DIY Xmas Decoration: Book Tree

Today's post is an easy and FREE way to add some seasonal cheer to your home! 

**All you need is an old paperback book you don't want anymore or a used magazine. 

First, take off the cover of your book or magazine as well as the back. Break the binding and begin folding the first page top right to center.

Next, fold again bringing the entire page to the center. Fold up bottom flap so there is a clean bottom.

Continue folding the desired amount. I skipped some pages towards the end and tore out 10-15. Using all makes a fuller tree but it didn't make too much of a difference. 

The end result:

Display your tree(s) on a shelf, table or anywhere else you can think of. You can even string fabric or twine through it and hang tiny ones as garland!

Happy crafting!

xo- Christina

Gifts: Scrabble Coasters

'Tis the season!

If you are on a budget but want to give meaningful, fun gifts then look for further! These scrabble coasters are just the first of many DIY gifts I will be making for the upcoming holiday. They are easy yet personal gifts for everyone to enjoy. This gift is a winner whether you've got a teen, spouse, cousin or co-worker that you need to check out your list!

Supplies needed:
    hot glue
    scrabble tiles ( i usually have enough to make 4 coasters for a set and 16 tiles for each one)
    Felt, cork board ( optional)

I chose a theme for my coasters. My boyfriend is an NFL nut so therefore I chose "Game day" which included beer, football and games. 

First, begin by choosing words. They can be grouped as a theme, random or both! Once you decide, sort the scrabble letters and set aside while you prepare your work space.

** Don't have a scrabble board or hate to use your beloved game? Odds are you can find scrabble pieces at any thrift shop or local goodwill. No luck with that? The internet has sites with CHEAP scrabble pieces. Etsy, amazon and ebay are just a few sites with tiles.

Next, use hot glue and start gluing the pieces together. Make sure that the pieces are secure and even. Press down on a hard surface to make sure it will lay nicely when a cup is placed on it.

TIP: another way to do this is to glue the pieces to a piece of felt or cork board. I didn't have these items so I just attached each tile but if you do, go for it!

 

After the hot glue has dried, turn the coaster over and apply more glue in between each crease. This ensures that it is secure. Adding a backing like felt or cork will allow the coaster to last longer but it is not necessary. 

The finished product:

Happy crafting!

Check back for more DIY gifts soon!

DIY Party Banners

Last friday was 11.11.11. A very special day for more than just wishing but also my boyfriend's 25th birthday! I decided to make a cute banner for him displaying the words "Happy Birthday". This is a super easy diy project that you can do in about 25 minutes. The possibilities are endless for decorating the banner and you can use it for any occasion!


Why buy a generic  banner when you can make one to suit the parties needs and save money! You can use practically any paper or material that allows for cutting.

These banners are great for :

• Holidays
• Birthday parties
• Religious events
• Bridal / baby showers
• Festivals

Also create name banners for a child's bedroom or play area. These banners give a personal touch to any space

Here is how I made Jeff's birthday banner:

What I used:

• Paper ( white and blue).3-4 pieces each . They were left over from another project I did at work.
• A glue stick
• ruler
• red marker
• black yarn
• scissors
• sharpie marker
• hole puncher

You can alter any of the materials as needed for your own banner



First begin by making a triangle out of any materials you are using ( i.e paper). Cut two different sizes so one can frame the other for a cleaner look. Use the first two triangles as templates to trace the rest. I needed to make 13 sets for "Happy Birthday".

After cutting and tracing all the triangles use a glue stick to combine the sets. After this you can use a marker, glitter, paint or whatever you want to write out the letters on each triangle. I also outlined the smaller triangle with a sharpie for definition.

Once you've created all the triangles with their assigned letter take a piece of yarn, string, etc. and tie a knot at one end. Punch two holes on each end of the triangle and string the letters on the string.

After you string all the letters on be sure to tie another knot at the opposite end of the original knot to secure the letters on the banner.

Finish the banner off with glitter, stickers or any other material you have!

Enjoy! And save your banner for years to come.

Holidaze

It's November!

Time for turkey, hot cocoa and raking of the leaves. For many this time means preparing for the holidays, especially December holidays. They are right around the corner and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa there is always some kind of anxiety around holiday season. Many consider this good anxiety ( me!) but for some is is a nightmare.

I've thought of a few easy tips to get you through the season. And I will also be posting a lot of DIY gifts, treats, decorations and other fun holiday items!


To make this holiday season fun and simple try this:

1. Make a list. I am a huge list maker and just having things in order will make your life easier. Naming off people on your life gives you space to play with ideas or can be a reminder to send out a mass e-mail explaining you will give nor want to receive any gifts ;-)

2. Pick a Time.  Shopping can be crazy during the holidays. Pick a time that is "off" hours if you can manage. Weekends and after 5 are the busiest times to shop. If you can find a little lunch break time or an hour in the morning it will be much less stressful for you!

3. Designate jobs. If the family doesn't want to help ( or wants to but isn't sure what to do) then make a game out of designating jobs. See who can get their own job done fastest if competition drives your kids, wife or husband. Try a chart or roster with each person's name and what they can do to help. Maybe it is collecting DIY materials like acorns, pine cones or stones. Explain that any little bit helps and that is one thing off your list.

4. Save Money. Making gifts is meaningful and cost-effective. There are so many great sites that show you step-by-step how to make a gorgeous decorative vase or pretty votive holders. Try Pinterest.com for ideas and links to great crafts and gift ideas. Even if you arent the crafty type you can always bake or put together a fun "treat" basket for family and friends. Do you have a sweet lover? Make brownies, cookies and dip pretzels in chocolate for an easy, fast gift! Peppermint bark is also super easy but tastes and looks expensive.

Image Courtesy of http://sidebysideblog.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html