Crossing the Blues
Showing posts with label Christmas decorations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas decorations. Show all posts

This Is All That There Is . . .


As you see, this is not the Holy Grail of mantels. After some thought, I decided not to spend $100 on wreaths (I needed several for both, the bannister and the mantle) and ended up deciding to make good use out of the free trimmings from Home Depot.


I was able to get some cuttings from the base of some trees (which I'll talk about another day) and a WHOLE BUNCH of trimmings that I cut to use for the mantel and as vase filler(s). The trimmings at HD are great--I would think other stores that have trees would make them available as well, but I know for sure they're free at HD. You can use them for door swag, bannister swag (PK featured one I loved here), centerpieces, mantels, and the list goes on. If you're looking to dress up your house for free, check HD.


(I'm sure you love my wonderful photo editing)

I decided not to go crazy and spend a whole bunch of money (I don't have) and instead used what I did have around the house. The 2 empty lanterns came from Target 2 years ago and had yet to be used, so I put them to good use filling them with pinecones from my backyard and sparkly black ornaments I already purchased.



I was going to add glitter to the pinecones, but to be honest, I just didn't feel like it with so much to do around the house, so I went for the rustic (read:free) look. :) One thing I have learned this year is that black doesn't show up well on a green tree and may be best suited for a white one next time around. I'm not quite sure when I'll be buying a white tree, but maybe on an after Christmas sale . . . one day. Something came over me, and I decided that I didn't want to keep going and pulling out more and more stuff (which I do have) to keep trying to "deck the halls". I think these halls are about as "decked" as they're gonna get at this point. I did my table (still need to have the burlap runner cut, but it doesn't qualify as a Christmas item since it will be used all year) and have a little extra for my entryway, but "that about it" (as Jay-Z would say). I wouldn't quite say that I have the holiday blues, but I am in the midst of preparing for a good bit of company, and my sister will be staying with me for an extended time, so I'm preparing for some changes and that's where my energy is focused. On another note, here's a peak at some things I picked up this weekend. The best is yet to come . . .



I heart Goodwill. (Help me, Lakeitha!)


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A Brief Intermission . . .



Since I didn't get any of the things done yesterday that I originally planned, I thought I would just post photos of my 2007 tree. If I'm able to do what I'd like today, I should have some good things to show tomorrow!! Cross your fingers . . . . (**and as a side note, I must say that I'm glad I was able to find another place for my tree this year. It was great having it in the window, but it created some seating challenges. You'll see why soon.)


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Front Door Wreath



It just occurred to me that I probably should've taken photos of this as I was completing it, so I went back and took photos of the items I used.


I started with these butterflies that I used on my tree a few years ago. They have clips on the back and are super easy to secure, so they won't get damaged (which I'm happy for, because I love these butterflies.)


Added these glittery grape bunches that I bought for 50% off last year. I never used them because they smell like "baby doo" (what I like to call it), but I put a mask on this year and figured it would be okay to use them, since the wreath was going outside. They stink, but I love the look.


Leftover glass and plastic bulbs.


A few of these gold branches separated from the stem.


And some of these pine needles that I twisted and separated so the branches wouldn't be so big. I added a few pinecones from the backyard and that was all I needed!


I'm glad I decided to use floral wire and not hot glue as I originally planned, because I didn't have to waste my ornaments. Taking it apart will be a pain, but I love the holidays, so it's worth it! I'll have to try the ornament wreath next year . . . .

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Tree Reveal & A Goodwill Find!

This was the most fabulous weekend! Not only was the weather here BEAUTIFUL, but I spent all day Friday in bed watching The Godfather, which I'd never seen until now. I didn't get dressed or step a foot outside, just watched all of parts 1 and 2, and a little bit of 3. I know it's so bad, but it was so good, I had to tell you. You know those days where you're inside and not even trippin' about being out and about? Friday was one of those days for me. I was so happy not to be out in the crowd and crush of people. I don't know when I'll be doing it again, but it was fun while it lasted!

I normally love to put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving, but it didn't happen until today because I just didn't have it in me. I was so happy to finally be able to break out all of the decorations I bought last year after Christmas for 80% off. I try to do something different every year (don't know how long this will last), and decided to go with black & gold this time around.


I love it! I'd been searching for black holiday ribbon but I couldn't find it anywhere ("anyhwere"= Hobby Lobby & Michael's). Why is that? With so many people doing "designer" and "out of the box" themes, I wouldn't think it would be this hard to find black ribbon, or at least black and gold. I think an all black tree would look really good and would love to see one, if it's been done (and I'm sure it has, in some magazine, somewhere). Anyhow, I initially decided to go ahead without any ribbon, but as I started decorating the tree, I felt like something was missing. I figure gold is better than nothing, so I might try that. I don't know how well it will work to add the ribbon now that I'm done, but I can always keep it and use it for something else, so it won't go to waste. I also wish I had more of those "pom-pom" things, but Target doesn't have them anymore. :( I love large ornaments.


I added the white and gold ornaments to break up some of the black & gold--the black looks so dark when photographing without a flash. Oh, and excuse the broom--it was a leftover decoration from Halloween. Just kidding, but I wish--I took it out to sweep, but never did it since I don't like to clean. Just being honest!



And of course, no tree is complete without my special angel ornament.


I also found this silver serving bowl this morning at Goodwill for $5!!





It's slightly tarnished, but nothing that a little toothpaste can't handle. I love old silver pieces that I can actually use! Well, that all for today--I hope everyone's weekend went just as well as mine!

**EDITED** And can anyone help me with this black line? I don't know why it keeps coming up and how to get it off!!!!! HELP!

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Wreaths????


I really want to make a slammin' wreath this year, but I'm not sure which one to do! There are so many out there, and it seems like everyone has some take or variation on the best wreath for the holidays. I looked around and found a few I like and am probably capable of pulling off, like this Evergreen & Grape Wreath from Better Homes & Gardens. LOVE this.


Here's another one from BH&G. This Pinecone wreath is supposed to be for the tabletop, but I'm not sure why it couldn't be used on the door. I really like this one because it's different, and I haven't seen one like it before. Finding the extra mini pinecones would probably be a b**** though . . . . . (actually, I just found some yesterday at the Dollar Tree for $1/bag!!! Whoo hoo!!!)


Of course I've seen this Ornament wreath before, but I like the bulb (size) variation on this one.


And these aren't for the door, but I love them anyway--so colorful and they look like they bring so much energy into the home. So . . . . I'm not sure what to do!!!!!!! I'd love to see links to any wreaths you've tackled, or plan on tackling this season. I need some help before it's too late! I love the garlands as well, but I don't want to spend $100 trying to do one, so if you send an idea for one, make it one the cheap(er) side. Thanks--I know you crafty people won't let me down! :)

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It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

And it really is. I love this time of year because it's a very important time for the discerning shopper. While most people are super focused on preparing for Halloween (whether that means costumes, parties, or house decorating), there are a select few who are already on the prowl for Christmas stuff. Hello, I am one of those people. While I purchased this year's ornaments last year (and bought a TON of stuff like this at 80% off) . . .


I'm still paying attention to what's coming out because I LOVE Christmas ornaments and decorations (not the cheesy kind, though). So I give this lead in to set up today's discussion about the "Dollar Tree" store. Last year I purchased some ornaments at Dollar Tree and was pleasantly surprised at their selection! I really believe they have something for everyone there, even if you're a "big budget" holiday decorator. While having lunch the other day I passed a Dollar Tree and saw some items I plan on picking up for next year's tree, which will probably be a bit more traditional. I bought a card in the store and found out that some items are less than a dollar, which means, depending on what you find, you're likely to get 2 or 3 ornaments for $1!!!! If that's not a steal, I don't know what is. They have some nice stuff and the time to go is now, while everyone else's (can I say "else's"???) head is turned the other way with Halloween. Once the 31st passes you'll have to visit several stores to find the quantity/style you need. Now I have to pat myself on the back for my perseverance today because I tried to take photos earlier but my battery was down, so I came home and charged it and then went back . . . especially for you. Come with me ("and you'll be in a world of pure imagination," as Willy Wonka would say) . . . .


Lots of good looking stuff on this wall.


Personally, I always love 1 or 2 large impact pieces on my tree like feathers, flowers, ornament balls, etc. This flower doesn't look so hot in this photo, but it was cute in person and it was only $1!!!!! In the past I've spent $50 alone on just these pieces, so getting 15 for $15 is a deal.


For those of you considering going with bright colors (or silver & white, all white or whatever), these balls are great. This whole set up is probably $8.


I really like these and am thinking about getting them just to have. They don't look like $.50 ornaments either.
**after reading this item before posting, I've decided that they might look like $.50 ornaments, but if so they would be the kind from Target that were marked down to $.50 after the season. This distinction needed to be made, because it's different than "dollar store" cheap. Moving on . . .


Now I don't even need to narrate this one--you know this is a good deal.


Plenty of those door handle thingamajiggs. I'm not sure that I need (well, I don't need ANY of this stuff, so I should say want) one, but if I were to get one, I would choose from the rustic looking section on the left.


Now this wall is probably a touchy subject, but I'm not advocating for using them on the nightstand in your home. For those of you who like to make wreaths using flowers (versus berries or ribbon), this might be your stop.


Everyone loves a bow. I don't like how these turned out looking so ashy on camera, but they were pretty decent in real life. Great for wreaths, doors, car grills (hey, people do it . . ), etc. Also, peep the wreath hangers and ribbon.



I also saw lots of wire and wire cutters in the back. They even had that grocery store tie stuff (bread) on a roll, which is great to have around if you're crafty like me. So, lots of good finds, right??? I know. If you don't have a Dollar Tree in your area, check your dollar store and see what's available. Let me know what you find, too.

And in other news, LaTasha at Symone's Mommy's Blog has done a blog spotlight on little ol' me!!! I'm so excited because this is my first blog shout out from someone who's not already my friend!!!! It's so nice to know that people are reading and interested in what I post. Now that I'm into this blogging thing I understand why people ask for comments. I used to think it was like begging for complements, but I understand now that if no one ever writes anything, we bloggers start to feel like comedians doing stand up to an empty room. Thank you to my friends and wonderful sister, who encourage me to continue posting, and thanks to those of you who stumbled upon me from other places as well. Please check out LaTasha's blog, and if you're into thrift store furniture finds pay close attention because she gets the best stuff (and I really mean that) for the lo-lo! I wish I lived closer so we could be thrift store friends--she could show me where the deals are, and I'd show her how to refinish the stuff she finds!

Sorry this is so long, but thanks for staying with me!


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