Seasonal & Holiday – Page 4

art, Christmas, DIY & Crafts, Seasonal & Holiday

Doing the dishes – Christmas style baby!

November 16, 2012 by Elaine No Comments

Okay, so this post does not involve any dishes. BUT it does involve tea towels. And one specific pretty one at that!

While browsing in Homesense a few weeks ago, my eyes found this 3-pack of tea towels for $6.99. I instantly fell in love with the grey one featuring the ornaments.

There is no way THAT tea towel deserves to see the inside of a sippy cup – especially boasting that sparkly silver pinstripe and glittery white ornament.

As I sat petting the tea towel in the store (#don’tjudgeme) I thought, “this is so beautiful it should be framed. It would look awesome on my black mantel for Christmas”.

I think you can see where this is going.

Ya I did! I framed a tea towel. Are you ready for this jelly?

Last year was the first year that I got to dress my ‘newly’ painted black mantel for Christmas. With the black being so graphic and bold it was fun to dress it up with a large scale print and glittery decorations – see last year’s mantel here. When I saw this tea towel I knew it could look stunning as this year’s feature. And where else can you find a “print” for $2.33 ($2.60 with tax if we’re being technical).

Here is a better shot of all the shimmer and glitter that this little tea towel holds.

That’s one fabulous tea towel. It’s so fabulous I bet Cee Lo Green would turn it into an outfit for the Voice – either that or make it his new pet.

It’s quite large (awesome) so to frame it I used a silver 20.5″ x 28.5″ Ribba frame from Ikea.

Okay, answer me this? Why do frame mats never come in white? They are always an ugly off-white. Argh. I have spray painted one in the past – and this one I painted too. Such a pet peeve. Consider this my official plea to frame mat makers everywhere – WHITE. Thank you.

I didn’t have any white spray paint so I just used what I had on hand – leftover from here. FYI – the spray paint worked better but this did the trick (if in a pinch).

With that done, I left it to dry and went to iron my tea towel. Once I had all the creases out I laid it flat on the table and placed my (now dry) mat over it to arrange the composition I liked. I preferred the ornaments to be off centre just for some visual interest.

Because it is hard to line something like this up from the back, and impossible to flip over while keeping it all in place, I came up with a little system where I lifted two of the corners and inserted a little roll of masking tape to ‘tack’ the mat in place.

Then I could easily flip it over and tape it on the back.

Then all that was left to do was pop it into the frame and admire it!

Here is shot of it resting against our coffee table (complete with Harold the Helicopter toy, blankie and tent for your enjoyment) so that you can see how large in size it is.

I’m really looking forward to doing my Christmas mantel now! Currently my fall mantel décor is still up so I can’t show you how this looks up there yet – but soon!

Look at that pretty sparkle and fabric texture!

I know that framing fabric is not a new concept but what I love about this tea towel is that it has the extra little pizzaz that rolls of fabric may not – and it’s not a repeating pattern as is so common with large loom rolls.

How about you? Ever framed a tea towel? Anything else out of the ordinary? Found yourself petting unlikely items in the middle of a store? Please tell me I’m not the only one…

Christmas crazy? Me too! See all my Christmas posts here.

Linking to:
Craftberry Bush
Serenity Now
Lil Mrs. Tori
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Christmas, DIY & Crafts, Seasonal & Holiday

What a Flake

November 14, 2012 by Elaine 3 Comments

Those who know me know I’m a little (if “little” means “a whole freakin lot”) obsessed with Christmas. I love it. Every year I do a Christmas Craft Night for my friends (see one here) which is basically me having a bunch of my best ladies over and instructing us all as we do a fun Christmas craft. I always try to hold it at the beginning of December so that my friends can have their craft up all month, and this year is no exception!

Now before I open the doors to my loving swarm of wine drinking craft elves I first need to come up with a craft and of course test it.

So that is what I did last week.

Yes! This year we are making etched glass snowflake wine glasses! Each of ma’ ladies will leave with a lovely set of four. I’ve tested two (to do some troubleshooting) and am happy with knowing we can pull them off in an evening of crafting (and still have time to fill those glasses up with some wine).

And the best part about using etching cream rather than a frosted ‘paint’ is that the etching cream is permanent – meaning you can put these babies in the dishwasher with no concern about washing off all your hard work. And of course enjoy these glasses for years to come!

They were quite simple to make and the result is so polished looking. If you’re interested in trying it yourself, here is what you’ll need:

wine glasses – I chose these ones from Ikea

Etching Cream (and paint brush) – I got mine from Michaels (craft store). This Martha Stewart one comes with a small paint brush, it is just is not shown here.

Snowflake stickers – Martha Stewart Crafts line from Michaels. Make sure the ‘insides’ of the snowflakes are not filled in (with sticker backing). You need a diecut type sticker. Think paper snowflakes from elementary school!

Adhesive vinyl (such as this kind) – I actually used a roll of adhesive shelf liner from the local dollar store

source

Circle paper punch – I used a 2″ circle one from my scrapbooking supplies (originally from Michaels)

Rubbing alcohol and cotton swab/make up remover cotton pad

gloves – the little tight fit ‘surgeon’ type ones are the best (vs rubber cleaning gloves) as they are much less bulky and easier to work with

And you will also need a butter knife.

To begin, ‘clean’ with a cotton swab/pad of rubbing alcohol, the area of the glass where you will be placing your etched design. This will ensure that any grime (such as oil from your fingers or dust) is removed. I thought I could skip this step but DON’T… as you will see later.

Next, cut a small square (4″ x 4″ approximately) out of your roll of adhesive vinyl.

Then, take your 2″ punch and punch a circle right in the middle of your vinyl square. This is creating your ‘mask’ that we will use to ensure your etching cream stays put!

Place your punched ‘mask’ on your glass wine tumbler. It is best to place it on a flat part of the glass (vs a part of the glass where it is sharply curved – such as where the bottom curves up into the top) as there will be much less opportunity for buckling here. It is very hard to lay adhesive on a curved surface without all sorts of puckers. You want your circle to remain a circle (i.e. not the way a circle may look after multiple glasses of vino!)

Adherere a snowflake sticker in the centre of your open circle.

This is the part where you want to use the bottom end of your butter knife! I did two trial glasses and in the first one I did not use a knife or rubbing alcohol and it did not turn out as well as I’d hoped. No-skippo-stepos ladies and gents.

Gently use the bottom (butt) end of your butter knife and press your sticker down by rubbing lightly over it ensuring it is stuck securely to the glass. Pay attention to the small little details of the snowflakes as those are the most likely to pop up.

Put on your gloves! Now the fun part – using a paintbrush, ‘paint’ a generous layer of the etching cream over your snowflake and circle opening. It is okay for it to go on to the vinyl as we will be peeling this off later.

In the image below you can see on this one where I did not use the rubbing alcohol or butter knife (#stepskipper) that the snowflake is lifting in certain spots (i.e the points of the ‘star’ centre). Blurgh. Oh well, that is why I test the craft!

Leave the cream on as per your etching cream directions – mine was 15 minutes – and when done, still with your gloves on, peel off the vinyl mask and rinse under warm water to remove the cream and sticker. Cleaning the glass with rubbing alcohol beforehand makes the snowflake stick on there really well so my attempts at picking it off with tweasers were futile and I just rubbed if off under a tap of running water when I removed the etching cream. Worked like a charm!

And you are left with these pretty little things…

Here is a close up (not that I am proud of my failure) of the snowflake that was lifting because I was being lazy…

Ah, pretty snowflake details lost. Still holds wine though ;). So use your rubbing alcohol and knife and consider this a public service announcement. You’re welcome.

Now drink up and craft on! Can’t wait for Christmas Craft Night this year!

Christmas crazy? Me too! See all my Christmas posts here.

Linking to:
Lil Mrs. Tori
Craftberry Bush
Serenity Now
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

art, DIY & Crafts, Seasonal & Holiday, Thanksgiving

GIVE the Hostess THE Mostest

October 7, 2012 by Elaine No Comments

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my fellow Canadians!

What are you doing this weekend?
a) enjoying your loved ones
b) giving thanks
c) salivating over a nice feast at a fancy table full of thanks
d) snoozing somewhere in a tryptophan induced coma or
e) all of the above.

Chef Kev and I are really lucky in that we have not one, but two dinners this long weekend. Yay! We are off to my parents one day, and his the other.

I wanted to bring a nice Thanksgiving flower arrangement to each dinner to show our ‘thanks’. And so I made some tonight. Here they are…

I’ve always wanted to try making one of those neat pumpkin arrangements I’ve been seeing around, so here was my chance! I’ve outlined the steps below if you’d like to make something similar.

First I simply picked up an assortment of grocery store blooms. I just chose what was economical and what I thought looked nice together. I was going for a ‘harvest’ type colour palette to play off the feel and colour of the pumpkins.

Once home, I grabbed two styrofoam cups from my stash to use as the ‘vessels’ to hold water. I was afraid that putting the flowers directly into the pumpkins (and filling them with water) would cause them to rot faster than the speed at which Chef Kev gets up for seconds of turkey. Fast.

As you can see, they are taller than the pumpkins. But don’t worry, I have a plan for that.

I traced the perimeter of the cup to mark the opening on my pumpkin.

Then I cut them open, hollowed and cleaned out my little gourds.

Placing the styrofoam cups inside, I rested my pen on the ‘lip’ of the pumpkin and rotated the cup to mark where I would be cutting it down to fit.

Then I simply cut the cup down to size with regular scissors.

Once trimmed, I placed them into the pumpkins. Don’t worry that they are not a ‘perfect’ fit to your opening, the extra space allows you to wiggle your fingers in to turn or remove the cup (for adjusting, filling with water etc.) So it’s actually a good thing (to quote Martha).

After filling both cups with water and flower preserve, I began assembling each arrangement.

First I started with the sunflowers as they were the largest bloom I had.

The bundle sold at the store came with three sunflowers so I already knew I’d be building two different arrangements (versus building little twin ones).

Next I started layering in the carnations. It’s probably obvious but you’ll be cutting your stalks down really short for this type of ‘low and lush’ arrangement.

Don’t worry about making it perfect, or even gaps like this…

Simply fill it in with some of your lighter textured blooms. I always like getting an array of textures when I pick flowers for arranging. Dense blooms are great for ‘bulk’ but finer, more textural or ‘looser’ blooms make great options for filling in gaps and adding some variety to your arrangements.

I like that that bloom has a much smaller ‘flower’ on it than the larger carnations and sunflowers.

Since one bouquet had two large sunflowers and the other only one, you’ll see that the arrangement below right was starting to lack some star power.

But BAM! Using my trick above I threw in an unexpected textural element to turn it up a notch (am I channelling Emeril here)?

See that little greeney yellow guy I added and how with just ONE bloom it can totally change the dynamic of the arrangement? Oh, and I placed it in that location and a bit higher than the rest to add some balance to the large sunflower.

Next I layered in the tiny roses I had bought and I was done. To save you from scrolling back up, here are the finished arrangements again…

These were fun AND economical. Each arrangement came in at around $15.

And a few more views of the finished pumpkins…

Oh, and don’t worry if your favourite ‘side’ or ‘view’ of the arrangement falls at a spot of the pumpkin where there is a blemish or scratch, simply wiggle your fingers in and turn the styrofoam cup so that the flowers’ ‘good side’ matches that of the pumpkin’s.

Gourds can be so vain.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

linking to:
Liz Marie Blog
Craftberry Bush
Serenity Now
i heart naptime

DIY & Crafts, Halloween, kids, Seasonal & Holiday

Haunted Halloween Advent Calendar

October 1, 2012 by Elaine No Comments

I wanted to do something fun and Halloween related for Chace as now that he’s three, he’s really starting to get in to the holidays. He keeps asking if it’s Halloween yet, and then when I reply ‘no’, he asks if it’s Christmas.

So when I saw this amazing FREE countdown haunted house over on ‘Kiki and Company’, I just HAD to make it for him. What better way of focusing his adorable excitement than with an advent calendar!?

Here is the completed one on our kitchen table – ready and waiting for excited toddler.

Now, you may have noticed that I had to water down the amazing typography that Kiki did. The designer in me hated to do it, but the mommy in me won out. Since Chace is only three and can’t yet read – and is learning all his numbers – I edited the file in Photoshop so that each window only had one number. That way when we are asking him to “find number 21 – look for a two and a one together” then it’s nice and simple for him.

After I did that, I uploaded it to a photolab that can print a 16 x 20 print and also picked up some foam core from the craft store.

When I had my print back, I used my exacto blade and ruler and (tedious alert) cut out all the windows and the door. It was worth it though :). I made sure to leave the left ‘side’ of each intact since that would become the ‘hinge’.

Then I flipped it over and used some white glue on the back. In hindsight, a glue stick or rubber cement would have been much better (it’s bubbling a bit due to the white glue) but I just used what I had on hand and didn’t worry about it being perfect. Chace will love it just the way mommy does it. He’s not picky!

Flipping it over, I glued it in place on the foam core. Since my foam core was larger than the print, I trimmed down the edges.

The version that Kiki and Company created has another sheet filled with fun Halloween related tasks to go behind each window (i.e. “make pumpkin sugar coookies and decorate them”) but in reality, Chace is too young for most of the tasks and/or they require major mommy involvement and planning – and I’d end up having to do most of the task for him. Perhaps when he’s a bit older…

So for now, most days will just have a little sticker inside. But when I saw these mini Halloween clothes pegs, I just had to work them in somehow!

So I grabbed three jewellery boxes from the craft store and realized if I used the top and bottom I’d end up with six little boxes that I could use as ‘cubbies’.

I picked six windows and then cut through the foam core to make an opening behind them. Again, I didn’t worry about being too precise here. It’s a bit finicky to cut through the foam core and the edges aren’t that clean, but don’t sweat it if you try this yourself.

Then I flipped the haunted house over and simply taped the six boxes to the back of the board with a single long piece of scotch tape.

Then I used a remnant of the foam core excess and cutting it on an angle, made an easel for the back. I attached this with scotch tape as well.

Here are some of the little happy Halloween stickers waiting for my little ghoul.

And of course, one of the six cute clothes pegs that are sure to delight.

Such a fun and easy little project that lights up Chace’s eyes. Now he knows when he gets to the ’31’ that it is finally Halloween time!

Still a ways to go kid.

What about you? Any fun toddler/kid projects going on over at your house? Do you have a holiday challenged boy like me? Easter? Halloween? Christmas? Anyone? Bueller… Bueller… Bueller…?

Or should I say Booller? {Groan}

Autumn, entryway, Home & Garden, Seasonal & Holiday

It’s beginning to look a lot like Autumn(mas)

September 28, 2012 by Elaine No Comments

If you were to walk in our front door right now, this is what you’d see.

But then you’d see my sitting at the dining room table in my pajamas (on my laptop) and quickly turn and leave (good choice).

So, to save you the awkwardness of walking out on me in my t-shirt and pajama bottoms I’ll break down the little autumn decorating party that Chace (my three year old) and I threw tonight (no hats, no games, no cake = lame party in the mind of a toddler). Woops. Better like next time Chacey.

The inspiraton was this awesome subway art (downloadable here from eighteen 25) that I simply framed (VERY simply) in a frame I had on hand. I say ‘very simply’ as you will see it doesn’t quite fit right but I kind of like that sliver of creamy matt. It plays off the gold text. I also like the fact that the frame is a bit beaten up – nice and rustic.

I actually used another one of Eighteen 25’s amazing subway art creations back on my Christmas mantel last year too. Love them!

Then I simply put out an assortment of Autumn coloured candles. You should smell it in here (too bad you left so quickly). It smells like Pumpkin Pie and Spice Latte had a baby and named it Harvest Apple. I could make a joke here about a kid named Apple but I did that last time. Awkward. What’s up with that?

To add some texture, I took some small frames I had on hand and thought, hey, I could make these into candle coasters!

So I trimmed up some scrapbook paper…

Removed the backs of the frames (so they would lay flat) and added the paper behind the glass. Allow my assistant to demonstrate…

When we were done, this is how the other one looked.

You may have noticed, but our front hall table is actually an old sewing machine that I got with my dad back at an auction 11 years ago (and restained here). At that same auction I also got an old crockery jug that worked nicely with the little vignette I was creating.

Looking back at the door you see my wreath and cool black bamboo. The black bamboo is a gift from Chef Kev’s co-worker Ellen (Thanks Ellen!) who thought of me while helping her daughter cut some down. So sweet!

My helper assisted in assembling the bamboo. Note the different pair of pajamas than seen in the picture above. We are potty training. Say no more.

I made the wreath a few years back by twisting together two long faux berry garlands that I bought at Michaels (craft store).

And a few pictures of it all lit and glowy. Since you ran out so quick and all…

So what about you? Done any completely free entry way makeovers lately? Started your Autumn decorating? Had a helper who burned through two pairs of PJ’s like it was nobody’s bidness? Do share!

Linking to:

Cherished Bliss

Autumn, Home & Garden, Living Room, Seasonal & Holiday

I keep on Fallin’….

September 11, 2012 by Elaine No Comments

If you see a 5’3″ girl out there with brown curly hair and a goofy perma-grin it’s probably me. Why am I smiling? Because it is almost FALL! I love Autumn. My absolute favourite season of the year. As a westcoastie rain lover who is allergic to the sun (seriously – I get a major rash) I am so over summer by about June 22.

But alas – September is here! Yay! And with that, cooler weather, raindrops and time to decorate my mantel for FALL!

Pulling back a bit…

After painting the mantel black last summer, decorating for Fall has had a fun new spin on it. I did a slightly more rustic look last year so wanted something fresh and crisp this time ’round.

First I pulled out anything I thought may work and lined ‘er up on the couch.

Then I began by hanging the wreath that I made last year. I’ve never been a fan of the ‘traditional’ fake leaf and poppuri type fall wreaths so decided to make my own simpler version.

Then I focussed on the two ‘anchors’ – the white tree trunk vases which I filled with some funky things that looked like pussy willows on steroids who had gotten their hair dyed. I found them for $6 at Pier One! Score.

To make the steroid willows stand up straight (versus splaying out and flopping to the vase edges) I did a simple scotch tape grid – like I did here and here.

Then I layered in the other elements…

My large orange glass pumpkin (which has an opening in back for a candle)…

A green pumpkin to tie in/pull the green colour out of the wreath…

I also added in some adorable owl tealight candle holders and a ceramic white pear and apple which match the tree trunk vases.

Joining the glowing oil is a wire mesh black pear… Is anyone else getting hungry with all this talk of fruit?

In front of the black pear is a sparkly gold pear that my parents brought me back from a trip once. He is joined by his identical twin brother pear and rounder younger sister – sparkly apple. (No relation to Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s daughter Apple).

I had a hand in doing all this ‘work’. It came in the form of a 3.5 year old bundle of cuteness. And to prove it, here is a little time lapse video of the event – complete with 3.5 year old bundle of cuteness photobombs.

How about you? Decorated for Fall yet? Love it? Hate it? In the fetal position breaking only to pray to the Sun Gods? Do tell. I’ll be digging my rain boots out of storage and humming a happy tune.

linking to:

Craftberry Bush

Liz Marie

Serenity Now
The Life of Faith

i heart naptime

Lil’ Mrs. Tori
Cherished Bliss
Centsational Girl