If there’s ever a year to celebrate ending it’s this one! Goodbye 2020… we won’t miss ya, but your departure certainly calls for a celebration! I always go big when it comes to Christmas so afterwards I’m pretty tired and need things simple, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a little fun.
This year I decided to create a festive table centerpiece as well as some drink swizzle sticks that everyone can enjoy, and these simple and easy New Years Eve decorations can be thrown together at a moment’s notice. It’s a fun way to add some extra cheer while ringing in the New Year at home. I was able to recycle some of my Christmas items into our centerpiece so hopefully you have some extra stuff hanging around too.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Metallic shred or tinsel
Beaded necklaces or garland
Party crackers
Ornament balls
Curly ribbon
Wood Skewers (I used 8 inch ones from the craft baking aisle)
Pom poms
A bowl or platter for the centerpiece
Festive glassware
INSTRUTIONS
For the centerpiece start by placing a layer of metallic shred and then add the rest of the decorations. Use any leftover metallic shreds as need to fill in gaps or add height.
For the drink swizzle sticks simply push each pom pom through the pointy end of the wood skewer, and adjust as needed. No glue is necessary.
So fun, so festive, and so easy am I right?
Let the celebration begin! We’ve got this… just a few more days and we all get a fresh start. Happy New Year my friends, 2021 is going to be a much better year for all of us. Stay safe, healthy, and happy.
I want to share with you my favorite gift wrapping hack, how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper. So you might be thinking, isn’t it easier to just buy a gift bag? Well… maybe… but we’ve all had those moments where we run out of gift bags, or they’re the wrong size, or you just want to save money. Maybe you just want all your presents to match and coordinate – Virgo here!!
Seriously, this trick is life changing and couldn’t be easier. Once you make your first bag you’ll be whipping these out at warp speed. It’s also lots of fun to customize each bag, and you can even add a handle if desired. Below I’ll show you how easy it is to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper, and be sure to read my helpful tips.
SUPPLIES
Wrapping paper
Tape
Scissors
Stapler – optional
Ribbon for decorating – optional
Tulle ribbon to create a handle – optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Measure wrapping paper to the size of the object, as if you were wrapping the present without a box, leaving extra room at the top and cut.
Fold one side in and crease, repeat on the other side, then tape the back shut.
Fold the bottom edge straight up and crease, this will determine the width of the bag.
Unfold the bottom and then fold the side edges inward to resemble a triangle, crease both sides.
Fold each end up like you’re wrapping the end of a boxed present and secure well with tape, then gently open the bag up.
Place the gift in the bag then fold the top of the bag down. Seal the top of the bag with tape or staples.
If you’re not adding a handle simply add a bow and you’re all done.
To add a handle after the bag is sealed use a hole punch to thread tulle through. I used a punch that was slightly larger than normal to make this step easier.
Determine the length you want the handles to be and tie a knot. Adjust the handles so the knot goes to one side and tie in a bow. You can experiment with different ribbons for a handle, I like tulle because it’s lightweight and fluffy.
TIPS
Thick sturdy wrapping paper is best, thin wrapping paper from a dollar store may not work as well.
You can cut a cardboard base for the inside if you want your bag to have more structure.
Pay close attention when using wrapping paper where the pattern goes one direction, as in the picture above, you’ll want the pattern facing up.
Only add a handle to lightweight presents or the bag will tear.
If you have lots of gifts that are similar in size, make several bags at once, keeping them flat for easy storage. When your ready to wrap a gift simply open up the bag and seal it.
I hope this gift wrapping hack helps you! I’m officially signing off to enjoy this week of Christmas with my family. Wishing you the Merriest Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Every January I hit the Christmas sales and I always end up with several boxes of clear craft ornaments. Over the years my collection of crafting ornaments has grown and grown, yet I never did anything with them. Recently when I was cleaning out our attic space and I came across all my boxed ornaments I thought ok this is the year… I have got to do something with these.
I’ve been playing around with lots of ways to decorate these ornaments, I came up with several ideas, but I must say these frosted glitter ornaments are so far my favorite! Plus they’re so easy to make. I know I throw around the word easy a lot, that’s because I’m not a fan of complicated crafts! Cheap glue, basic salt, and a little glitter is all you need to make these gorgeous ornaments. They’re so pretty I’d say they’re gift worthy!
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Plain table salt
White or clear glue
Glitter (I used iridescent and fine silver glitter)
Clear glass or plastic ball ornaments
Disposable plates
Craft brush
INSTRUCTIONS
Grab the bottom of the ornament and starting at the top of the ornament paint on an even layer of glue on half of the ornament.
Flip the ornament and gently holding on to the hook paint glue on the bottom half of the ornament.
Immediately sprinkle on the salt until you reach your desired frosted look.
Then quickly sprinkle on the glitter and let dry. I carefully put hooks on to let the ornaments dry while they’re hanging on our Christmas tree. I did however place a few on the table and they dried without any smudges. The salt stays on amazing well once dried, glitter’s always a pain but it’s just so pretty.
I did make a batch of these frosted ornaments without glitter, just the salt frost. I had them hanging on the tree to dry when I looked over and saw my 19 year old daughter licking them. That’s my Haley Bears… good thing the glue is non-toxic. Overall I much prefer these ornaments with glitter added. Not only do they sparkle more in the light like actual frost, it keeps my daughter from licking them!
Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, but it’s time to put the fork down and get our Christmas game on. Soon I’ll have the 2020 Christmas home tour on the blog, but for now I’m still having fun making festive decorations. Today I’m sharing how to make this Christmas ornament garland, I love how it turned out, but best of all it was crazy easy to make!
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Craft wire
Christmas ornament balls in various sizes
Yep… that’s all you need, easy right?
I picked up the majority of my ornaments from The Dollar Tree, you just can’t beat 12 ornaments for a dollar! Some of my larger ornaments and textured ones came from my ornament graveyard. I have boxes and boxes of old ornaments that I like to save for crafts.
INSTRUCTIONS
Measure out the length of wire needed for your space, be sure to measure out a little more than you need so you have extra wire for tying the ends off. Then simply string the ornaments along the wire using various sizes or colors.
I wanted to let the garland drape off the mantel, so I did need to adjust a few ornaments to the back or the front to lay smoothly. But what if you want to hang your garland? No problem! Simply twist off some wire loops in the back and you’re good to hang.
Push the ornaments along the wire to ensure there are no gaps and then simply tie each end off. That’s pretty much it, it’s such an easy Christmas decoration to make that really makes the room pop.
I’m partial to red but there are so many fun color combinations you could come up with! I use a combination of plastic and glass balls, and I prefer the plastic ones because I don’t worry about breaking them. Plastic is definitely less stress, you can throw it around a bit more.
Gorgeous, budget friendly, and easy to make! That’s my kind of Christmas craft right there. I can’t wait to share some more festive ideas and the home tour with you soon! Until then stay safe, and I hope you find some great online sales.
October is here and that means it’s time to decorate! I love to decorate for every season, but some years Halloween gets left out. Not by choice, I’m not against it or anything, it’s just that I’m usually already too focused on planning my Thanksgiving and Christmas decor and then it’s too late. Since 2020 hasn’t exactly been an ideal year I decided if there’s ever a year I need to decorate the house for Halloween it’s this one. I think we all could use some extra fun and playful joy right now!
I love to make wreaths, that is as long as they aren’t too complicated or time consuming. Even though this is a Halloween wreath have no fear! You can put this oh so easy spooky-chic wreath together in just 20 minutes or less.
When it comes to Halloween decorations I can’t do scary. I’m a big baby and just can’t do it! Luckily this wreath is the perfect balance of a little bit spooky and a whole lot of chic. I’m definitely not a spider fan at all, in fact I have one trapped under a bowl in the living room right now for my dear hubby to take care of. However, when you cover them in glitter or somehow make them cute suddenly I can deal. I need something spooky right?
I’ve always loved making feather wreaths, especially around Halloween. They’re just so festive and fun! I’ve used purple feathers before, even lime green and all have turned out great. So use this blog post as inspiration for your own unique wreath if that’s your jam. Below I’ve listed where my items were purchased, some I had on hand from last year, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find similar Halloween embellishments pretty easily.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
18 inch straw or foam wreath ($4.99 from Hobby Lobby)
3 (6ft.) foot black feather boas ($3.99 each from Hobby Lobby)
Hot glue
A Halloween sign (Halloween clearance last year)
Black faux flowers ($2.99 from Hobby Lobby)
Glittery pumpkins (.99 from Wal-Mart)
Glittery spiders ($3 from The Dollar Tree last year)
INSTRUCTIONS
If you’re using a new straw wreath you’ll want to keep the plastic on to avoid a big mess. Start by hot gluing the end of the feather boa on the back of the wreath. Then wrap the boa all the way around the wreath and secure that end with hot glue. Continue this with the next two feather boas, adjusting to avoid any bare spots. I only glue the ends down so you won’t need much hot glue here.
TIP: Feather boas shed like CRAZY! You’ll definitely need to vacuum afterwards, but be sure to save the larger feathers that fall off. They’re perfect for filling in any gaps or bare spots on the wreath should you need them.
Once the wreath is completely wrapped begin hot gluing the largest items first such as the flowers and Halloween sign. Followed by the pumpkins and spiders. The feathers can be a little floppy sometimes, so you might need to add several spots of hot glue until your items are secure.
How easy was that? Once you gather your supplies you’ll have this spooky wreath done is 20 minutes, or possibly less!
Spooky? No, we’re spooky-chic darling. A little bit creepy and a whole lot of glam! Now go grab that bag of candy you’ve been hiding and start having some Halloween fun! I’ve got a few more “not too scary” Halloween projects to share with you soon, my spooky friends, so check back soon!
Hello friends, if you haven’t already done so it’s time to break out the pumpkins! I love decorating the house this time of year, and one of my favorite ways to do so is with whitewashed pumpkins. If you’re unfamiliar with whitewashing pumpkins have no fear… it’s quick, cheap, and so easy to do! I think we can all agree how adorable orange pumpkins are, but I love the effect whitewashing does to a pumpkin. It slightly tones down the orange, enhances the natural character, and gives them a high end look.
When I decorate with pumpkins I prefer real over faux. Not only do I prefer a more realistic look, but storage space is a major issue in our house. I love the fact that I can simply toss my pumpkins after Thanksgiving and be done. When whitewashing pumpkins, nearly any kind of paint will do. I’ve used craft paint, wall paint (of all sheens), and even chalk paint… don’t worry it’s all good! I seriously just use whatever, I recently used up all my Benjamin Moore white paint so for this blog post we’re using basic $2 craft paint.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Pumpkins
White paint (craft paint, chalk paint, wall paint, any kind will do)
Foam or bristle brush
Paper towels
Disposable cup or bowl
Drop cloth or newspaper to protect your surface
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Lay newspaper or a drop cloth down to protect your surface. Water down the paint by mixing equal portions of paint and water in a disposable cup or bowl. I used 1/4 cup paint with 1/4 cup of water. You can increase or decrease this mixture depending on the size and number of pumpkins you have, just keep it in equal portions.
2. Brush the paint mixture evenly onto the pumpkin making sure the paint goes all the way into the grooves of the pumpkin. Avoid getting paint on the stem for this step.
3. After the pumpkin is completely painted, wait about 30 seconds and wipe the paint off with a dry paper towel. Be sure to wipe the paint off from the top to bottom for the best effect. Let the pumpkin dry, it shouldn’t take very long about 10-15 minutes at most.
4. Last, apply paint lightly to the stem and immediately wipe it off as you go. The stems are very dry and porous so you want to use the paint sparingly here. Now let the stem dry and you’re good to go.
Once dry, feel free to repeat this process if you want a heavier whitewashed look. Above you can see a lighter and a heavier whitewashing result. I love them all, and it’s fun to experiment with different kinds of pumpkins.
You may be wondering if you can use this whitewashing technique on faux pumpkins, and the answer is yes. Of course, you might need to adjust the amount of time you wait before wiping the paint off (more or less dry time), but the rest of the instructions should be the same.
I just love the effect that whitewashing adds to pumpkins. It gives such a wow factor. For the ultimate fall bowl filler try small whitewashed pumpkins with these bleached pinecones, it’s one of my favorite fall decorations. Happy fall!
