Here are four things near and dear to my heart today — a very cool mix of crafty events and finds, plus my latest project for good measure.

I just started using my Gocco printer and I adore it! I’ve been making gift labels, tags, and other little things on paper, and just yesterday I put my very first card together — I found these little girls in a 40s math workbook and fell in love with them. I traced them with the carbon pen, printed them in blue, and then glued the print onto cardstock. I like how it turned out. I just ordered some great new ink colors from Northwood Studios to make my holiday cards — silver, gold, olive green, turquoise, and chocolate brown. Gorgeous!

Oh, I really wish I could be in Portland this weekend! Sunday is the annual Riches at Rimsky’s sale at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House — and I know it’s going to be amazing. Plus Sister Diane will be running a free DIY table to make your own gift tags all afternoon. If you’re in town, don’t miss it — skip the mall and buy handmade! All the info is at richesatrimskys.com.

And if you are looking for some craftivism to mix into your holiday projects, Nancy Flynn and Christy Petterson of getcrafty.com are organizing a Handmade Holiday Drive, collecting soft toys and cuddly blankets for children in shelters through Project Night Night. Christy says, “It is so exciting to think that we, as crafters, can take an activity that we love and transform it into helping others, as well as make a statement about mass production.” For inspiration, here is the set Nancy created, using a Wee Wonderfuls pattern. I’m planning on making an embroidered polarfleece toy and blanket — washable and quick to make!

If you’d like more details on either of these, I just got to blog about both Rimsky’s and the getcrafty project over at Adorn, too.

Last, here’s a super cool recycled zipper pouch I picked up at the fabulous ReForm School party on Saturday! As the label says, it used to be a car tire. It’s a Christmas present for my nephew, Julian, and we’re going to fill it with art supplies and little trinkets for him to do some cool projects with. I can’t wait to head back and do some more holiday shopping next week — I spotted so many great things at the party. Love that store!