Category: DIY Decor & Crafts

Handmade Holidays: Snowflakes and Berries

Published on by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

We’ve made a few more Christmas ornaments, so we decided to share with you.  The first idea was inspired by this from Pinterest.  Basically, you print a template, place wax paper over, then trace with puff paints and put the design on a canvas.  We followed most of the steps, with the exception of the canvas.  I started by drawing snowflake designs in Photoshop.  Then, I printed the design and placed wax paper over.

Using a 99 cent tube of paint, I traced over each snowflake.

After letting the paint dry for 24 hours, I carefully peeled the designs off, leaving this:

Which hung nicely and held it’s shape well.

However, not all of the designs held their shape.  Womp, womp.

Turns out, the thicker designs worked better.  To hang on the tree, just add a ribbon or wire hanger and you’re done.  But, if your designs are too thin and floppy, don’t worry, we have a solution.  Carefully roll the design and place in a clear glass ball.  Use a pencil to flatten the design, then hang on the tree to enjoy.   I hate when I think I have a brilliant idea and it turns out to be a flop.  In this case, I think it worked out well.

And here’s a glimpse from the under side.

If you want to make your own puff paint snowflakes, here’s a printable template.  Oh, and you see those red berries?  Those were super simple.  Start with a floral pick from the craft store.  I got mine from HoLo for 75 cents.  You’ll also need scissors or wire cutters and extra wire.

Then, cut the berries off the main stem, as close to the base as possible.

Group two to five berries and wrap the ends together.  Cut a two-inch piece of wire and wrap that around the berries.

Attach to your tree by wrapping the added wire around a branch.

Then you’re done!  Oh, I tweaked a few of the Epsom salt filled balls, too.  While puttering around HoLo, I wandered into the doll house section.  That’s a bad thing for someone addicted to miniature things like I am.  But, I walked away with only one package of 12 birds for $1.50 (thanks to 50% off doll house supplies).  Everett also grabbed a package of birds and threw a fit when we I took them away at the check out counter.  No, we didn’t buy them.  When we got home, I plopped a few birds in the snow globes.

I think they’re cute, and still easily changed out next year.  I’ve got a few more decorations to share next week, too.

Anyone else inspired by ornament ideas from Pinterest?  What are your favorites?  Please share links, too.

Handmade Holidays: Glass Ball Ornaments

Published on by Our Humble Abode19 Comments

Christmas is only 27 days away, so we thought it would be fun to share our handmade ornaments.  I decided on a ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme this year.  So snow, snowflakes, trees, pine cones, feathers, reindeer, birds, owls, and polar bears were the main focus.  Some are super simple, others are a little more complex, but all are cheap.  I thought we should start with the easiest ones.

To start, find clear glass (or plastic) ball ornaments.  HoLo (Hobby Lobby) sells a twelve pack for $7.99, but Christmas stuff was 50% off making the balls four bucks.  While at HoLo, I bought a package of brown and teal feathers, also half off, costing $1.00.

I bought the feathers for the teal colored ones, so I pulled those out.

Then, it’s as simple as removing the cap, tossing a few feathers inside, replacing the cover and hanging on the tree.  Ben said these are his favorite.  I kind of agree, but I still have a few more ideas so we’ll see.

I bought the iridescent balls, but I think I’d buy plain glass ones for the feathers if I could do it again.  The coating makes it difficult to see the feathers clearly.

After making six feather ornaments, I made six snow filled balls.  Instead of spending money on fake snow, I poured a little Epsom salt inside.

For the snow ornaments, I think the iridescent finish is fabulous.

Once you’ve filled the ornaments, hang those suckers on the tree, too and admire the sparkle.  Yes, I am a raccoon.  I like shiny things, so Christmas is the best time to appreciate all things sparkly.

If you’re looking to keep your Christmas decorations cheap, these are perfect for you.  I spent $4 on the glass balls and another dollar on the feathers for a total of five bucks for twelve ornaments.  Each ball cost $.41 cents.  Score.

The boys and I put up the Christmas tree this weekend while Ben installed our upper cabinets.  We still have ornaments to make, so here’s a fun bokeh picture of the tree.

What did you do this weekend?  Set up your Christmas tree?  Did you make ornaments?  Do some Black Friday shopping?

Thankful for…

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You, dear readers and our sponsors, IHeart Organizing and S and S Babee.

To show our appreciation for all of you, we’ve designed a new, completely custom cut out, similar to our Family Tree Cut Out.  For a more personalized art piece, we’ve added this cut out, The Whole Family Tree, complete with each family member’s name.  Jen, this one is for you:

We’ll have to discuss cut out and card stock colors, but the basics are there.  Jenna at S and S Babee, you’ve got one coming your way, too.

Friends, we didn’t forget about you.  Which is why we’re offering you a 30% discount on all orders placed now through Tuesday, November 29th.  Enter the code THANKS30 at checkout to receive the discount.

Thank you all for your never-ending support and encouragement.  We’re thankful for each and every one of you.   Happy Thanksgiving!

A Boatload of Thanks

Published on by Our Humble Abode14 Comments

With Thanksgiving three days away, we thought it was time to share a simple table setting.  Several weeks ago, while at a thrift store, I found a beautiful gold ringed glass and pitcher set.  My sister and I both wanted it, so she took four of the six glasses and the pitcher.  Those two glasses I got sparked this place setting.  Not one to like warm colors like red, I decided on a color scheme of blue and gold.

While at HoLo (Hobby Lobby), I spied bandannas for 99 cents each.  I bought one in an aqua color to see if it washed well.  If it did, I thought it would make a perfect napkin.  Luckily, after one wash cycle, it softened enough.

Then I started thinking about seating cards.  I didn’t want to do the same turkey idea we did last year and I wanted something multi purpose.  Something sparked.  A vessel to hold bread.  Like a boat!  Yes, that’s just what I needed.  Only I didn’t want it to scream, “I’m a boat!”  Incorporating leaves seemed like a perfect sail.  That’s what I did.  See, a little bread boat.

To make each boat, I cut each sheet of 25 cent felt in half, then folded that half in half.

I pinned the short ends to keep things in place and folded it in half width wise.  With sharp scissors, I cut an angle through all four layers, wider part at the top.

Blanket stitch (or whatever hand stitch you prefer) the short ends.  Now it’s time to make the mast and sail.  Start by printing this template on colored card stock.

I found the easiest way to make the leaves even was to print half of the design, fold it over, then cut each leaf.  Don’t worry about being too precise with cutting on the line.  When you’re done cutting, flip the leaf so the printed part is on the inside.  Repeat until you’ve finished cutting two leaves per place card.  Then, cut a bamboo skewer to about 5 or six inches long and wire each guest’s name on a leaf.

Spread a little glue stick over the inside of each leaf, including a little in the middle.

Fold the leaf over and press firmly.

Repeat with the named leaf.

Poke the stick into a roll.  Pop the roll in the felt boat and you’re done.

Here’s another cheap and festive idea.  Pour dried beans or peas in a small juice glass, toss in a tea light and you’ve got a cute candle holder.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, you’re probably stressed enough worrying about the food.  Keep the centerpiece simple by corralling various candles.  Keep it cohesive with similar colors.  I even added a small brass owl for fun.

If you’re anything like I am, you’re unreasonably attracted to miniature dishes.  Put these to good use when hosting a large dinner group.  Fill with butter or even salt and pepper to cut waiting and passing.

Usually we don’t use table cloths.  Two crazy boys + table-cloth + tons of dishes = pile of food and broken plates on the floor.  No, it’s never actually happened, but I can see it.  This year, we’re having more people than we have in the past and our table doesn’t expand.  Which means we’ll have to use a folding table for extra seating.  Therefore, we’ll need a table-cloth to cover the ugly table.  I found this shower curtain on clearance for $3.74 at Target and thought it would be a perfect table-cloth.

How about a budget breakdown?

Tablecloth: $3.74

Bandanna napkins: $.99 each

Felt boat place cards: $.15 each

We already had the gold charger, white plates, glasses, salt and pepper shakers, leaf dishes for butter, and candle holders.    Oh, here’s a thrifty tip.  If you’re looking for cheap chargers, check out the dollar store.  I saw some there a month or so ago.

There it is.  Our Thanksgiving table setting.  It’s nothing too fancy, but it glitters and sparkles, which makes me happy.

What’s your favorite turkey day color scheme?  Do you prefer something more traditional or do you like to mix it up?

New York

Published on by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

Today, I thought I’d share an art piece I made for Patricia from PVE Design.  If you recall, she painted a beautiful picture of our home and was kind enough to trade art with me.

Patricia loves New York City, particularly Central Park, so I suggested a cut out map piece similar to the one I made of Savannah, Georgia.

With her approval, I started cutting, and cutting, and cutting.  It took a while, but it was well worth the effort.

It’s a large one, too measuring about 18 inches by 24 inches.

Patricia recently wrote a rave review on her blog and I couldn’t be any happier with her reaction.  Thank you so much Patricia for your beautiful art.  We hope you enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours!