Ever wonder how folks get crafty in Spain? I found out that cute means cute, no matter where you are. This is a great source for especially for feminine, super sweet, detailed gifts.

Often, I think that it's too expensive to buy nice stationary, that I should just use my old origami paper that's been laying around since that Christmas card project I undertook...I've even eyed old bill envelopes with their flashy plastic windows and thought they could use a little recycling. 'Tis true, use your old paper to brighten someone's mailbox, but if you're feeling especially generous, quirky, or just like making a good impression via USPS, buy some great hand-made stationary. These folks have experience making people smile with paper, let them do it for you. There are so many great paperists - here are just a few good finds.

garden planning

February means planning for April. While you're knitting that 8th scarf of the week, why not plan a garden? City living means gardens in pots (or tubs, or tires, or milk crates, or...). You grow girl.

needle cases

um, hello. cutest.thing.ever. keep those pesky sharp objects in a little wooden case. ma dukes could've used one of these.

make valentines

it's amazing how domestic you get as you age, i've had a christmas card list for a few years now, am starting a recipe box, and this year started sending out home-made valentines. i figure, it's something i'd enjoy getting in the mail so why not. not a ton else to do when it's brick outside and you're waiting for the next season of the wire to start.

MS actually has quite a few good ideas for personalized tokens for love-day. has anyone else noticed how good her mags have been lately? never thought i'd jock her, but i do.