DIY and Home Entertaining

I CAN’T THINK OF A MORE FUN, PRACTICAL AND USEFUL GIFT FOR ANY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE THAN A GREAT CUSTOMIZED TOTE.

DIRECTIONS

• PICK A TOTE

• DOWNLOAD OUR DESIGN

• PRINT ONTO IRON ON PAPER

• FIND THE PERFECT PLACEMENT

• IRON ONTO TOTE

festive FARMHOUSE SIGN

MATERIALS

• 1/2” PLYWOOD (BIRCH) CUT DOWN TO 12”X 12”

• 1 1/4” INCH BRAD NAILS

• 1×2 FURRING STRIP

• CHOP SAW

• SCISSORS/EXACTO KNIFE

• VINYL STICKER

• TRANSFER SHEETS

• PAINT (2 COLORS)

• FOAM BRUSHES

DIRECTIONS

• CUT (2) 1 X 2 FURRING STRIPS TO 12”

• CUT (2) 1×2 FURRING STRIPS TO 13 1/2”

• DRY FIT FRAME AROUND 12”X12” PLYWOOD.

• APPLY WOOD GLUE TO JOINTS, USE FINISH NAILS TO ATTACH FRAME TOGETHER AT THE CORNERS.

• CHECK THE FIT OF THE PLYWOOD IN THE FINISHED FRAME.

• REMOVE PLYWOOD AND ALLOW FRAME TO REST 24 HOURS TO ENSURE GOOD HOLD ON JOINTS.

• APPLY LIGHT COAT OF PAINT TO PLYWOOD. WE'RE PAINTING IN A REVERSE METHOD, THE COLOR YOU

PAINT THE BOARD FIRST, WILL BE THE COLOR OF THE DESIGN YOU CUT OUT. ALLOW 10-15 MINUTES TO DRY.

• PLACE THE CUT OUT IMAGE THAT WE DESIGNED ONTO THE PAINTED BOARD WITH TRANSFER TAPE. MAKE SURE IT’S PRESSED DOWN FIRMLY AND PAINT ENTIRE BOARD WITH YOUR SECOND COLOR

• APPLY LIGHT LAYERS OF PAINT, ALLOW 10-15 MINUTES TO DRY BETWEEN EACH COAT.

• REMOVE CUT OUT IMAGE.

• PLACE PLYWOOD INTO FINISHED FRAME AND USE FINISH NAIL TO HOLD IF DESIRED.

• PROUDLY DISPLAY IN YOUR HOME!

DIY

Advent Calendar

It’s our tradition and a way to really bring us into the moment and excitement of the holidays… our annual DIY Advent Calendar. We make a different one every year, sometimes simple, sometimes more complex; but one thing is certain, our family loves it! We love a good countdown and a way to bring the excitement of the season into each day in December. This year, we decided to go a little simple and rustic and I love the finished result!

To start the project, create a simple frame. The great thing is that you can customize and make it whatever size you want. We had some leftover 1”x2” strips of wood from our DIY Farmhouse Sign to make a 24”x18” frame. Using wood glue and finish nails, create the rectangle that will be your frame.

Using card stock, cut into 2”x4” rectangles. This will become a pocket or envelope that can be used to hold a small note or coin, or before it’s folded, it’s the perfect place to write a special daily message. Fold the papers in half and staple each side to create a square. Squares should end up approximately 2”x2”.

The next step is to staple four rows of twine to the frame. After each envelope is numbered and ready, use mini clothespins to hang on each line of twine.

It’s really a quick and easy way to create something special for the family and makes a big impact in your space too! Just turn on a Christmas movie, whip up a mug of hot chocolate and you’ve got a quiet project for yourself as you near the holiday.

Family Activites

FOR YOUR ADVENT CALENDAR

• MAKE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

• STAY UP & HAVE HOT CHOCOLATE

• SING & DANCE TO CHRISTMAS SONGS

• HAVE A RED & GREEN DINNER

• DO A PUZZLE WITH POPCORN & CHRISTMAS MUSIC

• GO SEE A SEASONAL MOVIE TOGETHER

• BUY A NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK

• MAKE A HAND PRINT CHRISTMAS CRAFT

• DELIVER A TREAT TO THE NEIGHBORS

• HAVE ICE CREAM & WAFFLES FOR DINNER

• MAKE A PINECONE BIRDFEEDER

• VISIT SANTA

• PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

• MAKE A GIFT FOR YOUR TEACHER

• GO FOR A FOREST WALK

• ACT OUT THE NATIVITY

• HAVE A CANDLELIT DINNER

• MAKE CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SOLDIERS

• BUILD A SNOWMAN (MARSHMALLOW OR REAL SNOW)

• GAME NIGHT IN FRONT OF THE TREE

• GO ICE SKATING

• ATTEND A CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SHOW

• DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

• CALL A FAMILY MEMBER & SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL

• READ CHRISTMAS BOOKS IN A BLANKET FORT

• CUT PAPER SNOWFLAKES & DECORATE THE WINDOWS

• CLEAN OUT TOYS TO DONATE TO CHARITY

• CHRISTMAS MOVIE & POPCORN NIGHT

• GO LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

• MAKE HOMEMADE BREAD

• HANG LIGHTS ON THE HOUSE

• MAKE REINDEER FOOD

• HANG CANDY CANES AROUND THE HOUSE

• HELP WRAP A PRESENT

• HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT (INDOOR OR OUTDOOR)

• MAKE COOKIES FOR SANTA

• READ T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

• WEAR NEW CHRISTMAS PJS TO BED

• OPEN ONE GIFT

• READ THE NATIVITY STORY

seasonalTablescapes

DESIGNS BY PLATE GIRL, MARSHA STRICKHOUSER

THE PERFECT WELCOMETo me, nothing helps decorate for the holiday more than a dining room table set with china, candles, flowers and decorations for the season.

It’s a great way to welcome guests and also makes for a wonderful way to have them stay around the table and enjoy each other’s company.

With busy schedules, we don’t always remember to do this or think we have the time, but it’s not as difficult as you might imagine.

I really like to build a centerpiece for the table instead of keeping it plain. It’s not that difficult when you use items you find around the house.

STYLING TIP #1

Use craft paper as the basis of your tablescape. You can keep it plain or layer it with different runners. We used sheer tulle, macrame and linen for three different styles. You can also use it by itself and add crayons or pens for the kids to show their creativity, or encourage them to write out what they are thankful for.

STYLING TIP #2

Use tall candlesticks, lanterns or even pieces of driftwood to serve as centerpieces. You don’t always have to take a trip to the florist or grocery store to find your centerpiece options. Use vegetables or fruit in baskets or bowls that you have on hand.

STYLING TIP #3

Grab a bag and some shears and head out to your backyard, neighbor's yard (with permission!) or the park. I love to grab my burlap bag and head out to collect pinecones, pine boughs, vines, holly and other branches in lush parks in my neighborhood.

You can also use these to perk up the center of the plate by tying a simple ribbon or twine around the branch.

To me, the place where people make mistakes is too little or too much. It doesn’t have to be too fussy, and remember to use what you have and have fun.

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STYLING TIP #4

I like to set a small item at each person's place setting, such as a pumpkin or leaf or ornament with their name written on it in gold pen, so that they can take it home as a remembrance of the day.

THE ART OF SHELF STYLING

1. START WITH EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

While the majority of us love the look of open shelves in magazines, it isn't always an easy look to achieve at home because you have to actually put the bowls and items you use on your shelves. When we decided to do open shelves, I started being even more selective with the kitchen items I purchased.

2. THINK ABOUT YOUR COLOR PALLET

One of the easiest ways to get that pulled together organized look that you see on all the blogs and pinterest is to look at your items and decide on one or two colors. I personally like to stick to grey, white and black with bits of wood and gold.

3. USE WHITES OR NEUTRALS TO GROUND THE LOOK

Using a base color brings balance and gives your shelf a clean and consistent look.

4. ADD A STATEMENT PIECE OR ART

One of the ways to pull together your kitchen shelves is to treat them the same way you would a book shelf. Don't be afraid to mix in your favorite vase or prints, and feel free to throw in a stack of cook books and a figurine.

5. BRING IN NATURAL ELEMENTS

Lastly, just like every other area of the home, your kitchen shelves will benefit from a little green. Be sure to find a few succulents or plants to scatter among your plates and other items. If you don't have a green thumb, invest in some nicely made faux greenery.