Christmas Peeks

I’m calling the Christmas decorating done for this year.  I went a lot simpler and put out less stuff, but I like it.  I still have a bit of fluffing to do, moving things around a bit, but thought I’d share a little peek of what is going on around here.

I totally redid the little tree I put in our master bedroom, from whimsical looking with bright colored ornaments, to something neutral and more natural looking.  I bought some ornaments from bloggy friends and there’s burlap involved, too.

I’m also waiting on a new duvet from Pottery Barn {white} so I can have a nice neutral, Winter look to our bedroom.

I have one other thing I want to add to our kitchen for the counter, which I hope to pick up tomorrow.

I’ll share a bit of a Christmas home tour next week, once I’m satisfied with how everything is looking and can get good pictures.  

Did I say I kept it simple? 

Christmas Decorating With Your Existing Decor

Lazy? Maybe. I prefer to think of it as being creative using what I’ve got. I have no room in our new place to store everyday things to make room for seasonal decorating.  I try to incorporate seasonal décor into my existing décor whenever I can.  I decided to try this idea for several topiaries I have throughout our home.  This is one of two on our fireplace mantel.

I picked up some berry picks at Christmas Tree Shops for $.69 each and cut them apart.

I then placed the smaller berry picks, that I got from cutting, into the topiaries.

Instant Christmas décor and I didn’t spend a lot of money or have to store them!  Here’s one from our kitchen {that I moved to get better light for the photo}.

I even added some to my ivy topiary on the hall tree in our very small entry.

After Christmas, I can just remove the berries and we’re back to normal.

Linking up with

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

 

Pink & White

I showed you the makeover I did on one of the three wood platters I picked up at the local antique mart here.  This second one also got pink and white, but I did it a little differently.  This time I painted the whole thing in Antoinette chalk paint and then taped off for stripes.

I used the Pure White chalk paint for the stripes.  It reminded me of an awning over a French bakery, or patisserie, so, of course, I used another graphic on this one, too.  This time I used this one {also from The Graphics Fairy}.

I used the top portion of the graphic {I previously used the bottom portion on a terracotta pot}.  I used the Mod Podge transfer method again on this project.  Here it is just after applying clear wax.

I did come back in and add more white on the ends.  This would look great hanging on a backsplash, wall or propped up on a plate stand. 

 

Wood Tote Makeover

In case you missed my tote makeover when I guest posted over at The Copper Coconut, I’m posting it here today while I continue my Christmas decorating.

I found this one at our local antique mart for $8.00.  Kind of plain but I liked the shape and size.

I started out by painting it with my Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White. 

I then added a graphic to each side; this one from Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict.

I used the Mod Podge method to transfer the graphic to the tote.  Using a toner printed/copied graphic {I copy mine at the library}, I cut my image as close as possible.  The image must be printed in reverse/mirror image.

Apply Mod Podge to the image side and apply to your piece.  Gently smooth it out and then, walk away.  I generally leave mine to dry overnight. 

The next morning, I wet a paper towel and wipe it over the paper.   Just to get it wet enough so that I can rub my finger over it.  It will come up like this.

Using light pressure, rub your finger over the paper until it starts to come up.   This is what it looked like after my first go over.

Once it is done, you can wax it or apply a coat of polyurethane for protection.  I applied a coat of clear wax  to the entire piece once I was done.

A new look for a plain old wood tote!

 

Cyber Monday

This is a great time to be purchasing your holiday gifts!  Lots of sales and that includes my Etsy shop! 

I’ve joined in on the Cyber Monday deals by offering 30% off in my Etsy shop on in-stock items {does not include custom orders, which most of my towels are, sorry. I do have some towels already made that are available and discountable! Email me to see if I have a towel you might be interested in ready to ship}.  Here is a small sampling of what’s available.

Use code CYBERMON30 to get your discount.  Sale ends Monday night!

Technorati Tags: Etsy Cyber Monday deals

Holiday Gifts Under $10.00

While I was making some things for the Holiday Market, I thought that some of them might make for great holiday gifts.  Best of all, they cost under $10.00!  It’s early to be posting about Christmas for me, but when you are making gifts it can never be too early.

Decorate a dollar store prayer candle with scrapbook paper.  Embellish with some crinkled seam binding.  Candle – $1.00; scrapbook paper – 12x12 sheet $.59; crinkled seam binding – approx. $1.00 {I buy mine in various colors in 5 yard increments off Etsy}.

Using that same sheet of scrapbook paper {you’ll have some left over}, cover a match box.  A two-pack of boxed matches is $1.00 at the dollar store or you can get the six box pack of mini boxes. 

Finally, you can find the clear, flat back decorative accent gems at the dollar store {by the mesh bag}.  Still using that one piece of scrapbook paper, you can cut out pieces to fit the gems.  Add magnets {a package is usually about $2.50 at the craft store} and you’re done!  You could present these in an Altoid tin also covered up with some scrapbook paper.

A coordinated gift that costs less than $10.00!

Linking up with

Dollar Tree Christmas at Debbiedoos

Technorati Tags: Inexpensive holiday gifts,dollar store gifts,dollar store crafts

Bringing A Little French To A Candlestick

I’ve had this candlestick in my Etsy shop for a few months now.

I figured I’d give it a go “as is” and if there was no interest I’d give it a transformation.  Since I took most of my Etsy stuff with me to the holiday market, I figured it was time to give it a makeover.  Using my sample pot of Antoinette chalk paint, I gave it one coat. 

Then I took some Antique Gold Rub n Buff, and a small brush, and went over the details with it.

Much more French looking, I think!  The Rub n Buff gives it a gilded look and brings out the details beautifully, where before you couldn’t really appreciate them.

 Linking up with

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House