FRAMED: DIY

The holiday season is so inspiring. I am always motivated to DIY décor, decorations, gifts and more. Last year's family photo and Christmas Card (See the BLOG here) was a trip to Candyland. I had the final images printed for the house on canvas from Canvas Print Factory.

I wanted to create a real candy frame for the image and instead of spending a bundle on a framed portrait I decided to use the actual canvas frame. Use you imaginations, you don't have to have a candy themed image to create a fun DIY frame. Consider School photos, kids images, babies, parties and more.

What you need:

Various Candies (Dollar Store Acquisitions = $10)

E600 Glue (Amazon $7.50)

Each piece needs to be applied one at a time and held to the canvas for a little while. I propped up my pieces as I went with other candies. I did a side each day because it takes the E6000 24 hours to fully cure. When it does it has a solid hold so make sure your pieces are in the palaces you want!

I smashed the large lollipops on the counter and used the pieces (2 including the stick) along with sour gumballs, small gumballs, lifesavers, starburst, gingerbread cookies and a candy cane we had leftover from Kaleigh's Frozen themed birthday party.

A fabulous way to make a plain canvas custom!

Christmas Craft: DIY Candy Cane Vase

This festive vase will mark the end of my Christmas Crafting. I know it is last minute but this festive arrangement takes only minutes to construct. You can pull it together today and have it on your Christmas dinner table tomorrow or take it to your event as a hostess gift.  Choose materials based on your decor and away you go.

You Need:

*Candy Canes

*Can, Jar, or Vase

*Rubber bands

*Glue Gun

*Ribbon

*Any other adornments

*Plant/Flower

**Tray (If you are making for a centerpiece)

I used a tin can from a Christmas hot chocolate.  

Line up the candy canes and secure using the rubber bands (They are slippery and tricky so don't get frustrated)

Use the hot glue to glue the ribbon over top of the rubber bands.  I used Vintage rhinestones to adorn the front of this piece. Use a Christmas tree ornament, piece of jewelry or anything else you have on hand to make this uniquely YOURS.

I used a silver tone service tray lined it with metallic tissue paper and the left over ribbon from the vase.

Add your plant/flower to the vase. I used a tropical plant and purchased a rose and twigs separately. I created a unique arrangement of my own using these 3 elements.

Place on the table or take as a hostess gift to enjoy.  remove the tropical plant and enjoy all year round. Store your creation and use again next year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Shower those you LOVE with LOVE

XO

PEARLfection

With mere days between me and Christmas Day I was in Decor Distress. I did not feel like I had enough and required something else to add to my "decking the halls"details.  My tree this year has a pearl garland and DIY ornaments complete with loose pearls and feathers. I wanted something cohesive to add to the overall display.  On-line I found a fabulous idea perfect for my festive table; Pearls suspended in water gels.

There are several ways you can do this depending on your decor. You can use a vase, jars or a giant punch bowl! You can float candles or use for a floral arrangement. The only limit here is your imagination.  The pears (and there are also crystals) are available in a whole host of sizes and colours. You can even get waterproof LED lights for your display

I opted for traditional black and white as it was appropriate for my decor.

The company: Vase Pearlfection can supply you with everything you need for your creation.

What you need:

* Water Gels ($3 + shipping)

* Water

*Pearls and/or Crystals ( I chose Black & White) - $6 + shipping

*Candles or Flowers (Size will depend on your vase or container -  I got a dozen (12) in white  for $14.99 + Shipping)

Don't panic, your gels will come with instructions. Here is the short version:

1) Select your container. I used a vase I had on hand.  Be creative and use anything glass - jars, glasses for a smaller scale or a large glass bowl!  

* I used 8 cups of water per my 1 pack of tiny water gel beads.

2) Let them soak for 12-14 hours and watch them expand. Room Temp water helps this process go along faster.

3) Drain off excess water and place in a separate container.

4) Put some back in and start to place your pearls. Layer expanded gel's and pearls until you have reached the desired amount and location of your pearls.

5) Once it is full again with the gels and the pearls replace some of the water. (TIP: Place ONE drop of bleach in water to prevent algae or discolouration over time)

6) Place your candle on top (or flowers inside if that is what you are using)

VOILA! 

Place on your table as a centerpiece or around your home!

Will you try one? What will you use? Tell me in the comments below!

Christmas Craft: Grab Your Balls

My mother is a heavy duty Christmas Crafter; full jeweled poinsettia apron and glue gun in hand by the end of October. She never fails to flood my inbox with tips, tricks, how-to videos and examples of Christmas Crafts in the hope she will inspire me. Well this time it worked. I have little time to be sitting around crafting with the kids, ma job, my home and something that resembles a social life. I did tackle this fabulous Ball Wreath project yesterday and was THRILLED with the results!

It is the coolest craft if you are pinched for time or money.

What you need:

*Wire Coat Hanger

*Assortment of Christmas Balls (preferable Plastic or "Unbreakable") - 50-80 depending on size

*Ribbon

Time: Under 30min

I ventured out to the local Dollerama and threw down about $6 for assorted silver balls (Packs of a dozen balls for $1/ea), then to RiteAid and spent another $4 for larger balls. $1 for thick wire trimmed ribbon. I had a white metal coat hanger on hand.

TOTAL COST: $11

*Re-Style Tip: You can use your OLD Balls from last year or years gone by to create a Christmas Memory Wreath if you are re-designing your look or colours for Holiday 2012. It would be AMAZING to use Vintage ornaments too for a Retro-Wreath! Truly One of a Kind. Total Cost : $0

Step 1: Shape the hanger into a "circle" first and then un-fasten the top.

 Step 2: Thread the balls on. Mix and match textures and finishes and place them on the wire in no particular order. Symmetry is not the goal here.

Step 3: Re-Fasten the hanger at the top

Step 4: Add your bow

Step 5: HANG and Enjoy

 I used a monochromatic palette of Silver tones and textures. You can you ANY color and textural combination to suit your personal taste and holiday decor. My friend Jensine opted for a mix of Silver and White.

Whatever combo you choose this Christmas Craft is bound to be a BIG hit! Make a few extra's as a gift to bring to your host/hostess this Thanksgiving  (USA) or to the host/hostess of your Christmas Cocktail Party! 

Are you Christmas Crafting yet? 

Share your ideas below.