Category: Lesson

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Keeping Your Crafts Organized

Posted on December 30, 2013August 10, 2017 by M&J Trimming

When it comes to organizing craft and fashion supplies, we’ve got it down to a science. Just go visit our store and see for yourself! You’ll find rows of rainbow ribbons, aisles of beaded trims, and walls of colorful buttons; and somehow everyone knows exactly where to find what you’re looking for. We would like to share some of our favorite tips with you, so that your space is relaxing and beautiful!

Sort by style first. This is a simple tip, but sort like with like. We keep our jute separate from our braided trim because it makes finding exactly the type of trim you’re looking for really easy.

Ribbon Wall M&J Trimming

Color code. Take a cue from our organization and sort by color. When it comes to craft supplies, it’s great to know what colors you have on hand quickly without having to look through your entire stash to find the right shade. Plus it can look really gorgeous!

Purple Buttons from M&J Trimming

Use boxes to separate different items or styles. It easier to have items in their own designated area instead of floating around in miscellaneous dishes or strewn on countertops. Label each box so you know what goes where without having to search through stacks.

We hope these simple tips will help you when you’re reorganizing your space! If you have any additional suggestions, share them down below!

Ribbon & Wrapping Roundup

Posted on December 20, 2013August 7, 2018 by M&J Trimming

Christmas is almost upon us, which means many homes are about to be taken over by scraps of wrapping paper and knotted trim! Although there are a select number of individuals who have a natural ability in the wrapping arts, most of us are left to fend for ourselves against the growing heaps of gift wrap and tissue paper. Here are some tutorials to help you wrap presents and tie ribbons like a pro.

Gift Wrapping

Classic and professionally perfect, this gift wrap tutorial is great for the standard boxed gift. Just try not to wince when the recipient tears off that beautiful wrapping job!

We love the idea of using a napkin to wrap a gift. It’s practical, reusable, and really cute! This tutorial from Hello, Handy Heart is perfect for those of you who prefer an eco-friendly fabric approach.

The girls from Honestly WTF have just changed the gift wrap game with their Holiday Gift Bundle! Now you don’t need to find a box to hold that adorable cashmere sweater. Just bundle it up!

Once you’re confident in your wrapping abilities, take a look at our Holiday Gift Wrap DIY Roundup for some creative gift wrap ideas!

Ribbon Tying

Design Mom takes you through the steps of tying the perfect classic bow! We love how a simple ribbon can totally transform the look of your package!

These fluffy bows may appear difficult to make at first glance, but they’re actually pretty easy with the tutorial at How About Orange! Substitute the paper for some of our beautiful Wired Edge Ribbon, and you’ll have the most gorgeous bow this side of the North Pole.

We hope these tips and tricks have helped you conquer your wrapping anxiety. Now time to make a molehill out of a mountain, and start wrapping!

Stay Stress-Free During the Holidays

Posted on December 16, 2013August 7, 2018 by M&J Trimming

The holidays are a time for togetherness and celebration, but they can also be extremely stressful. From planning to shopping, hosting and decorating; the stress of the holidays can take the joy out of the most wonderful time of the year! Here are some ways to keep your cool during this busy season.

Keep It Simple – When it comes to gift wrapping or decorating, you can use shortcuts without sacrificing style. Wrap all of your gifts with one type of wrapping paper, and then customize each with different trim.

Focus on One Thing – Whether it’s wrapping the presents beautifully or making a gingerbread house even a seasoned architect would be envious of, focus on doing one or two things really well. If you put too much pressure on yourself to make everything perfect, you’re bound to crack.

Accumulate Over Time – There’s no reason to buy or make all of your decorations at once. If you choose a decorating style that’s timeless you can continue reusing the same pieces year after year! Don’t hop on the color trend bandwagon every year. You can also reuse gift bags, and gift wrap. You’ll save yourself both time and money.

Enjoy Yourself – When it comes to the holidays, sometimes we become so wrapped up in getting ready for the season that we forget to enjoy it while it’s here. Try to take a breather every once in a while, and take part in the holiday fun!

How do you stay sane every holiday season? Let us know below!

Trimming Your Tree Tips

Posted on December 9, 2013August 7, 2018 by M&J Trimming

The Christmas tree often plays a central role in holiday festivities. Whether it’s trimming the tree to bring in the holiday season, or unwrapping presents underneath it on Christmas morning; the Christmas tree is almost its own character on Christmas! Here are a few tips to make this year’s tree both memorable and stylish.

Bold and Colorful Tree

Play with Color – Don’t be scared to use a rainbow of color in your holiday decor. How does the tree above embrace almost every color of the rainbow, and still look cohesive (and cute)? The neutral white tree and floor make the ornaments pop, without overpowering everything else!

Or Lack Thereof – Sticking with one or two colors on your holiday tree can have a very elegant and modern effect. We love the two pictures above because, while they both use that white tree as a canvas, their decorations couldn’t be more different!

From Top to Bottom – Place heavier ornaments toward the bottom of the tree, so that they are on sturdy branches. Fragile ornaments should hang closer to the top to avoid being broken by pets and wayward children.

Don’t Knock Tradition – Sometimes classic approaches are the best. Traditional red and green, white lights, and burlap trim make the tree look cozy and welcoming.

But Embrace the Unconventional – If you prefer a chalk tree to a traditional tree, then draw away! Decorating your tree is meant to be a fun activity that shows off your creative spirit!

White and Traditional Tree

Take a Step Back – Every once in a while it’s helpful to take a step backward to admire your handiwork, and see which areas of the tree look sparse. Getting an overall picture is helpful when working on such a large-scale project. We bet Michelangelo did the same thing when he was working on the Sistine Chapel.

Every year there are certain holiday decor trends that rise to popularity. Do you change your tree up every year to stay on trend, or do you prefer to stick with a traditional style each season?

Tips for Holiday Decorating

Posted on December 2, 2013August 7, 2018 by M&J Trimming

Does holiday decorating have you stressed out? Don’t fret because we’re here to help. Here are a few tips to keep your holiday decorations from getting the best of you.

Tiny Prints Holiday Garland

Simply Styled – Pick a theme before you start decorating. Do some Pinterest perusing and Tumblr digging for fun and festive ideas. Keep the same style throughout the house so that you can easily move items around, and the space will still feel cohesive.

Color Combinations – If your home is generally neutral and not decor-heavy, you can get away with some interesting color combinations. If your house is already pretty colorful, keeping to a simple color palette will help keep your holiday decor from looking over-the-top.

Child’s Play – If you have kids, you probably cherish their artist creations. Here is their time to shine! The holidays are one of the best times to showcase your child’s festive art. Even though they may not match your theme or coordinate with your color palette, they add a sweet touch to any home.

Bring the Outdoors In – Decorating with natural elements is one way to keep your holiday decor from being too stuffy. It adds a nice rustic touch to any home, and the natural scents of the season are absolutely incredible! There’s nothing like having your whole house smell like a huge pine forest!

DIY It – We obviously love DIYing, and the holidays are the perfect time of year to “do it yourself”. You can save a lot of money by decorating with items that you already have at home! If you love to DIY your decor, don’t forget to go to mjtrim.com for your decorating needs! We have an amazing sale on ribbons, trims, buttons and notions for Cyber Monday, but don’t delay because the offer is only good today!

Remember that these are just suggestions, and if you prefer a different style of decorating, go for it! You may be allergic to pine or prefer to have a rainbow of colors at your holiday table, and these tips may not work for you. Just make sure you’re having fun during the process!