Day 5: Paper Doily Ornaments

Today's craft is super easy and inexpensive. You need very few materials and can make it in minutes.

MATERIALS

Small doilies

Cardstock (I used ivory, but would be pretty with a contrasting color)

Thin Ribbon

Glue gun or craft glue

Scissors

Brown paint pen

Template for your circle (I used a jar lid)

STEP 1. Find a circle that is just a little larger than your doily and trace circles on your cardstock. Carefully cut it out. 

STEP 2. Glue your ribbon hanger about 1/2" down on your cardstock. Write a Christmas world with your paint pen. I used joy, peace and love. Don't stress over making it perfect!

STEP 3. Lightly glue your doily to the center of the cardstock, and you're done!

The pictures don't really do this craft justice, but here's a few shots of them on my tree and as gift tags on presents.

I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for another creative project!

Day 4: Acorn Wreath

I saw something like this project on Pinterest and wanted to recreate it, but I didn't know where I'd find enough acorns. Then at the park a couple weeks later with my kids, I found a gold mine. There were acorns everywhere!

So I quickly recruited my 4-year-old and twin 2-year-olds to gather as many acorns as possible. And do NOT eat them. The last part was for the twins, not the 4-year-old.

I love the subtle look of this wreath. It's more winter decor than holiday, which I like. It's pretty simple, but I'm not gonna lie to you -- it's time-consuming. I'm going to save mine, though, and use it again next year... that is if I'm still into the natural look next year...

I didn't photograph the materials, but here's the list:

MATERIALS
Styrofoam wreath form
A whole lotta acorns
Brown paint (spray paint or craft paint is ok)
Glue gun and lots of glue sticks
Ribbon for hanging

STEP 1. Paint your wreath brown on all sides. I used craft paint, but if I would have used spray paint if I had it. Let dry completely.

STEP 2. Start gluing acorns. I thought the acorn tops were super cute, so I used only those. They were also pretty easy to work with. You could also use the acorn balls, or make a pattern out of them. I put a few squiggles of glue on a section and added acorns as I went, getting them as close together as possible. Repeat... a lot.

To hang the wreath, I used a shiny silver ribbon and tied it to a mirror in my foyer. I wanted a cranberry color, but couldn't find it. I added two silver wire trees that I've had forever and a tall vase of silver and pearl ornaments. The burlap lamp shade is a project I did last month. I'm planning to share a how-to after the holidays.

For the record, I'm not in love with the yellow on my foyer walls, I'm planning on adding a table runner, and the mirror is hung too high.... A little bit of a perfectionist, maybe?

Check back for another crafty project tomorrow!

Day 3: Pinecone Photo Ornaments

For our third day of Christmas Crafts, I'm going to show you how to make these Pinecone Photo Ornaments. I absolutely LOVE this project. It turned out so pretty and looks great on my tree. I was inspired by Martha Stewart's website, but I changed it up just a little.

MATERIALS

Copier

Old photos

Thick glittered cardstock

Mod Podge (not shown)

Brush

Glue gun

Scissors

Pinecone

Thin ribbon (for the hanger)

STEP 1: Copy your old photos onto regular paper in black and white. I used my regular printer at home.You could get fancy and do sepia tone or color, too, but I like look of the copied photos. 

STEP 2: Cut out the photos. Using Mod Podge, glue the pictures to the wrong side of the cardstock. You want the glittered side out. When everything is dry, cut the photos again. I'd never used Mod Podge before, and now I love the stuff. 

STEP 3: Take your pinecones and separate the little pieces (not sure about the technical name for those). On the glittered side, hot glue your ribbon hanger. Then, place a line of hot glue along the edge, and glue the pinecone pieces on to the frame.

Here's a view of the back of the round ornament.

My tree this year is very natural, so this looked gorgeous on it. Stay tuned... tomorrow I'll share how to make an acorn wreath.

The Magic of the Season

It isn't found in twinkling lights, stories of Santa, favorite old movies or a pile of perfectly wrapped gifts. To feel the magic of Christmas in your heart, there's only one place to look. Seek the star of Christmas, Jesus our Lord.

Let the words of this verse resonate in your heart:

Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79.

This verse was spoken by Zechariah as he prophesied about the coming birth of Jesus. He was excited about what was going to happen. Take time as the big day approaches to thank God for loving us enough to send his son. The magic of the season is found in worshiping Him.

May the true joy of Christmas be in your heart today.

Day 2: Burlap Ruffle Wreath

On the second day of the Christmas craft series, I'm going to share how to make this fun Burlap Ruffle Wreath.

I was inspired when I saw Emily's wreath here, and decided to make my own version for Christmas this year. I added the fun holiday color to give it a big "pop." But you could keep things subtle and natural too.

So, here's what you need...

MATERIALS

Wreath form (I used straw, but a styrofoam would work too)

About 2 yards of burlap

Glue gun and glue sticks

Needle and Thread

Straight pins

Embellishments

Scissors

STEP 1: Cut a long strip of burlap about 2 1/2 inches wide, and cover your wreath form.

If you run out, just cut more. Hot glue the ends onto your wreath, but be careful. That glue soaks right through the burlap. I burned my fingers a few times on this project!

STEP 2: Cut your ruffle strips. I wasn't too exact with these. I made them about 5" by 70". You'll need two long pieces. Now, tie a knot in your burlap and thread one side, bunching it up as you go. This creates the ruffle. Bunch it up until it's the right size for your wreath form.

STEP 3: Pin the burlap to your wreath using the straight pins. Start glueing it down, but be sure to remove the thread as you go. It doesn't look cute left on top of your pretty ruffle!

See my litle helper in the picture! :)

STEP 4: Flip the wreath over and add another ruffle to the other side.

STEP 5: This is where the fun begins... and where I stopped taking pictures. Sorry!

I used wire-edge ribbon and bunched up one side for the red inner ruffle. To make the flowers, I used more wire ribbon and bunched one side up tightly. Then, I wrapped it around itself and secured to the wreath.

Finally, I added a wooden letter from Michael's and attached it with some co-ordinating ribbon.

I love the way this one turned out. It was a fun project that didn't cost a ton of money or take up too much time. I hope you try it out. If so, please share a pic!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another fun and super easy craft project: Pinecone Photo Ornaments. 

Day 1: Christmas Tree Gift Tags/Ornament

On the first day of Christmas crafting, we're going to make our own Christmas Tree Gift Tags. This is a fun craft to do with your kiddos, but it also turns out very pretty. 

MATERIALS

Ivory Cardstock

Green Paint

Gold Paint

Brown Paint

Bronze Cardstock

Glue Stick

Ribbon for the Hangers

Gold Pen

Hole Punch

STEP 1. Cut your cardstock down to the size you want your tags. Don't make them too small, because you'll want your child's hand to fit. I cut the large 12"x12" cardstock into 6 pieces.

STEP 2. Have your child  make a few green handprints on each card. You want the finger parts to look like branches, so keep the top of the hand in place. (This concept was lost on my kid.) Let dry.

STEP 3. Cut small bronze stars out of the cardstock and glue onto the top of your tree (where the heel of the hand is).

STEP 4. Have your child add a thumbprint tree trunk and fingerpaint a few gold ornaments.

STEP 5. Once it's all dry, punch a hole in the top, add your ribbon and write a message. I wrote "Merry Christmas, 2011" on the front, and used the back of the tag for the To/From.

The gift tag is a fun way to personalize a package and makes an adorable ornament later. This was a fun, easy craft that I make with my 4-year-old while the twins napped. You could also change the colors to match your gift wrap or colors. I hope you try it out!

Merry Christmas!

Check back tomorrow for a Burlap Ruffle Wreath Tutorial.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts

Starting Saturday, December 10, I'm doing a series called "12 Days of Christmas Crafts." I hope you'll check it out. Each day I'll post a fun project and give instructions on how to do it. 

I have two wreath projects to share, several fun ornaments to make and a few other ideas up my sleeve. Most are very inexpensive and don't take a ton of special materials. 

I'm also running a sale, 20% off any existing items. So, if you've had your eye on a sign or chalkboard, now is the time to buy it. Sorry, this doesn't include any special orders. 

I hope you're enjoying the holiday season. I'm almost done decorating. I hope to post a few pics of my house soon.