the red green show

We already have a lot of red and green decor in the house...but

since it is that time of year, I was ready to add some more.

I also made a book page wreath to hang over the mantle, since there was a big empty spot.

It was so easy and turned out great. It only cost a few dollars to make too.

I found a tutorial here.

vintage letter ornaments

Last week I saw a great post on making newspaper ornaments from Holly at Life In the Fun Lane. She wanted some ornaments she saw in Anthropologie...and knew she could make some for next to nothing.

I decided that this would be a great holiday craft for me and the girls. I happened to have a stack of vintage letters that I picked up at an antique store (I am using the vintage postmarks for a future craft.) The letters are correspondence between someone in Sweden to various people in Minnesota and Washington State. They are old (postmark looks like 1918) and are written in Swedish. The paper is beautifully yellowed, and the swirly handwriting, ink, and ink blots are so perfectly imperfect.

Holly used some pages from an old book, which turned out great too. You could even use pages from a new book and tea stain them to look aged.

We cut all the letters into strips and then glued the strips with mod podge onto clear plastic ornaments that we got at JoAnn Fabrics.

I got a pretty branch from outside and spray painted it an antique ivory color. Once the ornaments were dry, I tied them to the branches with some jute. I have to say that I really love how the ornaments turned out. Thanks to Holly for such a great idea! What would I do without all of you creative bloggers?

wrap it up...I'll take it

via scoutiegirl

via weloveindie


via vol25



I lean toward more simple wrapping ideas...and I think these are perfect.


What do you think?



Happy Friday!

remedy for cabin fever

We have been having some nasty weather here in the Pacific Northwest...

and cabin fever sets in when you are stuck at home for days.

The remedy we came up with today, was for the kiddos

to bake a couple of things for Thanksgiving.

We made Cheesecake Cookie Cups and Never Fail Fudge.

The bad news is, I may be in a sugar coma by tomorrow.

How do you deal with cabin fever?

paperwhites

via 100layercake, designsponge, southernliving, and countryliving

Paperwhites are so gorgeous for the holidays.

They make the whole house smell delicious.

Paperwhites are my absolute favorite...but sadly I didn't force any yet this year...

I know... what was I thinking??!!

If I start now, maybe I will get some buds by Christmas.

I really love the top photo. It is part of a rustic wedding, but it would look perfect for a holiday gathering too. The simple mix of paperwhites, pinecones, and the muslin tablecloth looks so simplerusticvintagey.

If you've never forced paperwhite bulbs before, here is a guide.

winter wonderland

We got lots and lots of snow yesterday...which is a big thing for our area.

The kiddos were thrilled and immediately built a snowman

and had a snowball fight.

Today there is no school and lots of ice.

Not as exciting when the power goes out and it is really, really, cold.

The trees look so beautiful.

Our yard has been turned into a postcard!

knitted Christmas stockings

I love these Fair isle knitted Christmas stockings from UK Toast.

Isn't this photo pretty?

address labels

all labels via bohtieque design on etsy

For the last couple of years I have been ordering address labels from Bohtieque Design, an Etsy seller. My OCD kicks in, and I want labels that coordinate with our Christmas cards! When I order those, I also order address labels for my kiddos. They love having their names on their very own address labels. I know most kids prefer texting...and mine are no exception...but, it does encourage mailing a card or letter every now and then.

Happy Friday!