Family Chic

These glittery heart lights are really stunning and easy to make.

A short strand of 35 red lights are decorated with red glittery paper hearts.

Using a die cut in the shape of a heart (available at craft and paper supply stores) I punched out several hearts from a sheet of saved wrapping paper.

I cut a cross-shaped slit into the center of each paper heart and slipped them over the bulbs. Make sure the paper does not touch the bulb - it should fit securely around the plastic socket.

Red wooden beads make a wonderful Valentine's Day garland with the addition of a few more of those glittery paper hearts.

Using the same die cut, I punched out more hearts. I punched a hole into the top of the shape and cut a slit from the edge to the hole.

Making this type of cut, allows the hearts to slip on easily in between the beads.

Valentine's Day treat bags, made from mesh grapefruit packages are simple and fun to make - the kids can help.

Start out by cutting the paper label off of the base of the bag.

Cut the mesh bag in half - creating two tubes of mesh (if the bag is larger, you can cut it into thirds).

Using a small rubber band, close one end.

I keep a bag of small hair elastics around to use for various craft projects - they are inexpensive and sold in large quantities - perfect for this idea.

Turn inside out to create a bag.

Fill with candy.

Tie with ribbon and add a heart and you are done.

I love the Bagu logo on clementine crates - it has a great look to it. A piece of linen fabric lines the interior and transforms this crate into a charming tray, ideal for serving tea for two.

Two yards of burlap cover the table giving me that casual, textured look I like. Burlap is sold in most fabric stores for about $4.00 a yard.

Keep it easy - simple glass stemware paired with white dishes and napkins look wonderful against the rough, natural look of the burlap cloth.

Using a die cut, I punched out tags to use as place cards.

Simple and calm, the table is ready for an enjoyable meal with family and it was all done in under 10 minutes.

New books!

A rainy Christmas day - I like it.

Plain glass ornaments hang from knots on a strand of jute to create a delicate garland that looks like a string of glassy bubbles.

Try hanging the strand in a window. The glass balls look great backlit with natural light.

Plain glass ornaments are available at most craft stores. To make this garland -I chose the smallest size globe I could find and removed the metal caps from the ornaments.

Cut jute to desired length and make several knots all along the strand - I spaced mine about 5 inches apart. Make knots large enough that they can be forced into the ornament opening and not come back out easily.

Walnuts, spray painted silver, mix in among pewter and silvered glass votives to create a glimmering centerpiece.

You could also use gold spray paint - but I was in the mood for silver.

My living room. At this time of year - I like to transform my surroundings and create a change that is refreshing - but can also be reversed easily when the season passes.

To add texture and interest - I draped the mantel wall with burlap.

My old tool box is filled with wood shavings and vintage Christmas ornaments.

Feathers, found at the beach this year with my daughters, are tucked into evergreen boughs.

This year I had the good luck (in my mind) to come across a large bag of old house numbers at a thrift store. Priced at only $1.00 - I couldn't pass it up. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them at the time - I just knew I had to have them. Once the tree was up - the idea hit me. I tied each number with jute and hung them on the tree.

Old photographs, purchased at an estate sale years ago, are clipped to the tree with antique German curtain rings.

Bits of an old sweater are clipped into small squares and strung on yarn to make a soft, textured garland.

...more numbers.

I've never liked tree stands. Our tree sits in a burlap wrapped planter that is filled with pea gravel.

Glass icicles hang from the windows.

To wrap my gifts this year I chose leopard and tartan printed papers. I love animal prints when paired with all sorts of checks and plaids - the combination of the two patterns create a pleasing contrast.

Candy canes in bright colors add a modern touch.

Purchase plain tags at Office Depot and stamp with your own designs - this is far less expensive than buying printed gift tags and much more personal.

They're not just red and white anymore. Candy canes are pretty hip looking these days - grab a few boxes of brightly colored sticks to add to gifts.

3 rhinestone pins add holiday sparkle to a simple corduroy skirt.

I chose pins similar in size, style and color. This works best on a thicker skirt material such as denim or corduroy.

Skeins of yarn left over from previous projects are put to work once again. This project is great to do with and for children. However, it is such a cheery looking wreath, you may want to keep it for yourself!

I started out by making the base. To start this stage, you could buy a foam wreath form at a craft store - however - I used a firm paper plate- cut out the center to create a wreath shape and wrapped it with batting. I cut out, from the back of sweater, a wreath shape that was about 1-2" larger than the plate wreath shape.

I wrapped the sweater cutout around the wreath frame and stitched it closed in the back using a large sewing needle.

Wrap strands of yarn around wreath and tie on large silver jingle bells (sold by the bag at craft stores).