Christmas Merriment & Cheer

If your household is anything like ours, you have already watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, White Christmas with a little bit of Christmas Vacation & it is only the second week into the holiday season! Christmas is the most wonderful time of year (as you all know) & for me, there is nothing like decorating the tree and spreading the cheer (decoratively speaking) throughout the house.

This year I was inspired by the days of Christmas & decided to make paper garland for the tree instead of using ribbon like I have done in recent years...

With some scrapbook paper, twine, modge podge & glue dots, you can make paper garland for anywhere in your home. The best part is that there is basically scrapbook paper to go with any color scheme and it is very inexpensive.

 

 

In all of my holiday decor browsing on Pinterest, I was also inspired to use some galvenized buckets we had around the house as gift holders under the tree.

 

 

We always use an angel as a tree topper & my husband will not allow a tree in our house that does not have at least 3 decorative birds on it. The key is to decorate with things that spark the holiday cheer for you & your family. Whether that means using ornaments that have been handed down through the years or making new ornaments with loved ones... or maybe a specific color scheme brings out the Christmas spirit in your home.  



 

Happy decorating & have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

 

 

~Heather

DIY Weekend Updates

These DIY projects can be completed over the weekend and are sure to show a pop of your personality...and, any change in the season (yay- it's finally Fall) is the perfect opportunity to switch things up.

SEASONAL WREATH

All of the supplies used for this wreath were purchased at a local craft store (in my case, Hobby Lobby) and the total cost came out to less than $20 dollars, including the vine wreath. Before I purchased anything, I browsed through tons of "pins" & images for inspiration and to decide on the overall look I wanted to achieve.

Some things you may want to consider when buying/coordinating your supplies:

• What color(s) combination makes you feel in the spirit of the season
• What shape wreath do you prefer; round, square or oval
• What color is your front door
• What textures & materials do you want to use

Now just plug in your glue gun & go to work!

 

CHALKBOARD PANTRY DOOR

Take a simple pantry door or cabinet & turn it into a chalkboard. It can be used to write out your weekly dinner menu (which can be very helpful for large families), or to bring in some extra decor & color into your kitchen. Even your little ones can draw & play with easy clean up- just wipe down the chalkboard area and viola it's ready for reuse.

Some of the supplies you will need include: chalkboard paint, painters tape, paint tray/roller & a step stool. You can even go a step further and frame in the chalkboard area with trim- if so, you will also need trim, spray paint & wood glue. We used 3/4" border trim, spray painted it green & cut 45 degree angles with a miter box kit to create the framing.

May I also add it can be very useful to have a handy husband or family member who can help! 


Steps & Instructions:

• Wipe down surface with a damp cloth & allow to dry completely
• Tape off area to be painted with painters tape (use a level to ensure lines are straight)
• Pour chalkboard paint into tray & begin to roll onto surface area within your tape lines
• Allow to dry & apply 2 to 3 more coats (or as many as needed to create a dense finish)
• Remove painters tape after allowing to dry for 6-8 hours
• Measure & cut your trim at 45 degree angles
• Apply wood glue & adhere trim along the edges of your paint lines (tip: start with your longest pieces first)
• Use clamps or tape to hold trim in place until completely dry
• Fill in any spaces/gaps with transparent caulking
• Touch up any paint with a small paint brush
• Install your door handle hardware & begin to ENJOY!

 

~ Heather

Be a visionary...make yourself at home.

Hi there~

I'm starting the make yourself at home blog in hopes that each of you can see how fun, easy & rewarding it can be to put a personal stamp on your home's decor & design. Your home should be a reflection of you & your decorating options should not have to be limited to what's available at the major retail stores (even if you're on a budget).
 
A "visionary" is someone able to see things in a new or creative way. That's you! Be willing to re-purpose, re-vamp and re-do when it comes to your home's furnishings and decor- let your individual style guide you in your decorating choices just as you would when shopping for your own wardrobe.
 
It has been my experience that some of the DIY projects I have done in my own home are the things I receive the most compliments on from guests & I can't wait to share some of those projects with you all here on my blog. Speaking of guests, I must also mention that I love to entertain and host events at our place. There have been many a bridal & baby shower at my house and one coming up this Fall for our own little one (super excited)! Once I have found the inspiration for an event's decor, I make a lot of the items myself & I am excited to share those projects with you as well.
 
So stay tuned and get ready to make yourself at home.

~Heather