Christmas Ornament Wreath

This wreath was super easy and fun! I got some ornaments from the dollar store. I cut out an "O" from cardboard, and simply hot-glued the ornaments to the cardboard frame.  A little bit of ribbon finished the decoration.

Total cost $2.00

24 Days of Christmas Scripture Chain

 This is something I came up with after finding a cute Christmas chain on Pinterest. The author of the pinterest picture had put fun Christmas activities that you could pull off and enjoy during the holiday season. I thought it would be fun to up Christmas scriptures on the chain to pull of each day and read. It is a fun countdown, and a good way to remember the spirit of the season. 

It is super easy. Just print out the scriptures on Christmas paper, cut out links, and staple together. Tear off and read one scripture starting December 1st. (ps. if you want the document with the list of scriptures, e-mail me and I'll send it to you :) )

Ruffled Scarf

I had a pair of cotton lounge pants that I never wear, so I decided to make a scarf, and proceeded to cut them up.

The technique I used was similar to this blog's instructions. Basically what you do is use a zig-zag stitch to surge the ends, while stretching the fabric. That way when the stitch is complete, the fabric pulls back into a ruffled design. I did this to two strips (one, 3/4 inch wider than the other), plus some lighter colored fabric (which I ended up sewing onto either end of one of the strips) to add some depth.

I then layered the two pieces together, folded them in half on top of each other, and surged the center fold into a ruffle as well. I ended up sewing the two ends together to make a double looped tube scarf.

Look at my diagram for a better idea of the layout. It was fun, easy, and I only had to buy the thread. Now that is what I call a bargain :)

Muffin Tin Advent Calendar

I found this great idea on pinterest. Look at this cool blog for the details. It is actually made with a mini muffin tin. I had so much fun making it.

Put a treat or scripture behind the door

The two things I did differently were I used mod podge instead of spray adhesive, and I painted the muffin tin gold. What a cute and functional holiday decoration :)

Candybar Coupons

These are fun gifts to give someone especially when you are looking to save money. Here are the directions.

Supplies:
candy bars (Hershey's work the best)
Craft/scrapbook paper
Printed sheets of coupon ideas (ex: breakfast in bed, movie night, etc)

Wrap each of the candy bars in paper (the size will vary depending on the candy bar), securing with non-toxic glue.
Cut out the coupon labels in a fun pattern, and paste onto the front of the paper covered candy bar.
Give away!

Geometric Pomanders

Pomanders are foam balls soaked in water, then covered in flowers. A less expensive, but equally beautiful option is this geometric paper pomander. It is quite easy  and looks great. Here are the steps...

MATERIALS
Craft or scrapbook paper
Drinking glass with a 2” diameter (for a smaller ball trace a 1” diameter circle)
Plain cardboard/cardstock (for template)
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil with eraser
Glue stick
Hole punch (optional)
Ribbon or thread (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place your drinking glass onto the piece of plain flat cardboard/cardstock. Using the pencil to trace around the base of the glass to create a circle. Use your scissors to cut out the circle.
2. Repeat the first step, but after tracing the circle use your ruler to draw an equilateral triangle in the center (so each point touches part of the circle). Cut only the triangle out, using scissors.
3. Using your circle template, trace lightly around your favorite portions of the scrapbook paper and cut out. Look for complementary colors and patterns or mix and match for a more vibrant look. Erase any pencil marks that may be visible. You’ll want to do 20 circles for each ball.
4. Once you have your circles cut out, place the triangle template face-up in the center of the circle. Carefully, fold the edges of the circle that peek out up around the triangle, making tight creases. Do this with each of your paper circles. You’ll have 3 folded up areas on each circle.
5. Once you have all your circles creased and ready to go, you can start gluing it all together. Start with 2 pieces and use your glue stick to glue two folded edges together with the top points of the triangles pointing up, pressing lightly to adhere. You’ll keep repeating this process to form the top and bottom of the ball.
6. Think of it as a group of 5 paper circles on each end with all triangles facing up and 10 paper circles running through the center with triangles alternating up and down. The center should form a band instead of a circle.

Crafts