5 Days of Holiday DIY's: No Sew Sweater Stocking

It's Day 3 and we're halfway through my 5 Days of holiday DIY's!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />If you missed the first two posts, learn how to make Branchlers and grab some <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">free holiday printables here</a>, and find out how I made all of my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-easy-tree.html">tree ornaments here.</a><br /><br />Today's project is one that I wasn't even sure I could pull off. It was a bit of a last minute idea, after only finding two different store bought sweater stockings I liked and wanting a third... because three just seemed better than two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP4Z-kx6UtguE_noqMqTE_0-L8TJpcD6wHzjS5Kn6HUyy3YAisobSqUyMJWWxQ7pAhqEQsix3QnvKfdD_0p_QtBGwwGyitRY_jsqrGJlQagFXcfAUWix3OM94HmgiRT-Wa1CC78zBiD0A/s1600/IMG_5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP4Z-kx6UtguE_noqMqTE_0-L8TJpcD6wHzjS5Kn6HUyy3YAisobSqUyMJWWxQ7pAhqEQsix3QnvKfdD_0p_QtBGwwGyitRY_jsqrGJlQagFXcfAUWix3OM94HmgiRT-Wa1CC78zBiD0A/s1600/IMG_5716.jpg" /></a></div><br />Can you tell which one was DIY'd?<br /><br />If you guessed the one on the left, you win a free tutorial on how to make it! <br /><br />It all started with this $5 thrift store sweater vest...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsVoNzcqCkEEuySvdrhwt7MGk-Szg91CcALAtdoao1X2jZuVzUh0b3MzHekvOubdLd2Ev3xnC88pPRoS6c0gGr5RJVPrs4nsqhiVpTb02YAlzj6HcYZdLiZByH8eL1mPPHFMUFGZID8b2/s1600/IMG_4820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsVoNzcqCkEEuySvdrhwt7MGk-Szg91CcALAtdoao1X2jZuVzUh0b3MzHekvOubdLd2Ev3xnC88pPRoS6c0gGr5RJVPrs4nsqhiVpTb02YAlzj6HcYZdLiZByH8eL1mPPHFMUFGZID8b2/s1600/IMG_4820.jpg" /></a></div><br />Not the cheapest thrift store find admittedly, but the buttons were just perfect and it was basically an exact color match to the other two.<br /><br />Step 1: Trace and cut. I used one of the other stockings as a template and loosely traced it onto the back of my sweater in two different areas (I wanted this one to be a bit different so I made it longer and skinner). This is where I remind you that you're supposed to trace one backwards unless you want one side of your stocking fabric to be inside out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYdQkzADOIiQKraedg25zxLybx7_e6zVnggFTKiPOivvNlOwpxBM3JizEENkRBBTZHOGqMChLk3v3iYeDQ8AKFP6HuFvyjsPytaAIOnODnSKHQmlFu65tQWeRX9Xz-Xeu-4p_NmoMUuWb/s1600/IMG_4821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYdQkzADOIiQKraedg25zxLybx7_e6zVnggFTKiPOivvNlOwpxBM3JizEENkRBBTZHOGqMChLk3v3iYeDQ8AKFP6HuFvyjsPytaAIOnODnSKHQmlFu65tQWeRX9Xz-Xeu-4p_NmoMUuWb/s1600/IMG_4821.jpg" /></a></div><br />Whoops. Good thing you only see one side of it when it's hanging, right?  I was rushing through this project and didn't really think about it. <br /><br />Next, grab your stitch witchery. I've used this stuff plenty of times on other fabric and had no idea if it would work or not on sweater material (Spoiler alert: it did).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61btlcb7RbL._SY355_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61btlcb7RbL._SY355_.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After setting the iron on the highest setting, I lined up both sides of my stocking with the stitching tape along the edge in between, set a wet cloth on top and ironed them together (the tape uses heat and moisture to bond the fabric together).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33KJELaRIUOZsWDMt-fBUNSbe-chAS1kXQcJxF9DkK_UDxWQBff0KMt9gXxmPeFsFQhyphenhyphenASMLJb2-Lksu83q7anHN4ZERh3-g14DSgttsirg6KmzX8A0qgxY4kVfl-61nv-SP-zAheWY8g/s1600/IMG_4822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33KJELaRIUOZsWDMt-fBUNSbe-chAS1kXQcJxF9DkK_UDxWQBff0KMt9gXxmPeFsFQhyphenhyphenASMLJb2-Lksu83q7anHN4ZERh3-g14DSgttsirg6KmzX8A0qgxY4kVfl-61nv-SP-zAheWY8g/s1600/IMG_4822.jpg" /></a></div><br />I proceeded to do this all along the edge of the stocking, leaving the top open.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWObs6gSuZYmNLwOaUeu7S-NhqNEUckF0SPkqwRNBWhQrZuiZcRWYttIz3XJir237S710zU8v6IfmU12gzh5dCJbpKWACIIxDNP5V2Wnv_n9CXNmVHpQNI8dsHd8FdUDBPwgidVHKzjpxX/s1600/IMG_4823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWObs6gSuZYmNLwOaUeu7S-NhqNEUckF0SPkqwRNBWhQrZuiZcRWYttIz3XJir237S710zU8v6IfmU12gzh5dCJbpKWACIIxDNP5V2Wnv_n9CXNmVHpQNI8dsHd8FdUDBPwgidVHKzjpxX/s1600/IMG_4823.jpg" /></a></div><br />This part will be the inside so it doesn't have to look pretty! I think the key here, especially with this material, is to let it cool completely before handling it too much as the seam can easily come undone it you pull on the fabric while it's still bonding.<br /><br />I loved the buttons that came with my sweater and wanted to incorporate it onto the stocking, so I cut a strip of fabric where the button slits were to attach around the top of my stocking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETKO9P-iAe_aKqRhiaP7BzvpAmB6AjU6chpdUwEYHVo4_6_kWqYVUC1XyUDaHOO0y0bXq0cpWPS0bjho4fLUbokffh25FsynRO5KzdtKmgeiCFwkB3xUBKTCKpN1LO2xzBPjHaZHOWsYG/s1600/IMG_4824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETKO9P-iAe_aKqRhiaP7BzvpAmB6AjU6chpdUwEYHVo4_6_kWqYVUC1XyUDaHOO0y0bXq0cpWPS0bjho4fLUbokffh25FsynRO5KzdtKmgeiCFwkB3xUBKTCKpN1LO2xzBPjHaZHOWsYG/s1600/IMG_4824.jpg" /></a></div><br />With the stocking turned inside out, I carefully folded back the top edge and lined it up with the edge of my top piece. I had to fold it back so that you wouldn't see the seam once everything was turned inside out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6GQzRFfTkYltTmD9XR4DL6hiMn2jif4SVspMxalQsyc0Jaq3zbTRDUctdCBNUxg9JXEqsqv31sS2dIxQOFsSvUgrlx8FGwfxe-DbZLmhrWJorbFSsm84HiAGId6QdR4JTAT5aMe4znRi/s1600/IMG_4825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6GQzRFfTkYltTmD9XR4DL6hiMn2jif4SVspMxalQsyc0Jaq3zbTRDUctdCBNUxg9JXEqsqv31sS2dIxQOFsSvUgrlx8FGwfxe-DbZLmhrWJorbFSsm84HiAGId6QdR4JTAT5aMe4znRi/s1600/IMG_4825.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's a little tricky applying the stitching tape here, but it worked well enough. Here it is attached to the top:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnSRyRVAli3nLsxnKC1PuGnCmI_5eoIunJrTgsan0w6dyo7WRKJkkdpRn0B5XLl7rYUQ6iMrHA5Lb9EQDM-3DXKDIGCExPRpJ2k4jpuNNsgw60d7vzIwbS7-tGDEaKLRRSJCv8ul0tpun/s1600/IMG_4826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnSRyRVAli3nLsxnKC1PuGnCmI_5eoIunJrTgsan0w6dyo7WRKJkkdpRn0B5XLl7rYUQ6iMrHA5Lb9EQDM-3DXKDIGCExPRpJ2k4jpuNNsgw60d7vzIwbS7-tGDEaKLRRSJCv8ul0tpun/s1600/IMG_4826.jpg" /></a></div><br />At this point you're basically done! Here it is turned inside out:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZt6qRBEhYAgmzCtAZJoPtyHDZqyHb8qvTOd8c0kJm6VR0VwcLOousBbiZvrgs7JV0JzUTEiHYlejG-7tDPIuFbiUwNaS3xhO4C-p5gReewfUrFYcJ8_lvAnhhmhcAp5AlgL1tkxogEZz/s1600/IMG_4827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZt6qRBEhYAgmzCtAZJoPtyHDZqyHb8qvTOd8c0kJm6VR0VwcLOousBbiZvrgs7JV0JzUTEiHYlejG-7tDPIuFbiUwNaS3xhO4C-p5gReewfUrFYcJ8_lvAnhhmhcAp5AlgL1tkxogEZz/s1600/IMG_4827.jpg" /></a></div><br />The final step was to cut my strip off with the buttons. Then I simply buttoned it onto the stocking, folded down the top part and tucked the material inside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGqZ1vqo2e9PKMEXNd8BgzRSXMtS-7f7GOmGd4bm75_WdwxD37SavG0gi5dOi6usQxAZgMf6Jrmrk0i3qH0TabUR3BlIB2NTDokd6igSruX3kcSfbLvwgY_lchiACAC5FLY_nMuKju67s/s1600/IMG_4828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGqZ1vqo2e9PKMEXNd8BgzRSXMtS-7f7GOmGd4bm75_WdwxD37SavG0gi5dOi6usQxAZgMf6Jrmrk0i3qH0TabUR3BlIB2NTDokd6igSruX3kcSfbLvwgY_lchiACAC5FLY_nMuKju67s/s1600/IMG_4828.jpg" /></a></div><br />There was an open edge where the two ends met so to keep it together I threaded some twine between both ends and tied a bow (which also doubled as a hanger).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NBykHQLn_IStBF4hUqt-WBrMJVV1I1qzB5W7FHf3NsiAJTU3StNEjDnNOgej2GFiTE71X4XkemyhdBLsZMFg1ZgE62cdqM1tNLMCGSRCfAnExR2icKmjzcw3IWwfPbiaBWFmrX3mUExZ/s1600/IMG_4829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NBykHQLn_IStBF4hUqt-WBrMJVV1I1qzB5W7FHf3NsiAJTU3StNEjDnNOgej2GFiTE71X4XkemyhdBLsZMFg1ZgE62cdqM1tNLMCGSRCfAnExR2icKmjzcw3IWwfPbiaBWFmrX3mUExZ/s1600/IMG_4829.jpg" /></a></div><br />I might actually like it more than the store bought stockings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_Nzv5iZqZHP-JQ1LVCmTiu8jy_avMV3LER5bC8ygc6Yq8o2qhu4W3gv184gcKgznkmSKpqs4PU-vlz7Wt_xrA1lcFTWNW5FJ6bC_JCS8xz9YuCyiub8LfQ3dcuTWSlCjHw3V3XMtbLpL/s1600/IMG_4832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_Nzv5iZqZHP-JQ1LVCmTiu8jy_avMV3LER5bC8ygc6Yq8o2qhu4W3gv184gcKgznkmSKpqs4PU-vlz7Wt_xrA1lcFTWNW5FJ6bC_JCS8xz9YuCyiub8LfQ3dcuTWSlCjHw3V3XMtbLpL/s1600/IMG_4832.jpg" /></a></div><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j4f3ae8ORA8l7fiGAkP3S03SV554lZn7KDPwOPKLt7kGXPTaNuilnNOI6Xnny78yzVyNPpR9Hv0Yd2jdf3LbmKQT4XBwH8uVhtWVznu7kywOkx5LzNU0nWJ0G-0iFxFObeVNrZp0DCJY/s1600/IMG_5707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j4f3ae8ORA8l7fiGAkP3S03SV554lZn7KDPwOPKLt7kGXPTaNuilnNOI6Xnny78yzVyNPpR9Hv0Yd2jdf3LbmKQT4XBwH8uVhtWVznu7kywOkx5LzNU0nWJ0G-0iFxFObeVNrZp0DCJY/s1600/IMG_5707.jpg" /></a></div><br />Another $5 + one hour project checked off the list! Anyone else make their own stockings this year? I kept finding these great tutorials but they all required sewing machines. I hope one day I'll learn/have time to figure out this sewing thing... until then, stitch witchery forever!<br /><br /> Don't miss Day 4's project, coming tomorrow!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />

5 Days of Holiday DIY's: No Sew Sweater Stocking

It's Day 3 and we're halfway through my 5 Days of holiday DIY's! If you missed the first two posts, learn how to make Branchlers...

Read more »

5 Days of Holiday DIY's: Easy Tree Ornaments

Welcome to Day 2 of my 5 Days of Holiday DIY's, where I'm sharing my quick and easy Christmas projects for all those last minute DIY'ers!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />If you missed yesterday's post, make sure to check out my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/5-days-of-holiday-diys-branchlers-free.html">branchlers tutorial and free printable downloads.</a><br /><br />Today is all about the Christmas tree ornaments...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJxcDG__ZMjuCdgYgpy_6B2mJIL3ZroDr4SB8h2fo0OLrQ2eB3cJ-M80FiXW3Yyl9sgAabk8me1KwTh4zD9dt7OG7cIm9PTGpI6i1G6e1AGBYmYsLsSD0nqg7IgWdRG1gsPnZzJlByk0Q/s1600/IMG_5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJxcDG__ZMjuCdgYgpy_6B2mJIL3ZroDr4SB8h2fo0OLrQ2eB3cJ-M80FiXW3Yyl9sgAabk8me1KwTh4zD9dt7OG7cIm9PTGpI6i1G6e1AGBYmYsLsSD0nqg7IgWdRG1gsPnZzJlByk0Q/s1600/IMG_5744.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Like I've mentioned before, I was basically starting entirely from scratch this year so I needed to fill this tree up with decor that wouldn't be a budget breaker.<br /><br />For my base I started off with 20 yards of 6" jute burlap ribbon <a href="https://www.sunshinecrafts.com/p/BURLAP-6-X-5-YARDS-NATURAL-240GSM-FL-DP-2914-042">purchased here</a> for under $22 shipped. I'll definitely reuse it again so I think it was a pretty good deal!<br /><br />I also found this <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/271416769707?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT">pom fringe trim</a> for $1 yard on Ebay and bought 20 yards to drape around the tree. I love the touch of whimsy it adds.<br /><br />Then it was on to the ornaments. The first thing I knew I wanted from the beginning was big bows.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1eWQKdlLePLvuigQODotRWP981nn5PyKJTNGKgVrx98WpC2qvrqawxtUY4TvJYjI-kYkfxPuHXSQTsmXWLO-4fRZg_4cBdtAsFig6vKRfQLlE9AqYCsfXyAJUJCrwqrL7DdTZ_Wvz0hB/s1600/IMG_5870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1eWQKdlLePLvuigQODotRWP981nn5PyKJTNGKgVrx98WpC2qvrqawxtUY4TvJYjI-kYkfxPuHXSQTsmXWLO-4fRZg_4cBdtAsFig6vKRfQLlE9AqYCsfXyAJUJCrwqrL7DdTZ_Wvz0hB/s1600/IMG_5870.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This was super easy—I bought a few rolls of this ribbon on sale from Joann's, divided them into equal pieces and tied them into bows. They bring the perfect amount of red and they're my favorite part of the tree!<br /><br />Another thing I knew I had to have was pinecones. I have a ton of these lying around so I chose the smallest/lightweight of the bunch, cut some ribbon, made some bows, and glued everything together:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp51kwJH204uuajWLnNKDsaMt3d_zT6YO7Ha2dRh8IXJrcWrtb8IJBAhz6eWtiGAqsaxmwQ-PeKI-F9JXdymSn3u-uoKkp9M1qC0prI4uRBTq-Uz4ssYEUYc35MU2dsDdqog2vDkzkqHu4/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp51kwJH204uuajWLnNKDsaMt3d_zT6YO7Ha2dRh8IXJrcWrtb8IJBAhz6eWtiGAqsaxmwQ-PeKI-F9JXdymSn3u-uoKkp9M1qC0prI4uRBTq-Uz4ssYEUYc35MU2dsDdqog2vDkzkqHu4/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Pinecones and bows go together like pb&j, don't you think?<br /><br />Next it was time to bring a personal element in. Right before Thanksgiving I got the idea to have our guests write out things they were thankful for onto these hang tags (purchased at Joanns):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_5WRvM2X5RjJCev_aqw-H9VoYR5sLcqPb_rI_ZVHYoom6Kk046MsyLwerIpgrys8At-ftKmj1D0W2Sab-P8SeLF_PY_CXGvSCqSXuEdueU1SlwGpCPyNazkbS-PGU5J4kqZha3XU4wV/s1600/IMG_5608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_5WRvM2X5RjJCev_aqw-H9VoYR5sLcqPb_rI_ZVHYoom6Kk046MsyLwerIpgrys8At-ftKmj1D0W2Sab-P8SeLF_PY_CXGvSCqSXuEdueU1SlwGpCPyNazkbS-PGU5J4kqZha3XU4wV/s1600/IMG_5608.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I thought it would be neat if they had an aged look, so I dipped them in coffee, hot water and a bit of cinnamon to stain the paper:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy9BXrcZw-tjHBKzNwk7xpBebbfRc8C5iiXsSxrqpO27nEYPKHRpPcGB3a-QAmnqgffbovdH7DpMZGzGV5tbgYZwbaq9b1SzOlDew927NvdOY3Y8GBtJrTeg7gtCabIJdJxlm5p73mwe_/s1600/IMG_4810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy9BXrcZw-tjHBKzNwk7xpBebbfRc8C5iiXsSxrqpO27nEYPKHRpPcGB3a-QAmnqgffbovdH7DpMZGzGV5tbgYZwbaq9b1SzOlDew927NvdOY3Y8GBtJrTeg7gtCabIJdJxlm5p73mwe_/s1600/IMG_4810.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't make the water too hot or the paper will fall apart!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After preheating the oven to 200°, I removed the tags from the mixture so they weren't soaking wet...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZGRE65ZlEzLKF3XYbS2MBDvfgXBj-OVBuQf-f5SWaDDVfwkXthZkyQr_aWL3yGc2ooEVvpGSd4h7sF8BuXpk9zXB9GPphNIy78YIRtKoeHJBUc-x7G12aNuhyusp1Vo53T1ayeoJQ7NL/s1600/IMG_4811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZGRE65ZlEzLKF3XYbS2MBDvfgXBj-OVBuQf-f5SWaDDVfwkXthZkyQr_aWL3yGc2ooEVvpGSd4h7sF8BuXpk9zXB9GPphNIy78YIRtKoeHJBUc-x7G12aNuhyusp1Vo53T1ayeoJQ7NL/s1600/IMG_4811.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then spread them onto a cookie sheet and placed them into the oven:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE1w_Y45y2AsJWGEz_4iMLhoM2Emu6J1tyXALwa9ujUVucBOemrCyB1hQFiwKt_q956siogbEZPKR8juJZ5qgCBNg2OyZvPCra05AyNGXHAkqTDTfKNaheDpEm6Xx_I4mndcuWPi9Axzs/s1600/IMG_4812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE1w_Y45y2AsJWGEz_4iMLhoM2Emu6J1tyXALwa9ujUVucBOemrCyB1hQFiwKt_q956siogbEZPKR8juJZ5qgCBNg2OyZvPCra05AyNGXHAkqTDTfKNaheDpEm6Xx_I4mndcuWPi9Axzs/s1600/IMG_4812.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I babysat them for a while, checking often and removed them once they were dry (maybe 20-30 minutes?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wssMorRpMuU4zBRV-YktrTOFEju9dSyGv6GedCVFEnIm-jxsN3tUqnJSiOw1C0GI3BOsuQU4aaAnfW0iqTXP8RKdbBVb8tQAx1z0IqkaFi28SjGeGwdJR2K7RhHsLwbEkp_8UTbvgE8U/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wssMorRpMuU4zBRV-YktrTOFEju9dSyGv6GedCVFEnIm-jxsN3tUqnJSiOw1C0GI3BOsuQU4aaAnfW0iqTXP8RKdbBVb8tQAx1z0IqkaFi28SjGeGwdJR2K7RhHsLwbEkp_8UTbvgE8U/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We used a variety of different pens and some of the ink bled in the drying process—I think the best results were had with the fine tip permanent markers.<br /><br />To hang I simply used some wire ornament hangers from the dollar store.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bfW3jS4kUGfr7eSVF7UlAmOmI86HifoncDBNyYthW0YydEiLZ697aWEBaHFRuUuSZo-ObyX2PrtHLFbMWXKuIJS33lADTKAIfutMDLHrsbNwZZsgvhWYaN0Sc43qfzvt5IqrKokxV2Ob/s1600/IMG_5867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bfW3jS4kUGfr7eSVF7UlAmOmI86HifoncDBNyYthW0YydEiLZ697aWEBaHFRuUuSZo-ObyX2PrtHLFbMWXKuIJS33lADTKAIfutMDLHrsbNwZZsgvhWYaN0Sc43qfzvt5IqrKokxV2Ob/s1600/IMG_5867.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />For the final touches, I enlisted some inexpensive store bought ornaments to help fill in the gaps. During a trip to Ikea last month I picked up this set of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90283764/">56 ornaments</a> for just $10—what a steal!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/vintermys-piece-decoration-set__0287291_PE423601_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/vintermys-piece-decoration-set__0287291_PE423601_S4.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, I was going with a more neutral/rustic theme this year so decided not to use silver. Easy fix—I simply strung all the ornaments between a couple trees outside and spray painted them white. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-1-ZEDpmUOrdenFTb-yrcLKmWBkwjJ9JTNWP69CeHqzeXoLePPYipi4s2tr1OkTZF_tZThbCva9Puip3zqWdiv-G-o44tqx60y3ZBpfEEofU_naLp6DhNblYoDaf6UcChpEGRa0jqFqB/s1600/IMG_5869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-1-ZEDpmUOrdenFTb-yrcLKmWBkwjJ9JTNWP69CeHqzeXoLePPYipi4s2tr1OkTZF_tZThbCva9Puip3zqWdiv-G-o44tqx60y3ZBpfEEofU_naLp6DhNblYoDaf6UcChpEGRa0jqFqB/s1600/IMG_5869.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also found a handful of white pom pom ornaments I had made <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-diy-christmas-mantle.html">a couple years ago</a> so I threw those up as well.</div><br />The Ikea ornament set came with a tree topper, but I decided to make it a little more cozy and warm with yarn I found on sale at Joann's (can you tell Joann's is the only craft store within 50 miles of this town?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzy3aZ01MpUGf7PffkQQ70JplLWvl8RHlio2ezbrf3t8AAf0rSgvsx6d6AYyeic13JWdvX_-XDVVmh7cQoEn0r0QMtoZojbx0pUNWorYiHa-E0CtNiHaMvGdxjRQcdSaSh90jymE1g4yF/s1600/IMG_4817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzy3aZ01MpUGf7PffkQQ70JplLWvl8RHlio2ezbrf3t8AAf0rSgvsx6d6AYyeic13JWdvX_-XDVVmh7cQoEn0r0QMtoZojbx0pUNWorYiHa-E0CtNiHaMvGdxjRQcdSaSh90jymE1g4yF/s1600/IMG_4817.jpg" /></a></div><br />It was an easy 10 minute project... just glue and wrap...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhoV0SiwSP1mPyd36fLTEhmo4W8F6GXWfpfU761yIOHPZmBQZu0jDUxWWucsLBQUqfc6lpm7avajNCI4R8ZHW2jQ8OTciQssSuSsKc0Wj0rEp1WF0pH_nKzEo6RiKTiLU-iQnFNwsYUEF/s1600/IMG_4819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhoV0SiwSP1mPyd36fLTEhmo4W8F6GXWfpfU761yIOHPZmBQZu0jDUxWWucsLBQUqfc6lpm7avajNCI4R8ZHW2jQ8OTciQssSuSsKc0Wj0rEp1WF0pH_nKzEo6RiKTiLU-iQnFNwsYUEF/s1600/IMG_4819.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A good solution for my time constraints, I think!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWPIJ5mPLDdKrGHCsn8f4bxfZUEUvSH9mPg1aAoOSuNcJj1m1QjuplCfmblXE1FtvcjnkLMKC8tzMi_ojTdzjpjIyfYRRA2VVYKcgXLIx3lksr0uYq3szL-HJiwB7-jhTbgJfs22aP7td/s1600/IMG_5872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWPIJ5mPLDdKrGHCsn8f4bxfZUEUvSH9mPg1aAoOSuNcJj1m1QjuplCfmblXE1FtvcjnkLMKC8tzMi_ojTdzjpjIyfYRRA2VVYKcgXLIx3lksr0uYq3szL-HJiwB7-jhTbgJfs22aP7td/s1600/IMG_5872.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And there you have it, my simple cozy traditional rustic DIY Christmas tree :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEvX0ur4Wygn1TCBWwIw5c_7sShVrv6cGTmNkLqfTeYklM-bTeAHsZyzWvtsE6zWL_QqKWcOptXnwu8u8BnfMPrY8ytIaqUCtuBdZThJM2KBhWehhcU3x5WvyP1neyje6PLEN1aMoQUhm/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEvX0ur4Wygn1TCBWwIw5c_7sShVrv6cGTmNkLqfTeYklM-bTeAHsZyzWvtsE6zWL_QqKWcOptXnwu8u8BnfMPrY8ytIaqUCtuBdZThJM2KBhWehhcU3x5WvyP1neyje6PLEN1aMoQUhm/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />See you back here tomorrow for more last minute holiday DIY's!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

5 Days of Holiday DIY's: Easy Tree Ornaments

Welcome to Day 2 of my 5 Days of Holiday DIY's, where I'm sharing my quick and easy Christmas projects for all those last minute DIY...

Read more »

5 Days of Holiday DIY's: Branchlers + Free Printables

Today kicks off a full week of easy holiday DIY's that can be done last minute on any budget!<br /><br />When I started brainstorming our Christmas decor this year, I had so many ideas and dreams to fill every room in our home with beautifully crafted unique handmade masterpieces (ha).<br /><br />Well, then we had family in town for Thanksgiving and work became crazy so I had to abandon my elaborate plans and come up with a handful of quick DIY's to decorate and photograph our home in time for two Christmas blog tours.<br /><br />It was quite the task, but after a few DIY marathon days and nights I pulled it off and now I can share the details!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghobAeENVUXKC_wICP9w-5fCkgdJ5G5IlAkoKmjsZufR4w9izCwNpTuw7zOozkRtSjGhs72NmTHJ_qoknVSMpSKcn_xszEuyXvb7LS11TKGa4kT9Q1eCGR0UiuzFAcExQtEVaKqRXy4Sq4/s1600/5Days.jpg" /></a></div><br />And if I can do these in the constraints I was working with, I promise anyone can!<br /><br />Each day this week I'll be sharing a new project—starting with one of my favorite's today: "Branchlers".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92mP9wdqh7HZHlqBkm3orWFqd0GRlsjOPZbibDhBSmLGZZ0J-o9UK6pSnewOW-8B-kMjpAlfMpzxTEPSLH2R6MUbObxr8vBDxMFBbEF2aEuTR3iuCCOS3xhA-Gvr43hUO2hXRXhqKaU-p/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92mP9wdqh7HZHlqBkm3orWFqd0GRlsjOPZbibDhBSmLGZZ0J-o9UK6pSnewOW-8B-kMjpAlfMpzxTEPSLH2R6MUbObxr8vBDxMFBbEF2aEuTR3iuCCOS3xhA-Gvr43hUO2hXRXhqKaU-p/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I wish I could take credit for this idea but it was something I spotted a while ago on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662382297400/">Pinterest:</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c6/41/7cc641fd89ce4080337d4e8d9d7b06a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c6/41/7cc641fd89ce4080337d4e8d9d7b06a0.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was obsessed with the plaid and had to copy it. Then I saw these and decided to put both ideas together:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/julie/11-2010/rue-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/julie/11-2010/rue-table.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/steal-this-look-remodelista-holiday-table-rue-magazine"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've made a <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/master-makeover-diy-map-chart-antlers.html">real antler plaque</a> before so I figured this had to be just as easy.<br /><br />First step: buy a plaque at Joann's. These are super inexpensive, usually a few bucks each. I also picked up a small swatch of plaid fabric.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQNsHFv7_Yd7_cKWX4iA2CXT98jbbX8J4k2PMlaOunyd1ds-5CMYum3jIpZSvu3AMZccYKV8QdW2dGKwdzvDGAgOrLL73PmSNiFgyhV9j_2Rm_bmst6MMOxlXzpblxavVUenN4NUO2wO/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQNsHFv7_Yd7_cKWX4iA2CXT98jbbX8J4k2PMlaOunyd1ds-5CMYum3jIpZSvu3AMZccYKV8QdW2dGKwdzvDGAgOrLL73PmSNiFgyhV9j_2Rm_bmst6MMOxlXzpblxavVUenN4NUO2wO/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I brought out a staple gun just in case but it wasn't needed—the hot glue gun worked fine.<br /><br />Starting around the edges, I carefully secured my fabric to the front of the plaque using hot glue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAfNgdVzwgWXyO355qM_wa5UWB6d_YtlOhIZKr9ntm8x-I_T3kQt1aNLe5Nd8r1oAjVzjs6yysjEbxppSrkYw9AcOWwt-tzhz8Rct4m1jKhTDIK2xP2KLJRjUNKC7x1LwF0TafNdjlWPx/s1600/IMG_4759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAfNgdVzwgWXyO355qM_wa5UWB6d_YtlOhIZKr9ntm8x-I_T3kQt1aNLe5Nd8r1oAjVzjs6yysjEbxppSrkYw9AcOWwt-tzhz8Rct4m1jKhTDIK2xP2KLJRjUNKC7x1LwF0TafNdjlWPx/s1600/IMG_4759.jpg" /></a></div><br />I worked my way all around the edges...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2O-Dbc2ih6uM8ujp3zmGlOP2H7td6FYmeHcAiXtT6HSlB5F9rs9BEhc5CJTMRjNlLTdRwrP4tZkrimECisA19aflL2CAdTzH1_d0PKD-P9aZDBSTNvL6toj3n_0YrYJFXG-Imup6-Lvh/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2O-Dbc2ih6uM8ujp3zmGlOP2H7td6FYmeHcAiXtT6HSlB5F9rs9BEhc5CJTMRjNlLTdRwrP4tZkrimECisA19aflL2CAdTzH1_d0PKD-P9aZDBSTNvL6toj3n_0YrYJFXG-Imup6-Lvh/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I wrapped it onto the back, secured with more hot glue and trimmed the excess.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ie_DF2HyQUNiddM2rrpxHIFBuEofhTTpY2Z5_ndPuAivQydwznqrmrRDAgzLoVTe2p44sbbdGxAJesFv-gLwC1ZEqQUIDnqz2biR0h3yyPwt_LXDZU71kWQxAOLgIIlwVf-H2fEAdQZ0/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ie_DF2HyQUNiddM2rrpxHIFBuEofhTTpY2Z5_ndPuAivQydwznqrmrRDAgzLoVTe2p44sbbdGxAJesFv-gLwC1ZEqQUIDnqz2biR0h3yyPwt_LXDZU71kWQxAOLgIIlwVf-H2fEAdQZ0/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" /></a></div><br />Done! At this point you'll want to attach a picture hanger on the back before you start on the branches.<br /><br />Next it was time to find some branches. I found two from the yard that had a similar shape and size. Here's one:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYUEgM5rS-cSBp_29VXjnoJi03sAwgzmF3OnAhttpQYoJZV8Mz4WouMTir2xT1ZHf2_lED4IbaBM_OBbUMuccRuQ-XwTNL32za_jFAKKJLu-CGQEYVczbdfZMkFKDjOMyuiu1TSDTGCIA/s1600/IMG_4763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYUEgM5rS-cSBp_29VXjnoJi03sAwgzmF3OnAhttpQYoJZV8Mz4WouMTir2xT1ZHf2_lED4IbaBM_OBbUMuccRuQ-XwTNL32za_jFAKKJLu-CGQEYVczbdfZMkFKDjOMyuiu1TSDTGCIA/s1600/IMG_4763.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I used cutters to trim it down and simplify it a bit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiV0pSpUg8TGrE4zOXfV3kZxRFTFlx5NOhuhOuxqI7H3QyG-pmtvg-3hu6CQ7cR1-25o_7CilG0rtRV6tdpnrfVmEb64MLtHqUwemiT5jPShjEL7zPeJKrkAr3JQuM9-JzDd7YV1Pirwx/s1600/IMG_4764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiV0pSpUg8TGrE4zOXfV3kZxRFTFlx5NOhuhOuxqI7H3QyG-pmtvg-3hu6CQ7cR1-25o_7CilG0rtRV6tdpnrfVmEb64MLtHqUwemiT5jPShjEL7zPeJKrkAr3JQuM9-JzDd7YV1Pirwx/s1600/IMG_4764.jpg" /></a></div><br />After repeating with the second branch, it was time to attach them. There's several ways to do this, but since my branches were fairly light I thought finish nails would be sufficient.<br /><br />First I sliced down the bottom using my saw just so that it would have a nice, flat surface area and mount the way I wanted it to...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf_njqJqE88M1FF7kK9EmXZmViD1yqwDnbjMzXbSAQBMUVLy3GcTPQJBmhaCF45CGvcF0vUIXEf6d46okxeFnzj4XXuGUzM92TRSemunHu3Pd0GvZvgsUm0bFVUq1QSKWKiAhEut8R_tU/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf_njqJqE88M1FF7kK9EmXZmViD1yqwDnbjMzXbSAQBMUVLy3GcTPQJBmhaCF45CGvcF0vUIXEf6d46okxeFnzj4XXuGUzM92TRSemunHu3Pd0GvZvgsUm0bFVUq1QSKWKiAhEut8R_tU/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39_whdNPwfieTcvzVfdqGx6vYFJ3vxwnOVF91qVtmEBMD05g7t_3F2o1oEX6CoTD5CYWLK2ce-8JRT3N06MukSpejHNGtN_R2xu88aDXcasVVSlYTq57xnNlmNTHz2DvvqwjtCfJ7n6up/s1600/IMG_4767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39_whdNPwfieTcvzVfdqGx6vYFJ3vxwnOVF91qVtmEBMD05g7t_3F2o1oEX6CoTD5CYWLK2ce-8JRT3N06MukSpejHNGtN_R2xu88aDXcasVVSlYTq57xnNlmNTHz2DvvqwjtCfJ7n6up/s1600/IMG_4767.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I shot a couple nails into it—worked like a charm!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYGH6Yg1Z48s0q5TjuE0zz0yfz4vm3SXueLn6ir_0flvPU8xC2ODDVB302SgJedrJlrklrvE9iLeZBsZJNbfn02aq1STy6cp8w7Wgro-xE3_Ow1y89VHun2lkFqhNFEqerr5fiNcI23La/s1600/IMG_4768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYGH6Yg1Z48s0q5TjuE0zz0yfz4vm3SXueLn6ir_0flvPU8xC2ODDVB302SgJedrJlrklrvE9iLeZBsZJNbfn02aq1STy6cp8w7Wgro-xE3_Ow1y89VHun2lkFqhNFEqerr5fiNcI23La/s1600/IMG_4768.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I chose neutral coloring for the fabric so that I could use it throughout the year instead of only during the holidays.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2Wa0wzR8FuW-7avzBRY01sIwiE7V-56vJuc1YI4U8TeSEUP9xcY1L9prAWysyyO14flCeuIKoAK1dPg8PpVBtblt_A-mA3RnfbMIzk5pTs5Jfn1mJ1cKukrcF2eIBxTQO_7xbSBmg53/s1600/IMG_5706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2Wa0wzR8FuW-7avzBRY01sIwiE7V-56vJuc1YI4U8TeSEUP9xcY1L9prAWysyyO14flCeuIKoAK1dPg8PpVBtblt_A-mA3RnfbMIzk5pTs5Jfn1mJ1cKukrcF2eIBxTQO_7xbSBmg53/s1600/IMG_5706.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's one of my favorite things in the room, and you have to love that it didn't take more than a couple hours and cost less than $5 to make.<br /><br />That brings us to the free holiday printables! I wanted to bring some pops of red into our living room and kitchen area so I thought the perfect way was through art.<br /><br />This "Making Spirits Bright" print is perfect for a bar setting but of course it can be used anywhere:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5C9Je5aDr2zlI1uXa8u3HdECClZgrZW5aj_5a_pou8BUWK8mIThxV57vD9XKDSsYVSCKBmz9HbdltImguh7Y6qlH1hrBHi8d0bi3nvN8xwxHEi2XDlBq0POVG8V8bkZGDzl8udk1wLY7/s1600/IMG_5852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5C9Je5aDr2zlI1uXa8u3HdECClZgrZW5aj_5a_pou8BUWK8mIThxV57vD9XKDSsYVSCKBmz9HbdltImguh7Y6qlH1hrBHi8d0bi3nvN8xwxHEi2XDlBq0POVG8V8bkZGDzl8udk1wLY7/s1600/IMG_5852.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And then there's the matching Joy print which I love:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOCL_mZnb7AYFnVjUqquZ_YZIFN2fxhCqTRcHmNRgrm0XR8lgxn7Mp5ePX3AOo-7lNFq-Jhia2o3h6VJGdkS27ZHkbaVxoIqeDjKuBit_Nnc94VPZtD9u-atnepfSFjsiS3-qTEGjYyrf/s1600/IMG_5749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOCL_mZnb7AYFnVjUqquZ_YZIFN2fxhCqTRcHmNRgrm0XR8lgxn7Mp5ePX3AOo-7lNFq-Jhia2o3h6VJGdkS27ZHkbaVxoIqeDjKuBit_Nnc94VPZtD9u-atnepfSFjsiS3-qTEGjYyrf/s1600/IMG_5749.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuLtqAwdS5rlZ7V8OBgoSmLXyWxt1KUNAP5zaVSkdh55C4qdAUG_ll6rTc68ytY8XVrobPDAsCsxYLecs8YgrsqzD_p1g_uxZB1TDKJtFScp1BehBGESHGzKpA_0jLYdlcOVqnA-invbR/s1600/IMG_5728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuLtqAwdS5rlZ7V8OBgoSmLXyWxt1KUNAP5zaVSkdh55C4qdAUG_ll6rTc68ytY8XVrobPDAsCsxYLecs8YgrsqzD_p1g_uxZB1TDKJtFScp1BehBGESHGzKpA_0jLYdlcOVqnA-invbR/s1600/IMG_5728.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's hard to see from the photos but they have a subtle woven/knit background detail:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5"><img alt="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IaVTXfAOQxNtO59zWplMMxxq_HtYLZnVsDexAPxUl0QVVHSAByV4gB_cbLtkDBimRVSKx7aDjTYhSq5UggL7eR_Ujz-bllhR81WUBkRaAIzL82IO3iprqc7Ac_ehy69teiYITpUOfem/s1600/Joy.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5"><img alt="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR0-T71cTaqFHlv1EBD2H_cTl6Sv5GuKZFYNgLHqMjFQOigX-3TW7y6cVO10P4BrcR-byDWTLhls-Fh0uC83QtYSn7SY7J8qjXtwsm0aGAZNtKXd870ncj_etb2adaEAY44LDPNj1bHHu/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />They're both 8x10" for easy framing. I really enjoyed creating them and hope they can bring some holiday cheer to your home!<br /><br />The set is available as a free high resolution download from my <a href="http://statictab.com/gsg87h5">Facebook page</a>—you just need to make sure you're signed up for the shop newsletter and then you'll be prompted to start the download.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll be back with Day 2 of this Holiday DIY week, so make sure to check in for more last minute handmade inspiration!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

5 Days of Holiday DIY's: Branchlers + Free Printables

Today kicks off a full week of easy holiday DIY's that can be done last minute on any budget! When I started brainstorming our Christmas...

Read more »