Last summer, I kept seeing cute paper straws popping up in tablescapes and at summer parties, and I couldn’t help but think they’d be so fun to craft with during the holidays, especially in the traditional Christmas colors of red and white. To me, they look just like peppermint sticks!

I haven’t decorated at Christmas with very much red in years past (call me a rebel) but red and I are no longer estranged. This holiday season you’ll be seeing plenty of crimson at my house so let’s start with this fun and easy craft project: paper straw snowflakes!   

If you want to make some of your own, here’s what you’ll need.  For a large 10 inch snowflake: 5 pipe cleaners; 8 paper straws; 24 beads; center embellishment; ribbon or string.  (For smaller snowflakes, cut 4 paper straws in half for a total of 8 stems).  The baker’s twine and paper straws were ordered online (see sources below) and all other supplies are from Michaels.

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The smells of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie will we wafting through homes in America next week, I’m so excited!  This morning I found myself actually pinning a picture of pumpkin pie.  Mmmmm.  As soon as that holiday passes, Christmas is upon us and soon we’ll be surrounded by the scents of pine, fir and cedar.  I. Can’t. Wait !!

The “Christmas smell” is one of my all-time favorites, bringing back memories of the holiday season from years past. Like you, I look forward to it every December. Earlier this year I was desperate for fresh garland and wreaths for the two magazine shoots, and I had to find an online source for fresh greenery in the off season. Kinda stressful.  

My research led me to Lynch Creek Farms in Washington state. I called them up out of the blue in a semi-panic and they totally saved the day. It was such a pleasant experience, the people at Lynch Creek couldn’t have been kinder or more professional.  In both March and August, they shipped the most gorgeous 26 inch wreaths and yards and yards of cedar garland right to my door. 

Thanks to Lynch Creek Farms, I was able to recreate the holidays with fresh cedar and fir and they were a genuine pleasure to work with.  Here are a couple of shots I took in August that I’ve never shared but I’ll share them today to get you in the mood for the upcoming scents of the Christmas season! 

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here thanks to Mr. Bublé. After I bought his CD the other day (love it!), we’ve been listening to the sounds of Christmas, which put me in the mood to make things feel like Christmas. Yes it’s early, but I make no apologies. I’d like to blame Michael but really it’s my eagerness to get the decorating done early.  Just a little bit every day and I’ll have time to enjoy December!

I had an idea the other day for a craft project that I wasn’t sure would work, but in the end turned out so cute I had to share.  It’s an ornament tree made from dowel rods and marabou feather boas.  How fun is this?

To recreate your own, here’s what you’ll need. One wood bun foot; one ¾” x 36” dowel rod and six ¼” x 36” dowel rods from a home improvement store; white paint (or primer); saw to trim ¾” dowel rod; sharp clippers for ¼” dowel rods; power screwdriver with ¼” drill bit; hot glue gun; 12-15 feet of marabou feather boas from a craft store.  Optional supplies: craft glue, glitter, and tree topper. 

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I love a great challenge!  Last week Katie and friends announced the second Pinterest Challenge (Fall Edition) and since I missed it the first time around, I decided to hop on board this time.  A few weeks ago I had cozy accents on my mind, specifically sweater pillows.  Pottery Barn has made versions of these in the past and there were a few DIYers who came up with their own interpretations too. I loved Megan’s version from Brassy Apple so I pinned it. (Don’t you love the ability to comment on Pinterest too?  Thanks Julie, you made me laugh!)

I also loved Megan’s button center and floral accents too!  I went down to my local Goodwill and saw at least a dozen sweaters to choose from.

I bought the center one for $3 bucks and brought it home.  Then I pinned this:

And a few days ago I made this! 

The flower is a lapel pin I’ve had for awhile that suits the pillow perfectly. 

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