CHRISTMAS MANTLE

How is it that my Christmas Mantle is decorated differently every year? I really don't have a whole lot of decorations, so you would think it would always be the same. Anyway, this is this year's version.

I do have a new addition. I got new stocking holders. The ones I had before were all different, which really bugged me, so I thought I would try to make them. I got the stainless weighted hooks at Walmart - all four for $12. That's normally the price of just one holder. I really had NO idea what I was going to add as decoration, but I found these glittered snowflake frames at the dollar store. So for now, I added "N.O.E.L.", until I figure out what else to do.

Or until you, my followers, inspire me to create something better.

Is Mr. Tinslesparkle's time here with us so hard that he is going to try to escape on my reindeer?

I'm linking up here... be sure to go visit them to see all the other awesome projects.

HOLIDAY LAMP

I REALLY need to invest in some vinyl, put for now, paper will have to do.

I thought I would jazz up my cool red lamp in our living room.

And yes, I tied all those little bows. I know, insane.

This little vignette really makes me smile... and happy.

I'm linking up here... be sure to visit them to see all the other awesome projects.

The Creative Little Daisy

This project was Featured here...

JOY AND A SNOWMAN

Can I just tell all of you how much I LOVE my Cricut!?! For those of you who don't have a paper cutting machine, I'm sorry. Save your pennies and get one. It will be SOOO worth it.

If you've been following me since at least Halloween, you know about my 36" of table space for any type of Holiday decorating. It's pretty much all I have with the exception of my mantle. After whipping up a few things from paper, this is what I've created for Christmas.

This artwork is actually using the same frames I used for my Thanksgiving artwork, which were an unfinished light wood.

I didn't want that look for my Christmas vignette, so I modified the frames by "re-facing" them with white posterboard. I cut a "frame" to fit, and then cut 1/2" wide strips to cover the inside thickness of the wood frame.

Sadly, I don't have a color printer, so I usually have to pass up all those awesome holiday printables out there. However, someone (I'm sorry, I don't remember who) offered one that would print fine in black and white. Thank you whoever you are, for this sweet Subway Art.

The little Santa on the left is "vintage"... well, it's something I've had since I was a child. Unfortunately, I don't remember the story behind it. Maybe, once my Mom reads this, she will enlighten me.

And now for the snowman... a couple of little black circles, an orange triangle, a hand cut hat, and a scrap piece of wired ribbon for a scarf. Stick them all on a lampshade and voila, totally cute Snowman!!

Hope this little table offers you a little holiday inspiration...

and lots of joy.

I'm linking up here... be sure to visit them and see all the other awesome projects.

The Creative Little Daisy

This project was Featured here...

A CHRISTMAS VISITOR

Last night, right before dinner, there came a small knock at our front door. After coaxing our three year old to open the door to see whom it might be, we had the opportunity to meet...

Peter J. Tinslesparkle - The Christmas Elf.

He arrived with a note and a suitcase.

The note was addressed to the boys. It introduced "Petey", and stated his holiday mission.

He obviously didn't travel via airplane. I doubt any airline would have allowed a wreath hanging on the outside of a piece of luggage

His suitcase even had a luggage tag with his monogram and address.

The boys were curious, so Petey was kind enough to share with them the contents of his suitcase.

He brought his own pillow, a candle for being able to see as he wonders about the house during the night, an alarm clock, and a hot water bottle. I guess he must have a bad back.

He brought necessary toiletry items - towel and washcloth, comb, hairdryer, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. Yet, no change of clothing?

He's obviously still a kid at heart, because in order to entertain himself (when he's not on duty) he brought a toy car, a book for reading, and a coloring book and crayons.

In case he gets hungry, he brought his own snack - graham crackers. He also came with his own drinking mug.

Most importantly, he has his surveillance items - a special phone on which he can directly get a hold of Santa Claus, a camera for recording good and bad behavior, and a pencil for taking notes. Luke told him we would lend him paper if he needed it. I love the fact that the North Pole is still Old School - no laptop or cell phone. Gotta love tradition.

He also brought a basket and a set of keys. Not sure what they are for, maybe their use and meaning will be revealed soon.

Now just to give you an idea of scale.

Petey's already been hard at work. He situated himself on a shelf in the boys room last night, and today he is on top of the TV. Luke knows he's there, and his behavior seems to be shifting to the good. Hopefully, for the time that Petey is staying with us, his work will be easy.

I'm linking up here... be sure to go check out all the other awesome projects.