Skip to main content

Pallet Christmas Countdown

Christmas is a comin’!

In less than 10 days, we’ll be counting down the 25 days till the arrival of Christmas.  To make the countdown a bit more fun and bearable, since for every child (and maybe a few adults) thinks the 25 days leading to the special day are SO LONG, I created a Countdown Calendar in the shape of a tree using my favorite material, pallets and a few other leftover scraps of wood.  Check it out…

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

Isn’t it so colorful?  The ornaments truly make it come alive.

When Lowe’s challenged the Creative Team to come up with something for the Holidays, I was so excited to create something unique and perfect to celebrate the coming holiday.  Last year, my December project was a creation for holding cards and this year, I wanted to create something just as dynamic.  When thinking about a project, I realized we didn’t have a countdown calendar, so that’s what this years project would be.

The project started out by taking 10 steps outside to the garage.  Yup, this creation was put together using only materials I already had on hand.  This is what I gathered…

  • Pallet and wood scraps – the more dented and imperfect, the better
  • Nails (3/4″ – 1″ deep)
  • Number stencil
  • Black Sharpie
  • Hammer
  • Circular Saw
  • (25) Colorful ornaments

1. I first started out by looking through my wood scrap pile and leftover pallet scraps.  I collected a bunch of pieces all in different colors and sizes.  The more imperfect the better.

Then I took some time and put a drawing together to figure out how many rows of wood would be needed and how the 25 ornaments would sit on the “tree”.  In the end, 7 tiers worked best and 2 of the rows have 4 nails, creating the 25 spots.

A little math is needed, but it wasn’t tough…

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

2. Now that the hardest part was over (a little mathematical equations), I laid out the pieces of wood to determine what looked nice next to each other and then the widths of each tier.

On the backs, I then labeled each row.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

3. Then using a circular saw, I cut each piece to form the “tree” shape. Once that was complete, I added a scrap piece of wood to the backs of the pieces to attach them together.

Hammer, hammer, hammer using 3-4/” – 1″ nails.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

I added a few more pieces of scraps (old paint sticks, to be specific) to the back.  This looks kinda messy, but hey, who’s lookin’ at the back???

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

No more looking at the back.  Let’s turn it over to the front where it’s prettier looking.

Now to the nails + the numbers.

4.  By eye (no more math needed), I marked the locations for the 25 ornaments.  Then I added a nail at each location leaving about 1/2″ exposed for the ornament to hang.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

5. Once the nails were in, it was time for the numbers.  Using stencils I had from a previous Martha Stewart project, I outlined the numbers with a black sharpie.  Again, the more imperfect the better.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

Once the numbers were done, the project was complete.  And here’s the result…

Plain + Decorated.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

I love how it came out…

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

It’s so colorful and brings such whimsy to our holiday home decor.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

The kids love it too and they can’t wait for the 1st of December to arrive to start adding an ornament each day.  While we wait, the ornaments that all came from this years Lowe’s collection, sit in the brass light turned container.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

I hope you enjoyed my latest creation as much as I.  It was fairly easy to make, and I loved that I was able to create it using materials I already had.  How much better does it get?!  The anticipation and excitement leading to Christmas day can be a bit challenging, but hopefully my countdown calendar makes it a tiny bit more fun.

Christmas Countdown Calendar using pallets and scraps of leftover wood.  Created by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

To gather even more unique, fun, and creative ideas for your indoor and outdoor Winter spaces, I would definitely suggest downloading the Lowe’s Creative Ideas app on your iphone and/or ipad.  I’m always checking out the FREE app for great seasonal + do-it-yourself inspiration. And even better, this Pallet Christmas Countdown creation will be featured in the upcoming Winter guide – how cool, right?!

Lowes Creative Team Member

Also consider following Lowe’s on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram as well.

 Disclosure: I am part of the Lowe’s Creative Team and was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase items for my project.  I was also compensated for my time to use the products.  No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write.  All opinions are 100% mine!

Easiest + Fastest + Cheapest Tree Skirt EVER

Monday Morning Confession: I already started decorating for Christmas.  It might seem early for some, but I have a few surprises up my sleeve that I wanted to prep early for this year.  While many of my daily favorites get tucked away for the next 6 weeks, the holiday decor is once again making it’s debut for another year.  As some ‘old’ traditional elements remain, there are many new projects and vignettes that I’ll be sharing over the coming weeks.  One in particular is my new tree skirt.  Definitely the easiest + fastest + cheapest tree skirt you ever did see…

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

For the last few years I’ve wanted a new tree skirt.  I had grand plans of making something beautiful and chic, but honestly it just never happened.  And anyway, is something pretty + most likely expensive, even worth it?  I’ve found over the years that the tree skirt ends up getting thrown around either from the kids or the cats, and then once the presents are added, you don’t even see it.  Well this is in my house anyway. maybe it’s different in your casa…

So after living with no tree skirt for a few days once the tree was up, I thought let me test out this pretty black and white striped fabric.  I threw it under the tree and loved it’s whimsical, non-perfect, simple look.  Plus it cost me nothing. So here we go… The black and white striped fabric I had on-hand was 1 yard, but I would recommend using 1.5 yards or even 2 yards for a fuller look. I placed the fabric in front of the tree.

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Then took the two top corners and wrapped them around the  bottom of the tree so they meet in the back.

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Lastly, I tucked the bottom corners and all the loose edges underneath.

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Literally, this took all of 30 seconds and it was done.

Easiest, Fastest, + Cheapest Christmas Tree Skirt.  Use 1.5 yd of fabric and wrap around tree.  Follow easy instructions by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

By the end of the day, the tree skirt is all dishuffled anyway, so within seconds it looks good again.  There really is no right or wrong to this tree skirt, which makes it perfect for me!

And the best part is, it cost nothing and the fabric can be used for something else after the Holidays.  Next year, I may want a totally different pattern and I won’t be married to something store-bought or a creation that took hours. I hope you enjoyed my 30 second tree skirt creation.  Sometimes the easiest things are the best!

Be sure to check back next Monday when I’ll be partnering with a few Blogging friends who will all be sharing super simple holiday projects for our Christmas in a Minute series.  Cheers to a festive season. xo

5 Creative Ways to Wrap with Craft Paper

Wrapping gifts makes me happy!

With a yummy glass of wine in hand, I wrapped quite a few last evening. It brings me joy to give to others.

Until this year, I used the typical fun and festive paper that you see in the holiday aisles at most big-box stores.  Papers come in a variety of colors, lengths, and themes,  but there is something impersonal about it.  Just like a front door to a home, the packaging on a present sets the tone for what’s the come.  Wrapping doesn’t have to be expensive, but creative is key.  Earlier this week, I shared 15 unique ways to wrap holiday gifts and today I’m sharing how the gifts I will be giving this year will be wrapped.

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

From the graphic and title of this post you can pretty much figure out what I used for wrapping gifts this year, but if not, it’s… Craft Paper.

I love it!  Why? It’s inexpensive, you’ll never run out, it can be used and customized for any occasion, it’s multi-functional, and is super thick/heavy (like high-end pricey papers at $6/$8 a roll).

And let me say it again… you’ll never run out (well eventually you will but not for at least 5 or 10 years)! I purchased a 500′ roll of brown craft paper for $8 at Lowes.  Pretty awesome, right?!

Let’s dig right in to see how my presents will be wrapped for Christmas 2012…

After wrapping my presents in the brown craft paper, I got started with the embellishments a.k.a. the fun part!

Craft Paper Idea #1

Materials

  • Yarn
  • Paint Chip samples or other gift tags

As a DIYer and crafter, paint chip samples seemed unique and so appropriate to add to a gift that came from me. I picked a few up that seemed Christmas-like in a range of red and green hues.

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

You really can do so much with paint chip samples!  After I wrapped my present in brown craft paper, I then wrapped two layers of red yarn around and finished it off with a long green paint chip sample.  I added the words DAD on it with individual letter stamps that I got at AC Moore for $1.  Super cheap and so pretty!

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

And the result…

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Craft Paper Idea #2

Materials

  • Jute
  • Leftover (non-used) small ornaments
  • Paint Chip samples
  • Letter Stamps

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Again super easy to make and some of the supplies are a repeat from the last gift idea.  Instead of using the yarn this time, I decided on jute, which again is very inexpensive. I got this roll at Walmart for $3 and have used it for many things around the house.

After wrapping and adding the embellishments, here’s the result…

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

It was so simple to make!  I wrapped  a loooong strand of jute towards the end of the box (not centered) with an ornament and paint chip sample, and it was complete.  With the individual letter stamps, you can say anything and add as many words as you’d like.  The options are endless.  For this present I wrote Merry Christmas.

Craft Paper Idea #3

Materials

  • Jute
  • A simple tag
  • Any ornament

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Using any ornament – I loved how these chocolate snowflakes sparkled – add it to a present for a creative embellishment.  I wrapped one layer of jute around the box, added a tag, and the simple snowflake ornament, and my present was complete.

This special one is for my mom…

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Craft Paper Idea #4

Materials

  • Yarn – I chose red
  • Small Ornaments

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

A minute later, the result…

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

For this present in particular, I simply wrapped a looong strand of red yarn around the box and finished it with two small ornaments.  So easy.

Craft Paper Idea #5

Materials

  • All of the above!

To create this last idea, I used it all…  Jute, yarn, an ornament, and a paint chip sample.

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

As you see, each present has similar materials, but is put together differently each time to truly make a one-of-a-kind gift.  How special?  And what recipient wouldn’t appreciate the time you took to think outside of the box?!

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

5 Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Pretty, simple, and O so fun and unique to create!

If you’re looking for even more ideas on how to wrap, then you’ll have to check out my Wrapping Round-Up of 15 Unique Ideas to Wrap Holiday Gifts.Creative ways to wrap holiday gifts using craft paper by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

How do you usually wrap your Holiday gifts?

JOYful Christmas Mantel

The hustle and bustle of the Holidays are in full swing, but I was able to step back from the craziness of it all this past weekend to revamp my mantel and deck it out for Christmas.

As a Blogger, I feel so lucky to have a platform to share my new creations.  When the time comes to create a new mantel composition, I push myself to always try something new and different, and raise the bar from the previous year.  Thus the result of my new JOYful Christmas Mantel…

Like with every mantel, I cleared off all the decor from my Fall mantel so I could see the space free and clear!  This always helps start the ball-rolling for my latest montage.  I’ll tell you, I don’t usually go into decorating my mantels (or many areas of my home) with a plan.  Once I see a blank slate, somehow it all starts coming together.

I will say though, I’ve had the idea to create this JOY sign for a while.  I thought it would look beautiful leaning against the new ebony stained wood board backdrop. Thankfully all came together and I’m so pleased with the result – I’ll be sharing a quick and easy tutorial on how I created the sign very soon.

Going for an asymmetrical look,  I added a gorgeous boxwood wreath next to the JOYful sign.  I scored this totally faux, but looks totally real, wreath at Lowe’s – I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love.  I love decorating with boxwood and cedar branches, and when I saw this, I grabbed it.  Well actually I thought about making it at first, but after figuring out the cost, this was a better deal.

In creating the mantel, I mixed in a few Christmas elements with a few non-Holiday pieces.  I couldn’t dare put away my fabulous white ginger jar that I enjoy looking at everyday, so of course there it is… (along with my easy-peasy presto-chango-with-spray-paint candle stick).  And I think they look great amongst everything else.

Some of the fun, festive decor that I added around it are the:  three sparkly mod Christmas trees, two brushed nickel Christmas stocking holders (which I got forever ago from Target), and one piece of birch log.

My burnt orange wall is a show-stopper in itself, but I always like to add a burst of color in another way.  With this mantel, I brought in a pop of yellow with a few sprigs of forsythia (totally wrong flower for the season, but I love the yellow with the red in the JOY sign).  In the same vase, I added some faux red berries.  Yellow + Red = Perfect Compliment!

The mantel is simple, elegant, and festive.  O, I truly wish you could see it in person!

The drop cloth and felt stockings are still a favorite of mine.  I made them last year and added metallic gold ornaments to give a little accent.

And here’s the overall space…

O, how I love thee!

Thanks for taking a tour of my Christmas Mantel 2012.  Similar to my recent tablescape creation, I mixed in items from around my home with dollar store deals and DIY projects.

Have you decorated your mantel for Christmas yet?  If so, please share the link below so I can visit. 

Looking for tips on how to decorate a mantel? {click here}

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

Christmas Tablescape

We’re only a few days into December, but my table is set and ready for Christmas.

Of course I’ll be using the table between now and then, but I had a little downtime last weekend and was excited to do a trial run for our Christmas dinner and other gatherings throughout the holiday season.  I adore creating new tablescape vignettes and wanted to experiment using a few new accessories that I recently picked up from the Dollar General Holiday décor aisle. I mixed them with a few thrift store finds and DIY projects to create this…

I had alot of fun creating this vignette and we actually enjoyed a scrumptious dinner Saturday night on this beautifully decorated table.  It was a little pre-Christmas meal to start off the countdown to the special Holiday.  As you can see, we also lit the first candle on our Advent wreath.

The base of the table started with my DIY chevron table runner that I created.  I actually never shared a tutorial on this specific runner, but it’s similar to the drop cloth runner that I made.

Since this is the table where we have dinner most every night, I needed a centerpiece that could easily move.  A few weekends ago, the Mister and I created this box (using the same technique from the monogrammed chevron tray) using leftover pallet scraps.  The size is 16″ wide X 26″ long and it’s the perfect size for a large scale (yet easily moveble) center focal point.

Inside the box I added advent candles, gold sparkly Christmas trees from Dollar General, and a ceramic bowl filled with cinnamon sticks, all surrounded by natural greenery that I trimmed from trees in our backyard. The cinnamon sticks smell so good – they give such a yummy fragrant scent when you pass by.

Dollar stores (like Dollar General) are a great place to find inexpensive items to decorate with.  By ‘shopping your home’ and mixing dollar-store-deals with thrift-store-finds, you can truly create a gorgeous and elegant tablescape or vignette for very little money.

For each table setting, I added a round bamboo charger on top of the drop cloth placemats that I created last year.  The bamboo weave gives nice texture and contrast to the neutral colored plates and placemats.  I then added my everyday cream with black line rimmed dinner plates (a wedding gift from Crate and Barrel) and a buttercup-colored napkin (from Target) threaded through a festive bell ring.  The seasonal bell ring was a great find from Dollar General.  I don’t think they are actually napkin rings, but who cares – they work perfectly!

To add alittle more pizazz to the table, I draped a long strand of red Christmas bead garland around the perimeter of the pallet box.  The bright hue was a perfect accent to the red bells on the napkins and the berries in the centerpiece.

A few loose Christmas ornaments completed the festive look.

Inviting and fun!

I’m really happy with the result of this tablescape.  And the best part is that it’s practical because the main decor is in a box, which can easily move.  I plan on using this newly created tray centerpiece for many upcoming Holidays and occasions – I’m thinking Easter baskets, Spring decor, and Fall foilage.

Were you wondering where I put my log centerpiece this year?  Well it’s not here on the table (like last year) and it’s not on the mantel either, but instead I decided to use it as the backdrop for our village.  The log centerpiece made for an AMAZING focal point, but wasn’t so easy to move = not practical.  Since the buffet gets left alone, it was the perfect spot to admire it.  That log centerpiece has been around the block and back, so it couldn’t be stuck away.

This is how it looked last year

And this is how it’s being used now…

I love our little miniature village…  and so do my kids.  Each night, they drag over the stool and love to peak inside.  It’s magical.

It would be nice to have each of you enjoy a delicious meal with me here at my table, but at least we can dream, right?!

I hope you’ve liked taking a glimpse at my tablescape for this Christmas – especially since it cost so little to create.  Dollar General really had some great deals and you connect with them even more to see what they have to offer on the Dollar General Facebook Page.  I sure have enjoyed sharing my tablescape with you!

Happy Holidays!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Christmas Card Holder – A Lowes Creative Idea #LowesCreator

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and stuffed your tummies full of turkey and mashed potatoes (with butter of course) – my personal favorite.  We traveled and enjoyed the Holiday very much, but the only bummer about not hosting was the lack of leftovers.  Anyway, let’s get on to something fun…

I’m super excited for today because I have so much to share with you!  I’ve been busy preparing for the Christmas season (yes, alreadyI know for some it’s early), but wanted to let Thanksgiving pass before bombarding you with all my Christmas inspiration.  Now that the Holiday season countdown has begun, brace yourself for a fun few weeks ahead with DIY creations and decorating ideas and tips!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the first Christmas cards started trickling in over the weekend and since my December Lowe’s Challenge was to create something for the upcoming Holiday season, a new Christmas Card Holder seemed so apropos.

This card holder is one of my favorite projects I’ve ever made.  I got the idea when creating the family pallet photo holder a few weeks ago.  At the time, I mentioned how I felt the photo holder was so versatile and didn’t have to just hold family photos, but also christmas cards during the holidays, as well as invitations, announcements, etc anytime of year.  Thus my Christmas Card Holder was created…

I started off my hitting the lumber and paint aisles of my local Lowe’s and picked up a few must-have items:

  • 6′ long X 12″ wide wood board
  • clothes pins (30 – 35)
  • spray paint (I chose Valspar Glossy Cut Ruby)
  • stencil (purchased at AC Moore / a silhouette would work too)
  • white paint & stain (for the distressing)
  • paint for the letter (I chose metallic gold)

I began by…

1. Distressing the Wood

I was going for a worn look and wanted the wood to look old and distressed, so I banged-it-up a bit and layered it with a combo of paint and stain.

I began by using  nails, chain, and a hammer to bang up the surface to make it “used and abused”.  This is a great way to get out some of that pent-up aggressionhehe.

Once I achieved the desired “wear”, I added one coat of white paint.  I used a semi-gloss finish paint that I had laying around, but any kind will do.  Once dry, I sanded the wood thoroughly so some areas of the raw wood showed through and the surface was smooth.  I added a light coat of stain focusing more on the edges and ends. I applied it in small sections and quickly wiped it away so only a thin layered remained. Then I added another coat of white paint and sanded the surface once more.  This layering process resulted in just the right amount of wear.

Old to New in 30 minutes!

2. Stencil

I found a pretty stencil at AC Moore which I got for about $3+ (using a 50% off coupon). The letters are 3″ high and the words CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS fit just right on the 6′ board.

3. Paint

Once I outlined the stenciled letters with a pencil, I filled them in with a nice metallic gold craft paint. At first, I was going to use red or green for the letters, but I am so glad I chose gold – I’m loving the hue, especially with the other goldtones in my other holiday decor.

4. Adding the Clothespins

While the letters were drying, I spray painted the clothes pins with Valspar Glossy Cut Ruby.  Once they were ready, I attached them to the wood board with hot glue.  The spacing between each clothespin is about 5-6″ and there are 16 on each side.

 And it’s done…

I’ll admit, the Christmas cards are from last year – I haven’t received that many yet.  I always keep my cards and then use them the next year as tags for presents, so that’s what these will be used for in a few short weeks.

My new card holder is such a unique and fun addition to our Christmas decor. I have it situated right next to the Christmas tree so we can enjoy the treasures that are sent from family and friends – true Christmas Blessings!

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to display Christmas Cards, check out the roundup I did last year, by clicking on the link: 15 Creative Ways to Display Christmas Cards.

And I created another card holder last year if you want to see that as well.  I love this one too, but with all the cards we receive, it ended up not being large enough.  This new one though, has lots of room! Click to see: Holiday Card Holder.

I’m still working on putting the finishing touches on the rest of the house, and hope to share a Christmas Tour next week.  In the meantime, I’ll be showing you a few more DIY projects, as well as some easy and fun decorating ideas.

Have you decorated for the Holidays yet?  How to you display your Christmas cards?

Disclosure: I am part of the Lowe’s Creative Team and was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase items for my project.  I was also compensated for my time to use the products.  No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write.  All opinions are 100% mine!

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

DIY: Christmas Stockings

Did you check out my newly decorated Christmas mantel?  If not, that’s okay (but head over there now).  In that post you got a little sneak preview of the Christmas stockings that I recently made.  As a family of four, we’ve never had matching stockings.  The mister and I have the same (since we bought those together after getting married), but then came child #1 and he got a different style stocking, and after that child #2 came along and she has an even different style stocking.  Anyway, each year it’s been a mish-mosh of different color and style stockings hung on the mantel, until now.

You know my love for drop cloth, so what did I use?  Yes, you guessed it…the big DC!

I’ve always wanted to make stockings, but was intimidated thinking it would be too difficult – but IT WASN’T!

Using drop cloth material for the main stocking, creme colored felt for the cuff, and the basic sewing essentials, I created these stockings, that now sit at the mantel, in no time!  To start off, I used the old stocking as a template to create the “boot-like” shape.  I then cut an 8″ x 12″ piece of felt for the cuff, and sewed the “right” sides together (see pictorial).

I made 4 stockings (which have 2 sides each), so I had a total of 8 sides.

Once the cuff is attached to the “boot”, open the cuff and iron.  Then put the “right” sides of the boots together and pin all around.  Using a 1/2″ inseam, sew around the entire boot, EXCEPT at the top edge of the cuff.

Once you finished sewing all the way around, turn the stocking to the “right” side using the opening at the top edge.  Then iron the edges flat.

The stocking form is made – YAY!

At this point of the stocking-making-process, the tops of the cuffs will probably not match – that’s OKAY!  Taking a scissor or rotary cutter, trim the top edge of the cuff to get a straight line.

Then it’s time to make the cuff – turn over the felt fabric and adjust it to the amount that you want to see for the “cuff”.  I’ll admit, at this point, I was a wee bit mad at myself for not forethinking what I’m about to share.  There are many different ways to make stockings and honestly, I didn’t do any research beforehand, and just “went for it”.  Kind of a mistake.  When I went to turn the fabric over to make the cuff, I realized that you could see the stitching on what was before the “inside” of the cuff (see right pictorial).  At this point, I was about to ditch the project, but then I realized because the fabric is felt, it won’t fray and it actually gives the edge a decorative look.  I trimmed the edge about 1/4″ off the seam and I’m pretty happy with the result.  Another (slight) fail to success project!

Essentially it’s complete at this point, but of course you need something to hang the stocking.  Using another piece of felt, I simply made a loop that I sewed on to the inside edge of the stocking cuff.

Now they are ready to hang!  If you saw my Christmas mantel the other day, you may have noticed that the stockings were plain and unembellished.  Well that only lasted a day.  Using the ornaments from my Organic Centerpiece that I displayed on my dining table last Christmas, I looped them through clear fishing line and hung them around the felt loop of the stocking.  Also adding a chocolate glitter snowflake, the collection was a beautiful accent to the neutral-colored background fabric.

Also placed on two of the stockings are pins that were favorites of my husband’s late grandmother. A little way he remembers her around the Holidays.

I really love the simplicity of these stockings.  Each year as I change my colors and Christmas decor they will always be a beautiful accent to different embellishments that I can add.  Do you hang stockings at the fireplace?  Are they matching or a mish-mos of different styles like I had for the past years? (and just to set the record straight…  I don’t mind mish-mosh…  it’s eclectic!)

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Under the Table & Dreaming

Holiday Card Holder

Tis’ the season for cards!  Of course, you might get sent a random card here or there throughout the year for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, but there is no time like Christmas when you receive such a flurry of cards all at once.  And aren’t they such a delight to get?!  The anticipation of opening the mailbox each day around Christmas is so exciting!

Yesterday, I shared 15 creative ways to hang those plethora of cards, and today I am sharing my creation.  As I mentioned yesterday, I was in need of some inspiration this year as to how to display my newly received Christmas cards.  After doing a little hunting around the web, I was quickly inspired and created a unique card holder to call my own!

This Holiday card holder was actually very easy to make and only took a few minutes. If you’re interested in making something like this to hold your cards, I used:

  • 18 x 24 cork board (you could also use a picture frame or a flat piece of MDF or wood)
  • Burlap (or other neutral toned fabric)
  • Ribbon (one color ribbon or a few different styles)
  • Staple Gun

1. To start off, I ironed the burlap so it was free of any wrinkles and folded it over, so it was double thick.  (If using a tighter weave fabric, you may not need to make it double thick.  Because burlap has a loose weave, I didn’t want to see through it.)

2. I layed the corkboard on the fabric and secured it on the back with staples.

(I know it’s mess from the back, but you won’t see it)

3. Time to add the ribbon.  I used the same ribbon for the entire project because it’s what I had on hand.  You could also use different style and sized ribbon for a fun look! Before stapling, lay out the ribbon so the layout / design is exactly how you want it.  Then secure on the back with a staple.

4.  You can either hang it or lean it on a table.  I decided to hang the Holiday Card Holder, and made a loop on the back with some extra ribbon.  A few staples later…

…and it was complete!   Now I’ve got the perfect place to hang all the cards that will be delivered throughout the Holiday season!

I added the words: cheer & blessings to show how I truly feel to be sent these beautiful thoughts from people I love.  Using a black Sharpie marker, I added these two words that I am thankful to feel each day!

And don’t you just love that darling Winter Bucket List printable?  You can print it out for yourself to check off all the winter activities you do with your family!

Have you started decorating for Christmas yet?  I’ll have to be honest, I was not ready and excited this year as I usually am, but now that I’ve started transforming the house, I am getting psyched for some Christmas Cheer!

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Under the Table & Dreaming


The Simplest Pinecone Wreath!

I love the look of wreaths filled with pinecones, and was about 5 seconds from buying two over the weekend, until I looked at the price tag.  I was not paying $25 for pinecones, when my own backyard is filled with these lovely organic treasures.  But before putting the pinecone wreaths (that I loved) back on the shelf, I looked to see how they were made, and couldn’t believe how easy it appeared.  So off to the craft store I went…


Play by Play…Pinecone-Style

I bought an 18″ round wreath for $1.99 and collected a bucketful of pinecones from the backyard.  Now I have to confess, that I also used some store-bought pinecones because they were rounder and fuller, opposed to my skinny, sap-filled, backyard pinecones.

Using brown or green (green is all I had) wire, wrap it through the pinecone and twist, so it’s secure on the back side.

After adding the pinecones, the back of the wreath will look like a wire craze…that’s OKAY!  You won’t see the back.  If you want, trim the pieces about 1/4″ above the twist for a cleaner look.

Continue attaching the pinecones around the wreath and overlap them to add interest.

Voila – The simplest pinecone wreath is complete.

And I actually made 2.  These beautiful pinecone wreaths hang in my dining area on the sliding glass door, but you can hang them anywhere….on your front door, interior door(s), the wall, etc…

This year, my color palette is chocolate gold.  I love how gold looks with brownish tones.  Also in this space, is the new Organic Centerpiece I created!  It’s complete and ready to enjoy.

The Simplest Pinecone Wreath!

I love the look of wreaths filled with pinecones, and was about 5 seconds from buying two over the weekend, until I looked at the price tag.  I was not paying $25 for pinecones, when my own backyard is filled with these lovely organic treasures.  But before putting the pinecone wreaths (that I loved) back on the shelf, I looked to see how they were made, and couldn’t believe how easy it appeared.  So off to the craft store I went…


Play by Play…Pinecone-Style

I bought an 18″ round wreath for $1.99 and collected a bucketful of pinecones from the backyard.  Now I have to confess, that I also used some store-bought pinecones because they were rounder and fuller, opposed to my skinny, sap-filled, backyard pinecones.

Using brown or green (green is all I had) wire, wrap it through the pinecone and twist, so it’s secure on the back side.

After adding the pinecones, the back of the wreath will look like a wire craze…that’s OKAY!  You won’t see the back.  If you want, trim the pieces about 1/4″ above the twist for a cleaner look.

Continue attaching the pinecones around the wreath and overlap them to add interest.

Voila – The simplest pinecone wreath is complete.

And I actually made 2.  These beautiful pinecone wreaths hang in my dining area on the sliding glass door, but you can hang them anywhere….on your front door, interior door(s), the wall, etc…

This year, my color palette is chocolate gold.  I love how gold looks with brownish tones.  Also in this space, is the new Organic Centerpiece I created!  It’s complete and ready to enjoy.

  • 1
  • 2