Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with Strings

Have you put up your Christmas tree yet? We have two up in the store - one is cotton candy pink, and the other retro white. I enjoy the holiday season as a time to embrace every corny, sweet feeling I can.

I'll definitely be hosting a sing-a-long screening of The Sound of Music (TSOM). I'll be the only one singing as my husband and dog look freaked out on the couch next to me.

(PS - I thought I was the only one who did this until I saw the Will and Grace episode that is all about a TSOM sing-a-long and I wished I could dress up like Leisl and join my kindred spirits. Then came the hilarious, catchy Gwen Stefani song, video here.)

Image courtesy of Fanpop.

I don't think TSOM is technically a Christmas movie, but it's usually on TV at this time of year. The unapologetic schmaltz of the film makes me happy every time I watch it.

Another thing that makes me happy: Amy Karol, crafty inspiration, author and blogger of Angry Chicken, is coming to Ballard this Thursday. Get the skinny here.

Order Deadlines and Such

To get the latest scoop on our expanded holiday hours, order deadlines and more, check out our recent store e-newsletter here.

Clear Birdie Jewelry Tree

Photo courtesy of Umbra.

The jewelry organizer is crafted of clear lucite and makes a great gift for any woman in your life. $21 each, available in our store

Video: Laura Bee Designs for the Holidays

Party Pictures in Video Form

Mark Poulin Charms: Under the Sea

Tiny little charm necklaces - $22 each.

Sparkle Ring & Sculptural Ring Dish

We just received this chrome ring dish from the geniuses at Umbra. It's cute and functional. Set it by the sink to keep your rings safe when you wash the dishes, or keep it on your dresser as a little catch-all. $8.50 each.

In the dark days of winter, sparkling rings and jewelry can brighten up any day or outfit. Here's a floral and crystal ring from Kole. It has a comfortable stretchy band. $18.50.

Quickie Photo Shoot: Our Gift Wrap

Kaleigh wore these adorable striped gloves today, so we had an inpromptu photo shoot of our gift wrap.

Floral Wallpaper + Old Timey Pug

Pug with Flower Wallpaper, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Bridal Party Wristlets and Clutches

The bride above got married a few weeks back here in Seattle. She ordered silk wristlets for her bridesmaids, and had us make a modified Celeste Clutch for her own bridal purse.

We used materials from the bodice of her mother's wedding dress for the bridal bag. The tiny covered buttons, velveteen ribbon, and creamy lace made lovely embellishments on the one-of-a-kind clutch.

2009 Party Staff

Sandi Heinrich, professional photographer and friend, took lots of great pictures of our party on Saturday that I'll share with you soon.

First up, here's a shot of the LBD team! Our anniversary party is the one time during the year when we all work together, so the event is especially fun for the crew.

From left to right, Kaleigh, Rebecca, Laura, Ashley, Kim, and Debbie.

Signs

The sign in our window says it all. Come celebrate with us tomorrow (Saturday) night.

The sprinkles of rain on our new A-board show us that it is November in Seattle.

How do you like our Umbrella Girl? We took her from our little notepads, and put her outside of the shop to entice customers inside.

Glam for Good: Featured Non-Profit #3

We're featuring this new design in our Glam for Good Collection.

This week I'm announcing the three not-for-profit organizations that will receive your money, should you purchase one of our Glam for Good extra-special bags at our November 7th party.

While each year we donate to about fifty auctions, Our Glam for Good bag collection is our way to do a year-end grand finale of fundraising for some of our favorite organizations.

NW HARVEST

Serving our region's hungry children and adults, NW Harvest is answering the growing need for nutritious food. Fruit and vegetables accounts for more than 65% of the food they distribute!

Their mission is as follows, "Northwest Harvest, Washington's own statewide hunger relief agency, provides a proven, successful, and cost-effective model for getting nutritious food to those who need it.

We strive to be the most efficient hunger response program in the state of Washington, with more than 93% of our budget going directly to food distribution."

New Woodland Creatures from Mark Poulin

We just received a new batch of these best-selling enamel pendants from Mark Poulin. These three images are new additions to this line of tiny charms. All styles are $32.

Acorn and Oak Leaf Necklace

We just have one of these fall-themed necklaces for sale, and it's sure to go quickly.

Made in France of the finest components, this necklace has three small charms - an acorn, oak leaf, and Swarovski pearl drop - all strung on a vintage-style chain. $42.

Faux Bois Hoodie

Otis the Pug: Halloween 2009, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

This is the costume that Otis wore in the shop on Friday. I made it out of orange polar fleece and wood grain fabric.

My husband Jeff is a woodworker, so I thought that the lumber theme was appropriate.

Halloween Hangover?

Otis the Pug: Halloween 2009, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Otis did double duty this year, wearing two costumes in the store. Here he is as a carrot. Click on the image to see the Lumber Hoodie I made him.