I’m back!  Not sure where the time has gone but it’s been way too long since I’ve posted and I do apologize.  If you’ve stuck around despite my absence, thank you ever so much!  I can’t believe that November is here and that Hanukkah is right around the corner.  It starts the evening of November 27th which means it is just over 3 weeks away!  So time to start shopping and/or crafting some gifts!  Today’s project is one that would be perfect for Hanukkah or really any gift-worthy occasion.

In case you haven’t noticed, monograms are always en vogue.  They are classic and ever so chic, whether you wear them as jewelry or just to lay claim to your bag, flask, towel, etc.  I just got a catalog in the mail that is almost exclusively monograms – there is some cute stuff but oy, some of the prices are a bit steep.   I had been lusting after a friend’s monogram necklace forever when I found a steal and treated myself to one and ended up picking up one for a friend’s birthday as well!  I couldn’t resist the thought of crafting some very special wrapping to go along with it.

I make no secret of the fact that I LOVE the $ section at Target.  You never know what you will find that might be the perfect blank  canvas.  A little while back I found these cute lined makeup bag and knew they’d be a great starting point for future craftiness.

Using these lovely flourishy monograms from the Silhouette Online Store, I put together my friend’s monogram in Silhouette Studio.  I was going for a rich embroidered look, so I pulled out some flocked purple heat transfer vinyl. The result: a totally one-of-a-kind monogrammed bag perfect for stowing in your purse!  From cheap to totally chic!

Have I inspired you to do some holiday crafting?  Or perhaps just some holiday shopping? 🙂

P.S. For those of you with kids, stay tuned for this year’s version of the printable Countdown to Hanukkah calendar, just like last year but with a Thanksgivukkah twist!