Looking Back: December

Well, that's a wrap for 2012. I've had a lot of fun starting my blog and meeting all you creative gals this year. I can't wait to see what 2013 will bring.  But before we look ahead to the New Year, I wanted to take the time to look back over some of the fun posts from December...

These adorable bows ought to add a spring to your step.

My New Years resolution is to be more thrifty.  Have any tips for me?

I made my chandelier a bit more festive for the holidays.

This DIY mitten garland is definitely festive and cozy.

I shared these adorable handmade ornaments from my mom.

Making this garland is so easy and fun!

My pup, Tanner, got involved in some 'paw'fect holiday crafting.

 Paper snowflakes helped create a winter wonderland. And, be sure to make a few snowflakes to help out Sandy Hook Elementary.

I found a stylish use for all those left over gift bows from Christmas.

My friend Wren shared her beautiful handmade dreamcatcher on her blog earlier this month.  I just love it's unique shape and touch of sparkle.  Be sure to check out her blog as she is a fun loving, stylish gal with a love of good books. (P.S. In case you missed my dreamcatcher creation you can check it out here.)

Also, a special thanks to Kristyn, Tammy, and Trish for participating in the Sandy Hook Paper Snowflake Drive. You gals rawk!  There is still time to participate if you'd like to join in.

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All right, I'll see you guys in the new year. And, you better be ready for some serious crafting, because I've got plenty of projects in store!  :)

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DIY: Gift Bow Hair Clip

Well, now that Christmas has come and gone, you're bound to have plenty of these beauties on your hands...

This little DIY is a fun way to put all those pretty bows to good use and is the perfect way to spice up your hairstyle for New Years Eve.

Ready to get your party on?


HERE'S THE HOW TO:

First, I cut some felt and sewed it onto a hair clip:

Next, I sewed the clip onto the back of the bow:

You could also try gluing the bow to the hair clip. I went the sewing route, because I thought it would keep the clip on the bow a little better.

Well, that's all there is to it... this little bow clip will definitely add a bit of party to your hairstyle.

All right, who's ready for New Years Eve? Do you have any exciting plans for the big night? I'll be hanging out with these party animals.  Yeah, it's gonna get wild.  ;)

DIY: Bow Shoe Clips

These cute little bow shoe clips are the perfect way to make a pair of old soles feel shiny and new again.

Want to make your own?

HERE'S THE HOW TO:

Stuff you'll need:

Ribbon (the ribbon I used had a bit of wire in it which helped the bow keep its shape)

Clip on earrings 

Needle and thread

Method:

All you have to do is make a bow with the ribbon and then sew the clip on earring to the back like so...

Clip them on your shoes and you are good to go...

And if you wanted to mix things up a little bit, you could even wear them on the back...

These bows were definitely made for walking!

If you liked this tutorial, be sure to check out my Pom Pom Shoe Clip Tutorial as well. It is guaranteed to add a little spring to your step.

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Snowflakes for Sandy Hook.

I know snowflakes are typically icy and cold, but these ones, they've got heart. My friend, Caleisha, mentioned on this post that Sandy Hook Elementary School was looking for paper snowflake donations so that the kids and teachers will be welcomed to a winter wonderland when they head back to school in January.

I know we were all shaken by the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT. In the holiday spirit, sending a few snowflakes is a great way to give some hope and encouragement back to the community. Each snowflake they receive represents an individual who is thinking dearly of them as they work to rebuild their lives. 

If you'd like to participate, the deadline is January 12, 2013. Mail your snowflakes to:

Connecticut PTSA

60 Connolly Parkway

Building 12, Suite 103

Hamden, CT 06514

You can find more info at the Sandy Hook PTSA website.

I'll be sending a few snowflakes out this week, and I'd like to encourage you to participate as well. It is a small way to help, but the more people who participate, the bigger the impact will be.  So go out and grab some friends, family, paper and scissors and let's send them a blizzard of paper snowflakes to let them know they are in our thoughts.

UPDATE:  I thought it would be fun to include readers' posts who were participating.  (Send me a link if you are sending some snowflakes.)  Check it out and spread the word:

Organic Grey

My Journey

Jelly Bones

Marino Bambinos

Have yourself a...

I'm enjoying every minute of celebrating with my little family today.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with family, good eats and joy.  :)

DIY: Paper Snowflakes Snowfall Wall

This is a fun little project that will take you back to gradeschool arts and crafts, but, trust me, once you've got these beauties up on a wall, they'll look all grown up.

Ready to create your own winter wonderland?

HERE'S THE HOW TO:

Cut out snowflakes in different shapes and sizes.

I used a bit of tape to stick each snowflake to the wall. Some types of tape seemed to work better than others, so you may need to experiment to see what will work best on your wall.

This is also a fun project to get your kids involved in holiday decorating.  They'll love getting crafty and seeing how many different snowflake shapes they can come up with. Plus, they'll be so proud to see their handiwork displayed for all to see.

All right, it's time to grab a mug of hot cocoa, curl up under a fuzzy blanket and enjoy the beautiful snowfall you created.

Looking for more festive holiday decor ideas??  Check out the Cozy Mitten Garland, Holiday Cheer Chandelier and That's A Wrap Garland tutorials

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DIY: That's A Wrap Christmas Garland

Last year, my family decided to come visit me for Christmas, and (epps!!) I didn't have any fancy holiday decorations. Thinking fast, I found some Christmas wrapping paper and created these festive holiday garlands. They really created a cheerful holiday mood.

Ready to make some wrapping paper garland?

HERE'S THE HOW TO:

All you have to do is create interlocking rings of wrapping paper. You can use any style and design of wrapping paper that suits your decor, so the possibilities are endless.

Next, is deciding where to use the garland to decorate the house. You can...

These are the same garlands I used last year, so you can see that they held up really well in storage. I didn't do anything fancy to store them,  I just threw them into a big plastic storage box.

This is also a great way to re-use old wrapping paper after you've finished unwrapping gifts. You could save the used paper to use as garland next Christmas or create some garlands to throw up as New Year's decorations.

Well now, that's a wrap!  ;)

Looking for more festive holiday decor ideas??  Check out the Cozy Mitten Garland and Holiday Cheer Chandelier tutorials.

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Feeling Chatty.

Hi guys, I'm chatting with Nicole over at her blog, Happy Pretty Things. Come by so we can get to know each other a bit better.  See ya there!

Also, be sure to check out Nicole's blog. She is one of my very first bloggy friends and her blog is filled with all things happy and pretty. We could all use more of that, right??!  And, just in case you were still looking for a holiday card, be sure to check out Nicole's Etsy shop, Stuff by Nicole.  She's such a talented designer too! 

P.S. Like my bow sweater?? Make your own with this sweet little tutorial. :)

DIY - 'Paw'fect Paw Print Ornament

I'm a 100% certifiable crazy-dog-lady, and what better way for me to celebrate the season than getting my pups involved in some holiday crafting?? This was a fun little project that got my dogs involved in making crafts instead of chewing on them this time around.

Have a furry pal you'd like to create an ornament for? It is 'paws'itively perfect for the holidays!

HERE'S THE HOW TO:

Stuff You'll Need:

Oven bake clay

Paint 

Paint brush

Oven

Method:

Make a flat shape with the clay large enough to fit your pup's paw print.  Place the clay shape on a dish and stamp your pup's foot into it.  I added some texture to the paw print for added interest, then baked the clay in the oven according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to make a hole at the top before baking so you can hang the ornament later.

Next, paint the paw print a contrasting color to make it stand out.  

All that is left is to thread some twine through the hole so you can hang it on your tree...

Who knew my pup Tanner had such a crafty side??!! Hopefully, he'll collaborate on some more projects with me again soon!

Happy 'Paw'lidays! Woof! Woof!

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It's ornamental, my dear.

My friend, Meream, recently showcased some ornaments on her blog here that reminded me of the Christmas ornaments my mom used to make. When I asked my mom about her ornaments, lo and behold she said she would ship them to me!! I was absolutely delighted to open the package of handmade holiday goodies.  Each one was made with such detail and care.  And lucky for me, she also included the leftover supplies, because (of course) I just can't wait to make a few of my own.

Here are some of the darling ornaments my mom sent...

Getting these in the mail was like having Christmas come early and I can't wait to put them up on our tree. Thanks Mom!

So, do you have a favorite cherished holiday decoration?

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DIY: Cozy Mitten Garland

A few of you (ahem...  Caleisha and Stephanie) noticed a sneak peak of this little holiday decoration over on Instagram recently.  I got the idea for this DIY from this adorable mini mitten garland at Anthropologie last year.  I wanted to create my own, but on a larger scale.

Ready to make some warm and cozy holiday decor?

HERE'S THE HOW TO:

I crocheted my own mittens using this pattern at Tangled.  If you don't crochet, you could get the look by finding mittens at thrift stores, re-using your kids' old mittens when they grow out of them, or buying mittens out of season when you can get a good deal on them.  You could also cut mitten shapes out of felt to get a similiar look. Once you have your mittens, all that is left is to attach them to some string, twine or ribbon. I tied mine to a length of crochet chain stitch.

Now, how is that for some cozy holiday decor??

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