Friday, November 30, 2012

Yarn Wreath

One more wreath to share with you this week!


I love yarn things...wreaths, letters, candles, frames, oh the possibilities are endless and so simple.  For this one I started with a small foam wreath form, four different yarns and a hot glue gun.  I glued on the yarn to get started and then started wrapping.


I had no rhyme or reason to my yarn pattern.  I simply held them all together and wrapped.

I also like to glue as I go - putting a dab of glue every few inches just to make sure the yarn doesn't slip and slide.


Then you just wrap, wrap & wrap some more! You could wrap so it all lines up parallel.  On this I weaved back and forth for a less perfect look...kinda like me :)



I finished this wreath off with a bow made from wire ribbon from the dollar store.  But you could attach pine-cones, an ornament, jingle bells, a candy cane, mistletoe, a picture of me.  Ha!  Just making sure you were paying attention.


Wouldn't this make a great gift!  So would the yarn letters I made for friends a while back.  Click here to check those out.

Now it is your turn!
 We want to see your wreaths!  Click through to the MD Facebook page and share your creativity with us.  Attach a picture or a link to your blog.  Can't wait to see your creations!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wreath Challenge

Wreath Week continues and today it comes in the form of a little challenge - to make a holiday wreath by re-using what I already have.  Well, I almost did it.  I spend $2 at the dollar store.  I know...so close...but still not to shabby!


I started out with the wreath I made last Spring.


And striped her naked


This left me with a foam wreath wrapped in burlap.  Next up was the fabric rings


The first thing I needed where two wrings which is where I blew my budget.  $2 spent on two jingle bell rings at the dollar store.  


I removed the bells and had just what I needed.  I first wrapped a few pieces of wire around each ring in order to have a way to secure it to the wreath.


I then cut 1/4 inch (about - no measuring needed) strips of red and tan canvas as well as red & white ribbon all of which I purchased for my home made advent calendar.


I looped each fabric strip around the ring by doubling it over then pulling it back through itself.  




Repeat, repeat & repeat wrapping the fabric all the way around the ring until the ring is completely covered.  


Then stick the the wire right through the foam wreath and you are all set.  To finish things up I hung a wooden D which I stole from a shelf in the house and had painted black months back.  So although I went wildly over budget I am still pretty happy with my $2 wreath.  And I was able to attach everything without using glue so I can re-use it all again!  


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Join MD on Facebook

A quick break from Wreath Week...

If you are looking for great gift ideas "Like" Mission Decorate on Facebook to follow my special series on unique, fun and affordable gift ideas for all.  Happy shopping!  

Monday, November 26, 2012

Wreath Week

Yup, just like Shark Week minus the teeth, chum, underwater cages and scuba gear.  We will be talking wreaths all week long!  And on Friday get ready to share your homemade holidays wreath on the MD Facebook page.

So let's get this party started with some great wreaths I have seen around town (and Pinterest).  And don't worry, the rest of the week will be some how-to's on wreaths I have made for the season.

peppermint wreath #wreath

Yummo!  And with a little patience and a lot of candy this one would be easy to make at home.  I found it here.

Wreath

With some holiday fabric this wreath would be great for the season!  Check it out here.

wreath

This reminds me of the Spring Pinwheel Wreath I made and I just love it.  Here is a tutorial on how to make it!

Wreath

Now I couldn't find a how-to for this one but isn't it fab!  So here is where it came from and here is how I think you could make it...find some foam balls at the craft store, glue on the start of your yarn to get going and then start wrapping until they are the size you want, then glue them onto a foam wreath form & add some sparkle with ornaments if you would like.



And if you are looking for a non-traditional wreath here is a great one from The Painted Hive.

So I hope that is enough to spark your imagination and keep you coming back for more.  On Wednesday I will show you a wreath I made for just a couple of bucks.  See you then!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving

BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST
Gettin’ together to smile an’ rejoice,
An’ eatin’ an’ laughin’ with folks of your choice;
An’ kissin’ the girls an’ declarin’ that they
Are growin’ more beautiful day after day;
Chattin’ an’ braggin’ a bit with the men,
Buildin’ the old family circle again;
Livin’ the wholesome an’ old-fashioned cheer,
Just for awhile at the end of the year.

Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door
And under the old roof we gather once more
Just as we did when the youngsters were small;
Mother’s a little bit grayer, that’s all.
Father’s a little bit older, but still
Ready to romp an’ to laugh with a will.
Here we are back at the table again
Tellin’ our stories as women an’ men.

Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer;
Oh, but we’re grateful an’ glad to be there.
Home from the east land an’ home from the west,
Home with the folks that are dearest an’ best.
Out of the sham of the cities afar
We’ve come for a time to be just what we are.
Here we can talk of ourselves an’ be frank,
Forgettin’ position an’ station an’ rank.

Give me the end of the year an’ its fun
When most of the plannin’ an’ toilin’ is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin’ with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An’ I’ll put soul in my Thanksgivin’ prayers.


I wish everyone the happiest Thanksgiving.  Thank you for giving so much to Mission Decorate all year long!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Saying Thanks

As we all know this week is about saying Thanks.  Thanks for family, friends and those that have filled our lives with love.  But there is one person we so often forget and that is ourselves.

Once this week is gone we will quickly move into Christmas mode; shopping, decorating, baking, enjoying parties.  And before we know it New Years will be here and we will be setting new goals for 2013.  So here is what I am thinking, before we are overtaken by busy we should all take a few moments to make a Great Job List.

Sit down in a quiet spot with a piece of paper and pen and make a list.  Make a list of all the things you have done well this past year.  Recognize the things you set out to accomplish and did, as well as the things that fell into place but where equally great.  Star the items that you hope to continue in the new year.  And once your list is complete give yourself a big pat on the back and say thanks for the hard work, dedication and love you put in day in and day out.

And then frame your list and put it in a spot that is just for you.  Maybe in your work space, in your closet or the laundry room.  So whenever you see it you will be reminded of what you can accomplish and what you are great at.  As well as give you a push to do more, try something new and to be you!

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Details

So you have all seen the ooohhh's and aaahhhh's of the big dining room makeover but I owe you some details.  The room started out this adventure looking like this


Then it looked like this for to long for me to admit


until the painting began.  The stencil I used is from the great Cutting Edge Stencils and is called Rabat Allover Stencil.  The all over base color is Bunny Gray from Benjamin Moore.  This is the lighter color you see.  The stencil is Thundercloud Gray from Benjamin Moore.  (Yes, that is the same color that is in our family room.  How perceptive of you!)  And this is the darker color.  


The next step was the new table decor which I made all for the price of nothing.  Yup, I re-used and put this all together for free.  Here is how...

The two wood plank candle holders started out looking like this


A 4 x 4 post we pulled out of the backyard that used to hold a bird house.  I cut it down into two pieces.  Sanded it down to clean it up and smooth it out.  Then I drilled three 3-inch diameter holes in each piece for three 3-inch candles.  Wow, that is a lot of 3's!  


To make the table runner I used the same outdoor fabric I used to make our Christmas Advent Calendar.  I simply cut out the size I needed and used a black Sharpie to line the edges.  And with a little help from a stencil I centered a "D" right between the two wood candle holders.  


All the wall art we previously owned or made.  The large piece was actually the first real art my husband and I ever bought together and years later we still love it.  The two smaller photographs are my own creation which you can read more about here.


This lovely turquoise vase is one of my favorite Marshall's purchases.  I think I spent about $12 on that baby.  


And still my favorite touch is the mirror entertainment.  Smile!


So with a little bit of money, a little bit of patience and a whole lot of smiles our dining room is even better then I dreamed it would be!


Now who's hungry?!?!?!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Dining Room Makeover...Check!

The Dining Room is DONE!  And I figure why fill you up on how-to's and explanations when I know all you want is oodles of pictures.  So that is what I'm gonna give you.  But don't fret more details are just around the corner.  But for now pics...














Monday, November 12, 2012

Advent Calendar Time

WARNING!  You are about to read the very first post on Christmas!  I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, but you gotta get an early start on this one as it needs to be ready by December 1st.  So I apologize for throwing you into the holidays before you may be ready, but hey the stores are already playing Christmas music.  So proceed at your own risk...

A few weeks back I hinted at the idea of making your very own versions of all that crafty stuff you see in the holiday catalogs.  (You can jog your memory here.)  So I followed my own lead and made an advent calendar from this inspiration from Land of Nod

Advent_Shapes_Fall32012

And look what I created...


And although I may be a bit biased, I think I like mine better!

But I have to apologize because I can't seem to find all the pics I took as I put this together so as I describe the steps you will just have to close your eyes and imagine it as it comes together...sorry!

For starters you will need fabric.  I chose outdoor fabric similar to canvas.  I bought both tan and red.  I also bought one spool of red & white thick ribbon, one wooden dowel and red and white thread.  You will also need a number stencil, a black sharpie, a glue gun & string or ribbon to hand the calendar.  

Before you begin you will need to make some simple calculations and measurements.  Measure the space where you plan to hang the advent calendar and decide how big you want it to be.  Then add an inch and a half to the width and 3 3/4 inches to the height to allow for seams.  Next figure out how big you want each pocket.  I did 5 rows of 5 so I took what the surface would be (after seams are sewn) divided the height by five and then subtracted 1 inch to allow for space between pockets.  I did the same for the height.  Once I checked all my measurements twice I started cutting.  One large piece and 25 small pieces.

Now sew 3/4 inch seams on the two sides and bottom of the larger piece.  Fold over the top edge 1 1/2 inches and sew your seam right along the bottom edge of the fold to create a pocket for the wooden dowel.

On to decorating the pockets.  You can get creative here and decorate them any way you want but a number on each is very helpful.  To make the number I used a stencil and a black sharpie.  You can get fancy with paint but a Sharpie is so easy and I like the faded look you can create if you don't push down to hard.  From there I glued on the red & white ribbon in different patterns on some pockets.  I used scraps of the red and tan canvas on others.  Anything goes!


Once all the pockets are decorated pin them onto the larger piece spaced as you want.  I spaced my (kinda) evenly in numerical order but take a lead from the inspiration and space them out any way you want in any order you want.  Then sew down the two sides and bottom edge leaving the top open to slip in the goodies!  For the final step slide the dowel in through the top pocket and tie string or ribbon to either side so it is ready to hang.


In addition to candy and little goodies, I filled some of my advent pockets with slips of paper wrapped up like presents.  Each paper has a fun activity to do that day...

make brownies
pick out a Christmas book at the library
make a snowman
drink hot chocolate before bed
walk around the neighborhood and look at Christmas lights
watch a holiday movie

Oh and don't let me forget the money breakdown!  At Land of Nod this advent calendar is $39 plus tax, shipping and all that good stuff.  It cost me $34 to buy all the materials I needed for this project.  I know what you are thinking...only a few bucks savings!  not even worth my time!.  Oh but did I mention that I also made a table runner and a wreath for my front door with that same $34 of materials.  HA!  Now we are talking!  You figure you would spend another $20 or way more for a table runner and $20 or way more for a wreath and that all adds up to $80 of fabulous decor for $34.  I did it all for less then half and I still have fabric left over so more will be made.  I Love DIYing!

And don't forget to share your "knock offs" cause we would love to see what all you crafties have been up to!

Friday, November 9, 2012

In-Betweener

I am not much of a Thanksgiving decorator so to me November kind of falls into no mans land.  I am starting to put together ideas for Christmas decs but I can't put them out yet, right?!?!  But I am ready for the pumpkins to be put away so what to I do in this in between time?

As you all know, since I have said it a million times, I am really trying to reuse and multipurpose this year.  Yes "multipurpose" can be a verb...why not!?!  So I have decided to start moving things in the direction of my Christmas decor without pulling out the Santas and Reindeer.

This may be a little off topic and I am sure I will touch on it more later - I like to pick a theme for my holiday decor.  But I use the term "theme" loosely.  Last year my theme was Gold.  This year it will be Cozy Lodge.  Just think wood tones, natural fibers, warm candles and cozy slippers.

So my in-between design is starting to take me there.


Bark wrapped candles are everywhere right now and yes I have picked a few up at the store but these I made!  And even if you aren't going for the Cozy Lodge look you can take this simple idea in so many directions.

I began by digging up some thin cardboard.  I actually used the back page of a pad of construction paper.  I cut it to be half the height of my candle and long enough to wrap around and overlap a little.  Then I used birch paper that I already had.  But this is the place where you could use any paper - glitter paper, wrapping paper, fabric, newspaper even!  Cut the same size of the decorative paper as you did the cardboard.  Use hot glue or a glue stick to attach the decorative paper to the cardboard.  Once it is dry wrap it around a candle to get the right size and hot glue it into a cylinder.  Just like this...


Then, you guessed it, put it over the candle.


You could even reuse this on different colored candles - change it to a silver candle for New Years!  Put it in a hurricane or dress it up any way you would like.  And if you where able to collect all the materials from scraps around your house like me then this project was free!


So start thinking about your theme for the season.  Get ideas from catalogs, Pinterest or go window shopping.  Trust me, a theme will not only make your decorations work well together it will help you a ton when it comes to putting ideas together!


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

4 Little Words

You have no idea how happy I am to say the next 4 little words...the stencil is DONE!   I only wish I would have logged the hours I have put into this project (or gotten paid for them!) but in the end it looks amazing and was worth the blood, sweat and tears.


OK so there was no blood, no tears but a heck of a lot of sweat.  I have stenciled before (here), but this particular stencil was a lot more time consuming.  At some points I was even free-handing with an itty bitty artists brush.



Why was this one so hard?  Hmmmm, I'm not sure.  The main wall sections went on easily.  I did that all in a few hours.  I think the hold up was the edges.  Cutting Edge Stencils (which I highly recommend) gives you an edging stencil which worked well for the tops and bottoms. But because the pattern was detailed with small openings I had to use a small brush which was a total pain.  And also the edging stencil didn't work for the side edges so I had to suspend the big stencil awkwardly up on the wall begging it not to move while I quickly outlined the shape.  Then I would move it away and fill it in free-hand with the small brush.  Ugg, it sucked.  But let me show you one more picture just to remind you (and me) that it was all worth it.


If you want more details on how to stencil yourself (if I haven't totally scared you off) just read this post I did a while back on How To Stencil.

Now the painting is not totally done.  The ceiling is a trace ceiling and the top level is white and will stay that way, but the second level is cream and that has got to go!  So about one more hour of painting and this project will almost be done.  Almost because I have a couple of other things I am working on and can't wait to share with you.  But we are in the home stretch here baby!  I can't wait to check this one off the list.

And look at the cool effect the mirror wall creates.  It is finally doing something good for me!


P.S. As I type a gentleman is measuring the main floor for new carpet...what?!?!?  Just getting a quote here people.  No final decisions made.