Year round chargers

I don't know about you but sometimes, I just have to CRAFT! 

I picked up these bright, plastic chargers at Old Time Pottery for $1 each.  They would be a perfect base for some crafting.  First, I wadded and then flattened some white tissue paper.   I used Mod Podge to apply it over the gold.

 After that dried, I glazed with some dark brown acrylic.

 Then came the fun of decorating each one uniquely.  I LOVE these papers by Jim Holtz...very vintage-y.

 I used the cricut to add our monogram.  Then I followed up with a couple of coats of polycrylic.

These turned out pretty good and they are much more interesting than our placemats were.  They were not a big investment and I had so much fun making them.  Only problem is that now my dishes don't quite measure up.  This will likely increase the total cost of the project.  (chuckle)  We also discovered a side bonus...they hold paper plates nicely when we are being bums in front of the TV. 

I am looking forward to more sewing and creating and decorating and entertaining in the new year. 

How about you?   Blessings to you and yours.

"Merry Christmas"

Instead of a wreath on my front door (which my husband tangles with every time he comes in the house) I decoupaged some old Christmas cards around a beautiful picture.  I used the insides of the cards with personal signatures and messages.  This is a lovely way to remember some who are no longer with us.  A cricut made the letters easy.  

From my front door to yours, I wish you the most blessed Christmas season!  Take a moment to reflect on the most wonderful meaning of the season.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believed in him would not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16
Blessings to you and yours!

A simpler Christmas!

 I am keeping it much simpler this year than I have in the past.  No Elf craziness like last year!  Be sure to check it out.

 I added a burlap garland to our tree this year.  I cut strips of burlap, frayed the edges and stamped the words to our favorite Christmas tunes all along the strips.  I used white acrylic paint and large foam stamps.  Usually, I have many strands of the red wood beads and this year I doubled them and draped them.

On my china cabinet, I put the middle size tall, skinny tree with white lights and vintage ornaments in front of a mirror.  My favorite shiny brights and santas are all grouped in this vignette.
I am going to hold my breath a few more days to add some fresh cedar and pine boughs.  And I'll kick in the cookie baking in a few days.  How are you treasuring the season?
Blessings.

What you missed at our craft booth

 For the first time, I decided to have a craft booth at a couple of my favorite shows of the season.  I was able to sweet talk my mom into helping.  She made these awesome hand painted signs and was a wonderful buddy/encourager for the days.

 As you can see, we had a wide variety of "stuff" and actually did pretty well for beginners.

 This is my most recent collage, titled "His hand is on the sparrow".  I made a several cloche displays and they were well liked.

Our displays were mainly louvered closet doors in various applications.  Kinda shabby chic. 
We had a good experience with the whole thing.  Our products were well liked and Mama had several orders for custom signs.  We will definitely continue to do this stuff.
I have been checking in on my favorite blogs but, as you probably noticed, I have not posted.  Wow, all this actual "doing" of the crafts takes a lot of time!  Check back soon for some of my own Christmas decorations.
Blessings!