A Crafted Holiday {New Year's Eve}

Happy New Year's Eve! I'm excited to ring in the new year tonight indulging in a homemade meal and a bit to much champagne at home. You won't find today's post here (although the picture is a bit of a teaser) because it's a guest post for La Petite Fashionista! Head over to Lauren's site to check out my chic DIY glittery party hats and get the recipe for the popping pink champagne cocktail I'll be sipping on tonight!

Have a safe and happy New Year tonight! How will you be celebrating?

A Crafted Holiday {Finally!}

All season I've been showing you different holiday crafts. I've made ribbon garland, a striped tree skirt, snow globes, wrapping paper and more. Today I'm excited to share with you the cumulation of all my holiday crafting, my living room decorations. Dreaming of a coastal Christmas, I decided to bring the spirit of the blue seas to Tallahassee. Aqua, navy, and silver were my inspiration this year. The classic coastal color scheme was complimented by handmade touches. I'm so pleased with how my decorations turned out this year that I can't to decorate again next year!

A Crafted Holiday {Lighted Ribbon Garland}

With the realization that I'm not a traditional holiday decorations type, I've decided to go with a non traditional garland this year. The Fraiser Fur type is full and beautiful (and smells amazing!) but it's just not my style. After searching for inspiration to decorate my fireplace, I settled on this bright, crafty option. It's simple to make, colorful, and customizable to your taste and holiday colors. I opted for silver, aqua, and a navy lattice print. Tie around a strand of lights and string across the mantle for the perfect piece of custom garland. Here's the how to...

:: Supplies ::

3 Different Ribbon Colors or Patterns (2 Rolls of each) (Choose ribbons the same width)

Scissors

String of Lights

:: Directions ::

1. Cut each roll of ribbon into 8 1/4 in. pieces.

2. Arrange in a pattern and tie around the strand of lights.

3. Hang on the mantle and enjoy!

A Crafted Holiday {Handmade Snow Globes}

I remember snow globes from when I was a kid. Every trip we would go on, I would pick one up, shake it and admire the snow falling around the city scape. However, they were always too clunky to take home and display. These sleek ones on the other hand are just perfect for the holiday season. Plus they are incredibly easy to make. All it takes is some fake trees, mason jars, faux snow, and a bit of hot glue. They make the perfect centerpiece or even hostess gift. Here's how to make your own set.

:: Supplies ::
3 Model Trees in Various Sizes
3 Jars with Screw on Lids in Respective Sizes
Hot Glue
Fake Snow Flakes

:: Directions ::
1. Remove lids from each jar and glue tree to the center.
2. Fill jars with small amount of snow, screw lids on, and display!

A Crafted Holiday {Hand Stamped Wrapping}

If there is anything I love more than crafting, it's the holidays. And, when you put the two together, I'm in heaven! Because of this, I'm having a ball with the "A Crafted Holiday" series. Today's entry is all about what you put under the tree. After all, half the fun of gift giving is getting to wrap in beautiful ways. I wanted to make my own wrapping paper this year to add a personal touch, but I needed it to be time efficient. If you are as busy as I am during the holiday season, this party is key! Instead of decorating each box, I opted for a hand stamped roll. This way I can roll it out whenever it's needed and get the same affect with less time. Top it off with a bow and personalized tag for the ultimate gift under the tree.

:: Supplies ::
Large Pattern Stamp
Red Acrylic Paint
Kraft Wrapping Paper
Sponge Brush

:: Directions ::
1. Brush the stamp with red paint and apply to paper. Repeat until roll is covered.
2. Let dry and wrap.

A Crafted Holiday {Modern Boxwood Wreath}

Last year I shared with you my DIY wreath featuring trimmings from the underneath of my tree. While I loved how it turned out, the fullness and it's fresh fraiser smell, this year I wanted to opt for something a little cleaner and more modern. This boxwood wreath was just the ticket to fill that requirement. Using a simple wire hanger stretched into a circle, I wrapped it in fresh boxwood and adorned it with a flameless candle. As it hangs on my front door, I love seeing it's clean fresh lines when I drive up. Even though it's only been up for a few days, it already has me in the spirit and I can't wait to decorate the rest of the house. Here's how I made it.

:: Supplies ::
Wire Hanger
Boxwood Plant
Twine
Flameless candle
Hot Glue

:: Directions ::
1. Begin by stretching out your wire hanger forming a circle.
2. Next, take branches of boxwood and tie them to the hanger using your twine. The branches should go about 3/4 of the way around the hanger.
3. Using your hot glue, put two dabs on each side of the flameless candle and attach to the bottom center of the wreath. Make sure the switch is facing out as to be easily accessible.

A Crafted Holiday {Handmade Christmas Cards}

How stuffed are you today? The day after Thanksgiving is one of those that I like to indulge just a big more and really enjoy all the leftovers. It's also a day where I like to begin all of my Christmas preparations. I can't believe it's that time of year again, but it's time to bust out the holiday decorations and transform my house. This year I have decided to pose a little challenge to myself, see how many gifts I can make instead of buy. I'm hoping I'll be able to create some much more personalized gifts that will mean a bit more to the recipient. I've also decided to carry this challenge over into my decorating. Instead of buying my decorations this year, I want to see how many I can make on my own, and I plan on sharing every step of it right here with you.

To begin the crafted holiday, I opted to make our Christmas cards this year instead of using a pre-made format found online. Seeing as Rob is not the one for pictures, this was the perfect option for us, I got to craft and he didn't have to dress for a picture. I can't wait to send them out and see everybody's reaction. Here's how I made them...

:: Supplies ::
Kraft Paper Cards
Single Hole Punch
Baker's Twine
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Hot Glue
Rhinestones

:: Directions ::
1. Begin by taking your single hole punch and punching a half hole in the top center of the card.
2. Punch seven half holes along the bottom edge of the card centering the top hole in the line.
3. Take a small piece of double sided tape and place it on the back side of the top half hole on the inside of the card.
4. Using your baker's twine, begin at the top of the card and wrap the twine through each of the bottom seven holes securing the end of the twine on the tape on the inside of the card.
5. Place a dab of hot glue on the back of the rhinestone and place at the top of the tree on the front of the card.
6. Write your message on the inside, sign, and send.

Hope you all have a great weekend!