{ Outdoor Christmas Decorating }

My back door is the most used door in my home
(well, it's really a side door, but that seems so awkward to say).
But, I've neglected this door for far too long.
So I'm sprucing it up for Christmas with some simple things I have laying around the house.
I purchase nothing to create this back door scene...really, nothing.

I fluffed up an old chair with a throw and this black and white IKEA pillow.

The tree is wrapped in burlap and white ribbon.

I filled the bottom bucket with slices of wood to keep it from toppling over, 

along with a few ornaments.

One of my favs...the yardstick star.

I even added a felt flower pin for a pop of red.

Greens from our yard.

I layered a little of this and a little of that, tied it all together and created this swag for my garage doors.

{ H a p p y * H o l i d a y s }

{ Our Woodsy Christmas Mantel }

linking to A to Z's 

Mantel Party

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{ Decorating in Layers }

Just like in fashion, layers almost always works.
Here's a way to create an inexpensive (free) Holiday swag for your home.
layer, layer, layer...

this project included

• a scrap piece of burlap from a coffee bag
• an old pair of ice skates discarded at a flea market auction
• zip ties
• branch clippers
• cutting from a holly tree and out Christmas tree
• ribbon

start by attaching the pine cuttings to the holly cuttings with the zip ties.

then "sew" the burlap to the cuttings with a few zip ties.

then, layer...the burlap, cuttings, ice skates, ribbon.

add a zip tie to the back for hanging.

hang.

{ Decorating the back Door }

The front door traditionally get's so much attention.
But, at our house most friend's use the back door (with is really the side door).
So, I thought it deserved a little attention.
Here's a sneak peak so far...

{ Monogrammed Ornaments }

I originally saw these ornaments here.

I made one for all three kids, and they love them.

I love home-made ornaments and try to make a few each year.

Wanna make some? 

Look here for some great ideas & tips.

{ Santas in a Jar }

{ Give Thanks }

Gather...

Create a paper templette with the size triangle you want to use. (It doesn't have to be perfect)

Use Pinking sheers to avoid fraying (and the sewing machine)

Hot glue string, twine, or ribbon to the back (or front) of your triangles

Clip stencil letters on your triangles with clothes pins, paper clips, whatever works.

linking to

{ Hand Made Christmas }

Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier this year.
And I'm all for it!
All for the handmade decorations too.
There never seems to be enough time to shop, make food, see friends & family...
So, this year I'm getting a jump on the handmade Christmas items I've been dying to make.
Here's a few I have n the works...

Mitten Advent Calendar

by the Lettered Cottage

Medallion Ornament

by Jones Design Company

Moss & Cranberry Wreath

Tree Topper

by Miss Mustard Seed

Paper Ornaments

by Jones Design Company

Mason Jar Outdoor Lights

by Melissa Michaels

I think I'll set aside a craft night for the girls and get some of these goin'

I hope you set aside some time to make some handmade Christmas stuff.