Christmas Plaque

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

...and I LOVE it!

I am trying to stay focused this year.

Focused on the true reason for our celebrations.

I thought this would be a good way to keep that

focus front and center in our home.

(This would also be so so cute with a family picture!

I'm going to try that after the holidays.)

I started with my picture.  Mine was just an old Christmas Card that I cut the front off of.  I used Modge Podge to adhere it to a piece of wood that was cut to the same size as the picture. 

This gives the whole thing some cool dimension.

 

Next I found an old frame and replaced the

glass with a piece of beadboard.

Then comes the paint.

I used a cream color first, and then I brushed on this fun glaze that I found at Home Depot.  It gives it a shiny, pearly look that I love!

Last step...just glue the picture onto the frame.

 

Now it REALLY looks alot like Christmas!

My try at an Ornament wreath....

These have been everywhere on Pinterest.  So I thought I would take a whack at it. 

I bought my ornaments from Walmart for $4.96 for each color. 

I had this wire in our garage.  I just sort of eyeballed the size that I wanted it to be. 

Knowing that by adding the balls it was going to get bigger.

Warmed up my favorite tool!!

And started sliding the ornaments on the wire. 

I really don't think there is a right or a wrong way. 

You will fill in later. 

Just keep adding them....

Next is the fun part. 

 Just start gluing and filling in...

Hot glue can be a little tricky.  It can be messy if you aren't careful.

Just make sure to pull all your "glue strings" as you go. 

It's looking better and taking shape.

I hung it up to see where I needed to add to it.  Just keep filling in until you are satisfied. 

Finished!!

Now I need a table runner....

Stocking Holders

Anyone else out there love PINTEREST??  Because I am addicted!

Love, Love, LOVE it.

{Where do all those creative people come from anyway??}

So....I have seen different versions of these stocking holders all over Pinterest...

They are pretty basic...... 

 I used an old 2x4 cut into 6 inch blocks.  You can do whatever size you want,

but my mantle is huge so this size was good for me. 

After a good sanding,  I used wood glue and a nail gun to attach them together. 

Glue a decorative knob on the top, screw in a hook to hold the stocking, and paint!

This is where it gets fun!

There are a million ways you could decorate these....I've seen kids pictures, chevron stripes, polka dots, monograms, glitter, all kinds of cute ideas....just get CrEaTiVe!!

It's FUN!

{I used scrapbook paper and some spray painted, Dollar Store jingle bells on mine. 

I had too many helpers at the time to get too crazy, so I went with easy.....and my little boys love the bells.}



Hmmmm.  Now I need some cute stockings.....