treasure escapade, I would be in heaven. She is a pure genius and her jewelry is nothing short of exquisite. Seriously. Her new book, "Rejuvenated Jewels" will be part of our raffle giveaways.

Gilding the Lily.

This gorgeous shop is just around the corner from PÄS and is filled with more treasures than you can possibly imagine...vintage laces and ribbons, beads and all the trimmings for an exquisite project.

Oh, Hello Friend.

 
An artist whose love for her work and keen eye for design shines through in big way. Her necklaces, charms and pins are just lovely and make me smile.

Paper Pastries.

I never thought I would describe paper as YUM...but YUM-O! Everything in this cute shop of stationary, signage, bookplates and more are adorably whimsical.

Hearts and Laserbeams.

Sooo engaging and witty this one! The artwork and wide range of products is vibrant, colorful and, at times, just makes you want to laugh at loud.

Adorned. 115 S. Harbor in Downtown Fullerton, SOCO District

Nestled in the garden courtyard across from PÄS is this shop to INDULGE YOUR INDIVIDUALISM! Adorned boutique specializes in artful apparel, handmade jewelry, accessories and vintage & handmade gifts. Imagine handmade, imports, funky fresh, vintage all at your fingertips!

A wonderful THANK YOU for the vendors who will make our participants shine a little brighter at our workshop!