Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

11.21.2013

DIY Vintage Christmas Ornament


There’s something about vintage Christmas ornaments that warm my heart. They hint at simpler times, and their worn patina tells me they were well loved.  And in the spirit of decking the halls, I’ve made crafting vintage-inspired decorations a holiday tradition. This year's creation is a vintage-inspired tree ornament I like to call “Fawn in Winter Forest”. The best part – it was easy to make!


Tools & Supplies

ornament // glitter // mini sisal trees // mini deer // Snow-Tex // vintage Christmas greeting card
small scissors // hot glue gun // small paint brush 

Crafting Time: 1 Hour

How-to

  • Vintage inspired ornament with open centre 
    • I found this pre-glittered high-shine ornament at Sears, but any ornament with a vintage shape that has a generous open centre is suitable.
  • Snow-Tex by DecoArt from Michaels 
    • This comes in a jar and has a creamy granular consistency. Scoop it up with a small paint brush to apply your snow.  Apply generously for a billowy snow-like effect. The snow will harden overnight, so you can continue shaping the snow as you go along.  You will also dab Snow-Tex on the trees and a little bit on the greeting banner for a fresh snowfall look.
  • Martha Stewart white tinsel glitter
    • Apply glitter over the wet snow so the glitter sticks to snow surface. This will make the snow glisten!
  • Miniature sisal trees from Michaels 
    • These little bristly trees come in packs of 12. They have little wooden bases attached, but you can easily cut these off with a small pair of scissors. They have wire stems which are great for sticking the tree base directly into the snow.
  • Miniature deer figurines from Michaels
    • These miniature deer come in packs of 4 (2 small, 2 extra small). Stick one directly into the snow in the desired position.
  • Vintage Christmas card for greeting banner
    • You can find old Christmas cards at flea markets or on Ebay and Etsy. Old greeting cards have the most charming holiday greetings and are ideal because the card stock has aged and browned over time which helps give your ornament a vintage look.  Simply cut out a greeting from the card with your small scissors into a banner shape. Use your fingers to gently roll smooth bends into the card stock so the banner has curved edges.
  • Hot glue gun
    • Dab a small bead of glue between the deer head and the sisal tree for extra stay-in-place security. You will also dab a small bead of glue on the greeting banner and affix it to the sisal tree in the desired position so that the banner appears to be floating.

Happy ornament making!


11.13.2013

Luxe Christmas Tree Ornaments

clockwise: Swarovski // Waterford // Diptyque // Kate Spade

Let it be known to all of you that I have an obsession with Christmas tree ornaments.  They're like diamonds; the more the merrier! I can't resist a decorative object any day of the week, so a tree full of them sends me into a state of euphoria.  Especially when they're as luxe as these baubles.  I reckon Ms. 'Violet Eyes' would have approved of these ornaments… They're dazzling!

J xx

11.08.2013

Christmas Ornament Vases


I had to repost this adorable holiday DIY project shared by Liz at Gimme Some Style.  Liz and her hubby are co-owners of a coffee shop in Kansas City called Quay Coffee.  Their business partners decked out their coffee shop for the holidays last year with these sweet Christmas ornament vases that adorned each table.  How cute is that!  For more on this DIY project, head over to her blog.  I'll definitely be making some over the holidays! 

J xx



11.06.2013

5 Years | Christmas at Galeries Lafayette

I just can't express how beautiful Paris is.  It's been 6 long years since my first trip to Paris and I promised myself I wouldn't wait forever to go back.  Lately I've been thinking it's soon time to plan my big return.  Winter 2014 perhaps?  The Christmas decorations alone at Paris' premier department store, the Galeries Lafayette are enough to convince me that I should plan a holiday trip to Paris next year.  Take a look back at the last 5 years of beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Galeries Lafayette.  How magical!  I must see Paris at Christmas time, I must!
J xx



Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Swatch, the Swiss watch company.




Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the dome of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store, Swarovski unveiled their 'Century' Christmas tree.


'Rock N' Mode' Christmas tree, chimes to the tune of 'Rocking Around the Christmas Tree'.  Festivities included live rock music performances throughout December to enhance the shopping experience. 


Whimsical multicoloured gift boxes hang from the ceiling.


Rose toned baubles, bows and gifts make for a feminine chic Christmas tree.

11.01.2013

It's Here!


My Christmas season starts today!  
These are the only words I felt adequate to convey my sheer joy and excitement 
for all the merry festivities that lies ahead!

J xx

12.24.2012

Christmas Greetings


I love being home for Christmas.  Yes, spending time with loved ones is special, but there's also the time you get to spend by yourself - if you're lucky.  This is the time I get to do the things I might never do on any given day.  Once I get the initial "Ugh, I'm so bored!" out of my system, I get the notion to do the things I really want to be doing.  Out of boredom comes creativity.  And in my case, my second 'annual' Christmas scene in a mason jar creation. 


Isn't it cute?  I picked up an antique Crown mason jar from a flea market for $2.  The white sisal tree, snow and faux pearl beads come from Michaels, and the little deer is by Schleich Toys.  I cut up some antique Christmas cards for the banner and the little birdy, and voila.  I love the look of a vintage inspired Christmas decoration. 

And if you're really bored, you can take your little creation on a sleigh ride photo shoot...

...or take a drive and snap beautiful winter scenes around town...

...or take a billion pictures of your dog in the snow because he's so darn cute...

...or if you're really feeling up to it - build a snowman!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

J xx

12.05.2012

Year After Year

Two Trees

Christmas to me is about that glorious feeling of nostalgia that intensifies year after year. I love that Christmas means more to me as I get older; the more Christmases, the more fond memories I collect. All contributing to the warm fuzzies that overwhelm me at this time of year. It's no wonder I like my ornaments and decorations to look handcrafted and old with a dash of glitter. After all, what could be more dazzling at Christmas than the traditions that manifest, the prevalence of good wishes, and the decorations that sparkle.

Starburst 

Deer

Gold Bauble

J xx

12.03.2012

Blackbird Vintage


It's official. I'm in love with a boutique called Blackbird Vintage located in the Distillery District.  It showcases everything that vintage is loved for:  character and nostalgia.  I was in heaven perusing through the Christmas baubles, vintage vignettes and strategically placed antiques.  Everything in this shop is a vision - you'll want it all.  It was vintage with an edge.  L.O.V.E.  For more on Blackbird Vintage, click here

J xx

Storefront

The Man of the House

Majestic Antlers

Vintage Christmas Tree Toppers

Vintage Vignette

12.02.2012

Christmas Time in the City


It's Christmas time!  Things couldn't get any more festive than a cold, snowy night at the Toronto Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District.   I went on Friday, the opening night of the market, and I was enthralled by its old world European charm.  From Christmas treats and decorations by local crafters, carollers and a carousel, to food huts, warming huts and a 45 foot sparkling spruce tree - it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Despite what felt like minus 10 degree weather - the Holiday spirit kept me warm enough to last the night.  The Christmas Market is on until December 16th, so be sure to stop by (it's free!).  And as if it wasn't beautiful enough, the Distillery District dressed in Christmas will set your spirit in overdrive.

J xx

The Market

Beautiful White Lights Strung Overhead 

I'm Bundled (Brr!)

This way to Santa's Lane

Yummy poutine! Oh so Canadiana.

Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round

Holiday Carousel 

45 Foot White Spruce Tree donated by Trees Ontario.  So pretty!

Ruby Red Bauble


An Old Fashioned Christmas


11.21.2012

Lunares Ornaments

Crown Peace

I love these Christmas ornaments by Lunares Home via ShopBop. Gold, white and/or silver is a super fresh combo and would look fab on any tree. My favs are the Crown Peace and Wishbone ornaments. These would make great hostess gifts! And from $15 - $26 you can't go wrong!

J xx

Wish Star

Wishbone

Love


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