Paper n Stitch wall art || decor8 gift tags || Smile and Wave himmeli ornaments
Nalle’s House himmeli ornaments || Morning Creativity advent calendar || Suburble gold-dipped ornaments
It’s Friday! And here are some awesome holiday DIYs! Yeah, I have nothing interesting to say today. So just enjoy and have a great weekend!
It’s taken me a few days to stop being lazy after the lovely, loungey long weekend. But I’m back and it’s December and it’s high time to think about GIFTS.
My first ever holiday gift guide is all about cooks. Because people who put meals on the table deserve extra attention, don’t you think?
Have you started any gift shopping or making yet?
Stay tuned for more gift guides over the next few weeks. And, of course, more holiday DIYs!
It might seem silly to post a DIY the week of Thanksgiving, when everyone is preparing to cook and not craft. Whatever, I’ve been sitting on this project for a while, just humor me! Besides, now you can plan ahead.
In the last few years, I’ve struggled to find ways to decorate for the holidays without resorting to buying expensive stuff or being too traditional. Traditional is great, too, it’s just, you know, I’m a unique and beautiful crafter-snowflake. Here is one of my decor solutions for this year: DIY Faceted Gemstone Ornaments.
They’re modern! They’re easy to make! And yes, you read that title right—this is version one, meaning there is a version TWO coming up in the next few weeks. While you wait in rapturous anticipation, read on for the project deets.
What You Need:
What You Do:
Cut the clay into 4 pieces and warm each piece in your hands, rolling it into a ball.
Smush the balls into more angular forms (what is that shape called? Geometry feels a very long time ago).
Leave the clay pieces alone for a few minutes until they cool down—this stuff is impossible to cut when it’s warm. When cool, use the craft knife to make “facets” by cutting off angular bits all the way around. If the clay starts to warm up again and your facets get mushy, move on to another ornament or do some sit-ups until it cools down. I don’t actually do sit-ups while crafting, I just look at Pinterest.
Once you are happy with the shape of the ornaments, allow to cool once more, then use a piece of wire to poke a hole through each gemstone. Be careful not to make the hole too close to the top or the clay may crack when baked.
Bake the ornaments according to package directions (mine took about 25 minutes at 275°F).
When cooled, paint each ornament with a glossy clear coat (optional, not pictured).
Loop a piece of wire through each hole to form a jump ring.
Thread ribbon through the jump rings and tie off, and you’re done!
I got carried away buying glittery ribbons at my local craft store, but glittery things are always worth it, don’t you think?
What do you think of this little project? Do you hang handmade ornaments this time of year?
Stay tuned for v. 2—and Happy Thanksgiving!
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This project was featured on Curbly and Henry Happened!
You guys. Today is my birthday. And…I’m 29 years old.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s freaking me out a bit.
So to distract myself from the rapidly approaching end of the “20-somethings,” I am focusing instead on things I would like to do in the next year. You know, if money/time/reality took a break and let me play.
Presenting my Almost 30 Bucket List:
1. Go hang gliding.
Adrenaline is usually not my friend, but I could maybe toughen up for this awesome experience. Maybe.
2. Learn to draw.
The intro drawing classes at my college always filled up faster than you can sharpen a pencil. My brother is an excellent drawer, so maybe I can learn?
3. Travel to India.
Just someplace I’ve always wanted to go. I would eat ALL the foods.
4. Ride bridleless.
Riding has not been in my budget ever since I’ve been too old for my parents to pay (damn you, adulthood!), but when I next get the chance, I’m studying bridleless techniques. Better for the horse, and so badass.
5. Have dinner with Jeff Goldblum.
Sure, he’s starting to get old man ears, but they just add to his sexiness. (I like him for his sense of humor. Really).
Have you ever made a bucket list? I would love to hear what fantastic adventures or simple pleasantries y’all would like to indulge in!
Luri and Wilma napkin rings || Freutcake votives || Merrythought garland
Almost Makes Perfect place card holders || Whimseybox placemat
Less than a week to Tofurkey Day! My plans are mostly about the food (who says vegans can’t be gluttons?), but I might have to squeeze in one of these Thanksgiving DIYs to pretty things up.
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Who’s making pretty things?