Christmas time in a new house totally different from the last abode. How to decorate for Christmas? We were spoiled with our 10 minute exterior decorating. Ease of installation in potentially frigid air was at the top of our list. Weather is a huge factor and everything has to be able to withstand wind and snow. Our something new needed to be simple enough that it could be done in an afternoon without breaking the budget. Yet large enough that it would make an impact on its own. That large triangle at the front of the house – yes, the one over the garage door – was calling out for something. That space needed: A wreath, of course. The previous owners, who built the house, planned ahead with outlets under the eaves. The wreath could be lighted very easily. There was even a hook at just ... [Read More]
craft
9 Valentine crafts for kids
Cute and creative ways for kids of all ages to celebrate Valentine's Day! Or eight sweet hearts and a cute love bug :-) Sweet and Simple Love Bug - tutorial from My Kids Guide From the bottom of my feet -- a valentine from Toddler Approved DIY Flower Hearts Card Tutorial -- momdot Homemade Playdough Valentine's Day Kids Craft -- from The Suburban Mom Easy Heart Suncatcher -- Toddler Time Love Blooms -- The Creative Goddess Marbleized Hearts -- Cheap Crafty Mama Heart-shaped Pipe Cleaner Rings -- Make and Takes Colorful Puddle Painted Hearts -- Make and Takes Other Valentine Roundups by A Pinch of Joy No candy Valentines for Kids Valentine Crafts for Kids 27 Valentine Printables for the big and little loves in your life 26 Valentine Ideas ... [Read More]
How to make a simple mesh garland
Our front porch decor needed something new for winter. In fact, it could even use a little bling for Christmas, I thought. We love traditional on the inside, but the outside can be fun and daring. The mesh wreath I made for Halloween was so quick and easy I decided to try my hand at a simple mesh garland for the front door. I looked through the possibilities at the hobby store. The lime green and red kept calling my name. Hmmmm -- gray house with white trim in a neighborhood of lawns and conventional houses. Definitely daring. But -- it's only up for a month -- and in the basket it went! (And wait until you see the door swag I made to go with it!) Below is a quick step by step of how I made a simple mesh garland. Scroll down for the video version. Or click here if you want ... [Read More]
How to Make a Halloween Wreath
I love wreaths of all kinds. No idea why! I just like the looks of a lush full circle hanging on a door, a window, a mirror. It just sings! I first saw mesh wreaths on Kristen's Creations and fell in love with the fullness and possibilities! It helps that her site is full of gorgeousness and rich colors and tons of creativity and inspiration. Halloween seemed the perfect time to try my hand at making a mesh wreath. I knew I wanted to use a feather boa -- just for fun. I hesitated because I didn't want to use greenery for Halloween and the black wreaths I found weren't . . . ummm . . . fun. And fastening the mesh to the not round grapevine wreaths I found seemed rather daunting. And then. . . . I found the solution at HobLob. A sixteen inch work wreath -- two levels of ... [Read More]
How to Make a Christmas Garland in Six Easy Steps
Garlands are so versatile for Christmas decorating! They can lay across a flat surface, like a mantel, hang from a railing, swoop around door frames, window or mirrors -- and more. The best part is: Garlands don't have to be disassembled for storage. Next year, open the storage container and there is a glorious ready made decoration just waiting to bring you cheer! Step 1 -- Choose the foundation Choose size and type of garland you want. This one is eight foot long, quite full and is frosted. If your garland is not prelit, and you want lights, work the string of lights into the branches. Make sure the plug in will end up on the correct end for where you plan to use the garland! Put most of the lights in toward the center of the garland and just a few on the tips. Step 2 -- ... [Read More]
How to make a pompom spider for Halloween
Halloween spooky but cute! These spiders are the kind you won't mind having in your house come fall! They are made from yarn and pipecleaners so are inexpensive. And they are quick and easy to make. You (or an older child) can make several in an evening! First create a pompom from black or brown yarn. If you've not done one before, follow the easy steps above. I used a piece of cardboard about 4 inches long and two and a half inches wide to wrap yarn around, but you can use the palm of your hand instead of cardboard. I tend to keep wrapping tighter and tighter if I do it on my hand, but can control the tension better on the cardboard. The more wraps you make, the fuller the body of your spider will be. My yarn bundle was about two inches thick when I quit wrapping. Slip the ... [Read More]
