Gift Handmade: Silk Bauble Necklaces

My favorite look from Fashion week was this gal below. So bold and so unique. I am not sure where you can buy such lovely necklaces but I will show you a way to make one of your own for less than $10. How does that sound? You can totally make as long and as bold as you want! I have more plans for these:)

Supplies:

Dupioni Silk Fabric - 1/4-1/2 yard in each color (Joann's or etsy!

Wooden spheres - Varying sizes (found in wood aisle of Hobby Lobby sold by the bag)

Needle and Thread (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut fabric in strips wide enough to cover wooden spheres once over and a little more to give. (4-6 inches depending on size), and the length of the yard.

2) Twist and wrap a knot 4-6 inches from edge of your fabric.

3) Add a sphere, wrap around and twist to knot. Repeat desired amount of times. If your necklace is longer you will need to stitch to lengths together.

Optional: Add gold jump rings around each knot for additional glam.

*Edges will fray so trim at the ends or spray fray check!

Very simple and a very fun statement. Gift these to your accessory loving friends! 

Would love to see pics if you make them!

P.S. Check out Design Love Fest today for the scoop on Blogshop ATL and pics of the decor results. (Love those girls:))

Advent Pocket Calendar DIY

I told him to pull something out of the pockets, and he went straight for Day 23!

He told me it said "Good morning Gabriel one two six." Not exactly, but close enough;)

Did you have an advent calendar growing up? We had an ornament one that we would re-stuff with the same ornaments every year just for the fun of opening those doors each day. My mom had a Jesse tree for us as well. I wanted to continue the advent countdown with my family so I actually made this advent calendar a few years ago. This is the first year little Gabriel really understands what Christmas is ("a big birthday party for Jesus"), so Gabe and I are looking forward to introducing him to all the wonder Christmas can bring.  I filled these pockets with sweets and a daily gospel passage. By Christmas Eve, the whole nativity story will be read. Its a simple way of keeping the advent focus of preparing for the best day of the year! (Advent actually means coming in Latin, so its a whole four weeks to prepare for the "coming" of the King.) I hope he comes to love this tradition. 

Supplies:

Burlap Fabric (28 in. wide x 44 in. long folded in half)

24 Muslin Drawstring Bags  3.5 x 4.5 in. (find some here or here)

Red cardstock or linen paper

Circle or scallop punch

Hole punch

Wooden rod (3 ft.)

Ribbon

Gold ink (optional)

Instructions:

1) Fold your burlap in half and spread your pockets evenly across in rows.

2) Hot glue the sacks on the back edges (place paper or something inside so it doesn't glue top) to fabric.

3) Punch the red paper with a shape you like, and add number stamps (or hand draw).

4. Hole punch the scallop circles and loop through and tie to each bag in sequence.

5. Decorate your muslin bags. I used the end of a pencil and carved a triangle to stamp gold patterns. 

6. Place calendar over wooden rod, tie ribbon on each end and hang wherever you like!

7. Fill with surprises of your choice. If you would like to use the daily gospel readings, I made a printable sheet you can download for free here. 

Do you have a fun advent calendar post you want to share? Leave the link:)

Hope you all have a happy advent season!

Love, Anna

Rhinestone Bib Necklace DIY

Last week was a whirlwind, and I can't believe we have arrived at thanksgiving week.

Little V is finally on the mend, but now Gabe is down. Lets see if we can all make it to thanksgiving dinner in one piece! No matter what, I am cooking lots of food. Its the meal I have been looking forward to all year! ;)

This is a DIY that you can make to dress up your holiday party outfits. You can even wear it over a casual round neck blouse with jeans. Many fun options:) I just used some left over rhinestone appliques I had on hand, but you can use any applique shapes or trims.

Supplies:

Fastener 

Needle and thread

Fabric with white felt backing

Rhinestone trims or appliques with iron on backing (find a bunch here)

hot glue

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut out your bib shape and wrap around your neck to make sure it fits! You can create any type of shape on the ends as you like.

2. Sew your two part fastener piece to each side of the bib (on the rounded edges) Test to make sure it hooks well.

2. Cut up your rhinestone appliques into small pieces, and arrange around your fabric.

3. Hot glue the pieces to secure (stays really well with iron on backing and doesn't show)

Hope this gives you some new alternatives to your Christmas lineup:) 

P.S. Updated the IHOD Gift Guide post with ALL of the exclusive discounts for the featured items and sites. Some of the codes expire soon so don't miss your chance on some great deals!

Handmade Holiday Gifts: Wrapping Paper Framed Prints

This is a gift you could give to any friend, sister, or relative who has their own place and appreciates decor:) Its as easy as it sounds. Find some fun wrapping paper (or even wall paper) with no shine finish.

I picked out some printed paper at Midori. Its nice and think with no gloss or shine finish.

Instructions: Find a matte and frame that will compliment your paper well. (I found a great one at Pottery Barn, but usually find frames at thrift stores.) Measure and cut your paper accordingly. Tape the wrapping paper to the back of the matte frame using acid free tape if possible. This is a fun way to personalize a gift for a loved one. You can get a couple prints out of one gift wrap sheet or roll.Would love to see your outcome if you choose to make! (Last weeks handmade holiday gift here.)

Love, Anna

P.S. Last call for sponsors for the IHOD Gift Guide! Only a few spots left. Lots of exposure guaranteed:) Please email for info.