Filed In: diy
diy | paper ornaments
With all the traditional themes and earthy elements in my decor this year, I wanted to do something a little more colorful. So I settled on some simple handmade ornaments. You could put them on your tree or use them to decorate your gifts but I chose to hang them from some branches I spray painted white. I love how they’ve brighten up my space. Here’s how you can make your own:
how to make it:
Begin by choosing colors or patterns you love that fit in with your decor then with your stencil trace and cut out six 3 inch circles. Fold each circle in half, then using double sided tape or glue connect the flat side of one circle to the flat side of another until you have a sphere. Next cut a 5 inch piece of ribbon, thread the two ends through the center of the sphere making sure to leave a loop for hanging at the top and secure with glue. Attaching a wood bead or a sparkly pom pom or a jingle bell at the top would be a nice touch too!
Like on Facebook
Pin to Pinterest
Share on Twitterdiy | wrapped ornaments
Ever since I saw these ornaments a few months ago, I’ve wanted to create my own version. They turned out better than I expected and even inspired a few other diy ornaments.
The yarn wrapped ornament takes less than five minutes and requires only a few materials. Take a look.
what you’ll need:
• one skein (ball) of yarn in the color of your choice (choose a thick yarn – I used this)
• one 3 inch styrofoam ball (or recycle old ornaments you no longer have a use for)
• two 1 inch nails
• hot glue gun
• pencil
• scissors
how to make:
With your pencil, make a small mark at the top and the bottom of the styrofoam ball – you will use this as a guide while you wrap the yarn around the ball. Next tie yarn in a knot around the end closest to the nail head (do not cut the yarn from the skein after tying it around the nail) and stick the nail all the way in the bottom of the ball (through your pencil mark). Using the hot glue gun, attach the yarn around the nailhead and begin wrapping in a circular motion around the bottom of the ball. I recommend several dots of glue every few centimeters to ensure the yarn is secure and overlapping each row of yarn for complete coverage around the styrofoam ball. Use your pencil marks as a guide as you make your way to the top. Continue gluing and wrapping until the entire ball is covered in yarn. It gets a little more difficult when you get towards the top. Give your glue enough time to dry – this will help the yarn stay in place and make it easier as you move up. To make a hanger for the ornament, stick the second nail halfway through the pencil mark on the top of the ball, wrap the yarn several times around the nail, make a loop to desired length (mine is three inches long), tie ends into a knot around the nail head and push the nail all the way into the top of the styrofoam ball. Cut the yarn tail and hide the knot underneath the nail head. Repeat in different colors or different sizes and hang them on your tree!
diy | winter bouquet
I’ve noticed lots of great ideas for holiday table centerpieces using berries, branches and pine, and I loved the idea of including these winter elements in my decor. The result is a collection of wintery greens and small pops of red. To me it’s earthy, elegant and festive.
I thought it would be fun to show you how to make your own winter bouquet. First thing, go out for a walk and gather whatever you can find outside – branches of pine and cedar, berries and twigs. Pinecones or acorns could be a nice addition to the bouquet too! I suggest also checking out your local Christmas tree lot or neighborhood Home Depot and asking for any tree scraps (ask for all different kinds). Then stop by you local flower shop and see what they have in store. I picked up a small bunch of eucalyptus and a few stalks of leucadendron. Succulents would also add a nice texture to the arrangement! Use your creativity when assembling the bouquet. I tucked mine into a mercury glass vase and used it as my centerpiece at this dinner party.
a holiday party
Over the weekend we hosted a small dinner party for six of our very good friends. It was cozy sitting shoulder-to-shoulder around our small dining room table. The night was filled with too much food, wine, loud music and laughter.
Since November 1st I’ve been in full holiday planning mode. I wanted our home to feel extra cozy and inviting this holiday season with lots of traditional themes and earthy elements. I gathered branches and berries and pinecones filling vases and bowls and scattering them across shelves and tables, trimmed trees with red beaded garlands and lots of silver ornaments and wrapped gifts in pretty paper and twine.
For the party I wanted to create a table that was fairly simple in its elements – kraft paper place cards were handwritten and tucked under pinecones and sprigs of red berries, mercury glass votives glowing with candlelight, crisp white napkins and elegant dishware with a silver trim and a beautiful floral centerpiece. Initially I envisioned white tulips grouped in tight bunches down the center of the table but felt like I needed a really stunning centerpiece to stand out against the simple decor. This bouquet contains floral that can easily be found in your garden and arranging it is easy – wild and unorganized is best!
I’m really looking forward to a lot more celebrating this holiday season. How do you plan on serving up holiday cheer this year?
diy | tabletop accessories
I wanted to do a project with some leftover fabric I had laying around. I decided instead of plain linen napkins I’d kick it up with some red stripes.
what you’ll need:
• fabric
• painter’s tape
• multi surface craft paint
• foam brush
• scissors
(all things can be found at your local craft store)
how to make it:
Begin by measuring your fabric and cutting out your napkins. I had two yards of linen fabric that I cut into eight 17×15 pieces. To achieve the frayed look on the edges, I threw the fabric into the dryer for 15 minutes. Next lay fabric on a flat sturdy surface that you don’t mind getting messy (the paint can bleed through the fabric) such as a piece of cardboard or foam board. If there are wrinkles, you may want to iron your fabric first. Tape the corners of the fabric onto the cardboard. Pull gently on the fabric before taping so there are no creases or bubbles. Then tape off the area you want to paint. I chose simple stripes. With the foam brush apply the paint until you have a consistent coating. I used Martha Stewart Crafts multi-surface satin acrylic craft paint in habanero. Allow time to dry before removing tape. Optional: To keep fabric from further fraying sew a seam around the edges. Wash napkins before use. Then set the table!
The name tags were simple. All it took was brown kraft paper tags, an alphabet stamp set and an ink pad. I use the Martha Stewart Crafts custom stamp setting kit. Have fun and enjoy!
