Monday, October 11, 2010

Tutorial: Christmas Joy Plaques



These are very easy decorations to make.  Full instructions can be found on Shanty2Chic. 

What I like about it the most, aside from their charming style, is they are very easy to customize for any holiday, occasion, and season.  They can also fit any home decor.   For instance:

Winter: Paint sky blue with white flecks.  Spell out Jack Frost, Chilly, Snowmen 

Easter: Lavendar or yellow with pink polka dots.  Spelling out Easter, Peter Rabbit, Chicks

Birthday: All different bright colors.  Spell out Wishes, Happy Birthday  

Or, instead of words, use pictures.  Cut images from fabric.  Or, scan photos into your PC, then print directly on fabric.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Join The Big Holiday Ornament Swap!



Sign up now for this really fun swap at The Big Holiday Ornament Swap!

If you send 3 ornaments in, you will receive 3 ornaments back.
If you send 4 ornaments in, you will receive 4 ornaments back and so forth and so on.

Go to The Big Holiday Ornament Swap for more details.  Still not sure, review the ornaments that were swapped in previous years.  Hopefully, we'll see you in this year's round!

All skill levels are welcomed.  Similar skill levels will be swapped together.
  • Choose to make 3-6 ornaments.  Let us know how many by signing up in the database.
  • Can be made from anything, except food or edible items.
  • Can use commercially made items as your base. Ultimately, overall design and creation must be predominantly yours.
  • No 3 ornaments can look alike.  We really need variety.
  • Tree ornaments - No bigger or wider than 6"
  • Shelf, wall, or door ornaments - Very reasonable size.  They must all fit in a box.
  • Make sure your ornaments are mailed and arrive by November 20, 2010.
  • You will receive your swapped ornaments the week of December 1, 2010.
  • Must include return postage, which is the same postage it cost you to send your ornaments. 
No popcicle reindeer, pompom snowmen, or similar ornaments of the sort allowed.

Need ideas? Review their free pattern files or come back to Mrs. Santa's Cottage for more great ornament ideas! Go to the library or scan the internet for Christmas crafts how-to.  Check out your bookstore or local newstand; and, don't forget your holiday boutiques to spur up some creative fun!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Tutorial: Ornament Inspirations from the Sea


Hello, dearies!  Mr. Claus and I are back again for another season of joyous fun! Although we have been up to our knickers in coming up with new decorations, recipes, and toys for everyone!  Thankfully, we have a lot of assistance from all of our elves; but, we're always looking for more hands to help!  Good deeds can never have too many!  Any-hoo, here are some from one of our very talented elves...

Want to savor those warm summer days or remember a special time spent at the beach or perhaps a vacation you took to an island?  What to do with all the shells collected along the shore as you strolled with the rippling water cascading over your toes?  Here's one idea from Martha Stewart's Christmas Workshop.  Turn your tree into a gift from the sea with these simple to make ornaments.  Just a little glue, glitter and a few other items to jazz 'em up for the festive season is all that is needed.  Click on each link under the 6 photos for the instructions.












Don't stop here!  Have a star fish?  Or a plastic toy fish?  How about a treasure chest or diver from an aquarium?  Do the same thing.  Glitter everything in sight!!!  Add small rhinestones and beads from the jewelry aisle of the crafts or bead store.  Better yet, search ebay for some real deals on these supplies.  Mind you, you will continue to find glitter in your hair, on your eyebrows, and everywhere else waaaay into spring!  But that's okay.  It will blend in with all the Easter decorations you'll be creating!