Valentines will soon be here which is why I couldn’t wait to share this fun Valentine memo chalkboard. I love celebrating holidays any way I can by decorating or making things. The best part about Valentine’s though is letting others know how much we love and care about them whether that is our spouse, parents, siblings, best friends, children, etc. This heart shaped chalkboard is an adorable way to surprise those same people with a sweet note.
I love leaving little notes and surprises for my husband throughout the year, but I find it is even more fun at Valentines with all the funny sayings and Valentine cards. Now I can leave his notes on this chalkboard and change them however often I would like. Plus I am loving anything chalkboard lately.
Let’s get started so you can leave your sweeties a message too.
First paint your wooden heart according to the instructions on the bottle. My particular brand says to paint horizontally and let dry. Then paint vertically and let dry.
You will need to season the chalkboard by just rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire surface.
Then you can wipe it clean. This helps when you go to write something on it.
Measure your ribbon according to where you are planning to hang it and how long it will need to be. *You could also stand it up on a wire stand used for pictures, books, etc.
Attach a ribbon to the wooden heart on the back by using a hot glue gun. I just put a dot of glue on each side and then placed the ribbon on each side in the glue.
I wanted my memo chalkboard to say, “I love you because…” so I went ahead and hand lettered it, but you could use the same technique that you can find here that I used before with my upcycled weekly chalkboard using a specific font. I thought about hand lettering, but if you are wanting a specific font then the technique I used before works best. It will look as though you hand lettered it gorgeously even though you didn’t.
I recommend using a chalk marker to write your phrase or love notes. Regular chalk will work, but the chalk marker shows up better and more vibrant. It is also easy to remove with just a wet paper towel.
Now you are ready to hang your Valentine chalkboard and surprise your love bug with a sweet note!
I am loving that ribbon that also reads “I love you.” It is perfect to match.
Your kids would also love having one to see a sweet note from you when they arrive home from school.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the little things in life like a sweet and random note.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
I am so excited to be joining the Motivational Monday Link Party as a co-host. These are some amazing women and bloggers making it my pleasure to just be a part.
To kick of a new year, I shared last week how I use my planner to stay organized with washi tape and to help me achieve my goals for the year. It can be so easy to get off track from what we say we want to do at the beginning of the year or even each week, but using a planner in the right way will help you succeed. I know it has for me.
Now let’s have some fun and get to the party!!
You will not want to miss out on what these other wonderful women have been up to. Be sure to check out their blogs and follow along with them as well.
Ready to share what has been motivating you this past week? Link up a recent post of yours, something that motivates you to create or just be awesome! Our goal is for this link up to focus on craft, DIY, & home posts so please try to remember that when linking up.
Limit it to three links per week and remember to link directly to your post, not your blog.
Do not link stores, giveaways, or other link parties.
Be sure to hop around some of the other posts that have been linked up to share the love and get motivated by what others have been up to…because of course, this is Motivational Monday after all.
Each week, your hosts will choose a few posts to feature from the previous week. If you want a chance at being featured, you must follow all of the hosts. By linking up, you agree to let each host share your photo and link back to your site. Link party goes live Sunday 6pm PST and ends Thursday at 5pm PST.
Feel free to grab a Motivational Monday button in the sidebar to put on your own blog if you want to help spread the love!
Every year after Christmas, I hate to throw away all the cards that people have mailed us, but I can’t save everything. I just don’t know what to do with them. Well now I do thanks to Average but Inspired by upcycling those cards into winter bunting.
To keep with the new year and staying organized, Little House of Four has created a beautiful wood arrow jewelry organizer. There is nothing worse than getting ready in the morning only to find that the one necklace to make your outfit complete is tangled in a mess and you are already running late. Well now you don’t have to.
Don’t forget to grab this button if you’ve been featured. Copy the HTML in the box below to display the button.
Now it’s your turn to join in on the fun and link up your recent craft, DIY, or home posts. If you are enjoying it as much as we are, then feel free to also share this party on your social media. We sure do appreciate it.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Motivational-Monday-Link-Party-Party-Featured-Image.jpg200600Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2015-01-11 21:00:092015-06-22 23:20:12Motivational Monday Link Party 1.11.15
This is your year to not only dream up goals, but I want to show you how to use your planner to assist in achieving your goals. My planner has become my best friend and cheerleader with helping me achieve my goals. Instead of thinking of New Year’s resolutions, I like to think of goals I have for a new year with a fresh start.
In order to achieve those goals and be conscious of remembering them throughout the year, I MUST write them down! Our lives are busy enough without trying to remember what our goals were at the beginning of the year.
Writing your goals down also makes you more accountable and responsible to work toward them. I can’t even tell you how many times I have said, “I will start doing _____________ Monday” and then Monday comes and I never start it. When I make a point to make a list and write the goals down, then I am reminded and not as likely to just blow it off.
It’s important to write our goals down, but it doesn’t just stop there. If you are setting some pretty big goals like running a marathon, then it would only make sense to write down steps to help you achieve that goal such as a training plan and meal plan.
The perfect way for me to stay on track with achieving my goals and not become frustrated is to USE THAT PLANNER. I shared earlier this week how I keep my life organized using my planner and washi tape.
Part of that planner, is writing down not only my goals, but things I need to do to achieve those goals.
In the back of my planner, I have my goals written down on a piece of scrapbook paper and taped down with washi tape. Gotta love the extra fun that washi tape brings.
Underneath that piece of scrapbook paper, I write down ways to accomplish my goals as a plan.
Tackle your goals week by week. As a part of my weekly calendar, there is a notes section where I write down those things that I need to do to keep my goals. The weekly part is just a way that breaks it down and helps you overtime to stay focused. Then every day I am reminded what I need to do. I will also make daily list to keep with me that are handy little reminders.
Don’t beat yourself up though if you don’t get everything done that week. The great thing about planning weekly is that you can get back on track the next week and make up for it. Just try not to keep a habit of that.
It is a great feeling to be able to check things off your to-do list. It will feel even better as the year progresses and even at the very end of the year, and you have stuck with it to achieve your goals and accomplish great things!
Now I would love to share my goals with all of you and plans I have set in place in order to do so. Hopefully this will help you have a better idea of how I plan. Some of these are more short term that I can accomplish in a month or so and others are long-term to work toward the entire year.
I have color coded them to show how they coordinate with each other according to the key that I keep at the back of my planner.
Goal: Make Bible study a priority and quiet time with the Lord.
Plan: Begin a new devotional.
Goal: Begin Bible journaling.
Plan: Spend time during Bible study/devotionals to journal.
Goal: Read one book every month or at least 12 books this year.
Plan: Spend at least 20 minutes 3-4 times a week reading.
Goal: Develop a healthier lifestyle.
Plan: Use meal planning.
Exercise at least 4 times per week.
Goal: Learn calligraphy.
Plan: Spend time each week or every other week practicing.
Goal: Become more proficient with Cricut.
Plan: Create a new project or use new material monthly.
Goal: Practice with sewing machine more.
Plan: Find blogs and online tutorials.
Goal: Utilize blogging notebook.
Plan: Keep updated regularly or monthly.
Goal: Learn and make printables for blog.
Plan: Find blogs and online tutorials.
For this week I planned the following to work toward my goals. As you will see, I am not necessarily working on every single goal every week. I usually plan for what I think that week will allow based on my schedule.
*Check on journaling Bible at Christian bookstore and online.
*Start 1000 Gifts Devotional.
*Workout 4 days.
*Read for 20 minutes for at least 3 days.
*Read with Mark at least 3 days.
*Make meal plan for next week.
*Make pinterest board for calligraphy tutorials.
I hope you will find that writing your goals down and having a plan to use in your planner will help you as much as it does me. Good luck with your goals this year too! It is never too late to set some goals that you would like to accomplish this year. If you haven’t already then jump in now. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and enjoy the little things in life too.
Comment below and share with me what your goals are too. I would love to hear so we can encourage each other.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/How-to-Use-Your-Planner-to-Assist-in-Acheiving-Your-Goals-6.jpg200600Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2015-01-08 06:30:432015-06-22 23:20:51How to Use Your Planner to Assist in Achieving Your Goals
Part of staying more organized for me with a new year starting is using a planner which is why I want to share with y’all how to use a planner with washi tape. Washi tape comes in so many different textures, styles, and colors which is great for adding an extra pop of color to decorate your planner pages with. I still do this but have found that washi tape can also be used to keep me organized better this year.
First of all the planner that I am using is a simple one that I found in Marshalls. I loved the gold polka dots and gold writing inside.
While I was shopping I also found this gorgeous Jonathan Adler case with a journal inside. I took out the journal and the planner fit inside perfectly.
Seriously that clasp on the case is just that little extra cuteness that sold me completely.
When I am looking at a planner I want something that has not only a monthly calendar but also weekly. For me there just isn’t enough room on the monthly days to write in extra notes. This planner also came with an address book in the back and a notes section. I am not sure how much I will use the address book, but it doesn’t take up that much space in the back. I can always use it for more notes instead.
So now to the fun part of using washi tape in your planner. You can find washi tape at a numerous different places including craft stores, Target, Wal-Mart, and I have even found some at the dollar store before. You will need several different colors depending on how many categories you will have which I will explain later. Be careful in choosing a washi tape that doesn’t have a busy design where you can’t actually read your writing once you write on it. Washi tape also comes in different widths. Pick something that isn’t too thick and would take up to much room in each daily space on your calendar. I found the one below with five colors in a case that also cuts it for you at Michaels. With a coupon it was an even better value than actually buying them all separate.
You will also want some colorful washi tape with fun designs and patterns just to use to decorate any empty space to add a pop of color.
In the back of my planner, I have written down a key for my calendar in order to have a specific color of washi tape designated for each category in my life. I broke down my planner into Home/Family, Church, Appointments, Bills, Blog, and Work. I have washi tape for each category on the monthly calendar.
For the weekly calendar, I chose to just use a coordinating colored ink pen. I put more notes on my weekly calendar therefore I need more space than the washi tape with allow. Below are some ink pens from Recollections that I bought on clearance from Michaels. They have a thicker end and fine point end making it great for a planner depending on how thick you want the ink to be throughout your planner. The package on these pens says they are ideal for rubber stamping as well so you get that extra benefit. I still use an ultra-fine point Sharpie marker to write on top of the washi tape.
Now that we have all the supplies covered, let’s start with the monthly calendar.
You are going to use the key you developed for your washi tape depending on what event you have on a certain date. For example, on January 19 I have a holiday leave from work so I used the designated work washi tape. Tear or cut a small piece and place it on that date. I have found that the Sharpie works the best to write on top of the washi tape. The great thing about the washi tape too is that if something changes in your schedule, the washi tape can be easily removed and placed on a different day if needed without ripping the planner. We can plan ahead as best we can but sometimes things still just change which is why I love this method.
I also used some additional washi tape to decorate the extra space on the side of my monthly calendar. I don’t use the notes section on the side of the monthly calendar making it a great place for me to decorate. I place my notes on the weekly calendar.
Now we can move on to the weekly calendar. On each day of the week, I have plenty of space to write notes as I need to of things that I need to get done, appointments, bills that are due. I use the colored ink pens here keeping me organized with each area of my life.
I also tend to get so organized with it that I will usually designate a specific space on each day for each category. That is taking things to a whole other organizational level which is not necessary.
You will also notice that I have added extra washi tape on the sides and between each day really for just decoration and to add more color. If it gets too busy for you, then you can just keep it simple without all the extra.
Feel free though if you love journaling and scrapbooking like I do, to use scrapbook paper and stickers as well for more decoration.
On each week of my planner, there is also a notes section. I use it to keep track of goals that I have set for the year. This is a way for me to keep track of them and my progress every week towards those. I will be sharing more about that later this week in a separate post to show you how to use your planner to help you achieve your goals this year.
On the weekly planner, I also place a different color of washi tape to write down meal plan ideas or what we end up having for dinner. This helps me to keep track of what we have eaten and how many times we are eating out. Personally I have found that this helps me especially with budgeting and keeps me in check.
In the front of the planner, I keep a small notepad in case I need it for notes or reminders. I don’t always have my colored pens with me so I will write a note or reminder on the notepad and then transfer to my calendar with the coordinating colored pen later.
Getting organized at the beginning of a year is so important. I love having things written down every week to keep me in check. On Sunday I have started sitting down to look at the week ahead and plan everything. It also keeps me reminded of any bills that are due so I don’t get a late payment either. And if you are anything like me, I always love to make lists daily of what I want to accomplish.
Writing things down is the best way to make progress on your goals. Which I will be sharing more of later this week in part 2 of this planner and organizational series. I cannot wait to share with you my goals and encourage you to make your own for this great year ahead. Enjoy decorating your planner, and as always enjoy the little things in life.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/How-to-Organize-Your-Planner-with-Washi-Tape-2.jpg500800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2015-01-06 06:30:362016-03-23 07:44:06How to Organize Your Planner With Washi Tape
I cannot believe that 2015 is right upon us! This year has been a great year as I started this blog toward the beginning of the year. I have learned so much this year and am still learning new things every day to make this blog even better for all of you. You will definitely be able to tell that I am still learning from the pictures below. Wow! It’s always easier to look back and see where you can make improvement. I can’t help but giggle though at some of my first pictures.
I would like to share my top 10 posts with you on this New Year’s Eve as we anticipate a new year and all it will bring. It was fun to look back at the top posts that y’all enjoyed. I was surprised some at what made it to the top but also very appreciative for all the support from everyone. Enjoy!
All of the posts above are very different and unique in their own way. I hope you will enjoy them and share with me in the comments below anything that you would like to see in the New Year. Thanks again for a great first year of blogging! I look forward to many more!
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
I have been wanting to make my own marquee letters for quite some time but this really motivated me to do my own for Christmas and save the money I would have spent on the store bought for Christmas presents. There have been several different variations of them but this shadowbox style is different and also a great way to hide any wires that may try to show through.
My husband is such a sweetie and offered to take me to Target and go shopping after church Sunday because he knows how much I don’t go like I used to. It was such a special treat. We also got fraps from the Starbucks in Target (which I shared on my Instagram) after we had finished shopping.
I mostly just wanted to look at the new Christmas decorations and that got me in the mood for some Christmas crafting. Being as supportive as he is, he offered to help me with making these marquee letters. I am trying to get better with power tools but he definitely is a huge help.
The other great part about these letters is that you can definitely leave them up past Christmas and throughout the year. I love to have lights like these and lamps turned on at night while just relaxing. Using the shadow box to display them also makes it easier to hang them instead of having to sit them on the mantel. Now I don’t have to worry about taking the letters down early so I can rearrange my mantel.
Let’s get started making them because I know you will not regret it once you do.
Supplies:
Wooden letters- I chose to spell “JOY” but any holiday phrase or word would also be cute.
Black sharpie marker
Round bulb Christmas stringed lights
Bronze or metallic spray paint
Power drill
Drill bit
Table saw
White unframed dry erase board or thin piece of plywood- I actually bought a dry erase board at Home Depot that was not framed and cut it to the size I needed. You could also paint a wooden board white or whatever color you like.
1” x 4” Boards
Start by spray painting your wooden letters. I used a bronze spray paint because I wanted them to have a somewhat worn metal look.
Once they are dry, use a black sharpie marker or pencil to mark where you will want your lights to be placed.
Drill a hole through each spot where you made a mark with the sharpie.
*After drilling a hole, take the bulb apart from the base of the light and put it through the hole and then reattach it. You want to do this on one light now to make sure that your hole is going to be big enough to fit the base of the light.
*Also be sure to not drill the hole too large causing the light bulb to fall through as well.
Continue drilling until all the holes are drilled.
As I mentioned above, I used a white dry erase board I found at Home Depot that wasn’t framed. This saved me a step with having to paint. If you would rather use wood, then that is fine too and you could just paint it the color you would like.
I measured the white board to be about 34 inches and then cut it using a table saw.
Next place your wooden letters on the white board where you would like for them to be, and using the sharpie place a dot on the board through the holes that are already drilled in the letters. This will be a guide to know where to drill the holes for the lights once attaching the letters to the white board.
Now drill a hole through the white board where the black marks are. You could also check to be sure the light base will fit through the hole again before drilling all of them as we did before with the wooden letters.
Place each letter on top of the white board once all the holes are drilled and begin putting the lights through each hole. You will have to take the light bulb out of the base and reattach together once it’s through the hole.
For the frame, measure the sides and cut the wood boards accordingly at a 45 degree angle to form the corners.
I had my boards rip cut the width of the white board but did not cut the boards completely in half. It basically left a groove in the wood where I could sit the board within it making it easier to put it together at the end.
I painted my boards white once they were all cut. I had to paint two coats to completely cover them.
It is now time to start assembling the frame. I placed two boards together at the angle and then hammered them together with small nails. Do the same again until you have the two sides and bottom together.
Slide your white board into the groove made by the rip cut. Place the top board into place and then hammer it down.
I hammered picture hanging hooks on both sides of the frame and then hung it on the wall.
I love turning it on with the Christmas tree and seeing it all glow. I know you will too! Plus we get to enjoy it after Christmas. I always hate having to take our Christmas tree down but this JOY will make it a little easier this year knowing I still have it to enjoy.
Hope you will make your own too and enjoy the glowing lights this Christmas and throughout the year.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
One thing that I absolutely love to decorate with to just add a little something extra is garland and this pom pom garland is perfect for Christmas.
First of all it is easy to make and also very quick.
Second you can use it to decorate just about anywhere. Hang it on the mantel for something extra, over the top of a doorway, wrapped on the branches around your Christmas tree, etc.
Third this garland is so inexpensive to make. I bought some bakers twine in a large roll in the yarn section of Joann for much cheaper than buying a smaller amount in the papercrafting section. I have been using this same roll of bakers twine for all of my other Christmas crafts this year like the burlap jingle bell trees pictured above and still have a ton of it left.
The pom poms came from the dollar store in a bag with different sizes of red, green, and white. I have also used them for other projects with more leftover.
First you can decide on where you may want to hang your garland and then measure that space to have an idea of how long to make your garland. If you aren’t really sure you can just go ahead and make so much. If you do need more, you can easily just tie the two strands together and it should not be that noticeable.
Measure your bakers twine for the same length leaving a little extra to hang it and then cut it.
Thread a sewing needle with one end of the bakers twine and tie in a knot.
Insert the needle through the middle of a pom pom to thread it onto the bakers twine.
Continue threading your pom poms onto the bakers twine. You may have to stop in between threading them to move them along the twine and place them where you would like. Feel free to space them as far apart or as close together as you would like.
I also didn’t use any special pattern for my pom poms when threading them on. My pack as I mentioned before had different sizes and colors as well.
Once you are finished, you can trim the bakers twine from the needle. You should not have to tie a knot at the end to keep the pom poms from falling off but feel free if it makes you feel better.
Now all you need to do is hang your pom pom garland.
Another cute idea to use this garland is to make a pom pom ribbon out of it. I just shared gift wrapping ideas last week using kraft paper and craft supplies. This would be cute to wrap around a present for the ribbon instead of just an ordinary ribbon.
If you want to get the kids involved in this, have them help with moving the pom poms down the bakers twine as you thread them on to keep them safe from poking themselves with the needle. This will make them feel a part and also make it easier for you when threading them instead of having to stop every little bit.
Have fun this Christmas enjoying the craft projects and traditions.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
I love wrapping presents more than anybody else I know, but it has become so much more fun for me this year with these Christmas gift wrapping ideas using kraft paper. Who knew that just plain and blah kraft paper that is usually used for packing and shipping could be turned into something still simple but classic.
The possibilities really are endless when using kraft paper because you are starting with nothing. No design. Absolutely nothing. I love the brown though because you can dress it up for each person’s personality that is receiving the gift.
Color though is also a must! I was lucky to run up on this red and green kraft paper at Joann. It was on sale for $0.99 and then I had a coupon on top of that. You can’t beat that price. The brown kraft paper was at Wal-Mart for about $4.00 a roll and you get much more than the colored rolls.
Kraft paper is also very durable making it fun to decorate with paint. You don’t have to worry about the paint leaking through onto the actual present. Another great thing about the durability and thickness is that is makes the actual wrapping so much easier than some gift wrap brands. There is nothing worse than finding a gift wrap design you just love to then open it and start wrapping and it seems to be so thin. You end up being able to see the gift straight through it and even somehow the corners of the box end up breaking through the corners and showing.
Another great idea with the kraft paper is to get your children involved. If they are pretty young, then they may not be able to help with the actual wrapping part. But who wouldn’t love to receive a gift from them with their painted handprints stamped on the package? Especially their grandparents. They could also color and decorate them with stickers or washi tape as well.
Basically any craft supplies you can think of to use to decorate with.
I am going to show you 5 different packages I wrapped. There is a basic concept for each one. Then you can feel free to change it up and be creative however you like.
Scrabble game pieces for gift tag
For the game pieces, you could look around at Goodwill or thrift stores for an old scrabble game and use those pieces. I found these wooden letter pieces at Michaels which look very similar and were reasonably priced. Plus you can always use a coupon to make it an even better deal.
Wrap your present with a pretty Christmas ribbon first so you will know where to place the game pieces. Instead of spelling out the person’s whole name with the letter pieces, I decided to just use the first letter of each name.
Once you are happy with how the letter pieces are laid out, you can use a sharpie to write the remaining letters and then glue the wooden pieces in place with a hot glue gun.
Reindeer Printable Gift Tag from By Dawn Nicole
I found these reindeer gift tags this week and had a fit. I love the reindeer so much! I just thought it was too cute. By Dawn Nicole has so many printables that are cute and perfect for your Christmas presents.
I first tied red and white bakers twine around the present and then used red washi tape to tape the tag to the present.
I love how it turned out. Who doesn’t love washi tape?
She also has a larger printable with the same picture of the reindeer that I plan to print and frame too.
White polka dots with jute
If you are looking for something that is simple but yet still elegant, then this design is perfect for you.
First tie your jute in place so you know where to paint. I also added a gold beaded tag for an extra flair.
Dip a pencil eraser in craft paint, and then stamp it onto the package in whatever pattern or design you choose. I did a zig-zag pattern to outline the jute. A grouping of three stamps all over would also be cute.
Christmas Flag Miniature Banner
I absolutely love this idea. I think the miniature banners are adorable for cake toppers or even now to decorate your presents with. Using some bakers twine, pom poms, and washi tape, you have the perfect decoration.
Place the bakers twine across the package with some extra to wrap around on the back to tape it in place.
Before attaching the bakers twine to the package, wrap washi tape around the twine and stick it to itself to make a flag. I then cut a triangle out of the bottom of each flag just for a little something extra. Continue with the rest of the flags.
Attach the banner to the present by taping the ends to the back of the present and allowing the banner to drape across the front.
Glue pom poms between each flag with a hot glue gun onto the twine. This will also help the banner to stay in place.
This present will have the recipient thinking you spent so much time decorating when actually it was quick and easy but very cute.
Pom pom cluster with jute
I especially love this idea of grouping pom poms together when you have a smaller package. It doesn’t really need a big bow on it to overwhelm it but these are perfect.
I first tied the jute in place and then placed the pom poms how I wanted them. Then glue each one in place using a hot glue gun.
A very simple idea but unique in its own way.
I just love how all of these turned out. I can’t wait to finish wrapping more Christmas presents and using these ideas to do all sorts of designs. You could even use the same techniques throughout the whole year and just change the colors to coordinate with whatever the celebration is for.
Now let’s face it. Sometimes we have something that is just an odd shape or need to throw it in a gift bag instead of wrapping it. If you like these ideas and want to use a gift bag instead, it would still work perfectly. The great thing too is that you can find plain tan gift bags that are similar to the kraft paper or even plain red and green bags.
Enjoy your Christmas shopping and even more now your gift wrapping!
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
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https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Christmas-Gift-Wrapping-Ideas-Using-Kraft-Paper-Featured-Image.jpg200600Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2014-12-11 17:50:132015-11-06 11:39:08Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas Using Kraft Paper
I remember when I was a little girl and Christmas themed shirts and sweaters were so popular which is why this tacky and ugly Christmas tree sweater brings back so many memories for me.
Wearing a Christmas sweater was so popular back then. So with my Mom being the crafty person she is, she would make me, my sister, and herself beautiful shirts with glitter, paint, and any other craft item she could find. We had reindeers, Christmas trees, snowmen, and anything else you could think of.
Then there was a phase when Christmas sweaters were no longer popular to wear and had “went out of style.” Now I have noticed that retailers are selling ugly Christmas sweater kits for you to make your own again. I don’t know about bringing the style back, but for a fun ugly Christmas sweater themed party, bring it on.
It would be a blast to make one and wear it for a Christmas party just for fun. And if you really feel like getting in the tacky Christmas spirit, I am sure you or your Mom or Grandmother have some tacky Christmas jewelry that will go along with it perfectly.
I had some extra garland lying around and thought I would put it to good use which would be perfect on a tacky Christmas sweater. Let’s get started.
Supplies:
Sweatshirt or sweater- Use a sweater or sweatshirt that is old and you don’t mind “ruining” it with Christmas decorations. We aren’t talking anything to nice or expensive since you aren’t wearing it year round anyways.
First lay out the garland on the shirt until you are happy with the look for the tree. Hot glue the garland onto the shirt in the shape of a tree.
I decided to go ahead and add some extra garland to the bottom of the sleeves as well.
Then place your ornaments, jingle bells, bakers twine, etc. on the tree until you are happy with your design.
Go ahead and then hot glue them onto the garland.
*When choosing what to decorate your tree with, be cautious with anything that is too heavy that would be difficult to glue on or pull the sweater down.
Continue decorating with paint or any other craft items until you are happy with the look of your “ugly” Christmas sweater. I went ahead and also added different size pom poms around the neck and two larger red ones for the base of the tree.
If you are hosting a Christmas party or dinner this month, consider having an ugly Christmas sweater theme. Your guests can all wear their favorite ones with their tacky Christmas jewelry. This would be such a cute theme and would look so cute in pictures.
I even though about having everyone wear one on Christmas eve if your family gets together then. Maybe even for a family Christmas card this year that is a little more relaxed. The options are endless.
Enjoy your Christmas season and your adorable “ugly” Christmas sweater. Please share your pictures with me on Instagram of you wearing your own and be sure to tag me and use #uglychristmassweater.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
Today I am sad to be ending the 12 Days of Christmas Series, but I thought I would show you something fun that your kids can make to get them involved in the Christmas spirit with this Pom Pom Pinecone Christmas Tree Ornament.
It has been a joy to share a new Christmas idea, project, recipe, etc. with yall for the last 12 days. But I am not too sad because I know that there will be more fun Christmas posts this month to come since this is my favorite holiday and time of year after all.
One of my favorite parts of this ornament is the bakers twine that you use to hang the pinecone on the tree with. I found a new love for bakers twine when I made my Jingle Bell Burlap Trees that were part of this Christmas series. Many people use it for decorating packages or paper crafting, but it can be used in so many other fun and creative ways. Especially when you use the red and white bakers twine during Christmas that reminds me of candy cane.
Get your kids involved and spend some good quality time together making this fun ornament together. It is quick, easy, and mess free which is even better when you have kids involved.
What you will need:
Pinecone– These can be pretty affordable in the Christmas decor section of most stores, or you may even have some in your backyard that would be completely free.
Pom poms– I bought a pack of green, red, and white at the dollar store in varying sizes too.
Red and white bakers twine– Look in the yarn section for bakers twine instead of in the paper crafting section of the craft store. I found a large spool in the yarn section for about $2.99 and then used a coupon. If you buy in the paper craft section, you will only get a small amount for much more money.
First heat your hot glue gun and start gluing the pom poms on the edge of the pinecones being sure to place them randomly to resemble the ornaments on a Christmas tree.
*You will probably need to help the little ones with the hot glue gun though to keep them from burning themselves.
Measure and cut the bakers twine long enough to leave room to hang on the tree. Then tie it in a knot to form a loop.
Glue the bakers twine to the top of the pinecone to secure it in place to be able to hang it.
You can now hang your pinecone Christmas tree ornament on the tree and enjoy what your kids have made. It was always fun when I was a kid to unpack the Christmas ornaments each year and find the ones that me and my sister had made from all the past years. It brought back so many fun memories.
Enjoy the time of crafting this holiday season and all the memories you and your family will make.
While you are crafting, be sure to place some of my cranberry orange potpourri on the stove that I shared yesterday and let the smell of Christmas fill the air.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
