Tag Archives: Napkin Rings

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Free Printable Nativity Cards & Easy Craft Tutorial for Hope & Joy Napkin Rings for Christmas Dinner

949leigh

Easily craft beautiful hope and joy napkin rings for Christmas dinner with this quick tutorial, and then send free printable nativity cards that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. In this way you may offer the message of abounding hope and joy for the Christmas season.

606leigh

In order to make the napkin rings, you will need a wired ribbon of 1.5 inch width. Choose any pattern of colors to coordinate with the table linens you plan on using. You will need to cut a 6 inch strip for each ring you plan to make, and then you can use the leftover ribbon for coordinating wreaths or packages. You’ll also need miniature word ornaments or scrapbooking embellishments. (This ribbon was 40% off at Hobby Lobby, as were the adornments which were available in various metals and words.) You can also go a step further by bending wire to form a cursive word… but on this day I was going for a quick and easy 5 minute project!

617leigh

Place a line of glue along the decorative side of the short end of the ribbon. Slightly overlap that edge over the other, and press firmly for lasting adherence. (Use a silicone finger guard to protect yourself from the heat while pressing.)

929leigh

Flatten the rings with the seam centered on the underside. Use a glue like E6000 to adhere the metal to the glittered ribbon, as it grips unlike surfaces well. Just use a dot of glue at the center of the word. Let them dry overnight.

printable-noel-card-by-leigh

My free printable card is a great way to send Christmas blessings celebrating the true meaning of the holiday to everyone on your list. Print out the exact number you need, when you need them, without having to go back to the store for extra boxed sets. It’s much simpler and far less expensive to buy bulk boxes of envelopes for year round use. (Check my arts & crafts webpage or index webpage for my ever-growing selection of free printables… free for noncommercial personal use only!) To print the cards, simply right click on the image above and select print. One page equals one 5×7 card… so choose the number you want to make, and select color and photo quality settings.

100leigh

Cut along the colorized edge of the rectangle and fold in half. If you really want to make the card shine, spread opalescent glitter glue over the halos and stargazes, and then let them dry overnight before sending. (In person, the dramatic difference is worth the 10 seconds per card.) You can handwrite a line of scripture (like the one below), or use a dollar bin stamp as an easy way to add a special Christmas message of your choice to the inside of each card. (Le fidèLe Designs affiliate store Michaels offers these often.) This is a great project to involve the whole family with an assembly line of printing, cutting, folding, stamping, glittering, and then group signing. You spend less money, and the hand crafted card is appreciated more by the recipient (at least from what I’ve experienced.)

970leigh

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 KJV

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. See the napkin rings within a Christmas dinner setting in my article here: Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Tablescape Décor Ideas Evoking Love’s Pure Light

Reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day Tablescape Décor Ideas Honoring American Forces

075Leigh

These reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day tablescape décor ideas are a tangible manner for honoring American forces by setting aside a time to remember the sacrifices made for our collective freedom. This carries on a fine tradition dating to just after the civil war when families would gather with picnics upon hallowed cemetery grounds. Our ancestors and loved ones may be gone but are never forgotten so long as we continue to commemorate the dear price they paid for our united peace.

072Leigh

“Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest On this Field of the Grounded Arms, Where foes no more molest, Nor sentry’s shot alarms!“

A bare wooden table denotes the now barren fields of battles past.

089Leigh

“Ye have slept on the ground before, And started to your feet At the cannon’s sudden roar, Or the drum’s redoubling beat.”

Canvas cloth stars and stripes lay the groundwork for the start of a serene supper. Handcrafted ribbon napkin rings encompass cloth napkins rolled as bandages once were.

106Leigh

“But in this camp of Death No sound your slumber breaks; Here is no fevered breath, No wound that bleeds and aches.”

A seat at the table of peace procures red merely with ceramic vessels set among wooden ones, as wood handled metal flatware convey the firearms of yore.

133Leigh

“All is repose and peace, Untrampled lies the sod; The shouts of battle cease, It is the Truce of God!”

This day’s flag of peace is a handmade banner of fabric collage celebrating the triumphal peace of war’s cessation.

111Leigh

“Rest, comrades, rest and sleep! The thoughts of men shall be As sentinels to keep Your rest from danger free.”

Flag bearing bronze columns hold pillar candles aflame while standing as the evening’s sentinels.

103Leigh

“Your silent tents of green We deck with fragrant flowers; Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours.”

A memorial wreath encircling a solemn flame rests at the table’s focal point as our minds focus with somber reverence.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The poem quoted is “Decoration Day” written in 1882 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (Memorial Day has evolved from post-civil war’s Decoration Day.)

P.P.S. ⇓ Learn how to make your own patriotic banner here:

DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Applique Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day

⇓ Find the patriotic ring tutorial plus more crafting here:

Faux Metal Stars Paper Mache Craft Tutorial & DIY Napkin Rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day

Faux Metal Stars Paper Mache Craft Tutorial & DIY Napkin Rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day

539Leigh

Make your own faux metal stars inexpensively out of paper maché ornaments with this craft tutorial, and then easily DIY custom patriotic napkin rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day. Use these to perfectly coordinate with your existing holiday décor for a high end look on a shoestring budget. These hefty appearing textured “metal” stars are actually lightweight enough to be used in so many more applications. And they really do fool everyone… until they’re touched!

545Leigh

It’s astonishingly easy to turn inexpensive paper maché ornament stars (found in craft stores nearly year round) into expensive looking one-of-a-kind textured metallic pieces to embellish any project you can think of.

510Leigh

Grab a bag of star ornaments, some cheap white school glue, a lighter or match, and a candle. (I like to use up the last chunks of tall or broken candles to use on these kinds of projects, because candles flames do work better than lighter flames… just don’t ask me why. I stuck this pink leftover into an empty glass soda bottle to hold it in place… as is necessary to prevent wax drip burns.)

513Leigh

Cover a portion of a star completely in white glue. Hold it into the flame until the glue becomes hard with a dusty charcoal layer over it. (Don’t hold it over the bare paper because it will burn! If a flame does spark, just blow it out like a candle. Cover that area with more glue, and then burn on.)

521Leigh

Rub off the dirty charcoal layer with a clean rag or paper towel. (You’ll start seeing a smooth sheen appear.)

523Leigh

You can leave them as is or rub a light wash of metallic paint over them (cheap acrylic craft paint works well). It’s an easy way to add verdigris or to switch between silver and gold. I use a sponge square to dab on paint, and then quickly wipe some of it away (it does dry really fast).

549Leigh

You can really see the detail of the texture on the star’s undersides. (There’s no need to finish the base if you plan on gluing them onto something else.)

501Leigh

Now let’s make mix-and-match patriotic napkin rings using 1 roll of clearance chambray wired ribbon and some lengths of various American themed twill ribbon.

405Leigh

First, cut 6 inch lengths of ribbon (1 chambray and 1 twill for each ring). Then hot glue the twill across the center of the larger chambray. Next, glue one short end over the other, overlapping them slightly.

484Leigh

Check out the patriotic rings in action here: Reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day Tablescape Décor Ideas Honoring American Forces

111Leigh

Learn how to make a matching patriotic banner here: DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Applique Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day

Happy 4th of July fire-working!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Whimsical Fairyland Tablescape Décor Ideas for a Birthday Party or Mother’s Day Celebration

Welcome to a whimsical fairyland with tablescape décor ideas perfect for a birthday party or Mother’s Day celebration. This is a venue where fantastical flower bearing fairies evoke Irish proverbs that will fill your mind with conviviality as joy fills your soul.

133Leigh

“Your feet will bring you where your heart is.”

Take a seat next to a dear loved one whose smile is lit by the glistening light reflected by the chandelier’s découpaged crystals.

140Leigh

“What fills the eye fills the heart.”

Feast your eyes upon a table festooned with watercolor ribbon bows and a berry clustered birdbath centerpiece framed by ceramic tulip salt and pepper shakers.

150Leigh

“A word is more enduring than worldly wealth.”

Meadow fairies present you with purple flowers and signs declaring, “You’re the Greatest!”

182Leigh

“People live in each other’s shelter.”

Rest upon floral cushions as you bask in the serenity of good company sheltering beneath trees adorned with handcrafted paper flower mobiles.

184Leigh

“Time is a good storyteller.”

Raise a toast with violet bubble goblets in celebration of time shared as you dine upon ceramic dishware of purple dragonflies twirling around parchment paper pansies.

136Leigh

“A light heart lives long.”

A lavender tablecloth of basket-weave patterning glides across a lighthearted tablescape with wood handled flatware and eggplant napkins rolled into handmade watercolor ribbon napkin rings.

215Leigh

Remember that “Mothers hold their children’s hands for just a little while… and their hearts forever.”

And as the small serving plates say, “The best medicine in the world is a mother’s kiss,”… remembered and cherished. Love you Mom!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The flower laden fellows are Mark Roberts Fairies, and the lovely quotes are old Irish proverbs!

P.P.S. Learn how to make your own paper flower mobiles by clicking HERE.

And read how to easily make the ribbon napkin rings HERE.

Get my free printable Birthday & Mother’s Day cards HERE.

Get the perfect Macadamia Nut Cake Recipe (Gluten-free Vegan) to serve at your gathering HERE.

Free Printable Fairyland Mother’s Day & Birthday Cards + Super Easy DIY Ribbon Napkin Rings Craft Tutorials

022Leigh

Craft a fantastic fairyland tablescape with this tutorial for super easy DIY ribbon napkin rings, and make fairyland cards for birthdays and Mother’s Day with my free printables. With four examples of napkin rings, using watercolor ribbon and paper gift wrapping ribbon… you’re sure to get all the inspiration you need to easily and inexpensively create the same magic for your own party. There you can raise a toast, as the fairies do in the cards, saying “Hip Hip Hooray” on celebration day!

2347Leigh

Make the napkin rings using absolutely any kind of ribbon you like to coordinate with your linens and decorations. (Here, I’ve used different varieties of Offray brand watercolor ribbon to resemble the petals in my fairyland tablescape.)

1921Leigh

Simply cut 6 inch lengths of it, and hot glue the edges (overlapping the short ends).

1924Leigh

Here is another example of the watercolor ribbon turned into rings.

2427Leigh

I made these pink and green rings to coordinate with my grandmother’s vintage ribbon rosettes.

2309Leigh

Here, the same super easy technique is used with simple gift wrapping paper ribbon.

2465Leigh

These would be equally lovely when paired with either fabric or paper napkins.

2449Leigh

This is the same wired paper ribbon that I used to make the rings for my scrapbooking paper flower mobiles (click here for the craft tutorial).

012Leigh

Make these Mother’s Day or Birthday cards using my free printables (for personal use only). They only need to be printed, cut out, and folded over. (Find square envelopes in many colors to send these in at Paper Source, whose affiliate link is in the sidebar.)

FairyToastingMothersDayCardLeighFairyToastingBirthdayCardLeigh

Right click on one of the small images above and select print. (The left is Mother’s Day & the right is Birthday.) Print these on heavy cardstock paper using the photo setting.

005Leigh

To further embellish the cards as I’ve done here, you can brush on opalescent glitter glue over the fairy wings. A small ribbon bow hot glued above the words really adds dimension to the cards.

037Leigh

The flower fairies seen here are from the Mark Roberts collection. They really add a whimsical touch to the centerpiece in my fairyland tablescape (see it all put together by clicking here).

2435Leigh

Hip Hip Hooray… we’re crafting today!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Easy DIY Taffeta Fabric Napkin Rings & No Sew Tablecloth Craft Tutorial & Free Printable Easter Egg Card or Invitation

Easily craft these DIY napkin rings and no sew tablecloth from taffeta fabric, and make elegant Easter egg cards or invitations with my free printable in this tutorial. They’re an easy way to create a one-of-a-kind celebration for your next Easter family gathering.

167Leigh

To make the tablecloth, begin by folding one corner of the fabric over onto itself in a triangle shape. Cut the fabric along the edge of the folded section. When it is unopened it will make a perfect square. Slightly fold over the outside edges, and hot fabric glue them into a hem. (Iron the folds before gluing to achieve a perfect no sew hem.) Lay this cloth over another coordinating tablecloth for a lovely layered look. (Check out my Capiz Easter Egg Tablescape for more of these projects in action.)

1932Leigh

To make the matching napkin rings, cut strips of fabric 2 inches wide by 6 inches long. Fold over the edges on the long sides, and hot fabric glue them under. Next, glue one short side over the other, slightly overlapping them. (Note that the underside of the taffeta is suitable to use also, for a more casual look.)

1948Leigh

This is a great project to use up any leftover fabric from other DIYs, especially if you want to coordinate linens with your drapes or upholstery.

1942Leigh

It’s also great to make these with end-of-bolt clearance sales, if you like the look of high end fabric yet have budget constraints. (And if you don’t… clearance shopping allows you to allocate more funds to charity. Double-win!)

PastelEggCardLeigh

Now print out Easter egg cards and invitations using my free printables. (Note that these are free only for your personal use and not for commercial purposes.) Simply right click on the image above and select print. Choose the photo setting, and print 1 full page for each card you desire. Print them on thick cardstock paper for the best quality card. Cut out the color image, and fold one end over the other. (Boxes of card sized envelopes are quite inexpensive, or you can make your own. Look for my tutorial on this in the future.)

Hoppy Easter to all you creative chicks!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Easy DIY Rainbow Napkin Rings Tutorial & Free Sky Printable Card / Invitation Craft for All Occasions Including Parties & St. Patrick’s Day

2030Leigh

This easy DIY rainbow napkin rings tutorial is perfect for many types of parties including St. Patrick’s Day, and my free printable all occasion sky card is a great craft for making matching invitations. The card can be made with or without the addition of a rainbow, and so it’s useful for many other purposes… such as sympathy, get-well, congratulations, good luck, missing you, birthday, et cetera. Is there ever really a bad time to send a rainbow as the symbolic harbinger of hope?!

2002Leigh

Let’ make the rainbow napkin rings first. To begin, you’ll need a pale color base ribbon and a sheer rainbow ribbon for the top. I used a vintage soft pink satin for the base, because it really brought out the rainbow’s beauty. Just make sure both types of ribbon are the same width.

1919Leigh

Cut 6 inch lengths of each type of ribbon for every ring you want to make. Next, hot glue the short ends only. Make sure to press the ribbon ends together firmly before the glue dries… using silicone finger protectors of course. Now glue one short end to the other, overlapping them slightly. Again, press them together firmly.

35Leigh

These rings are so quick and easy to make that they can be crafted at the last minute before a gathering. Who said procrastinator’s can’t have fabulous decorations?!

2051Leigh

Let’s make the sky card now. You need to print one page for every card you wish to make. I like to make extras during each crafting session, in case I have an unexpected need for a last minute card. (Note that my free printable is for your personal use only… not for commercial purposes.) If you want to add a rainbow, you can use any variety of colorful ribbon you like… striped, thin, checked, thick, solid, translucent, plaid, paper, plastic, or gossamer fabric ribbon like this one that I found on clearance. You can even use a pretty washi paper tape if you like.

Skycard+CloudLeigh

Simply right click on the small image above, and select print. Be sure to choose the photo setting for the finest image. It’s best to use a thick cardstock to make a nice card.

2008Leigh

Cut out the rectangle with the logo and sky image together, and then cut out the cloud image. If you want to add a rainbow, cut a 5 inch length of ribbon on the diagonal (like this /__/ ).

2015Leigh

Next, fold the rectangle in half to form the card. Add the rainbow by gluing the ribbon down to the top left corner, and then attach the other end. You can either glue the cloud on top of the ribbon directly, or use dimensional foam stickers to add height to the cloud. Try to place it under the sunrise just above the card opening.

2020Leigh

The perfect St. Patrick’s Day greeting card contains a classic Irish blessing such as this one:

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

♣ Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!)

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. See more of the rainbow napkin rings in action here: Meet me at the End of the Rainbow Tablescape Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Party Décor!

Traditional Chinese Good Luck Knot Craft Tutorial with DIY Plaited Napkin Rings & Washi Tape Decorated Chopsticks for Chinese New Year

1735Leigh

This craft tutorial for traditional Chinese good luck knots makes the perfect adornment for DIY plaited napkin rings which set an elegant tone for Chinese New Year along with quick washi tape decorated chopsticks. The knot demonstrated here is known by various names among diverse Asian cultures… Good Luck, Auspicious, Chrysanthemum, and One Mind. As a traditional Chinese folk art, decorative knots have been made in the same manner for well over a thousand years, though they originated in prehistoric times. These creations have been used to decorate homes, jewelry, clothing, and have functioned as stand-alone gifts as good luck charms. Knot, 中国结 or Jie in Chinese, translates as vigor, harmony, and unification. Therefore, they have been regarded as a token of blessing when gifted for friendship or love and for special occasions like weddings. This sentiment has led to many being passed down through the generations. As the Chinese New Year is a time for provoking good fortune, and yellow is regarded as a lucky royal color as it was once reserved only for use by the emperor, a yellow gold cording was chosen for the napkin rings so that guests will dine as royalty in the burgeoning of a prosperous year.

1508Leigh

Begin by purchasing enough cord in silk or satin (in a “rattail” width) to complete the project. You’ll need 21 inches for each plaited ring (126” for 6) and 26 inches for each good luck knot (156” for 6)… totaling 47 inches for each ring with knot (almost 4 feet) or 182” for 6 (23½ feet). (I got mine inexpensively in bulk size from Fire Mountain Gems, whose sale link is in the sidebar, which is a great source for all types of cording in varying quantities.)

1748Leigh

I’m demonstrating the good luck knot here by pinning the cords to a cork plant saucer, because it makes clear photography of the process easier. You may find it easier to make a symmetric knot this way, but it can be easily made without pinning anything down. Don’t get discouraged if your first knot looks askew, just untangle the cord and try again. It will get easier with each knot you make. Practice does indeed make perfect!

1576Leigh

Start by cutting a 26 inch length of cord with sharp scissors to prevent fraying. Fold this in half to find the center point, which becomes the middle of the top loop (pinned in purple). Fold the left strand to find its center which becomes the middle of the left loop (blue pin). Repeat this on the right strand (red pin in the next picture). Note that I’ve pinned the very center in neutral white to keep the central points flat. The cording should resemble a cross at this point.

1579Leigh

Next, fold the top (purple pin) loop over the left side (blue pin). It should now appear as a person with bowed head and outstretched arms.

1580Leigh

Then, take the right loop (red pin) and slip it under the top fold-over (purple pin). It should now give the impression of a windswept girl with arms down at sides.

1585Leigh

Now take the bottom two straight strands (no pin yet) and slip them under the fold-over above it (red pin). It should look a bit like a yoga contortion at this point.

1588Leigh

Next, fold the left loop (blue pin) over what was once the top loop (purple pin), and then slip it under what was previously the bottom strands (no pin yet). It should now bring to mind a game of twister.

1589Leigh

Pull all of the outside loop ends outwardly, a little at a time, until the center is taut. It should look like an upside down cross.

1594Leigh

Repeat the previous fold-overs going clockwise. Fold the top loose strands (now a pink pin) over the right loop (blue pin). It should give the idea of a girl with really long hair.

1598Leigh

Next, fold the right loop (blue pin) over the loose strands (pink pin). It should bring to mind a girl with really long hair, bowing with one arm outstretched and one crossing the abdomen.

1600Leigh

Now fold the bottom loop (purple pin) over the left loop (red pin). It should appear similar to a squashed bug.

1607Leigh

Take the left loop and fold it over what was once the bottom loop (now the top, purple pin) and slip under what was once the top strands (now the bottom, pink pin).It should bear a resemblance to an unfortunate wad of hair matted in bubble gum.

1610Leigh

Pull the ends straight out from the center. It should form another upright cross.

1611Leigh

Lastly for the knot, pull the smallest loops outwardly until it forms petal-like structures of equal size. It should now seem more like a Celtic cross. (If it doesn’t look right to you, just pull the whole thing apart and try again. No harm done!)

1518Leigh

For the plaited napkin rings, cut 3 pieces of cord (7 inches long) for each ring. Hot glue one end of each piece together like a tripod.

1517Leigh

Clip the glued end onto something sturdy for easier braiding (like a small pail full of pens). Make a classic 3 part braid, and then glue the ends together forming a strand. (A classic 3 part braid is like a simple hair braid… made by folding the left strand over the center, then the right strand over the new center, then the new left strand over the new center, then the new right strand over the new center… over and over again until you get to the end.)

1521Leigh

For these napkin rings, the knots will need 4 equal loops. To easily do this, just fold one loose strand over to the underside center until it forms the right size. Cut it to the center of the knots back, and then glue it down. Next, take the last loose strand and fold it over tightly against the knot without any gaps. Also cut this strand at the center-point and glue it down. Now take a braided strand and glue each end to this same gluey underside of the knot (without overlapping the ends).

1724Leigh

Finally, flip it over and look at your amazing creation!

1701Leigh

I saved the easiest project for last. Any inexpensive chopsticks can be made beautiful in a just few seconds with the addition of washi tape. You can even take some extra chopsticks home for free along with your takeout. (These came from the grocery store sushi counter.) They are disposable like plastic utensils, but are so much more environmentally friendly.

1563Leigh

Simply adhere the top corner of a piece of the paper tape to the top of the stick. Wrap it around until it overlaps, and then cut it. Press it down hard to make sure it doesn’t unwrap at the dinner table. Use as many layers of it in as many styles as you like. (I used thick neutral tape twice over which matched my table runner.)

61Leigh

See more of these projects in action in my Elegant Chinese New Year of the Monkey Dinner Party Tablescape Décor Ideas Article.

Kung Xee Fa Chai… Congratulations & may you be prosperous!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Countdown Calendar / Treat Bag Banner & Love Letter Napkin Rings Craft Tutorials

1661Leigh

This easy DIY Valentine’s Day countdown calendar plus treat bag banner and love letter napkin rings craft tutorial comprises three of my favorite things to make… banners, napkin rings, and advent calendars. The latter project arose from the questions, “Why are countdown calendars typically made for Christmas advent and not for other holidays?” and, “Why not expand the celebration with 2 weeks of excitement leading up to Valentine’s Day?” This works well for either children or adults depending on what’s placed inside the bags. As for the love letter themed napkin rings, they perfectly fit a romantic Valentine’s theme… though this one is for adults only!

1638Leigh

Let’s begin with the napkin rings. You’ll need a roll of Offray Brand Ribbon in a script pattern. (I purchased this ½ price with a coupon from Joann Craft & Fabric Stores. There’s a link for them in the sidebar.)

1647Leigh

You can make 12 rings and still have enough left over for a gift package bow if you like. You’ll also need either hot glue or liquid fabric glue and fabric paint in red (because it works on so much more than just T-shirts).

1216Leigh

Measure and cut a 6 inch length of ribbon for each ring you wish to make (use sharp sewing scissors to prevent fraying ends). If using hot glue, bond the ends with one side overlapping the other and press them together tightly. For liquid fabric glue, use a plastic clothes pin as a clamp or secure with a straight pin… and allow them to dry completely.

1243Leigh

Next, make a faux sealing wax impression with the red paint. Either use the fabric paint tip to draw a circle and fill it in, or just squeeze some onto a plate and use a brush. Allow these to dry completely before handling. (Hot sauce bottles, glue bottles, and paint tubes placed inside the rings will prevent rolling and paint smears.)

83Leigh

These napkin rings were so quick and easy to craft, and they were a great little touch to add to the Love Letter Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Romantic Date Night, or Anniversary Dinner).

1617Leigh

Now let’s make a Valentine’s Day countdown calendar and treat bag banner. (This is an easy enough project for the kiddos in your life to make too.) Begin by purchasing 14 mini clothespins complete with chalkboard hearts (these were 12 for $1 at the Target bargain bins). You can also buy the clothespins plainly and easily attach small flat wooden hearts with wood glue or hot glue… yes, hot glue does work on wood. Then all you need to do is paint the hearts with chalkboard paint. (All of the major craft stores carry the hearts. There are sidebar links for my favorite stores that carry coupon codes with them!)

1547Leigh

If you like, paint the remaining portion of the clothespins in your choice of red or pink… though the natural wood tone would look fine with the paper bags if you’re short on time. (I used dark scarlet multi-surface acrylic paint from DecoArt, because it matches my spice racks.) It’s easiest to clip them onto cardboard and just paint one side, leaving them to dry before flipping them over and completing the opposite side.

1552Leigh

You have the option of writing the 14 day numbered countdown with actual chalk (so that they may utilized in another capacity after the holiday) or with a permanent chalk marker that can’t be rubbed off.

1555Leigh

While those are drying, decorate your treat bags. (These plain little sacks were purchased cheaply for ½ off, but you can purchase printed ones if you’d like to speed up the process.) I used a red bingo marker to stamp dots in a polka dot pattern. (See more about this, along with other project ideas in my article on Fast & Easy DIY Hand-stamped Polka-dot Gift Wrap & Matching Gift Crafts.)Let these dry completely before the next step. (You also have the option of stamping a pattern onto the bags with ink or paint.)

1560Leigh

Next, cut out hearts from black chalkboard paper, or use a paper punch in any shape you like, or speedily use readymade chalkboard sticker labels.

heart template

Here is my handy little template to print free at home then cut out to trace around. It’s an easy way to make the same exact heart shape repeatedly. (Just right click the small image above and select print.)

1564Leigh

 

Adhere the paper hearts onto the bags with a permanent glue stick. Then run a strip of matching washi tape along the base for easily added flair.

1571Leigh

String the dry clothespins onto ribbon, string, jute, cording, twine, or yarn. (I used yarn that looks like twine because three times the amount can be purchased for ⅓of the price.) Once again, use either permanent white marker or actual chalk to write on each heart.

1623Leigh

I chose to write “Be my Valentine!” but “Valentines Day!” or “Happy Hearts Day” would also have fit on the 14 bags. You can also write the names of individual recipients like friends, classmates, or even alternate the names of family members.

1635Leigh

Fill the little bags with anything you like… you can make it as inexpensive or extravagant as you like.

1629Leigh

For kiddos: try candy, stickers, stamps, tiny toys, erasers, inexpensive jewelry… or silly printed jokes you won’t mind hearing over and over again. On the 14th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a stuffed animal.

1628Leigh

For adults: try printing faux fortunes, poems, romantic quotes, movie or event tickets, or even homemade coupons for “honey-do” chores or special treats. On the 14th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a dozen roses, box of chocolates… or something uber masculine like the latest power tool at home depot.

1661Leigh

This makes a super cute banner decoration as well, and it can be strung just about anywhere using either tape, 2 extra clothespins, or by tying knotted loops at each end of the string.

I ♥ Crafting… Don’t you?!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Create a Homespun Holiday of Barn Red & Burlap with Christmas Tablescape & Mantle Décor Ideas

917Leigh

Why prepare for Christmas by waiting in long lines at overcrowded stores when you can create heartfelt moments with loved ones while crafting a homespun holiday that harkens back to simpler times. Deck the halls without breaking the bank using my easy craft tutorials for DIY décor that harmonizes perfectly with the season’s traditional crafts of gingerbread houses and strung cranberries or popcorn. Have friends over for a cookie decorating or gift wrapping party, and then move the décor over to the mantel in time for a cozy Christmas. In this way, we can all celebrate togetherness in the real spirit of the season!

943Leigh

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly“ and a one-of-a-kind burlap tablecloth painted with stamps and matching napkin rings which set a delightful tone for a homespun holiday gathering. (Learn how easy it is to make these here!)

928Leigh

“’Tis the season to be jolly” and nosh on gluten-free vegan gingerbread cake served upon red ceramic plates over wooden chargers accompanied by holiday reindeer mugs filled with steaming cups of hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows.

936Leigh

“Follow me in merry measure” to a table lit by barn red lantern bedecked with ribbons and merry-making birds. (See more about the birdies here!)

941Leigh

“While I tell of Yule-tide treasure” held in handcrafted advent calendars alongside festive banners and signs trimming the windows in the background. (Find out how to make these here!)

58Leigh

“See the blazing Yule before us” and the apropos message of J-O-Y spelling out the holiday sentiment. (Learn how easily these were made here!)

67Leigh

“Strike the harp and join the chorus” of pretty burlap birds perched perfectly upon tiny tin houses. (See this quick project here!)

918Leigh

“Sing we joyous, all together, heedless of the wind and weather.

Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-La!”

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh