Showing posts with label creative christmas gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creative christmas gifts. Show all posts

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Primitive Wreath Made from old Maps

The primitive look is quite the rage for many crafters as well as home decorators. It is not just a fad, its a way of life. It is a decorating style that is simplistic, giving a feeling of warmth to a home. I love it because, it is a way to come in from the world into your own private space that quietly whispers a "welcome home" and tranquility to it.

One of my favorite things is old maps, atlases and globes. I always snatch them up when I'm thrift shopping. Since I had so many on hand, I thought I would make a wreath from them.


I got this wreath for .69


Removed the flowers


I then took an old book filled with maps I got for .25 and cut the maps into leaf shapes.
Then measured them out by laying them around the wreath. These leaves I wanted to fit the contour of the wreath itself. I then took the map leaves and soaked them in coffee to give more of a vintage look. Then laid them on the wreath to dry and fit to the contour of the wreath.


For the map leaves that would be stemming from the wreath, I also soaked them in the 
coffee mixture. Then laid them out in an egg carton to allow them to dry to a wrinkled look.


After they were dry, I alternated them with the ones I allowed to dry on the wreath and hot glued them.


I then added ribbon to the wreath. This one I made a rose out of the 
ribbon and hot glued it to the wreath to stay in place. If you need 
help on making a ribbon rose Factory Direct Craft has a good illustration.



  • wreath                    $  .49
  • ribbon                     $1.97
  • Old Atlas Book         $ .25
  • --------------------------------------------
Total Of Today's Project   $2. 71












Thursday, October 10, 2013

Creative Ideas You Can Do for Christmas, With The Kids

Everywhere I go seems like everyone is starting to get ready for Christmas already. So it made me think, why not think of some things to do with the kids while there is still plenty of time. I think we have gotten carried away with the Christmas rush, extending our credit cards and all the hoopla. Why not be more thrifty, more personal and have more fun with the kids, by making gifts for our loved ones instead of the conventional store bought gift. What could be more personal.

So I thought I would post some projects that are not only cheap to make, but fun as well. The possibilities are endless for what you can do. These were all bought at discount prices and chalkboard paint added.  I created these just as an example of quality gifts you wouldn't be embarrassed to give.



.49 Cent Stainless Tray from Thrift Store


Add Chalkboard Paint for A New Twist
on An Address Sign For Your Home.


Miniature Watering Can .50 cents
From Garage Sale


Add Some Painter's Tape To The Area You
Want to Paint.


And You Have An Adorable Holder For The Plant Lover.



  • Paint (onhand)                        $.00
  • Watering Can                          $.50
  • Platter                                   $.49
  • Wire  (not on hand)                $2.49

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  • TOTAL OF TODAY’S PROJECT    $3.48