I am all about creating a life more awesome by, among other things, filling yourself up with happy by doing things you love to do.  What better way to start off the Holiday countdown than to show you a few of the things I love to do.  Decorating for Christmas and making crafts and handmade gifts are some of the top things on the list fo’ sure.  Last weekend I got to craft my heart out at a weekend retreat filled with lots of great ladies all producing crafts and scrapbooking memories.  It was sooo fun!  Great conversation, lots of laughs and much crafting, what more could a girl want??  This girl was definitely in her happy place.

What was I doing?  What did I make?  Glad you asked!  I can’t wait to show you the great stuff I worked on.  Maybe it will give you some crafty inspiration, if it does will you send me a pic of what you made? That would make me smile and send you a huge virtual hug.  And now on with the show and tell…

 

Burlap Christmas Wreath

 

This was so easy to make (once I finally decided how I wanted to lay out the ornaments, special Thank You to Satyn for inspiring me).

Here’s what you need:

• Burlap (cut in approximately 4 inch strips, or you can get the already cut rolls at Michael’s)*
• Burlap in a contrasting color (to run through the middle)
• Wire wreath form
• Shatterproof Ornaments
• Hot Glue/Gun
• Plastic Candy Canes (found mine at the Dollar Tree)
• Gift Tags and a Decorative Clothespin (a Bow works great too)

*I bought a large bolt of burlap at Lowe’s and cut it into 4 inch strips to save money.  How much you need depends on how close together you pack in your loops.  The fuller the wreath, the more burlap you use.  I would plan on at least 3 or 4 yards.

Step 1: Loop the Burlap Through the Wire Wreath

Here is a great tutorial on how to loop Burlap through a wire wreath (totally ask me questions if it doesn’t make sense).

Step 2: Run the Contrasting Burlap through the Middle of the Wreath

I basically tucked in the red burlap here and there along the wire wreath so it would stay in place, nothing fancy.

Step 3: Hot Glue Ornaments and Candy Canes

Or whatever else seems like it would look cute on your wreath.  I bunched mine together, but you can do what you like, I give you permission.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that there are no craft police watching me, I am free to shake things up and color outside the lines.  Not sure if others need a reminder, but just in case.

Step 4: Use a Clothespin to Clip Gift Tags to the Wreath

A bow would work great as well.  I didn’t have one and I figured I would try something a little different so I used a few cute gift tags and a blinged out clothespin.

Step 5: Hang it Wherever You Like

TaDa!

 

Burlap Canvas Sign with Ruffle Trim

 

This was also easy and cute to make once I got inspired.  I had random supplies with me on the retreat and I kept thinking, “This gold with white polka dot ruffle ribbon is cute, but when/how will I ever use it?”  Then, I saw I had a Burlap Canvas (the thin one from Michael’s) and I thought the combo would make cute Holiday decor.

Here’s what you need:

• Burlap Canvas 11X14
• 4.5 yards of ruffle ribbon
• Backless Frame 8X10 (optional, I found a set of them on clearance at Kohl’s)
• Hot Glue/Gun
• Permanent Adhesive (Glue Dots or any scrapbooking adhesive)
• A sentiment cut out of paper or using Stickers (I used Hello Friend from the Cricut Cartridge Beyond Birthdays)
• 12 X 12 Thin Acrylic Sheets (optional)
• Ribbon or velcro (optional)

Step 1: Hot Glue the Ruffle Ribbon along the edge of the Burlap Canvas

I wrapped it around twice to give it extra ruffle-iness.

Step 2: Hot Glue a Backless Frame to the Burlap Canvas

Hot glue the 8 X 10 Frame to the center of the burlap canvas, being careful not to crush or hide the ruffle ribbon.

Step 3: Cut out a Sentiment with a Die Cut Machine or Use Stickers

Use glue dots or any other permanent crafting adhesive to glue down your sentiment in the center of the canvas.*  That’s it!  Tada!

*I wanted to be able to swap out the sentiment based on the Holiday, so I am going to mount different sentiments on think acrylic sheets (so you can still see the burlap behind the acrylic) and pop the sentiments in and out of the frame depending on the season.

Step 4: Hang it Wherever You Like

You can hot glue a ribbon to the back if you want to hang it on the wall, or you can use those velcro command strips as well.  If that doesn’t work, put it on a small easel or plate stand and set it on your mantle.  Whatever works!

‘Tis the season to be jolly!  Let us remind ourselves to enjoy the little things.  Who cares if we can’t buy everything we want, everything our kids want?!  I am giving my kiddos the gift of time spent together crafting and baking (whether they prefer this gift or not ).  I know the memories of the latest toy or video game will fade, but memories of holiday traditions and fun family time will remain (hopefully, right??!!).

xoxo,

Jen

 

Linking To:

Lou Lou Girls

Skip To My Lou

Sugar Bee Crafts

New Nostalgia

Hope Studios

Funky Polka Dot Giraffe

A Bowl Full of Lemons

House By Hoff

burlap, Christmas, featured, Holiday, sign, wreath

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