DIY {holiday wreath}

Since last holiday season I've wanted to make a holiday wreath and this year I finally go to it. I had the hardest time trying to decide what I wanted to decorate my wreath with last season but this year I took my own spin on this guy and am really pleased with the result. 

I used mostly material I had on hand, burlap and glitter snowflakes and went to work. I cut the burlap into about 2" strips and wrapped the wreath all around pinning and the end. Then I positioned my glitter snowflakes, pinned those in place, hung my ribbon and viola! It really was that easy. 

homemade holidays DIY {personalized candle}

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE candles and honestly who doesn't... So this year, I wanted to try a personalized candle and I really had fun making it (and the best part, it was under$5)

I found some pretty great deals on candles at our favorite swedish store and starting painting. I have a small collection of doilies that I used as a stencil for this one, and then painted a friend's initial on it. I think it's safe to say that she loved it!

homemade holidays DIY {Trader Joe's Gift Tags}

Here is a simple case of finding new uses for old things. I discovered this brilliant idea last holiday season and I have stayed true to making my own gift tags ever since. Why spend more money when you have the materials to 'upcycle' (recycling but making it more fabulous) into something more useful and if you ask me, cute!

Simply start with a holiday season Trader Joe's bag and start cutting...

Find areas of the bag that you want to cut out and use as the image or phrase on your tag (I made a sample gift tag out of an index card so I new what shape I was making them) Have your hole punch and hole reinforcement stickers handy and get to tag making...

The final product is something that I think absolutely makes any gift stand out, don't you?

Everyone always compliments me on this simple and easy solution to holiday gift wrapping. So friends I share one of my favorite holiday tricks, now go make some tags!

'tis the season for crafting

After holiday dinner this past weekend with my family, I scoured my nana's house for her monthly stack of magazines. I picked up this magazine and found some fun felt crafts that I thought were super cute and really simple to make. With only a few supplies, it takes very little to transform your house into a winter wonderland with these homemade holiday trimmings.

I can't wait to make these!!

(images via family circle)

friendsgiving: my reason to give thanks

This past weekend was full of all my reasons why I'm thankful: family, friends, good food, and a place to call home. As we all know when we get older, the people in our lives often disperse and don't get together as often as we'd like to, especially during the holidays. So this year I decided to give us a reason to party. Friendsgiving is Thanksgiving without all the hassle of a turkey. It's dinner with the people you care about (basically your second family) and time to unwind from the holiday chaos. I'm excited to share some photos of a possible tradition in the making...

Can't forget the sweets. Pumpkin cupcakes and banana cream pudding pies.

and of course the mustache cupcakes. a perfect ending to a fabulous night.

DIY {Sting Chandeliers}

Aren't these amazing?!

Remember the days of being a kid and loving getting all dirty from paper mache... well here is a project to rekindle those memories. It just takes some dedication to getting a little messy. Count me in! I am definitely going to try to incorporate them into my holiday decor this season.

(image via ruffled)