DIY Christmas Ornaments

This post will be short and sweet.

All I needed for an extra homemade touch to this year's Christmas was Scrabble tiles. So I had my mom on the lookout, her friends on the lookout, and of course I 'borrowed' some from the kids at work (don't say, "OH how rude!" They had three scrabble games they never played).

Other materials needed are:

Glue - I prefer E-6000 ... it bonds EVERYTHING with no residue or funky 'growth' like gorilla glue
Wire - any thickness ... I liked a little less thick then I was able to mold it a little more easily
Popsicle Sticks to secure to the tiles to

You can create decorations for any occasion! Birthdays, holidays, or just because!
Just spell and create :)

DIY Memo Board

I want to start off by saying, I TRULY began making this before pinterest ate them up. My mom found the idea in some DIY magazine (I forget which one) and thus began our love for recycled frames from Goodwill. (and candlesticks, vases, and plates oh my!)

Sidenote, I seriously think Goodwill is my favorite store. After target of course! Yes, Meghan, I know, I know, I always used to complain when you wanted to thrift shop but I just didn't foresee myself becoming an old lady 'crafter' in my mid-twenties.

Here is one of my recent DIY dry erase memo boards. All I need is spray paint, fabric, and a staple gun. Thank GOODNESS I got a staple gun for Christmas :)

BEFORE....

AFTER!

The cork board was a gift from my mother-in-law...she knew her old bulletin board she had made for 4H when she was younger had some great potential. For this craft, I did have to buy glass from Lowes. No biggy though, it was a large, odd sized piece and it was still under $12. Plus, they cut glass for free!

Applique

My mom was able to teach me how to applique (successfully, without fighting) over Thanksgiving. I have been OBSESSED with applique now.

I used to think, omg, applique is for old women. Which is partially true because my mom is trying to convince me to join her on some of her quilt retreats. In her defense, I hear there is always booze at quilt retreats!

Where was I? Oh yes...applique is so fantastic! Here's proof :)

I got this idea from Pinterest...it's a football for everyone who is saying, WTF?
It's cute and you know it.
This is a gift for an undisclosed recipient.

This was a Christmas present for my cousin's son, Ridley.

So was this one :)

If you're going to applique I HIGHLY suggest "Steam-a-seam" sticky backing. I don't know many other brands but this one is good stuff. You can choose your desired stiffness. This one is a bit more stiff than I'd like but I might as well use it until it's gone!


The ONLY confusion with applique is how to cut your fabric and backing to the desired orientation of the design. I would definitely start out with a design that is the same no matter front from back. If you want to go for a trickier design it will just involve thinking before tracing. SO FUN!! So easy!

like mother like daughter

This woman...


This is her craft area. Do you see where I might have picked up some craft habits?

oh yeah, and this is the rest of it!

I got to spend Thanksgiving in this craft haven and learn from the best :)

Love you mom!