pretty packages

Every year I coordinate my wrapping paper. I can't help it, I'm addicted to paper! This year I went with a black and white theme and wrapped them all with a pretty grey ribbon. Who doesn't like to get a beautiful package handed to them?!

winter pots

Use what you've got. Start with sticks from fallen trees in the center. Add to it real and/or artificial evergreen branches. For a touch of sparkle, a glittered branch from a local craft store or make your own.

cheap art

To those that know me, it's no surprise that I'm thrifty. I love the challenge of creating something inexpensively that turns out good enough to hang on the wall. Canvases can get expensive and I like my sides thick. So what's a girl to do but make her own. Thin paneling from any home improvement store, along with some 1x bats and you have the base. I just used liquid nail to attach it all together. I stained the boards and once they were dry I stenciled the numbers with white paint. FedEx Office enlarged the numbers for me, and I simply cut them out with an exacto knife. Sealed with a clear coat and there you have it, cheap and beautiful art! Double bonus: My boys are thrilled to see their soccer jersey numbers on the wall as art.

Natural Christmas

Create a natural Christmas by adding to the décor you already have. Lots of pinecones, garlands, glittery snowflakes and snowballs. Wrap an empty box in your favorite paper to tuck in somewhere. With all the craziness on the mantel, I kept the dining table centerpiece super simple. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Mantel

One of my two mantels decorated for Christmas.

auction art project

we had our school auction last night and these sculptures were a big hit!

working with 5th graders, these were so fun to create.