Christmas Crafts!

Hanging Gifts!

I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!  We sure did!  What a wonderful week full of family, food, and fun! :)  

I am soooooo excited to finally be getting the Christmas decorations up!  It just feels so magical now that T is a little bit older, and I wanted the whole house (well, at least the downstairs) to be completely decorated!  

I know that we're on a bit of a tight budget, so I've been creative with a bunch of my decorations. I wanted a "new" look, but without having to buy anything.  I thought I'd share some of my crafts this week with you so you can make "free" new decorations, too!

For these little cuties, here's all you'll need:

*Cardboard- I used diaper boxes because I had an abundance!

*Wrapping paper.  I bought a double sided roll at Sam's 4 years ago, and I still have about half of it left!

*Ribbon, whatever you have!

*Tape

*Hot glue

*Push pin

For starters, I cut long, skinny rectangles out of the cardboard.  I made 3 pieces because I'm a big fan of odd numbers :)

 Next, get out your wrapping paper and ribbons (I actually got my ribbon this year at Michael's on Black Friday for 70% off!)

 Then, just wrap your "present!" I put the brown side of the cardboard towards the front in case my papers were thin.  I didn't want that baby peeking through on the front!

 Apparently I forgot to photograph this next step, but add your ribbon to the "gift."  Make whatever kind of bow you like (or know how to make!).  They don't even have to be centered, or tied in the same place or way!  They'll look adorable if it's all mix 'n matched!!!

Finally, add a little loop on the back to make them easy to hang *DISCLAIMER*  Do NOT use tape, as shown in the picture!  I did, and all 3 fell down in the first hour. There are currently 2 on the floor again, so I will be fixing this with hot glue!  I should have done this in the beginning, but wasn't thinking :)

 Finally, hang them up!!!  They add just a bit of color and festivity to an otherwise boring space! 

Enjoy!  If you make these, please link up in the comments below!  I'd love to see yours, too!!!

Stay tuned for a few more easy Christmas decorations this week!!!!

Finale

Last weekend was my last art show of the year.  I was invited to it by Erica's Mom who puts it on each year.  Originally I didn't think I'd be able to make it, but after the Oktoberfest fiasco, I had tons of stock, and no where to sell it! :)

Mom and I got up and headed out at 4:15 with no expectations, except to have FUN!  It turned out to be just that!

 Each of the ladies who hosted a booth brought cookies for the fair-goers, and I really liked this personal touch!  It smelled amazing in there, too :)

 Our booth was in between Lynn's and Peggy's booths.  Peggy was sooooooo sweet, and actually taught Mom and I how to knit during the slower times!!!

 We were thrilled, to say the least, to have "mastered" a new craft, and can't wait to knit away!

 It was a wonderful day!  My new necklaces and prints sold like hot cakes! :)

 Thank you, Lynn, for inviting us, and Peggy for teaching us your craft!  We had a great time, and look forward to next year!

 And, of course, we bought our own knitting needles on the way home :)

And the winner is......

Jess from http://lifestyle-eating.blogspot.com/  Congratulations, Jess!!!  Please email me @ SimplySmithDesigns@gmail.com and send me your address!!!

Well, I'm off to finish up supplies for my last show of the year!  I'm probably a little more behind than I would like, so I'll be a busy little bee today! Wish me luck! :)

Giveaway time!!!

 Y'all, I'm soooooooooooo excited to share this gift with you!!!!  My family fell in love with the movie, Julie and Julia, a few years ago.  My mom has since then perfected Julia's amazing Beef Burgeon on various special occasions! Let's just say it's more amazing than it even looks in the movie!!

 One lucky winner will be the owner of this fabulous cookbook just in time for the holidays!!!

Here's all you have to do:

1) (required) Leave me a comment telling me your favorite holiday tradition (Thanksgiving or Christmas).


2) For a second (and separate) entry, become a follower, or let me know if you already are.


3) For an extra 2 entries (both separate) Like me on Facebook, and repost about this either on your blog, twitter, or facebook!

If you do not have a blog, you can still enter!  Here's how:

1. Click on "Paint Splatters" below this post.  Type your entry in the box under "Post a Comment." *Be sure that leave your NAME and EMAIL address at the end of your entry so I can contact you if you win!!!

2. Below that box, choose "Anonymous" from the pull down box next to "Comment as."

3. Click "Post Comment" and voila! :)

The winner will be chosen on Friday Morning!

Mustaches and Lips!

More Kellys!!! Last weekend, my roomie, Kelli,  from college came to visit!  We had a wonderful weekend, and it was topped off with chaperoning the Masquerade Ball at Andy's school!  I was in charge of doing the pictures, and I wanted everything to be more fun than just the "Prom pose."

So, I fashioned a few mustaches and kissy lips, attached them to some sticks from the backyard (I'm frugal, what can I say?!) and Voila!!!  The kids LOVED this!!!

I think their favorite part was getting to use the frames.  I had 3 of them, so they looked really cool in group shots.  I can't wait to do come up with more ideas for the next dance!!! :) 

We had a good time testing out the props as well, and I must say, we look pretty good :)