Confession: When I grow up, {Okay. Really, when my kids grow up. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that I am, in fact, the adult.} I kind of want to be remembered as the mom who went all out for the silly stuff. I want to be the one who helped her children cherish the little things. Are you tired of seeing my mantel yet? Don’t answer that. Because today, I wanted to share about a simple project we did this weekend to spruce up our living area for some winter wonderland holidaisical lurve.
Two simple garland projects: One is a just because, for any occasion…. and one that evolved from that, as simple valentines decor. The kids love it when I break out the randoms around our house. And they’d been asking for something for the mantel…I guess that may seem like a weird request. I blame decor withdrawals after Christmas and Emerson’s party. They were wondering where all the garlands went.
While these little creations aren’t exactly party central with gigantic streamers they can spaz about and roll around in, they’re still something special as a ‘just because.’ {Mommy Mc Tiredpants was craving something simple as a compromise after all the craziness around here.}
For the first one: I started out with those little foil doilies you can get in the baker’s section of any craft store + some yarn. Simply folded them in half, secured them with some glue…and kept going until I had a nice little doily chain. TADA! Need something to brighten up someone’s day? Something for a shower? Something for your next Mexican Fiesta? Feeling a little anti valentines?
Speaking of Valentines…
That gold one is fun for any day of the week…but I decided to do a little natural look with valentines day right around the corner. I absolutely ADORE valentines. The kitschy-ness of it all…the glitter…the bright colors…but I thought some refined simplicity suited itself well this season.
I started by breaking out my ruler and handy dandy exacto, and splitting them in two. (Call me high maintenance, but I didn’t want the gold shining through the white. You, of course, can just purchase white, but I was working with what I had, and wanted to make it go farther. To each his own….folding is easier but cutting looks neater. ;})
Then I broke out some chipboard letters I had. You can also cut your own cardboard, if you’re feeling ambitious and have time to kill. I’m just sayin…scrapbook aisles have the best supplies and I use them for anything but their intended ones.
The word “always” is a bit anti-typical, as well. Perfectly suited for my understated garland. {If there is such a thing.}
Fun but simple. A little project we tackled over the weekend, as a way to get rid of those winter doldrums {when we weren’t outside because of the amazingly not so horrible weather} and a celebration of lurve this Valentine’s season. Speaking of kitschy-ness, have you guys downloaded our free Valentine’s yet? Let me know if ya do!
What’s something small your children really love that you do around your house? How about the funniest random most thing they’ve ever requested? Do you decorate for Valentines?
Do tell!
I love this idea it is so cute and dainty! I can’t wait to make some soon!
xoxo, Jjanga
http://www.sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com
Very cute, my dear!! Love that gold!
🙂
shaunna
I just LOVE doilies at Valentine’s. Reminds me of being a kid. 🙂
I love all the blackboards you incorporate in your decorating. I have a question-what chalk pens do you use for your writing? I have tried a few with minimal success. Thanks!
Hey girl! Just regular old chalk! They have chalk pens!? I need to try that!
Craft stores have “chalk pens” but when I used them, they didn’t wipe off well at all. So I have gone back to using regular chalk. I’ve considered “bistro chalk pens” but don’t want to spend the money if they aren’t going to be any better. Your writing is so exact I thought you must have some insider’s tip. But, apparently, its just your talent!!!
well, sometimes, if I’m feeling extravagant, I’ll use a projector, if I want a certain font. But this is just my dorky handwriting with a wet wipe to go behind and clean up any rough edges. I also smudge with my fingers. I hope that helps…maybe? ;}
Thanks!
Love your doilies! Cute idea and fancy with the gold 🙂
Debbie
great simple idea! will be making one this week!
FYI I love the Chalk Ink (wet wipe markers) from Michael’s instead of chalk. They work great (very bright) and wipe off easily with a wet paper towel.
I love the letters on the doilies! White and natural is the color palette of choice around our house!
I was the mom that went all out this weekend! My little guy turned five, and you can see all the goodness on my blog today!
What a sweet garland! Love.
Now… do tell where you got that fabulous chair by the fireplace! 🙂
Hi Rhonda! It’s a JCP find, actually. Reupholstered by a super talented gal I know. You can read more about it, here. The rest of our living room, is here. ;}
That is so pretty! I did a doily garland last year for a spring tea party, but I think I like your version better, particularly the white version. Mine had cotton string strung through the holes of different-sized paper doilys. I currently have a pinecone and yarn garland hanging from my mantle.
Did you make the wooden piece on the manten
Hey Kathy so sorry I am just now seeing this. You can read all about it here.