Cheap, Cheerful and Family Friendly

Hello! For today's post I thought I'd try and do three challenges in one post! This is a really expensive time of the year and so I wanted to make things that would be fun for us all to do with the family as well as be as inexpensive as possible.

The first idea was a canvas that could be a gift or small decorative item. I bought a small canvas from a pound shop and coloured it with Antique Linen Distress Stain and Vintage Photo Distress Ink. I used scraps of paper to make rosettes, inked Maya Road letters and embossed them. I added a ribbon from my stash (it originally came from a present so was free!) and a couple of trinkets. I often use these canvasses as they are so inexpensive and can be used as a platform to build on your ideas. If you have never tried using one before, buy them really cheaply and have a go - if you have only spent a pound then it doesn't feel so scary to use it! Cut out images, like Victorian decoupage, look fabulous on a canvas!

The second idea is a wreath.

I made this one with my children last year and was thrilled to see it had survived a winter in the decorations box! I covered a ring cut from a cereal box (using two sized plates!) and covered it with Tissue Tape. Then I die cut Christmas Trees and inked the edges before placing them on the ring. I added very inexpensive sticky stars on the top and a ribbon. To the bottom I covered an Adage Ticket with Glossy Accents and popped a tiny gem in there for a little more 'bling'! It looks really sweet in real life and I had lots of compliments!

The final project is a fabulously easy one which will keep your small people busy for ages!

My 11 year old daughter made these and intends on making more so my house will soon become awash with paper baubles! Simply stamp an A4 piece of card with your favourite stamps (or use old thicker quality wrapping paper) and colour the stamped images in. Cut out strips from the card of about 2cm wide and when you have about 8 put a small hole at the end of each one. Thread a brad through the holes at one end and secure. At the other end you need to secure a ribbon for hanging. Simply fan out the strips to make a bauble shape. My daughter will be thrilled that her craft is being seen by you!

I hope this has given you some inexpensive inspiration for decorations! As this my last post before Christmas may I wish you a happy and peaceful holiday and a wonderful start to 2012!

Gabrielle

Comments

[Debbie]

Fantastic ideas. I love home made Christmas decorations, I still have the angel on my tree that my son made when he was 3. He is now 20 x

Especially like the wreath, not thought of using Christmas trees before, thanks for the inspiration.

[Mandy]

I too love handmade decorations and yours are lovely. Reminds me of my dd making a candle centre piece when she was a Brownie. The base was a C.D. And there was mini tinsel on it too. It decorated a side table all the way up to Christmas then we had it on the table for Christmas dinner and burned the candle. She was besides herself. I loved your post and feel so happy to be reminded about that memory too. :)
Mandy

[Eleanor]

3 lovely ideas, especially like the wreath, and I know some 'not so young' folk in this house who will be making paper baubles this weekend!
Elx

[Lynne V.]

Great ideas, I have some friends coming with their children next week and will get everything ready for them to make baubles.

Thanks for sharing.

[Erika]

Great canvas and love how you've created the wreath.
Erika.

[jayne]

Simply Beautiful and you said they didnt break the bank so even better !
well done x

[Laura]

Really cute ideas!