On stockings

Yes, I realize I should be focusing on Fall (and how fabulous it is!), but I like to plan ahead and right now I'm thinking about Christmas stockings. Last year, my husband and I didn't have any stockings in our house (Lame, I know-- but we had only been married six months!), which was fine because we spent the holidays at our parents' homes-- the week before and the week after-- and therefore didn't bother decorating much.

However, this year-- despite where we may end up for the holidays-- I would love to have some handmade stockings to hang in our home. The only problem is: where to begin?

I really want these stockings to be keepsakes-- ones we plan on using for years and years. I also want them to be rather easy to make. :) And yet, living in a tiny apartment with no decor style whatsoever makes it difficult to envision what my future home may look like and the style we may prefer. Do I go vintage? Modern? Classic? Bright and colorful or monochromatic? I just can't make up my mind!

For now I'll settle on some pinspiration :-)

I love the red and white color scheme here.

The ruffles and bows are adorable, and I like the natural look.

These little guys are cuddly. 

The texture on these is pretty amazing. And the sparkle!

I also really like the idea of using stencils and paint.

What do you think? Do you have handmade Christmas stockings? What do they look like? Any suggestions or ideas-- send them my way!