Make A Woodsy and Whimsical DIY Felt Reindeer Jingle Bell Garland Banner

December 10, 2020December 9, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Isn’t there something so fun and festive about a little bit of jingle in Christmas decor? I’ve been seeing a ton of fabulous felt Christmas ornaments this year on pinterest and in online shops, so I wanted to try making a few myself! I plan to make and post some other DIY felt projects over the holidays, so I hope you’ll plan to stop back!

This fun reindeer garland banner was so easy! The hardest part was cutting out the tiny antlers on each deer. I don’t think any two are exactly identical, but I think they’re close enough. I really like the combination of the rusty jingle bells and the silky tassels on this garland. After completing it, I am displaying the garland across my firplace mantle this year with some other woodsy decor, and I’m really happy with it. The project was fun, and I have ample supplies left to make more banners with the felt, cord, and bells I bought.

Okay, if you want to give this little project a try, here’s how!

Supplies:

(The supply list contains affiliate links. These are the materials I used, and they worked well for this project.)

Thin braided rope or other thin twine of your choice, at least 10 feet long

Felt in shades of brown. I bought this inexpensive variety pack from Amazon and used 3 sheets of the felt for this project.

Rusted jingle bells (or other color if you prefer)

Silky tassels. I bought the craft pack from Amazon and plan to use the rest for other projects.

Hot melt glue gun

STEP 1: Print out the reindeer graphic (below) and cut out the pattern. Other patterns are included that I plan to use for more felt projects.

christmas-banner Download

STEP 2: Pin the reindeer pattern to a piece of felt, making sure to stay on one corner to minimize waste. Using the felt pack I bought from Amazon, I was able to cut two deer from each one piece of felt.

STEP 3: Cut out six deer (or more if you want a longer garland) from your color choice of felt. I used two shades of brown and a camel color. Small sharp scissors work well to cut out the small details.

STEP 4: Lay out the twine on a long table or counter. You will need a longer piece of string than what you hope to have for the finished project. Tying each bell in will take some of the length. You will also want 12 inches or more on each end so the banner can easily be attached wherever you choose.

STEP 5: Beginning at one end, measure off 18 inches and tie on one jingle bell at that spot. Make a mark (using a subtle color marker) 8 inches from the first jingle bell. Tie the second in that spot. Repeat the same process every eight inches until you have enough bells attached for the number of deer you plan to use. For my 6 deer, I needed seven bells each 8 inches apart.

STEP 6: Lay out some newspaper or something glue safe and put the left-most section (between the first two bells) on it. Heat up your glue gun. Measure four inches between the two bells. Put some glue on one side of the section of string where the deer will attach, about 3.5 inches. Place the deer on the glue. Pick up the section of string and deer to let it dry so that it doesn’t accidentally get stuck to the paper. Continue until all deer are securely attached. Check the back side of the deer to make sure all of them are glued on along their full length.

STEP 7: Choose the tassels you want to use on your garland. From the package I bought, I chose gray, ivory, and brown because I wanted my garland to have a woodsy look. Cut the loops down so they they are at a good length to glue, about half an inch. Glue the tassels on the back with the hot glue gun. The tassels will keep the deer hanging in the right direction.

That’s it! Super easy and original Christmas decor for your home!

Have a beautiful day and try something creative! 🙂

christmas decor · Cozy at Home · DIY Crafts · Garden · Home Decor

Make A Beautiful DIY Christmas Door Topper Plus 5 Simple Rustic Porch Ideas

December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And creating a welcoming, cozy Christmas home-for-the-holidays vibe is one of the most fun jobs of the year, and it all starts with the front door! This year, I went with the classic Christmas greens and created a nostalgic vintage feel for our little front porch.

The big six foot swag sets the tone for this year’s decor, and it was a fun DIY project made from Christmas tree trimmings and other greens from the yard. I also completed some other super simple DIY projects for the porch which I will get to a little later.

First, the door topper!

Supplies:

Pine branches

Other greens (holly, boxwood)

Glittered branches

Wire

Shatterproof Christmas balls

Wired ribbon or a pre-tied outdoor ribbon

Step 1: Decide how long you want your topper to be and measure that out on the floor. I worked on the garage floor on a tarp for my project to make cleanup a little easier.

Step 2: Cut some pine boughs to some workable sizes. I used some branches from the bottom of our Christmas tree, but any evergreens are perfect. I also trimmed some branches from some other bushes in our yard, such as holly, boxwood, and other pines to add some variety. I added white glittered branches at the center as well.

Step 3: Starting at one end and working toward the center, lay out your branches so that they overlap and the swag looks full, without any bare sticks. Put smaller pieces over top to hide any thin areas.

Step 4: Starting at the opposite end and working toward the middle, repeat the previous step working in the opposite direction. At the center, place a glittered branch on each side, and make the swag look symmetrical.

Step 5: Carefully wire all of the branches together. Each bough must be tightly connected to the next, or the swag won’t be stable. Mine had a few loose spots and had to be fixed before it could be lifted above the door in one piece.

securely wire the branches together

attach shatterproof ornaments

Step 6: Make a large bow out of wired ribbon. Securely attach the bow to the center (where the branches meet) with wire.

Step 7: Add shatterproof Christmas ornaments. You could add smaller ornaments, vary sizes, or add more than I did depending on your preferences and your own creativity. I attached the ornaments with wire bag ties.

Step 8: Twist some wire to make a solid hanger for your topper at the center and each end. We put cuphooks in our doorframe to enable us to easily attach the swag from the hangers.

You’re done!

Here’s the front door at night. We put an outdoor spotlight on the door so the decor is lit up at night!

I also created some simple rustic vintage style decor for my porch this year.

Here are some fun ideas for a rustic vintage Christmas porch!

Galvanized bucket arrangements. I placed floral foam in the bottom along with some fresh greens and artificial berries. The great thing about the stick on chalkboards is you can write whatever you want for the day. My messages are “peace on earth” and goodwill toward men.”

2. Use logs as decor

We had some pretty birch logs from part of a tree that had to come down this summer, so I used those to create varying heights on the porch and also in other arrangements.

3. Repurpose garden shed finds

I used a large galvanized bucket to display some decor, and a big wooden crate to hold birch logs and greens.

4. Keep some of the fall ornamentals.

I had some flowering kale that’s still looking really nice, so I combined that with pine, holly, and Christmas ornaments in arrangements. It’s definitely unique and suits the rustic look! I also used dried red ornamental peppers as decorative sprigs in some of the arrangements.

5. Make votive holders from birch logs. The full post is coming up later this week, but this is another easy DIY project.

The beautiful wreath is Valerie Madelyn from Amazon.

Have a beautiful week, and have fun decorating for the holidays! 🙂

christmas decor · Cozy at Home · Home Decor

10 Ideas For A Winter Wonderland Christmas Plus 27 Gorgeous Amazon Finds

November 23, 2020November 22, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Winter Wonderland Decor Ideas

Isn’t there something magical about a Christmas interior full of sparkle: glittery snowflakes, glistening tinsel, and shimmering candles and crystal? Quite an elegant take on the holidays, this look transports us to a winter wonderland full of peace and tranquility.

For my own home, I always have a bit of icy monochromatic winter decor in at least part of the house. I really love it. If you are planning a winter wonderland, here are 10 ideas to try.

Add some flocked greenery garlands or trees, or lightly spray some with faux snow for a frosty look.
Use textures in a monochromatic color scheme of white, cream, and light taupe.
Add shiny glass in the form of crystal icicles, mercury glass ornaments, votives, and dishes, and leaded, beveled glass.
Glittered ornaments like snowflakes and even branches add to the magical feel.
For textiles, look for beading and subtle sequins to reflect light and add to the holiday glow.
Bring some white birch twigs or logs indoors for a woodsy effect.
Along with whites, mix in some metallics for contrast and even more shine.
Switch out your usual throw blankets for some in soft, snowy white.
Crystals from an old chandelier make terrific ornaments hung from birch branches or on the Christmas tree.
Create a soft glittering glow in the room by turning down your main lights and adding in flickering candles and whitewashed or weathered lanterns.

I haven’t started decorating yet. I really need to get started this week! And I will be looking forward to creating my own little winter wonderland!

Here are 27 amazing finds all available from Amazon, delivered straight to you!

Lenox Wintery Woods Lit Mercury Glass Diamond Tree

Warm White Christmas Lights Set of 25, 17 Ft, LED White Christmas Lights

Christmas Wreath White and Champagne

Bethlehem Star Treetop Tree Topper

LightFairy Glow in The Dark Canvas Painting – Stretched and Framed Giclee Wall Art Print 24 by 16

Wooden Noel Tabletop Sign

Jim Shore Heartwood Creek White Woodland Santa in Sleigh

Kurt Adler 6′ Silver and Gold Metal Beads Garland

SWAROVSKI Annual Edition Ornament 2020

Department 56 Glass Icicle Ornament

Silver Snowflake Stocking

Kitchen Towels, Set of 2, Merry & Bright White and Gold Sparkle Cotton Terry

Faux Fur Throw Blanket White Mink Plush Fleece, Super Soft

Set of 6 White Christmas Dove Ornaments with Clips

6 Silver & Pearl Antique/Vintage Looking Unique Glass Mercury Christmas Ornaments

Valery Madelyn 10ct Frozen Winter Glass Christmas Ball Ornaments Silver and White,Themed

CTW Home Collection Manteo Lantern

Deco 79 21″ x 20″ Aluminum And Marble Accent Table

LED Lytes Flameless Timer LED Candles Slim Set of 6

Best Choice Products 7.5ft Artificial Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree

Willow Tree Starlight Tree Topper, Sculpted Hand-Painted Figure

Sapin de Noel Throw Pillow

Pure Copper Heavy Reindeer Ornaments Set of 2

AuldHome Farmhouse Ball Ornaments

Set of 3 Antique White Glittered Christmas Trees- 6.25 inches to 9.5 inches Tall

CoolSnowGlobes Deer in The Woods Snow Globe

Snowville Pine Garland with Lights 6′

Have a beautiful day! 🙂

christmas decor · Cozy at Home · Home Decor

I’m Dreaming of a Bright Christmas: Great Finds For Creating a Vibrant Holiday Home

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and decorating is one of the most wonderful parts of the season! This year, I’m really loving the vibrant Christmas decor trend. Color can really add some holiday personality to a normally neutral space, and this look combines well with DIY projects and bohemian interiors as well.

I’ve been checking out the great selection of bright Christmas decor online, and here are a few of my favorite finds for this year.

pom pom stocking

Colorful Ball Garland

Pom Pom Garlands

Christmas ball wreath

Kurt Adler Gingerbread Nutcracker

ceramic vintage style lit tree

Velvet Pom Pom Pillow Covers

Reindeer figurine

Bright cotton quilted blanket

Donut Christmas Tree Ornaments

Jim Shore Nativity Set

Kurt Adler 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments

Multicolor Outdoor Lights

Colorful Star Ornaments

Round Swag light

Stained glass moravian star tree topper

Champagne feather 4 foot tree

Thanks for taking a look at my blog, and have a colorful day! 🙂

Contains affiliate links

DIY Crafts · Home Decor

Merry and Bright DIY Christmas Cone Trees In Three Styles

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Today was a cold snowy day in the mid-Atlantic. We’ve had some unusually warm weather, but today’s chilly breeze is a reminder that it is definitely time to start pulling out some fun DIY Christmas projects!

I love these merry and bright Christmas trees! They’re so fun in a grouping with other bright Christmas balls and pom garlands. They bring a modern, contemporary take to the traditional Christmas tree, and are easy to make. This is a great project to try with your older kids (old enough to safely use a glue gun) when they’re home for Thanksgiving break or later in the holidays, or if you find yourself pandemic homeschooling. Not just a project for kids, these trees are pretty enough to use on your mantle or table display. Also, I made these trees with very simple materials; all you need is some heavy nine by twelve paper, colorful felt, and trims!

My post contains affiliate links for supplies.

I created three different tree styles. Here’s how!

Materials:

9 x 12 70 pound art paper

package of colorful felt (this was a great deal for a variety of felt colors in the small size I wanted)

2 feet of rainbow pom pom cording

tape

scissors

hot melt glue gun

pencil

For all tree styles, the first step is to make paper cones. There are other methods of doing this, but I found the easiest was just to take a sheet of paper and form it into a tight cone, and then tape the side along the whole edge. When the cone is formed, the bottom will be uneven. I trimmed the bottoms with scissors until the cones were straight across the bottom edge. Admittedly, this is a non-exact approach, but it works very easily without a lot of trouble.

Style 1: Pom Fringe Tree

The pom fringe tree is the simplest to make. You will need about 2 yards of fringe. Extra fringe is really fun to have to use elsewhere for your bright Christmas decor. Starting at the bottom of your paper cone, place the trim around the tree, going upwards and slightly diagonal with each row. Each row will be about 3/4 inch to 1 inch apart. As you place the cording, glue it down with the hot melt glue gun.

Draw a five-pointed star on the felt with a pencil. These trees are whimsical, so it’s not that important that your star is drawn exactly. Cut the star out, and attach it to the top of the tree with a dab of hot glue. Make sure the light pencil marking on the star are on the back (glued) side. When the tree is completed, pull off any stray glue strings.

Style 2: Ombre Petals Tree

The ombre tree is made with several shades of the same color. It’s also very simple to make. The hardest part is cutting the petals, but once that’s done, you can complete the tree quickly and easily. I think this ombre tree would be great in a grouping of various colors of ombre trees. Here’s how to make yours!

Find felt pieces in a gradient. You need at least three shades, but you could use four or even fade to white at the top.

Cut small petal shapes out of the felt. I used the felt pack from Amazon listed on the supplies list, and I cut petals from the entire piece of the darkest color. The lighter colors require slightly less because the cone is narrower at the top. My petals are about an inch long and half an inch wide.

Beginning at the bottom of the tree, glue rows of your darkest felt color with a hot melt glue gun. Make sure the bottom edge of the paper cone is not showing and slightly overlap the petals in each row.

Continue this process using lighter shades as you get to the top of the tree.

Cover the tree completely in felt petals. Add a felt star to the top.

Style 3: Bright Contrast Tiers Tree

For this tree, you need four contrasting pieces of felt. I have also seen similar trees in all one color of green that were very cute. I had planned to cut the felt edge with a fancy cut pinking shears, but mine were not sharp enough to cut through the felt. You might have some that would work, which makes the project slightly easier.

Using the pack of felt from Amazon, I cut my yellow piece in half for the bottom layer. This works for all colors except the top, where you will have to adjust the felt size to the top of your tree.

Once you have your felt pieces selected, create a notched edge using scissors to cut out small triangles.

Starting with the lowest layer, glue your felt onto the tree keeping the bottom edge of the felt even with the bottom edge of the tree. Because the felt is straight and the cone isn’t, you’ll have to finesse this bottom layer a little bit. I tucked the felt slightly and glued it with the hot glue gun to make it even all the way around. You can see that small tuck on the left side of the yellow felt on the picture.

Continue gluing on your tiered layers. There is going to be a back side to this tree that does not look perfect. Make sure as you’re gluing, you have a front side that looks nice and displays all the layers. For the top tier, place your felt as it would have to be glued. Mark the felt for how much you will need to cut off so that the felt doesn’t go past the pointed top of the tree. Add a felt star to the top of the tree.

This was a really fun and simple project. I finished all of the trees in about two hours. I hope you will give one or all of them a try and see what you think.

Have a beautiful day, and try something creative! 🙂