04 December 2006

MOD Monday

Let your creative juices flow!

I have found that creativity just cannot be stifled, no matter how busy you get! I've hardly had the time to make things that I normally would around the holidays, but I managed to come up with a few cheap and very simple ideas to share with you all.

I caved and bought artificial trees this year (I've always been a fresh tree gal). I found 3 tall, skinny alpines that I really like. But the base is just an ugly black metal platform, which needed to be covered up. I wasn't sure if you could buy tree skirts that small. Plus I needed 3, which = $$$. So, I went to WalMart and bought some cheap felt, cut out my circles and sewed on a few buttons and ribbon ties, and voila! Each tree has a different pattern (I still need to whipstitch the edges of the other 2), and the grand total for all my supplies was about $10.

A few Christmases ago I went to a kitschy home decor store with my MIL. They these moss covered balls everywhere that were just gorgeous! - in Christmas trees, window sills, suspended from the ceiling. They were super easy to make... you can embellish them however you like, but I used copper wire, upholstery pins and organza.







I've yet to find stocking hangers I like... you know the ones, they hang over the front of your mantle. Well, they're all a bit trendy looking for me. I'm not saying this is a Vogue worthy idea, but it's a super cheap alternative: I just used mug hooks, on the underside of my mantle, and disguised each one with a pretty bow.

I think I've mentioned before how much I love wreaths. This year I made over some pretty plain ones I've had to give them a bit of a punch. Took me about 5 minutes to get inspired in the dried flowers aisle at the craft store, and only a little longer than that to make! Blogger won't let me post pictures of them right now... I'll have to try again later!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOVE the tree skirt. LOVE!!!

someone else said...

Those are wonderful ideas!! I especially like the tree skirts -- very clever of you.

Anonymous said...

Love them all-but especially the tree skirt! Nice work.

Nettie said...

You are so creative! I can't find stocking hangers I like, either. Unfortunately my mantel is stone, or I'd be definitely copying your idea!

Gina said...

That is a great idea for those alpines... we are just the opposite... I had those trees with the metal frame in previous years and this year I got a real alpine! There is something about a real tree. Never had one growing up or ever until this year!

Love your other ideas too! You are really something with your creativity!