Every once in a while, I come across something (or someone) so awesome that I feel the need to tell everyone I know about what I have found.  Today is one of those days!!  (You're welcome!)

Christmas is just around the corner!  Do you still need to send out Christmas cards?  Do you want to find a way to spice up the packaging for your otherwise boring gift cards?  Do you want to be the talk of the neighborhood with amazingly packaged sweet treats for the whole block?  If any of these apply to you, you NEED to check out Claudine Hellmuth on Etsy.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/claudinehellmuth

Claudine isn't new to Etsy by any means, but apparently I've been living under a rock or something and just recently found her unique little shop.  I'm totally in love with her adorable illustrations.  And the most awesome part of her shop?  Everything is an instant download.  So you just purchase, print and... BAM!  Gift done! Crack a beer!  (Okay, sometimes there is assembly required... but you know what I mean...)

Although I already purchased goodie "treat bags" for the neighbors and our Christmas cards are already sent, I am seriously considering purchasing some of her adorable gift card holders.  How cute would these be filled with iTunes cards for all the hard-to-shop-for teenagers in my life?!?

If you are anything like me, the idea of going out in the cold at the butt-crack of dawn, while standing in endless lines and playing "bumper carts" with a store full of hostile, inconsiderate shoppers sounds less than appealing.  It doesn't matter if it is Black Friday or just a random Tuesday during the holiday season... I hate shopping during this time of year. 

Therefor, I am starting a movement.  While we already have "Cyber Monday", I'd like to see us take it to the next level.  That's right!  I'm starting the "Be Like Messy" holiday challenge!!  I challenge all of you to spend just one day this holiday season shopping on-line while relaxing around the house in your underwear, drinking your coffee... or whiskey... or whiskey and coffee, all while in the safe, warm, quiet environment of your own home. 

If you would like to start your challenge this weekend, I have just the place for you!  Etsy sellers has some killer deals every year that start on Black Friday and run through Cyber Monday.  My shop included.  Not only can you take the challenge and shop in your skivvies this weekend, but you can find some awesome, unique, hand-made gifts for your loved ones there too!  Win-win!!

Go to www.etsy.com to search for awesome deals on unique items

If you are interested in checking out my shop, go to
www.creativityismessy.etsy.com
Everything in the shop is 15% off now until end of the day Monday, December 2nd.

Take the challenge today!

I want you to win this adorable Lego Gingerbread-Man Necklace... because that's just how awesome I am.  Here's how:

1. Like Creativity is Messy on Facebook (if you don't already), and share this Post.  www.facebook.com/creativityismessy

2. Follow me on Instagram @CREATIVITYISMESSY, re-post this pic of the gingerbread man necklace (originally posted Monday morning 10/28), and tag with #gingerbreadgiveaway when you share!

Do both and get two entries into the drawing!
I will randomly choose a winner on Friday morning.

(In my best deep, sexy voice...) Let Gingy be your gingerbread man... bow-chicka-bow-wow...

I have an Instagram account with many photos of my boyfriend, his children and his Chocolate Lab, Mattie. He LOVES pictures and is always asking me to "Print Out" the good ones.  After much thought, I decided to make him magnets with some of my favorite shots of his family.  It was super easy, so I thought I would share this little 'how-to" with you!

These are the "Materials" that I used:

• My Smartphone
• Instagram Account
• Diptic Account (other apps also work for this part. PicFrame is another of my favorites.)
• A place to print Instagram photos (if you don't want to print at home, Walgreens has an app for your smartphone that allows you to print direct from Instagram onto 4x4 sheets you can pick up at their photo center)
• Magnet Sheets with a sticky side

I first used my Diptic application.  I chose the layout (under "classic") with 4 square frames equal in size.  I selected 4 of my favorite pictures and placed them into each of the squares.  Then I saved it as a picture onto my phone.

Next, I used my Instagram app.  I chose the photo I had just made in Diptic, added a little Instagram flare, and them saved it to Instagram. I actually made 2 sets of four this way.

Next using my Walgreens smartphone application, I uploaded the two Intagram photos and had them printed at my local Walgreens. They turned out great by the way.  Wonderful quality, quick turn around, and they were only .39 each.

Once I had the prints, I purchased magnet sheets at Hobby Lobby.  I chose the sheets with one sticky side, so that I wouldn't have to glue the photos myself.  I strongly suggest this.  It obviously makes the whole process quicker and easier, but also you don't have to worry about the possibility of your photos getting ruined by the glue.

I simply stuck each photo onto a sheet, cut off the excess magnet, then cut each 2" x 2" square with a sharp pair of scissors.

The end result was a quick, easy and inexpensive gift that my boyfriend loved!  I can't wait to make more!!