Christmas tour of homes entry preview

 And Over at Southern Hospitality And at the Hooked On houses Tour. 

I am SOO excited about this years decor. Mainly because Ive never done so much decorating for Christmas. With 3 boys in 3 years there was always a toddler/baby to keep me running half ragged and eat anything I wanted to display. NOW not so much! I was also int he middle of a changing of tastes, mine hadn't developed yet fulyl and it was kinda scary...

 I am also proud of how I have done everything so beautifully (at least I think so) for so frugally. I shopped my house, SA, and DT for frugal finds. As we got hrough my home I will do the rude thing and tell ya how much I spent. I know, talking about MONEY! AHH! But seriously- I want you to know how you can have a beautiful Chrsitmas for less!

First we shall start with my
 Roadkill Rescue Dresser.

I have fresh greenery here that my neighbor allowed me to clip from her many pine trees, and some from my 1 lone pine. The ONLY things I bought were the 3 gold frames- the largest one is so old an unique- the mat is actually carved wood! I LOVE it! total for the 3 frames $3.00.-  and the bird in the sticks ($2.75 maybe?)  Everything else you see I shopped the house or yard for! I became creative and made the words myself, the tassel was on a gaudy wine bag, the candlesticks were in my candle basket, they just needed some glitter, etc. Oh- the Peace ornament was a gift from my dear M-I-L.

The cone tree was $1.00 from DT, it was disco -ballish SO I wiped it down with Walnut gel stain to antique it. MUCH BETTER!

Grand total for this display is $6.75

On to the the
Hallway

I purchased 2 frames and a mirror months back, knowing they would be great for Christmas. Maybe $4.00 at the most. I repainted some of my frames, and used clippings from garland I had, and a dollar store pick at 2 for $1.00. The topiary container was $1.00 and got a fresh coat of paint, the moss was $1.00 and so was the star. Everything else I had. I plan on reusing the topiary year round without the gold star, and a coat of heirloom white on the base...

Total $6.50

Tree

I purchase a new ornament every year- this years was $2.00. I also made the garland this year that will last for many years to come. buttons were $8.00, ribbon $2.00. I still have some left over!
 I redressed my angel out of fabric I already had...

My tree skirt is a hodge podge of stash and freebies

It's patches were printed out on my computer. i love it! i know some people think a tree skirt is a waste of money, but we don't put ANYTHING under the tree until our children are fast asleep on Christmas Eve, so we look at that skirt for a month before the big day! To me it is worth it!
Total $12.00

Coffee table top

An antique soup tureen and more fresh greens with picks and pears from the DT already included in costs elsewhere. My table has a small burlp runner that was a cocoa bean sack, given to me.

$0.00

Stockings

LOVE the print on this one, and how quaint the burlap garland looks!

Again- printed on my computer...

I have to have SOMEHING girlie int his house full of men!

Here is a peek of Noodles stocking- he-he! It can't be hung YET!

I used fabrics I already had, for the most part. $2.00 of fabric was purchased for J's stocking, and $1.25 was purchsed for Noodles stocking and some toys for the pup.

Total $3.50

Garland

I found 4 nice garlands at SA this summer with the tags still on them. They were from Michaels and were anywhere from $10-$20- I scored ALL OF THEM for $3.00 TOTAL!

I purchased 5 berry rings from the DT for a total of $5.00

I also purchased some different styles of pine pics from Michaels to mix in for a total of $10.00

I used pinecones from our yard, and wire from hubbys stash.

This FABULOUS garland was  grand total of $18.00
The nice part is that much of  it can be used elsewhere year round, or taken apart and redone in the future.

Okay...
 The top of my mantel!
FIRST- remember the BEFORE of my mantel? Seriously! It overpowered my entire room! And was truly an orange color. Well- I LOVE how simple my new one is. And there is my $4.00 vintage mirror- the date was on the back- it is 69 yrs old! I think it allows my furniture and decor to sing, and serves as a nice backdrop, instead of being the gaudy focus!

Ooop- do I see a Leaning Candle of Pisa?

I used candles I already had, and glitter and candle sticks I already had.

The bowl I had, the greenery I hacked, and some more berries-already accounted for in my garland cost. The glittery pick was $1.00, the pears were $1.00- I used them in my hall, my table, etc. The topiaries were my biggest cost here. I bought cheap plastic ornaments(the biggest ones the DT had) for $1.00 a piece and hot glued old garland chopped up to them. I purchased 2 glass containers for $1.00 a piece and spray painted them black, then wiped Folk Arts Pure Gold acrylic paint over top of the black. More berries already accounted for in my garland price.

 Total $6.00 (of which the topiaries were $4.00 of that)

My armoir
got in on the action with another $1.00 cone, antiqued as well, and some fresh stolen hacked greens.

The glittery pics are a mix from Michaels, also used elsewhere- $2.00 The topiary up top was a plastic ornament from my stash wrapped in fabric from my stash. It was then hotglued with pieces of my thrifty find garlands, and stuck in a $0.50 wood box that I repainted. I LOVE how with a coat of cream on the base I can reuse this year round on my mantel, or right where it is! And the leaves almost remind me of feathers, too...

Total $3.50

Next up
my card display!

An old cabinet door, and some twine, heirloom white paint and staple gun...

On my telephone table

The plate was a gift from my neighbor, the chippy candle holder I had, as well as everythign else you see.

Total $0.00

When you first walk in this wall is what you see-

It really isnt crooked, I promise.

 I painted fabric to say Unto us a Son is given, and put it into the frames that were already there...
my $2.00 nativity sits on the table underneath...

I have been toying with the idea of adding a swag to the top of this display....
Maybe when I am done this post I will!

Am I done?... Let me think... I am sure there are more odds and ends lying around, but if there are I have already had them, so no cost involved.
OH- my Pillows!

I TOTALLY see some cheesecurl and chocolate fingerprints! Into the wash they went after their photo shoot. And yes, the inkjet printing survived the wash just fine!

These were FREE! I used what I had! Really! and my advent envelope garland was also made from my stash.



On the back of my ( needs-to-be-redone-but-are-waiting-for the money in my blow fund) host and hostes chairs I put these wreaths. A $1.00 berry ring, some of my thrifty garlands and some ribbon from my stash.
Total $2.00

My little side table
 got a new cover a while back from leftover fabric and a sack given to me
The birdcage, finial and candle I had in my stash. I just fille dthe birdcage with gold berries, a glass knob and such from my stash.

Isn't this cloth just darling?

I see a lego on the floor! :-)

I think that ABOUT covers my Christmas decor...

So- after adding all of this up I came up with $58.25. not bad! And Definately not bad for someone who has not really decorated for Christmas before.
 GASP!
Yes, I said it... It wasn't for lack of desire, or cheer, just funds, babies, etc... And my $58.25 certainly wasn't spent all at once! I picked things up here and there as early as summer knowing what I wanted to do. As I said, I gleaned from my stash, and reused what I had. My husband was worried that I had too much to store. I laughed- silly man! Most of this is stuff I was already using! He loves what I do, but certainly does not recognize something if its been moved around or repainted. So- how many of you have had a thrifty Christmas? Anyone beat my $58.25? Anyone who hasn't decorated very much before beat my $58.25? Anyone aghast that I talked about money on my blog?? ;-)

A Mantle

My mantle is done! Its simple and beautiful as far as I am concerned... and now to the decorating! Pics to follow probably tomorrow- I have TONS of garland awaiting my nimble fingers, but I think a trip to the SA may be in order to add some heighth to what is there... We shall see. Stay tuned. Oh- on another note, it looks as if Noodle will be coming home earlier than Christmas. Why? My hubby is a nerd and can't wait
My hubby and F-I-L think it will be best if we give the pup some time to adjust, and are thinking that Christmas morn would be INSANE with  a dog and presents. Hubby will have some extra days off and thinks it would be helpful in getting Noodle into a routine... I say as long as we incorporate him into our advent envelopes I am OKAY with it, I guess... I must say I am a little bummed over my hwole bvring him out last idea on Christmas morn, but then I remember its not about the presents, really, is it? So- what to do to gear up for a dog to arrive in 6 days NOT 17 days? Good thing I finished his stocking and such, eh? :-)
Alright- off to bedeck my mantle...

I cannot think of a title for this post, so I shall not try any harder. My husband, children and I have just finished reading 'A Cosmic Christmas' by Max Lucado. Now published under the name 'An Angels Story', this book is AWESOME! As part of our advent countdown this year we began rading this 5 nights ago. It was a quick read out loud as a family. We started the first readin goff with these verses.
Ephesian 6;12-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not againstflesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preperation of the gospel of peace ; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all timesin the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
This book is about the spiritual battle that may have gone on as God was sent to earth to be born a babe. It is of course a fictional account based on biblical happenings. We began our first nights reading also asking questions of our sons to get 'their wheels turning' if you will.
We asked such questions as ' Whose Idea do you think it was for Herod to have all the baby boys killed?' Of course 1 of my sons answered Herod! Another enthusiastically shouted out 'God!' (isn't that ALWAYS the answer at devo time? lol) and another said- 'Satan???' Bingo! The idea was something that Satan meant for evil. Yet Gods will prevailed as it always has, will or does. We discussed Joseph and his brothers, how again, what Satan meant for evil God used for good. We had a great discussion about how we cannot always see what is going on in the heavenly realms, but rest assured, there is a battle, and God has a plan. My boys and husband LOVED this story. Tonights last chapter had tears running down my face as I was reading out loud. God came to earth for ME. For YOU. To take back what is His from this wretched fallen world and reclaim us unto Himself. The infinite God in the form of a babe. The creator of language humbled enough to be taught to speak by an earthly mother. The One who holds the seas in His hand having to hold anothers hand to walk on unsteady legs. The one who provides for us needing food and nourishment provided for Him.  THAT is the Christmas story. THAT is what we celebrate. Amen. Amen. Amen.

The 2nd best Christmas present ever!

because y'all know Christ has the first one trumped from before the dawn of time to eternity!

It's Noodle- Our soon to be new Sheepadoodle!

Seriously! SOO STINKIN'CUTE!

Yes, he is DEFINATELY the 2nd best present ever!

I CANNOT WAIT to see my kids when they see Noodle!

Something about the holidays always has me struggling with sadness. As we decorated our tree this year I was, as every year since 2005, missing Evan. The child I never was able to hold, kiss, smell that sweet new baby smell, a child that never had an ornament on the tree or a stocking on the mantle. The grief of losing our child has not gone away if you will, but gotten sweeter with time. It's no longer a raw burning pain. It has been 4 years. September 20th, 2005.  Four years, 2 months and 16 days. My child would be 3 going on 4 now. Would Evan have red hair like Quin? Or blonde like Bren and Jackson? Jackson asked this morning on the way to church if our baby would be a baby in heaven or all 'growed up' when we get there. I do not know the answer to that question. 'How will I recognize my brother?' Jackson asked me- I dont know how. I just know we will. I am certain I shall see my child again. I praise God for that assurance, that peace, even as I miss the baby, I never got to hold, more this time of the year than ever. And I am thankful for the 3 I have gotten to hold and love, and for the sweet chubby little cheeked baby girl that made me smile all through service today. 

JOY

To the world...

I was looking for SOMETHING to fill some empty frames on my white dresser and in my hallway... I found the answer in some cardstock, glitter and modgepodge.

First I picked a font I liked- This one is call A Yummy Apology- and printed out my letters on my card stock. I then used a thin paint brush to fill in the black printing of the letter in modgepodge and sprinkled a silver/gold glitter mix all over the letters. Easy Peasy so Pretty and not so cheesy!

Next 'Noel' went in my Hallway in my one empty frame as well.

I just used a mix of silver and gold glitter from the Dollar tree- I know German glass glitter is best- but this I already had!

Sneaky hacker

I have my greenery up- well almost all of it... My mantel will be done tomorrow. (It was my mantel or night at the museum 2 with the kiddies.)

It is going  from this...

(in my defense this pic is like 3 1/2 years old!)

to something SOO much nicer!

Ugh- can we say UGH! UGH! UGH! You cannot tell but the wood is that orangy shade of honey oak that nothing matches and is UGH! I dont mean to offend if you have orange wood. but UGH!!!!!!

As I was putting up CHRISTmas decor I realized I needed more green. As in more pine-ish green,  or maybe more moolah- that would have done it. But my Decor budget is NIL this  month with a puppy comming so I had to get creative.

I called the neighbor and asked if I could hack at her 4 pine tree/shrubs. My hubby scolded me- he just 'couldn't believe I dared ask her for clippings'. He actually made me feel embarrassed! So I did what any creative DIYer would do. I took my 3 year old on a bike ride and found some pine trees by our neighborhood pond, and a foreclosure sitting empty not yet listed for sale. And hacked at pruned their overgrown evergreens. I am quite sure the bank/realtor will appreciate it when the place DOES go on the market. My husband told me to STOP hacking other peoples greens.  Uh-huh. I am misting mine with water for now and think another walk will be in order in 2 weeks... SHH!

Loving my old antique soup tureen!

Dollar store cone gals!

DIY glittered candles saves me some MOOLAH!

Oh- I wanted to share my pillows! Thank you printer for printing these fabulous pieces on fabric!

Love the words here and the promise that they contain!

And finally my card display- an old cabinet painted and decoupaged clothespins!

Yes, live trees were harmed in the making of my garlands/cones/centerpieces. Get over it. Yes,  I will post more and better pictures once I get my mantel decor up. Yes,  I made a wreath but its too dang cold out to take a picture of it right now. And I think it needs some more filler...

Good night y'all!

A fabulus advent idea you too can do! Decor series #6

Okay, Okay, so it is the 3rd and this is just going out... May I suggest the 12 days of Christmas instead of 24? I swear if I plan on doing another series I shall prepare my posts WAY in advance- and my hubby is NOT allowed to go out of town, nor are robbers allowed to be wretled on my lawn, nor is my child allowed stitches while it is going on! Oh- but before I forget- Rose Pressey wins my giveaway! It seems I can't give something away- even when Im giving it away! Geeze! Rose can you send my your snail mail again? Thanks!

Now- for advent!

You will need

fabric for 24 envelopes

fabric for the envelopes to be strung on

24 buttons

numbers printed on muslin and cut out

coffee/coke/christmas music

I saw this adorable little idea on Craftzines website.

 I wanted to make it match my decor,though.

 You know- soft greens, burlap, muslins, linens, silver, gold... So I found some fabric I've had for EONS folks and got to cutting out my envelope using their pattern. I DID add 1/2 inche to the pattern size because I was sewing mine. First print our your numbers on muslin. How? Use scrapbook squares to adhere your fabric to paper, and send that baby through your printer! I used the algerian font...

Once printed cut out into the size you want.

Fold your envelope to wher you want it and decide where your numbers should go. Stitch them on.

Now fold your envelope over and sew up the 2 sides.

Leave the flap alone for now. Turn rightside out and iron!

What a sweet little number on the outside!

Now finish that flap!

I used a zigzag/satin stitch combo on my flaps to finish the edge, you could do that OR press over the edge and sew it down...

Repeat this process 23 more times!

Now for buttons!

I folded my flap in half like so

And cut a little slit in it.

I did not do a true buttonhole. Why? I didnt want to. I figured they get opened once a year and if I need to satin stitch it in the future I can. Call me lazy.

Put you button inside your slit

that way you know where to sew it!

Sew that button on!

Look at that!

Now you will cut strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Know them end to end to make a chain and button your envelopes on it!

Curently mine are taped to the wall... The kids can reach it without fear of knocking down vintage glass, greenery, or falling into a crackling fire. Each night they open an envelope and we do as it says. I have scripture for each night, and an activity as a family.

 Heres some ideas

a quarter for each kid- Christmas is in 25 days. Read the story of the widows giving and discuss how God wants ALL of us, too

Make popcorn garland for the kids bedroom trees

decorate christmas cookies

decorate the tree

wrap presents

Read Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado (after reading Eph :10-12 and discussing the concept)

Make cocoa and watch 'A king is born'

Play Uno and discuss the 1 true sacrifice for sin

Candy canes, mini size, and the candy cane legend

Make dinner for a shut in and deliver it

Drive around and look at ligths and discuss Jesus being the light of the world

Get together with neighbors or friends and make paper chains for your kids room

Paint suncatcher ornaments (pack of 8 and Dollar Tree)

make ornaments for the grandparents

make goodies for the teachers in your childs life

If you google advent ideas you will find TONS of them! I love how my kdis get so excited each night to do

this. I also love the family asnd Christ-centeredness of it all. You could just put candy int he envelopes but I wanted the focus to be on togetherness and our King instead of the me, me, my, gimme, gimme I. We battle that enough this time of year, don't we?

Enjoy your garland making ladies! I am going to take a rest- I have an 'acute sinus infection' and feel as if a truck has run me down.