Archive for the ‘DIY’ Category

Lots of people get super crafty around Christmas time, but not everyone has time to pull out all the stops.  If you have tons of time and space it’s easy to deck the halls, but if you have limited space or multiple holidays to celebrate (like me!) here are a few tips to get you started…

The first thing to do is look around at what you already own that can be used for containers, ribbons, candles, accent pieces, etc. and then buy a few fresh greens or bulbs to add some life to your decor.  Burlap is one of my favorite accessibly easy materials to add some homespun holiday fun to your decor (and it’s so hot this year!) so I started with burlap which I used to make ribbons, a table runner and a Christmas tree skirt.

Since I’m a floral designer it’s admittedly easy for me to find lots of containers and ribbons hanging around, but this look can be duplicated at home with leftover ribbon, fabric or an existing table runner.  Amaryllis bulbs will start to bloom in a vase of water in no time.  A strip of burlap with 1″ brass fasteners camouflages the rocks in the bottom of a simple 5″ cylinder vase.

A vintage silver dish (still tarnished because I like it like that!) filled with fresh cedar, pine and star of Bethlehem with a few clusters of silver Christmas balls is easy and elegant.  Faux mercury glass votive holders finish the look atop a burlap runner for a mix of classic and rustic details.

If you live in an apartment or smaller space the windows are a great place to add a decorative element.  I took burlap strips (6 of them, 3 per window, tied in the center with one simple knot) to give the appearance of a bow in the center of small cedar swags.  I made the swags with only 3 pieces of cedar per window.  A 10″ fabric wreath in the center of the windows picks up on the golden tones of the room.  2 LED pillar candles create a nice, warm evening display that’s also safe.

This is trouble.  Her name is Lily and she cold not resist the feel of burlap on her paws or the LED candles in julep cups!

Here’s a look at my tree with the burlap tree skirt.  No sewing required, just wrapped and tucked.

Repeating patterns or ribbons or picking up on colors in your tablecloth or table runner can create a polished look that still feels cozy and inviting.  If you are going to purchase fabrics this year try to invest in something you won’t be tired of next year.  If you’re decorating for the holidays you want to make it last!

Try this DIY Fabric Wreath is you want another easy-peasy project.

I know a lot of people start their holiday decorating the day after Thanksgiving, but I like to wait until the calendar flips to December to get festive.  Today I’ve got a super easy DIY fabric Christmas wreath that you can make in very little time.  All you’ll need is a wreath frame, some fabric or ribbon and a pair of scissors.  I think this is the kind of holiday project Annie would do if Miss Hannigan would let her!

I used a 10″ wire wreath frame and I had some fabric samples from discontinued sofa swatches (yes, I cannot throw anything away!) which I cut into strips that were about 12″ long.  Then, I tied them around the frame and knotted them.  Soooo simple.  You can use holiday ribbon, old sheets, or any other fabric you have hanging around.  Since I already had the materials this cost me $0 to make.

These fabrics are kinda rag-tag so I just alternated them to create a pattern.

I started out thinking that the knotted side would be the “back”, but I ended up liking how both sides look!  This is the way I thought I’d display it…

…but I think I like this side better.

Which side do you like best?  How would you display it?