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Monday, November 2, 2009

And It Begins ~


Okay, that's it ~ I'm in Christmas mode! I've already made two Christmas gifts and now, my first piece of Christmas decor. This image is one offered by Karen at The Graphics Fairy and I am linking this up to Brag Monday over at Karen's blog.



I love the vintage, antique-y, whatever-happened-to-this-kind-of-Christmas image. I purchased an unfinished wood plaque from Michaels, some red craft paint, a Christmasy scrapbook paper and printed the image {5x7} on a color printer.



The red seemed a bit bright for "the look" and I wanted to give the whole thing an aged look, so I took some walnut stain and wiped it on.



I think the walnut stain might have been a bit too dark, but it was what I had available. I took red and green sheer ribbbon, tied it in a bow and put a dab of hot glue to attach it.



And there you have it. Let the Christmas preparations begin!
Also, linking up to the DIY Show Off Holiday Highlights.

The DIY Show Off


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35 comments:

  1. StephanieNovember 2, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    I love it! You're so creative.

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  2. Beth@The Stories of A to ZNovember 2, 2009 at 9:05 AM

    Cute! I'm not ready for Christmas yet. I still have some cute Thanksgiving things to do before then but I'm loving all the fun Christmas graphics I'm seeing!

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  3. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasNovember 2, 2009 at 9:09 AM

    Oh Kathy! I love this!!! I think I am going to have to make one too!! LOVE IT! I am ready for Christmas too!

    Lou Cinda :)

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  4. AnonymousNovember 2, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    My goodness girl, you're motivated! :-) I almost agreed with you on the "a little too dark" but when I see the second photo with it completed on the mantle it seems perfect! Great job.

    pk @ Room Remix

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  5. Decor To AdoreNovember 2, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    I made my Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping lists this past week end. You're off to a great start!

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  6. Miss Mustard SeedNovember 2, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    Gorgeous job, Kathy! That is certainly something to brag about.

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  7. Design EsquireNovember 2, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    It looks great!!

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  8. Inspired ComblogulationsNovember 2, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    Nope not too dark... I love the stain, it's perfect... I told my hubby yesterday I think I will get a jump on Christmas decorations this year too.
    So I am with you... "Let the Festivities Begin"
    Lee

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  9. jenNovember 2, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    very vintage looking - you are very creative - and you just gave me permission to start looking through the christmas bins in the garage - it's not too early right????

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  10. Tracy WatierNovember 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    Very clever! And you may as well get started and keep it up because Christmas will be here in a blink!
    Kathy, I finally did a post today about the Kreativ Blogger award you gave me... sorry it took so long and thanks again... so much!

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  11. Maria KillamNovember 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    Yaay Christmas! Bring it on, way to get into the spirit :)

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  12. TaraNovember 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM

    Beautiful! This is wonderful! I get so inspired looking at these wonderful ideas you have!

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  13. Norma Lee @ Norma Lee GoodNovember 2, 2009 at 12:01 PM

    OH Kathy. You did it again! I love this and I love your love for vintage Christmas pictures. They just take you back to such a happy, wonderful time.

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  14. Edith SchmidtNovember 2, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    I love this idea. I have wanted to do the same thing using old photo images to frame the center of an old antique mirror! This is a fantastic idea for the holidays.

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  15. Karen The Graphics FairyNovember 2, 2009 at 3:44 PM

    Hi Kathy,
    Sorry I'm late, I was at my shop all day, stocking my room for Christmas! This is such a wonderful piece, I love how it has an "Old World" feel to it!! I think the walnut stain is just right, it looks quite like an antique piece. I've seen those plaques at Michaels before, and wondered what a good use for them would be, and now I know!!
    Thanks so much for playing along today for "Brag Monday", you always have such great ideas!

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  16. NancyNovember 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM

    What a lovely plaque..I'm so impressed and inspired!

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  17. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM

    Thanks, Stephanie! I've been reawakening my crafty roots!

    Beth ~Normally I wouldn't be doing anything Christmas yet! I'm hosting the family at my house this year so that may be what has me getting a jump start.

    Thank you, Lou Cinda! I don't think I'm ready for the music yet, though!

    Thanks, PK! I think if I were to do this again, I wouldn't go as dark. It looks okay for me though!

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  18. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 2, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Laura ~ the quicker I can get the gifts made, the more leisure I can take wrapping them later on. At least, that's what I'm hoping!

    Thank you, Marion!

    Thanks, Christine! It was quick and easy which is what I like with crafty projects.

    Lee ~ I am going to have a lot to do in the coming months prepping for the family, so whatever I can get done now is a bonus!

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  19. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 2, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Never too early, Jen! Last year I actually went through my containers and boxes because I knew there was stuff I would be getting rid of, so I did that before I decorated.

    Oh Tracy, that's okay. I know some people don't do the blog awards thing, so I don't take it personal if it doesn't get done {or gets done late!}. : ) Yes, I might as well plan it out so I know what I'm doing. I'll be doing most of it myself as my hubby is in retail and I won't be seeing him very much soon.

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  20. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 2, 2009 at 4:01 PM

    Thanks, Maria! I'm very excited this year since I'm making so many things {gifts and decor}, which I really have to thank all my blog friends for!

    Thank you, Tara! You should check out what Karen has on her blog ~ there are so many different graphics to choose from and you can really make them into anything.

    Absolutely, Norma! Images like this are "feel good" images to me.

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  21. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 2, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    Edie ~ Thank you! That sounds like it would look great!

    Thanks Karen! They have so many different sizes and shapes for these plaques that you could really do something that would fit in anywhere. Thanks for sharing this graphic!

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  22. DrewNovember 2, 2009 at 4:09 PM

    I love Christmas! Unfortunately it reminds me of the time of year when I first checked into drug rehab, but it ends up being like the happiest time of the year. Keep creating!

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  23. Blue Creek HomeNovember 2, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    I love this. Great job.

    Yep...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!
    Rhonda

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  24. JaneNovember 2, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    Kathy,
    Your tray with the Santa graphic turned out great. I love Santas and have a pretty extensive collection that I drag out every year so this graphic is right up my alley. I used it for a scrapbook cover (you left me a nice comment about it last week).
    It's never to early to start getting ready for Christmas!
    Jane

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  25. Moore MinutesNovember 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    This is such a perfect idea! Thank you so much for sharing.

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  26. Old Time CindyNovember 3, 2009 at 7:10 AM

    I like it! The stain gives it that vintage appeal!
    Living it up at Lakewood,
    Cindy

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  27. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 3, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Thank you, Drew!

    Thanks, Rhonda! I've got so many things to make as gifts that it's nice to do something for my own house, too.

    Hi Jane! Yes, I remember your post making it into a scrapbook cover and what a great idea!

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  28. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 3, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    Thank you {L}! Anything quick and easy I love!

    Thanks, Cindy!

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  29. Room to InspireNovember 3, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    What a great project. I just love the look after the walnut stain! Let the preparations begin!!

    Chelsea

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  30. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 3, 2009 at 10:40 PM

    Thanks, Chelsea!

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  31. Mama HolliNovember 4, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    I Love this!!! What a great idea! I saw this graphic and was trying to think what to do with it!!! Love this!! May have to copy!!
    Mama Holli

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  32. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 5, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    Hello Mama Holli! Thank you; I'm glad you got an idea of what to do!

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  33. RoeshelNovember 15, 2009 at 11:48 PM

    How did I miss this? So cute! Thanks for adding your creativity to the DIY holiday party! I think you introduced me to The Graphics Fairy before and I loved her site.

    Have a great Monday!

    Roeshel

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  34. Its So Very CheriNovember 16, 2009 at 2:08 AM

    I am ready for Christmas-althoug I have still done a few Thanksgiving things. I hope you will post to the Its SO Very Creative party (up on Sunday nights).
    One of your followers,
    Cheri

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  35. Ribbonwood CottageNovember 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM

    AWESOME,i LOVE HOW THIS LOOKS SO VINTAGE. I HAVE BEEN SAVING SOME VINTAGE IMAGES TOO OFF THE INTERNET AND PLAN TO USE THEM SOON! GREAT JOB AND GREAT POST.
    BLESSINGS,
    DEBBIE

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I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy