Showing posts with label Holiday Decoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Decoration. Show all posts

Friday, December 23, 2011

DIY Wooden Christmas Presents

Christmas Idea #22 - DIY Wooden Christmas Presents

I am really liking these presents made from blocks of wood and scrapbook paper.  All you would need to do is Modge Podge scrapbook paper cut to size (edges inked if you you like that look...I do!) and tie some ribbon or tulle into a bow on top.  Simple decoration for your home or to give to someone as a gift.
Source:  Spotted Canary
Speaking of crafts, I saw this JUMBO JOY sign on Pinterest (without a link) and love the way it looks.  Simple and cute.  I'm not sure I would want to store something as big as that for the other 11 months of the year.  Maybe a small version would work instead.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Stocking Holders

Christmas Idea #7 - Stocking Hangers
Want to find out how to make these cute and totally easy stocking hangers?  Head over to Crap I've Made to find out how.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Easy Christmas Tree Display

Christmas Idea #6 - Easy Christmas Tree Display
Need a simple way to decorate the front yard this Christmas season, without the hastle of climbing on the roof in the freezing cold to hang some light icicles!?!  That's right, I am sure I am saving a few marriages with this idea.  Ta-Da!
Looks great right?  Well here's the secret.  Head to Home Depot/Lowes and pick up a tomato cage.  You know...one of these...turned the other way around...
Wrap it in white lights, and you'll have yourself a Christmas tree. 
(Idea from NE Design Build)

If you need something similar to display by the front door or on the porch, why not make your own Christmas topiary?  Using the same tomato cage from above, wrap it in garland and lights to create this expensive look for a lot less!
Source:  Lucy Designs
Honestly, these ideas just may be my favorite finds this year!  Totally loving them both!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Easy DIY Christmas Countdown

Even though I had promised my readers 31 fabulous Halloween ideas and fell short by a few, this time I am coming through with 25 Christmas ideas.  Some ideas I have planned to feature will be ideas to use with your family, in a classroom, for a party and even gift ideas for neighbors, teachers and more.  How do you know you can trust me on this one?  Because I am already working ahead and have the posts saved and ready to share as the days arrive.  This has to be a no-fail way right?!?

Christmas Idea #1 - Christmas Countdown

I realize there are a lot fewer days now until Christmas (from what you see in the picture above), but you get the idea.  This is such a simple and inexpensive craft idea to get you ready for Christmas.  Head on over to Life {Sweet} Life to download your choice of the Christmas countdown.  You can choose to either print it from home or send it to a photo center.  Stick the countdown behind a picture frame and using a dry erase marker, change the number of days until Christmas!  LOVE IT!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Patriotic Wreaths

I have seen a lot of patriotic wreath ideas floating around out there so I thought I would share my findings...  And it's not too late, you still have a few days to make one! 
Young and Crafty created this square wreath out of...can you believe...newspaper!?!  I love that the wreath is square, first of all, making it already different than most, but also how creative the concept is.  Oh and let's not forget, basically free to make as well!
This next one from Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo I thought was clever too.  The flip flop at the bottom definitely helps to give it that summer time feel!
BUT I also love this {balloon} wreath she won from Bugaboo, Mini Mr. & Me.
This garland and pinwheel wreath comes from The Jubilee Circus.
I love how Annie from Behind Our Front Door totally made up her wreath as she went along with it.  Sometimes those kind of crafts turn out the best!
This American Flag wreath is made from yarn and comes from The Creative Imperative.
I am a sucker for tulle.  I think tying a tulle bow around a gift makes it look that much better, so I might just have to make myself one of these from It's A Muegge Life.
I hope this post goes to show you that wreaths (or most crafts for that matter) can be cheap, easy, beautiful and original!  Now what are you waiting for?   Head to your local craft store (or look around the house) and get busy making your own!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Valentine Ideas...FINALLY!

I must say that I wasn't really anticipating taking that long of a break from the blogging world. One of my new year's resolutions is was to not spend as much time on the computer. Yes, I realize how nerdy that sounds, but truly this blogging thing has sucked me in! I am hooked. I find that once I get on the computer to do a post, something else grabs my attention and then the blog hopping begins. Anyone relating here? Anyway, as a result, I feel that I needed to slow it down and focus more on my house, projects on the To-Do list, etc.
Enough about that. On the the good stuff. Now that Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, I will start digging up those files. The cleaning out of my other (aka random) files will have to wait. Here we go...

Valentine's Day Countdown from Things That Eye Love.

Heart shaped cinnamon rolls from Gourmet Mom on the Go

(More great food ideas from Gourmet Mom on the Go found HERE.)

How about this Valentine Chair Backer from Our Scoop? So darling! Visit HERE for the tutorial.


"I Dig You!" from It's All in My Head

also found on Family Fun.


or how about these candy bouquets from One Day When I Have Time.


More ideas to come.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

12 Days of Christmas

As mentioned earlier, I thought I would share this idea that I use to use when teaching. About a week or so before I started this activity, I would send home a sign up sheet with my students asking if any parents were interested in coming to the class (for about 30 minutes) to do a Christmas activity. The activity was up to the parent and the ideas were always creative. I always got an amazing amount of support and my students loved having a new activity each day. It was fun for some of the kids to have their parent come in the classroom, who might not otherwise have the time to do so.

The day before the 12 Days started, the class would make stockings. I had templates to trace so that I could guarantee they would be large enough. The students would trace two, punch holes around the edges and then lace the stocking together with yarn (making sure not to lace the top closed). Most of the time when the parents came, they brought some kind of treat for the kids to add to their stocking. On the last day of school (before Christmas break) they kids would have a stocking full of goodies to take home.

(If you decide to try doing the 12 Days of Christmas, make sure to count out the days before Christmas Break so that you don't short yourself any time.)

Here are a couple of ideas I have seen parents use in the past...

* Crafts from Oriental Trading (including the picture frame ornament
* Christmas Caroling (parent brought in a key board)
* Watch the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (cartoon version) while eating milk and cookies.
* Decorate icecream sugar cones (upside down) as X-mas tree with green frosting. Add red hots as the lights/ornaments.
* Read The Polar Express and gave each child a bell on a string/bell-shaped candy.
* Made ornaments by using pipe cleaner and beads.

Be creative when coming up with ideas. Share family traditions, stories, games, stories, or songs. Hope this idea of the 12 Days of Christmas can help someone out!?!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Christmas Countdown Ideas

I have seen all kinds of ideas and ways for counting down until Christmas and since today is December 1st, I thought I would start sharing some ideas/finds out there...

The Christmas Tree Countdown from K McKay Designs:


12 Days Advent Ornament Countdown (also from K McKay Designs)


24 Mini Muffin Tin Countdown from Somewhat Simple (with tutorial)
Another Tutorial (with movie) from June Campbell


A Calendar Countdown using an art canvas from Split Coast Stampers


Countdown Blocks from Not So Idle Hands:


I am loving this countdown using a pizza pan from Crafts and Deals!


So clever and cheap...pocket {gum} advent countdown from My Little Mochi. Seriously...ridiculously clever!


If you own 24 Christmas books, (I know I do!) wrap them all up indiviually. Each night have a child pick a book to unwrap and read the story together as a family.

A recipe countdown from Good Things Utah. Yes that's right, it's a recipe box with 25 different treat ideas inside. Each day you take a recipe from the box and make a yummy treat! What a fun new tradition to start! As if keeping those holiday pounds off wasn't hard before! :) (I say while finishing off a cookie!)


Any other cute or clever ideas you have seen and want to share?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving Crafts & Centerpieces

Studio 5 had a guest, Kristine McKay, on the show the other day who featured several great Thanksgiving ideas.
The ideas are mainly craft and centerpiece ideas. I love the idea of using the same table cloth every year and having your guests sign their names each year. After each year, embroider over the signatures to preserve the names and watch the family and guest names grow over the years.

The other idea I really like was the crayon turkey the kids can make and use at the kids' table. Such fun and easy ideas for entertaining! Check out more of Kristine's ideas and FREE downloads on her site.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Thanksgiving Ideas

Crafts and Deals left a comment so I decided to check out her site. I love blog hopping and seeing all of the creative people and ideas out there! She has some really fun and great Thanksgiving ideas (along with other non-Thanksgiving ideas!). I love the Thanksgiving memory game,

Paper Bag Turkey,

and Fall Fingerprint Tree.

I know I will be trying out some of these ideas with my kids. Thanks for sharing!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Pine Cone Turkeys


Live near pine trees? Looks easy enough. Check out how to make these darling turkeys using pine cones HERE.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Pumpkin Treat Bags How-To


Fill orange mini craft bags with candy. Twist the top of the bag up into a stem. Pull floral tape off roll and stretch it so it becomes sticky. Wrap floral tape around stem, starting at the top and moving downward. Rip off take, leaving 3 to 4 extra inches hanging on the bottom. Twist extra tape into tendril, wrapping it around finger until it curls.

Idea from Martha Stewart

Friday, October 16, 2009

Salt Dough Ghosts

The other day my daughter came home from a friend's house with a plate full of ghosts. They were all labeled on the back with the names of our family members and they have made a cute addition to our Halloween decor (minus the plate of course ;). Check out Family Fun for the directions and materials needed.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Halloween Spider



I have made these spiders for several 3rd grade class parties, but I am sure they would work for a variety of ages. The kids enjoy the activity and they turn out pretty cute. Once they are made, treats can be put inside the pocket and sent home with the kids.

Items Needed:
black spray paint
paper plates (1/child)
pipe cleaners (about 4"/leg)
puffy paint (mouth)
scrap paper (eyes and teeth)

Spray paint the bottom side of the paper plates(not where you would put food). When the plates are dry, cut them in half. Put 2 halves together (paint side facing out) and staple. Make sure that you staple the pipe cleaners in too! Yes, I know that spiders have 8 legs, so you might want to change yours a little from mine! :) Have items ready to decorate the spider and let the kids be creative.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Halloween Ideas...First of Many

Holy cow! A whole month has past since I have done anything with this blog. So sorry...life has been hectic with me returning to work and with the time devoted to recently running my first marathon. Anyway, I have noticed all of the Halloween decorations starting to come out and thought that I should suggest some Halloween ideas to anyone in search, so here it goes...
Festive Halloween Sugar Cookies from Good Housekeeping:

Glittered Pumpkins from Martha Stewart:

All kinds of ideas from Tip Junkie...too many to mention just one. If you click on the link, it will take you to all the Halloween ideas she has!

These darling candy corn cookies from Tidy Mom:

A caramel apple kit for anyone looking to give a gift. Thanks Mish Mash!

Skip To My Lou has plenty of great ideas too, including her paper witch shoe. Think of how fun this would be to give as a party favor!

I am excited that fall is here! Time to get ready for all the upcoming holidays. I will have more Halloween ideas to come...

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Ideas for Decorating Hard Boiled Eggs

Oil and Food Coloring Marbled Eggs


What you'll need:
Eggs (hard boiled or raw)
Food coloring
Vinegar
Cooking oil
Containers for the dye mixture (mugs will work)
Paper towels
A few spoons
In each container combine one tablespoon of each of the following: oil, vinegar, and your choice of food coloring. Add enough water to make the liquid deep enough to cover an egg. Swirl the liquid with a spoon, and quickly lower and raise an egg into it. Pat dry with a paper towel, and repeat with a second color. Swirl into a third color, if desired. Some white areas can be left on the egg. Gently pat dry the completed egg, leaving a bit of the oil to give the egg a varnished look.


CRAYON EASTER EGGS


What you'll need:
Crayons
Boiled eggs
Neon food coloring and white vinegar (optional)
How to make it:
Be sure that boiled eggs are cool and dry. Place a double folded kitchen towel and place it on the table underneath child's hands so if the egg slips out it will have a soft cushion to land on. Use crayons to draw designs on the egg. Have kids hold the egg gently so they do not crack the shell.
This step is optional but adds a fun effect. If you like, mix 1 Tbsp of white vinegar into a coffee mug of water (filled ¾ full) then add several drops of food coloring. Dip the crayon colored egg into the dye and let sit for about a minute.
Remove and let dry. The dye makes the crayon look brighter, especially if you use neon food coloring!

Tips:
To boil perfect eggs, place into a shallow pan, cover with water and boil gently for three minutes. Turn off heat and cover pan with a tight fitting lid and let sit for 15 minutes. Place pan in sink, carefully drain out hot water and let cold water run over them for several minutes. Turn off water and add several ice cubes and let sit for about 5 minutes more.
Try different types of food coloring, we used neon colors!
The longer you leave the egg in the dye, the deeper the color will be.

If you like these ideas, you can find more HERE.

Here are some more ideas I have found for decorating hard boiled eggs. Enjoy and have fun creating!

Make your own food color dye - Combine 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar in a cup that is deep enough for the eggs. Add water to about the half way point. Gently place the eggs into the cups. I use a soup spoon to place my eggs in the cups, to avoid cracking. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. Experiment with different combinations of colors When you remove the egg from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.

Rubber Band Designs - Wrap elastic bands around hard cooked eggs, then drop them in food-coloring dye. Remove eggs, pat dry with paper towel and remove rubber bands. The parts of the egg covered with rubber bands will not be colored. Once the rubber bands are removed, you can drop the egg into a different color dye.

Sponge Painted Eggs - Cut a sponge into small pieces. Pour some acrylic paint into a shallow dish or onto wax paper.Clip the sponge pieces onto clothes pins, one for each color of paint. Dip the sponge into the paint and dab the egg with it. Start with your darker colors first for the best effect. Put the egg in an egg cup to dry. *Do NOT eat eggs that have been painted!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Lucky Leprechaun Hats

Celebrate St. Patrick's day with these decorative Shamrock Green clay pots to make with the kids!




I saw this cute idea to use as a St. Patrick's Day decoration on Good Things Utah. I think the kids would love it...especially the suckers!

Supplies Needed:

1 small terra cotta plant
green paint (spray or acrylic)
2 - 5 1/2 inch green cardstock circles
Green & White Suckers, covered with cellophane bags and tied with ribbon
20 inches of 2" black ribbon
1 slide mount sprayed with gold glitter paint
green styrofoam

Instructions:

1. Glue the 2 circles together, using the terra cotta pot trace a circle in the middle of the circles that are glued together and cut out.
2. Paint the terra cot pot green, glue the circles to the top, glue the black ribbon around the bottom of the pot, glue the slide mount to the black ribbon.
3. Inside the pot put a piece of styrofoam to hold the suckers.
4. Using as many suckers as desired, cover each with cellophane and wrap with green/white ribbon and stick into the styrofoam

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Leprechaun Hat



A fun table decoration that can be used to hold chips. We found our green tortilla chips at our local grocery store. You can use regular tortilla chips and then tint your dip with green food color. Whatever you do, have fun!


What you'll need:
1/2 gallon Round ice cream container, clean and dry (you do not need the lid)
2 or 3 sheets of Green construction paper
1 sheet of Yellow or Gray construction paper
1 sheet of Black construction paper
Scissors
Ruler
Pen
Double stick tape
Large circular object (however wide the construction paper is)

1. Trace around the large circular object on the green construction paper with the pen.
2. Cut out the circle.
3. Use the double stick tape to adhere the circle to the bottom of the ice cream container.
4. Cut a piece of green construction paper to fit around the container. You may need two pieces of construction paper or be able to piece them together.
5. Use the double stick tape to adhere the construction paper around the container.
6. Cut a strip about 2" wide out of the black construction paper.
7. Cut a 4" square out of the gray or yellow construction paper.
8. Cut a rectangle in the middle of the gray construction paper about 1 1/4" x 2". Discard the little piece of construction paper. Hint: Fold the square into fourths and cut a square out of the middle of the folded area. Open up the square.
9. Check positioning of the black band by laying it around the hat about an inch above the brim. Cut off any excess construction paper where it meets in the back.
10. Lay the gray or yellow (buckle) over the black band as shown in the photograph. Once the layout is satisfactory, tape in place.
11. Add green tortilla chips, if available, and get ready for your feast.


*I was thinking that with this cute idea, you could also use the hat as a game. By gold covered chocolate coins and mark a line on the floor where the kids should stand. Have them try to toss the gold coins into the hat.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Valentine Centerpiece


OK, OK I know...Valentine's is over and this is my 4th post of the day...YIKES! BUT...I just found this great new website and darling idea for a teacher gift. Looks like I know what I will be giving next year. Look here for a variation in the idea or here for the step-by-step instructions.

Crayon Shaving Hearts


Check out how cute these are! I found the idea on Skip to My Lou. I thought it might be a fun craft to try, especially during the long winter months when you are trapped inside!! Happy crafting!