Mini Tree and DIY Ornaments

Mini Tree and DIY Ornaments
Handmade Ornaments for a Miniature Tree All the ornaments on this tree are either handmade or embellished in some way. I had so much fun making these ornaments. Yes, they took awhile to make...but they're so pretty and fill this little tree up so nicely, it was worth it! It just goes to show that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a beautiful look...a little effort is all that's required :) It's loaded with mini banners, made from dictionary sheets, strung onto jute. I wrote the words 'Peace', 'Hope' and 'Joy' right onto the dictionary paper. See those white balls with the polka dots? They didn't come that way. I found the vintage floss ornaments at Goodwill and hand-painted the dots onto them, then added the bows. Red dots with black-checked bows and black dots with red-checked bows. I love how they turned out! Guess where I hung them to dry? My chandelier! Yup, I untwisted a paperclip to make a hanger and hung one


How to Make a Mini Burlap Banner

How to Make a Mini Burlap Banner
Have you made a book page wreath yet? I love, love, love them. I have only made a couple in my life because they take quite awhile to make if you want a nice, full shape. I am a perfectionist and want all my cones to be about the same size...so that takes extra time too! The great thing about these wreaths is that they are suitable for displaying any time of the year! I had made a book page wreath and wanted to add something to it for the holiday season.


Duct Tape Wallets

Duct Tape Wallets
I am privileged to be called "Aunt" by some very special nieces and nephews. This past summer, we spent time with my "little" brother and his family in Canada. My brother is 6 years younger than me but he's over a foot taller. I still remember when he was born and I got to play dress-up and help my mom take care of him. Now he's a daddy to four amazing little ones...the newest is just a few weeks old. I decided to make duct tape wallets as Christmas gifts for these little stinkers! Read on for the tutorial. (Attention Family: Spoiler Alert!)


DIY West Elm Pillows

DIY West Elm Pillows
Yard Sale Find to West Elm Fab! I was at a yard sale recently when I spotted these feather-filled pillows in like-new condition. At 2 for $12, I couldn't pass them up. I am helping decorate some rooms in the basement of our church and I knew pillows were on the list. Burgundy wasn't one of the colors we were using, but I was planning to make pillow covers. Until I spotted these napkins in West Elm ....on sale for less than $4 a piece. The stitching was the exact reddish coral of the chairs that had already been purchased for the room, and the oatmeal/flax color would fit in perfectly with the rustic vibe we were aiming for!  Not only that, but they were already hemmed! Rather than sewing them together, which would have made them smaller, I opted to use Fabri Tac and glue them. This glue rocks, and was created for just this purpose! I glued three edges together and let them dry. Then I inserted my pillow and was pleased as punch to see that it was


Thrifty Ironstone Finds

Thrifty Ironstone Finds
Goodwill Comes Through Again A new Goodwill just opened up about 8 minutes from my house...that's if I make all green lights :) I love nothing better than scouring the aisles of Goodwill for a good deal. I'm always on the hunt for real English ironstone, and Goodwill has often been a great source for me. It's hit or miss though. This time was definitely a hit! Look at this adorable Christmas plate I found. I love the crazing on the back! And the fact it's made in Staffordshire, England!! I'm not sure what made me such an English ironstone snob...I will collect the other too, when I find it, but I just LOVE the English stuff!! I also found this great sugar bowl. Unfortunately it is missing it's little lid, but it was .99 and is English, so I bought it. It will be great for flowers, any kind of storage (small soaps, cotton balls in the bathroom, etc). I really like the raised wheat design. Mr. Diy spent part of his forma