the handmade home holidaisical hooplah tour
Hello friends + welcome to the our Holiday Home Tour! If you’ve never been by before, we’re Jamin and Ashley from The Handmade Home. We’re so happy  you’re here!
We were so super excited to participate in Deck the Halls – a fabulous tour hosted by Jennifer Rizzo – We’ll remind you, but be sure to drop by all week for a super fun and inspiring round up of some great homes! {We’re house 6, so be sure to see the entire list, here.}
If you’re just stopping by from The Yellow Cape Cod, welcome! We are thrilled to have you! {She’s stop five. Be sure to check it out for some fun eye candy!}
Every year, we call our home the holidaisical hooplah house for the holidays. Basically, we just try to have a great time while keeping our home real and fun. With three little kids + one dog who thinks she’s a human… it can get a little crazy. So just know that whenever you see a purdy photo like these… there’s a wholelottajazz shoved in the background. ;} We’re usually battling the mount vesuvius of laundry + a tidal wave of lego onslaught. It is what it is, but we love our home while keepin’ it real. Our home is about doing what we love, and creating memories for our family.
So if you’ve never been by, we’re so happy to have you here with a little glimpse into our home… a look at a few handmade projects thrown in with our christmas decor we’ve always loved!
This year, we started out with a few simple projects for the entryway.
You guys haven’t seen this simple bench yet, and we’ll be posting a how-to on that soon. But it’s seriously opened up our space, and it was fun to mix it up a bit. It’s totally unrelated to the holidays but it’s part of our foyer now. You can read all about our advent calendar here. It’s a simple project the entire family can enjoy for years to come!
We love decorating with simple quotes, and inspiring words from songs that we love.{These letters were super simple, and free. I’ll have them up this week as well.}
This year we took the leap and started home schooling our kindergartener and second grader. (I’m doing a little with our preschooler as well when he isn’t at his own school.) It’s been a crazy journey, and a major life change for us. But we changed our dining room over to a space that was versatile for our children to use as a classroom.  We wanted to have the option of entertaining, while having a dedicated space. We’ve absolutely used this room more than we ever have in seven years of living here and we adore it… because we actually use it now.
We wanted it to feel special for the holidays. So we draped it in a few star garlands that were super simple and cheap to make. {Check back this week for a step-by-step on the gold one + I’ll link it here!}
“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” -Dr. Seuss
Our children made this nativity scene last year from felt and little wooden parts, and it’s one of my most favorite possessions ever. Apparently, there were polar bears in attendance, and one guy’s eyes are bleeding so that’s awesome… and it’s perfect. Just the way it is.
Our kitchen is simple, but we love updating it with shots of color, and easy chalkboard art to make it feel a bit more festive.
I’ll have more on our table, coming up next week, with a few ideas on how to make an easy peasy tablescape… just from shopping your home. ;}
We painted our fridge in chalkboard paint, and have never regretted how much personality it brings to the space. Especially for any special event or holiday! It’s the perfect canvas for the kids while we cook.
Our kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a wonderful gathering place for our family!
Our kids love it when we dress up the table. I remember it as a special tradition in our home. Recently we did a kids’ version that they just loved. Messy, chocolatey, fondue fun.
I’m kind of a fabric hoarder. Yes. I have a problem. But I decided to re-cover a few pillows this season in our living room to spruce it up a bit. So I just used fabrics from projects past, mixed in with what I had, and some faux fur to make it feel a bit more festive. I’m always amazed with what a little fabric can do to make your home feel fresh.
This is Rocky, our official family mascot. (Dubbed by the Mills children) I’ve wanted a moose forever, and finally found one, here. He was a gift to myself (I told Jamin it was my teacher’s gift. I’m sly like that.) and will sit nicely in our studio when we tire of him on the mantel. Be sure to check out their site for lots of inspiration! Here’s a how-to for that giant yarn wreath!Â
We recently gave our coffee table a bit of a revamp and it adds a lot of fun color and texture to the space {More on that coming soon – yes, that’s the story of my life right now.}
Our coffee table is now usually completely covered {I straightened it up a bit for photos} in home school material and fun books for the kids. And our books. Because I’m a nerd.
These ornaments have been collected over the years, and I spied these candle holders at Tarjay last week. They were the perfect little mix!
Read more about our new little art gallery – and books, here!
The boys’ space can be known as the craziest room of the house. It’s usually covered in legos and a plethora of various weapons. But every year, our kids get their own tree, and decorate it themselves. It’s a family tradition and they adore the chance to stake their claim with their own trees. Mommy and Daddy aren’t allowed to touch… until they need help. ;}
Emerson does the same with her space. It’s her chance to go all out with her girly glam, funny girl style.
Tiny mirror balls and hot pink are the order of the day.
We recently redid their playroom, which is the perfect area for schooling and movies just for them. This year, we added a simple bead garland I snatched up at a flea market, and little trees I’ve had for years. It’s funny how adding the same old something in a different space can make a space feel so fresh.
Our room was winterized a bit with fresh simple whites + some fun pillows. I used a bit of our fabric stash, and added some more faux fur. I have a cute lil wreath hanging over our heads made from this project I tackled last year (I just removed the jute covered wire and added ribbon) but you totally can’t see it, so there’s that. Oh, and that’s just a regular old quilt turned inside out. Tada! A fresh twist without spending any moolah (except the faux fur).
Even our laundry/mudroom was not exempt from a few of our favorite little touches.
For our tree this year, we placed it in the studio.
We went for a smaller tree, and it may be our favorite one, ever.
It’s just so simple and cozy.
Our entire home has taught us this: bigger isn’t always better. ;}
And a few simple gift wrapping ideas, here. {I have a bit of a tape problem, as well.}
We added some fun diy wreath/stars to the outdoors.
And this concludes a holidaisical hooplah look at our little handmade home! {Some more direct links on our home + philosophy can be found here but let us know if you have any questions… we’ll be happy to answer them below.}
Have an inspired day, and thanks for stopping by, guys! We’re the last stop for today, but be sure to drop by Home Stories A to Z tomorrow – and check out the rest of the home tours! I can’t wait to see all the holiday goodness!
ashley!!!!!!
what a fun, warm, charming, whimsical, beautiful merry merry christmas home!!!
Awe thanks so much, friend!
Where did you get the Grinch Christmas picture? Thanks… loved looking at everything in your Christmas post.
Thanks,
Hey linda! It’s actually a frame built by us and I turned it into a dry erase board to use with home school + the kids. The details are below in another comment with someone who had the same question. I hope that helps – thanks so much! ;}
You guys have such a unique style! I love it! Your home looks beautiful!
Thank you, Allison! ;} You’re too sweet. I feel like we grow into it more and more … it’s funny how that kinda happens over time. ;}
Everything looks awesome, Ashley! You re so far ahead of me! Just getting started here.
GIRL. Usually we are just getting started, too. We had it ready for that tour, but usually, I’m still buried under legos and barbie clothes. Oh, and ps. Our halloween wreath is still on our door so there’s that. ;} Take comfort. We still have to do the outside!
Love every last fun, shiny, disco ball-y bit!
Hi Ashley- what a nice way to start my day- your home is so merry and bright. I think happy should go in front of The Handmade Home. Do tell how high the ladder was you had to climb to get your kids at the table :-).
My best – Diane
Awe thanks sweet friend! HAHA! I was actually on a stool. ;} Good call!!! Sometimes, Jamin has to spot me and I hold on to the tripod for dear life. ;} I keep waiting for a photography/diy related injury… fingers crossed ;}
Love the feel of your home and the transformation that you did with all the brown. We have brown on our walls and I hate it. So I think you have inspired me to change it, now!!! I also love that sign in your dining room/school room with the Dr. Suess quote on it. Can you tell us how you did that. I love the stripes. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing your beautiful, fun home.
Hey Rachel! Thanks so much! I actually have the how-to in our book Handmade Walls and it was originally a mirror. But it has detailed instructions on how to build the frame part. When I decided to home school the kids, I added a piece of MDF, painted on the stripes, and gave it a plexiglass top to make it a dry erase board. We use it daily! You could do this with any frame- just turn it into a dry erase board with an interesting background – + a dry erase marker! ;} I hope that helps! ;}
PS. DOWN with the BROWN. You won’t regret it. EVER. ;}
Ashley I love your fun colorful welcoming home!! So lovely!!
Absolute perfection, my friend! It feels so happy and real and festive. Love love love!
What a fun tour–I love it! The moose is pretty FAB, and love all your festive details;)
It is always so much fun to see inside your home! You have such a beautiful way of making a home beautiful and liveable. What a gift.
every. single. time. i see your home tour in any season shape or form i think to myself…. “BEST HOUSE EVER.” it’s filled with so much love and joy and it shows. thank you for being you and being such an inspiration to me and so many others.
Ashley, I love all of your holiday touches and I love all of the words! I am a word lover too!!! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour. I totally love Rocky and how you have your mantel styled!!! Thank you so much!
Your house is absolutely fantastic!
I love your Christmas home. It is so colorful, happy and bright. Love your style. Thank you for sharing. Now I’m off to finish decoration my living room for Christmas. 🙂
I so want to be your BFF in real life right now…….
This is so beautiful! I love literally everything. My favorite is the moose and the threaded hoop (or whatever it is!) around him, and the “be merry, be bright”. Merry & Bright is my favorite slogan of this Christmas! I am seriously impressed….here I am still trying to clean up from hosting thanksgiving and picking paint chips out of my hair.
And how exciting to have your very own book on your coffee table! Can’t wait to get my copy! 🙂
THIS.
This is the house I’ve always dreamt I would live in and somehow I ended up with browns and tans and trying to decorate all “grown-up”. It’s so not me and I need my color pops back in my life! I am in love with every single thing. Seriously, not a thing that made me go “eh”. It’s absolute perfection!
Hey Natalie! You are too sweet. You can see a few of our before’s here but it’s where we started, too. Our house was all browns and beige and it wasn’t us. So do what you love… you won’t regret it! ;}
Holy cow! You decorate everything! My mom always did that. Even the bathrooms! I need to step up my game I think 😉 I loved it all. Your style is so unique!!!
so festive! thanks for sharing your home…love the Be Merry sign….so cute! xoox,t racie
What a fun tour! Your home is fresh, inspiring and welcoming. What a great place for your family to enjoy the holidays together. Thanks for sharing. Sarah
So adorable and so much fun! I love all the colors and whimsical touches. I just found you two weeks ago while doing a search for a DIY teepee. Your teepee is the coolest teepee I have ever seen! Can’t wait to give it a try.
you didn’t let me down. you stayed true to who you are as a family and i LOVED it! the opening paragraph had me laughing…i know how staging and photo shoots go with stuff all up in the background…kids dogs…yeah.
have a beautiful lazy holiday season…enjoy xo
YEOWZA, it’s a party at your house! So much colorful fun, I love visiting your house all year but at Christmas it is magical! Love it, you are one talented lady! xo
What a fun and colorful home! So festive!
-Shelley
Stop the fabulousness! It’s amazing – love all of your fun whimsical touches and I never met a disco ball I didn’t love!
Thrilled to be part of Jen’s house hop with such a talent!
Kelly
Just lovely!!!
Ashley! You guys have outdone yourselves in your gorgeous home.
That tree!! That rug that it’s standing on! The color!!! The kids’ rooms!!!
It’s all gorgeous. Pinterest has been blown up!
I saw a picture of your tree on Pinterest which brought me to your blog. ..love it! What kind of tree is that? Its really beautiful!
Thank you
Christy
Hey! It’s a Frazier Fur. Thanks so much! 😉
Love it!
Razzaaadazzzzacal! Love it! 🙂 So many beautiful rooms I can’t pick a favorite.Nicely done 🙂
WHOA MY GOODNESS! I’m blown away over here! Amazing, amazing, amazing. You have a happy home, my friend. I love it!
How fabulous!!! I love your whimsical sense of style, you have such an artistic eye for design!
First: your house makes me stinkin’ happy. I. love. color. And you do color so, so very well. And I’m obsessed with all things blue-green, so your use of turquoise and teal and aqua just thrills my soul (apparently, my soul is easily thrilled, but still).
Second: speaking of blue-gree, maybe you’ve shared it already (probably), but I will freely admit I didn’t take the time to look. Would you be so kind as to share the wall color in the play room as well as the color of your frame in the dining room where you wrote the Dr. Seuss quote?
Third: I loved what you said about the pretty pictures happening because of piles of junk in the background. I have 5 kids under 8 (including twins), and there are ALWAYS piles when I shoot my pics.
Fourth: bravo! I love that your Christmas decor is so festive and fun and true to your family’s style. You are inspiring and intimidating all at once. 🙂
This is absolutely amazing. Inspiring. Magical! Such beautiful creations. I loved looking at it. Where did you get your colorful rug? The one your tree is on?
Oh, Ashley, it’s gorgeous, festive and so colorful, just like YOU! I love how your house has evolved into showing your fun and unique personality. Merry Christmas, my dear!
Thanks so much, Rhoda! You are too sweet. ;} Merry Christmas to you!
We were on the same wavelength with the faux taxidermy this year :). I have a friend for Rocky in my dining room. Ashley, your house is so fun and so true to your vibrant personality and full-of-life style! I love the bold colors and playfulness of it all.
Oh my goodness! Your home is so full of life and so beautiful. I love all the details and your children’s rooms have me drooling! Beautiful!
I am so glad I went on this tour. So many beautiful homes and good ideas. Your home and decorating are perfect…thanks for sharing with us:)
Wow! Your home looks amazing. I love how everything blends seamlessly with your everyday decor. It’s festive but not too loud.
Beautiful home! I love the angel wings you have in your dining room and I’ve been dying to get my hands on some. Did you make or buy them?
Hey Amy! they are from Decorsteals.com – every now and then they still have them! ;} I hope that helps!
Just wanted to drop you a line and say that your house is adorable the more I looked the more I liked or should I say loved!! Happy Holiday to you and yours!!
ps. Can you please let me know where the couches came from in the kids play room I think. Also the cubbie holder shelf. Not sure what its called. And I love a copy of your little poem that was on your trunk in the living room1 Well God Bless!! Shawn (female)
Hey Shawn! You can read all about our sources here with links and everything ;} And we have tutorials coming up for those cubbies – Thanks so much! ;}
Beautiful! But I felt like I must mention that it looks like your sign says “Dashinig through the snow”. I can’t tell if it’s a “typo” or if it’s just the fun styling that’s messing with my eyes. Either way, lovely decorations!
Remember that time I had three kids crawling all over me while I tried to home school and style my house for christmas? Yep. That totally just happened. It’s a scary thing. ;}
It seems pretty reasonable that one little extra “i” could’ve sneaked in there… 🙂
PS – Did you know “snuck” isn’t a word? Just learned that when typing this comment – thank you spell check! Snuck just sounds so much better!
No thank you for letting me know. I’m ready for a sabbatical. Maybe it’s a sign when you actually misspell and then take a photo and then post it and never see??? ;} It’s hilarious. I can’t stop laughing.
Love your home!!! I keep going back to your page for ideas 🙂 May I ask where the candlestick holders on your mantel are from?
Hey! I think someone already asked this – and I totally forgot to answer! Was it you? Sorry about that! These have been collected over the years from various places! World Market, Hobby Lobby and Pier one. I hope that helps a little! Over time you never know what you’ll find! ;}
What a gorgeous HAPPY home! I love the brightness, the color, the JOY…xo
Thank you so very much, Lucy!
I have seen your home tours before and always am in love with your living room furniture. Where did you get it?
I love your home and Christmas decor! It is so happy! Merry Christmas!
Thank you so very much, Kristen! ;}
It’s been forever since I’ve been here and boy did I pick the right time to come back! Love love LOVE!!
Did you post the tutorial to the Be Merry Be bright letters yet? I may just be missing them…
Hey Daisy! Welcome back! ;} We just posted about them last Friday, here.
this is so pretty. my favorite is the nativity!
where did you find all of the great colorful rugs in each room?
Hey Sharon! I am so sorry for the slow response- we just found this comment! You can read all about our playroom sources here (with a link to the rug) and our studio sources here (with a link to that rug) I hope these are the ones you are referring to? Please let us know if that doesn’t help! Thanks so much!
That hula hoop.
Dang, you’re good, girl.
Hi! I’m in love with your home and all of your artwork! Your holiday tour was fantastic! Where is that amazing bright multi colored rug in your studio from?! It’s my favorite!
Katie
Hey Katie! Thanks so much for your sweet words. You can find all the sources from our studio, here – the link to the rug is at the top. I hope that helps! ;}
What a gorgeous tour! You have such original style, love it! Sharing on my FB page 😉
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
I LOVE your home! It is so fresh and fun and cozy. All the holiday touches were beautiful. Well done!
Thanks so much, Nicki!
Crazy question! Where do you find all of your amazing rugs?!? They are each so amazingly colorful, and fit so well in each space! Love them all.
This is such a fun tour. You did a great job, thank you for sharing!
Beautiful pictures. Love the style!