Category Archives: Gifts

For Your Valentine

Posted in Cards, Gifts, Holiday by

Valentine’s day is right around the corner. I’m a huge fan of flowers and dark chocolate, but one thing I look forward to each year is getting a sweet card from Mr. Husband.

Show your love this holiday with a pretty card for your sweetheart or BFF.  There are so many fresh and lovely designs to be found, and I promise they’ll make your loved one smile. Here are a few of my favorites…

Valentines day cards handpicked by one charming life

1) Sparks by Blue Eye Brown Eye, $8

2) Peace, Love & Cupcakes by Parrott Design Studio, $4.50

3) Je t’aime by Rifle Paper Co., $4.50

4) Zealous Arrows by Lindsay Letters, $5

5) Hearts & Hearts by Inclosed, $3

I adore Rifle Paper Co.’s hand-painted flowers and hot pink lettering. What’s your Valentine’s day tradition? Do you send or exchange cards?

XO, Mariel

Gold Stamped Gift Tags

Posted in DIY, Gifts, Holiday by

I love wrapping presents. Almost as much as I love giving them. Even as a kid, each Christmas I looked forward to helping my mom wrap up the gifts for my sister and brother. I think it has something to do with the care that goes into wrapping up a gift into a pretty little package, and then seeing the anticipation of your friend/family/loved one as they open it and see what’s inside.

This year, I wanted to add a special touch to our Christmas presents. I created a calligraphy ‘noel’ stamp and embossed it everywhere I could in glittery gold ink. {For instructions on gold embossing, visit this tutorial by Antiquaria on Oh So Beautiful Paper.} I wrapped our presents with kraft paper and a bunch of gold washi tape. Then tied the tags on with twine bows.

gold holiday noel gift tag

kraft paper, twine and gold wrapped Christmas presents

DIY gift tag with gold embossed custom stamp

Holiday stamps are a quick and easy way to add a bit of beauty to your Christmas presents. Mix and match stamps from your local craft store, or check out some of the pretty designs from these talented ladies below.

charming holiday rubber stamps

peace joy love    //    baby it’s cold outside    //    to: from:

P.S. Want to tie the perfect bow? Learn how to here. :)

Enjoy customizing and handing out your pretty gifts this Christmas!

XO, Mariel

Custom Monogrammed Stationery

Posted in Cards, Design, Gifts by

Last month, one of my fabulously creative friends asked me to create stationery for her mom and two sisters. It wasn’t something I’d done before, but I was so inspired by her ideas and couldn’t wait to get started.

Kathryn (a classy Southern girl) asked for monograms in calligraphy. So perfect. I did some research and we decided on colorful monogrammed note cards and notepads. But after we got started, she came up with a brilliant addition: custom rubber stamps so their charming little monograms can be pressed wherever they wish. Adorable!

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notepad from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stationery Set from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stamp from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notecard Gift from One Charming Life

I adore how they turned out. I can’t wait to make and gift a few of my own… and perhaps make one for myself as well! :)

XO, Mariel

Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

Posted in Gifts, Holiday, Home, Style by

The tree is up and sparkling, our holiday festivities are all mapped out, and it’s even starting to get cold outside in Texas. Christmas is coming, and I’ve been doing some serious holiday shopping. I love picking out Christmas presents. But sometimes it’s hard to find that perfect gift. I’ve scrolled through gorgeous gift guides on Pinterest and clicked on websites filled with beautiful things… but I believe you can never have enough inspiration. :)

So that’s why I did some research and put together a few of my favorite gift ideas. I’m a huge fan of neutrals, and this year I haven’t been able to get enough GOLD. These pretty presents are perfect for any friend, relative, or hostess who loves to entertain.

chic and affordable holiday hostess gifts in gold and black

1) Chalkboard Spice Jar from Anthropologie, $12

2) Agate Cheese Plates from Jayson Home, $60

3) Confetti Place Mats from Anthropologie, $28

4) Little Luck Horseshoe from Suitor, $32

5) Cheese Markers from Nordstrom, $30

6) Guest Towel from Style Vista, $18

7) Cheers Glasses from Williams & Sonoma, $49

Which one would you like to receive? I’m eyeing it all…. ;)

Happy hunting!

XO, Mariel