November 28, 2011

Quick Christmas Projects

Hubby ran home from work this morning and got down all the Christmas decorations and fall boxes so I could put away the fall stuff and start on my Christmas decorating (such that it is).    I was supposed to meet my sister in Birmingham for shopping today but the weather was horrendous and the roads were slippery and wet so we decided we’d do it another time.

I did two quick projects today.    A couple of years ago I made this burlap lumbar pillow for my black bench on the front porch which you can read about here.  

 

fleur de lis pillow

 

I got the bright idea to stencil something Christmas-y on the reverse side of the pillow that I can use now and then after Christmas flip it back around and use the fleur de lis side.    I grabbed my stencils and black paint and stenciled “Ho Ho Ho” on the pillow.   

 

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I just removed the pillow insert and put a magazine between the layers so no paint would seep through.   

 

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Now this pillow can serve double duty!

 

Next, I covered some old candles with sheet music scrapbook paper.   I would love to find some real sheet music, either vintage or from an old hymnal, but so far I haven’t run across any.    (Please share any sources you have where I might get some sheet music, I want to make a paper cone wreath).    So a few weeks ago I picked up this scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby in two sizes.   The one with larger music notes will be saved for a tabletop project I’ll start after the first of the year.

 

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I loved the yellowed look of this paper.   I think each sheet was something like 57 cents and I didn’t even use an entire sheet covering 4 candles!    Plus I got them 50% off too!

 

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Here’s one on the mantel with the scrapbook paper.    Took me all day to get the mantel done cause I started out using my reds and greens and nutcrackers from last year and ended up going all neutral which I absolutely love!    Even hubby said he likes it!    I’ll be back to share my Christmas mantel later on.   

I covered four candles with my sheet music paper.   This is an easy way to update your old candles.   I probably won’t burn them because I’d be afraid the paper would catch on fire but these candles were so old they didn’t have much wick left anyway.

I did a bit of decorating on the foyer table but still haven’t done anything in the dining room.      At this point, I probably won’t.   

And I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all the supporting comments I got from my last post when I shared I wasn’t going to put up a tree this year or do much decorating.     I am surprised at how peaceful I feel about my decision and how stress-less I feel.    

We’re looking forward to going to Calloway Gardens this weekend for the Festival of Lights and spending time with all the family.    We’re staying at The Lodge and Spa which I hear is fabulous.    If any of you have stayed there, please let me know  how you liked it.

Linking to these parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays here

Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays here

14 comments:

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Hello Judy,
Now both of these projects are so NIFTY THRIFTY!!! I do remember your pillow and I'm lovin' the idea of double duty. Candles look great too...I made a few sheet music ornaments today...maybe candles will be next. Sounds like you were across the campus from us...we had an awesome time tailgating and at the game...my voice was almost gone and my boots had lots of fun dancing and acting like a fool...WAR EAGLE and I hope y'all have a great time at Calloway...I went a few years ago, but just to see the lights. By the way...have you read Gene's book "All In"? If not...you must get it...it's one wonderful book and I'm so glad that we have him as our coach.

Blessings,
Linda

Zsóka said...

Nagyon ötletes. Örülök, hogy láthattam. Zsóka

Simply LKJ said...

Love the pillow! So clever. Enjoy your time at the lodge!!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Love the pillow idea!

The mantel looks wonderful! We are going to the lake to begin a little decorating there, this week. I think we really need a trip to the lake!!

Robin said...

Hi Judy, love how you decorated the bench. As for vintage hymnals, we've had luck finding them at Goodwill stores. We may only find 1 or 2 at a time, but you can get at least 2 or 3 wreaths from 1 book. My sister and I always take some of these wreaths to the flea market with us when we sell there. I've also found newer hymnals on Craigslist, from a church that was getting rid of theirs.

Unknown said...

Very good idea, using the back of the pillow cover! I have a bunch of very light colored burlap to play with too. Your space looks very warm and inviting. I like your style.

Come by sometime and check out my projects!
Sherry

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Everything looks lovely, Judy. You can find music sheets at The Graphic Fairy blog, if you wish to print it out. I use it and there are many other printables there as well. I have joined your followers list and would love to have you to join me as well. Hugs, Gayle
http://atastefultouch.blogspot.com

simply brookes: said...

i love this...and so easy, not to mention affordable. who doesn't love a little burlap?

simply lovely.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Such great ideas! I love when I can make decorations do 'double duty'! I got some great old hymnals on Ebay and use them alot but I also just print out music from the internet and 'age' the paper myself with ink and stamps.

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

I love it! Your pillow is the perfect little greeting for guest. I never thought to add a festive pillow outside for the holidays. thanks for inspiring :D

Beth said...

I love that pillow and might make one for my friend for her birthday! Love the look of the vintage sheet music on the candles. Very pretty!

Kelly said...

Love how you stenciled that pillow on the back so you can use it at Christmas time too. That was a good idea. I think it's fun to stencil words on burlap. I'm looking forward to seeing your mantel when it's ready for it's debut. Looks like it will be pretty.

Becca Bertotti said...

Look at your amazing projects !! I want one of your fabulous pillows ... genious ... I can't pick a favorite !! And, your mantel is gorgeous ... I love the wrapped candles ... right out of a magazine. xoxo

insemination said...

Look at your amazing projects ,Also want of your fabulous pillow,genius.Love the pillow! So clever. Enjoy your time at the lodge!!, love the wrapped candles.

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