Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Dreaming of a White Christmas???

Ok, I know what you're thinking!!  
"Geez, Halloween isn't even here yet, and this nutcase girl is talking about Christmas???!!"
Well, in all honesty I am usually not one to rush the seasons.
Oh no!
I cringe when I walk thru the craft stores in August and see the Christmas supplies and decor already out.
And I usually don't like to start even thinking of the holiday til, well at least Thanksgiving!!
But, since I am having major blogger block, I thought I might as well share with you my latest project, which I just completed for DecoArt.
(and I hope you forgive me for even mentioning Christmas this early in the game!!)
If you are a fellow crafter, I'm sure that you usually get a leg up on creating for the holidays well before the season actually starts.
When DecoArt put out the challenge to create Christmas decor in non traditional colors, I knew right away which direction I would take things:
AQUA!!!!
So with that, here is what I came up with...........



 I had so much fun creating this piece!
I began with a large unfinished wooden crate, styled after an old fashioned soda crate.
As soon as I spotted the crate at the craft store, I just knew it would be the perfect canvas for what I had in mind!
I used both chalk and acrylic paints, in vibrant shades of aqua's and blues.
Each opening is painted a different hue, which was pretty time consuming!!
 I knew that I wanted to include the words to a Christmas carol, and since 
Bing Crosby's  famous tune is one of my favorites, I went with that.
So I stenciled a few lines from the song on each long side of the crate.
That was pretty time consuming, as I was using an alphabet stencil and had to do it letter by letter!
For the piece de la resistance, I added wooden laser cut snowflakes, that I painted and glittered.
Because you know my saying.....
"You can never have too much glitter!!"
 For my little photo shoot today, I had fun filling the openings with pinecones, vintage glass Christmas ornaments, faux greenery, and even a tiny wrapped gift!
 Of course all of that involved getting into the attic to retrieve my big red and white Christmas tubs!

It did feel a bit strange doing that on a sunny and mild day in October!
I must say that I am happy with the end result!!
 Maybe this will inspire you a bit as you dream of a White Christmas!!
Ok, I promise not to get ahead of myself season and holiday wise next time!!
Thanks for stopping by!

12 comments:

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, LOVE IT!! WOW the crate turned out so special. Love the color, the words from the song and the snowflakes. Just perfectly designed and DecorArt is going to love it too. Love your pics and the display you added to the inside. You created a very special treasure. Such a talent you are my friend.
Happy Creating for Christmas!! I've been at it since July. LOL
Hugs, cm

Susie said...

Donna, That is just beautiful !!! I love it. I like the mix of colors too. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
I love your Christmas crate and you put a lot of work into making it beautiful and special. Love the color, the lettering and the pretties inside.
October really isn't too early in the retail business, in fact I'm trying to come up with some ideas now.

hugs
Sissie

Mimi said...

Donna, that is just stunning! I adore aqua, and you've done the idea justice, for sure. I once did a burnt orange and sage green Christmas near the beach. It was lovely. So nice to do something less traditional. I'd love you to come and share this at my new-ish linkup, Five Star Frou-Frou. It'd be a pleasure to host you. Love, Mimi xxx

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is charming, Donna...and with 24 openings, it would be a perfect Advent calendar with little Christmas goodies...

handmade by amalia said...

Oh, this is nice, Donna. But a bit scary how quickly times goes by.
Amalia
xo

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It is beautiful and I love love the colors!! I hate rushing the seasons also but sometimes a craft just has to be done!
hugs,
Linda

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Donna,
I'm loving your new header, gorgeous. Christmas... No not thinking of it yet - enjoying Halloween which by the way is second only to Christmas in total sales. I think you did a wonderfully creative job on the wooden crate and you embellished it sweetly with those snowflakes and magical song words and then adorned the dividers with beautiful ideas to make a wonderful centerpiece. Love it ...
xoxo,
Vera

HWIT BLOGG said...

A lovely post! Time is going fast, too fast...
Have a great weekend, take care!
Titti

Cynthia said...

Donna, this is adorable and love the saying. I have Christmas things made already. Some fifth and few things for me. Everything that goes on during the holidays things have to made early. Have a fantastic weekend my sweet friend.

Hugs,
Cindy

Musings from Kim K. said...

Brilliant as always!!

NanaDiana said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE it,Donna. Once again, The Glitter Goddess has outdone herself. That is just a really cute piece and I bet you could sell a ton of them. Of course I love your GLITTERED snowflakes! You know I do! Loving all the different shades of aqua and blue in the project. Happy Halloweeny Christmas to you! xo Diana