Christmas Bulb Wreath...

These are plastic bulbs purchased from Hobby Lobby....They have a whole isle of the plastic bulbs any color you could possibly want. I stuck with red and silver....

1. Remove the top of the bulbs and place hot glue around the outside, place the top of the bulb back on and allow the glue to dry. (This is so the tops are secure).

2. Shape your metal coat hanger in a circular shape. (you will leave the hook on the hanger this will allow you to hang wreath easily).

3. String the bulbs onto the coat hanger. I did... 3 red---1 silver. (be creative) You will see the more you add the fuller the wreath will be, just keep adding until it is full.

4. Connect the ends to create your wreath. I added some small bulb garland and a bow for a complete look.

I used somewhere around 55 bulbs, this will depend on the size of the bulbs and your coat hanger. I figure it cost me around $18 to complete this wreath.

Happy Wreath Making!!

Mod Podge....

I looove Mod Podge, it's so easy to work with and I love the results.

Plain ordinary pumpkin + torn scrapbook paper + Mod Podge = This Beauty

Sewing Day....

Whew!! Today I finally finished my window coverings in the kitchen.
It looks like a totally different kitchen.

Sorry I have no before pictures.....just imagine bare windows.

This is a shelf that I've had from Hobby Lobby that I could not find a home for in this new house. So I painted it black stapled the fabric to the back and hung the shelf above the window.

I have to say I found the perfect home for the shelf.

I have to say I am not a huge fan of vertical blinds, but they were here when we bought the house and they work well for privacy and keeping the sun out when we sit down to dinner. So I racked my brain to try to make them a little perty (if that's possible). I think it worked, I'm a little happier with them anyways....That's all that matters!

Last but not least..... Using the leftover fabric to make a table runner.

Now I can say, I have one room complete, (well the window's anyways, I have a whole new project I will jump into after Christmas....can't wait to get started). So on to the next.

Tomorrow: Living Room windows

A New Family Tradition.....

For the last few years I have been trying to implement a new Christmas family tradition. A tradition that I think would be a fun, meaningful and maybe even a little necessary. I will admit we go a little overboard buying gifts at Christmas time. While it is fun buying, wrapping and unwrapping in the end I always believe we have way to much stuff.

I know being creative and crafty may not be for everyone and I understand this. But I also believe it does not matter how perfect your gift turns out, it was the thought put into it that means the most in the end.

So I am determined to have a Handmade Christmas this year, I know I will not be able to put an end to all gift buying from the big box stores. I vow to make at least one handmade gift for each recipient this year, I will also help my children to create handmade gifts for each person on their list. While everyone may not be on board with this new tradition, they will hopefully enjoy the handmade gifts and see how excited the children are when they tell them it is handmade by ME.

And who knows hopefully I am wrong and everyone steps up to the plate.....Wouldn't that be exciting, seeing all the wonderful gifts that your family put their hearts and their hands into.

While I have not decided on gifts for everyone yet, I will post them when they are completed. Hopefully, giving you a little inspiration for a Handmade Christmas. Maybe this could be a new tradition for your family too!

Photo courtesy Martha Stewart

Dollar Store Finds....

Here are a few items that I found on my trip to the $ Store.

Lately there has been a buzz about finding inexpensive items and turning them into something unique. So I thought I would try it out.

A white dinner plate~Added some chalkboard paint & a bow.

I found the perfect place for the plate above my cabinets.

Family sign~ Spray painted with a coat of black spray paint, let dry & finished with a coat of ivory spray paint. Sanded with a sanding block for a rustic look.

Displayed on top of my new wine rack....That I heart!!

So, I don't think I did to bad for two dollars plus the paint.

The Dollar Tree crew may just get to know me by name!!

Mr. Turkey....

Last Thanksgiving the kids helped me put this yummy turkey together.

What a cute centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.

This is what we used

Body~Cantaloupe

Head~Potato

Red Wattle~Red Pepper

Eyes~Black Olives

Wings~Cubed cheese, Sausage & Olives

To attach the head to the body use two wooden skewers, stick them through the potato into the cantaloupe and break off the part of the skewer that is sticking out.

Alternate cheese, olives and sausage on the wooden skewers for the wings and stick into the cantaloupe. Attach eyes and red wattle with a toothpick.

Arrange extra sausage, cheese & olives around Mr. Turkey!

Ta Da!!!

I AM A ROBOT.....

I think Mr. outdid himself this year. This is the first year he was given an assignment to complete little Mr.'s costume and WOW is all I have to say. I also have given myself the assignment of little Miss' costume and I have to say it's not quite done yet.....I will probably be working on it Thursday night so it's ready for her Friday Halloween party!! But that's just how I roll......

I will also be carving pumpkins, making cookies, chili, and roasting pumpkin seeds for Saturday, you know I've only known that Halloween is on the 31st for how many years now! But I'm confident that everything will be done. So here's to all the procrastinators!!! I better get to work.