How to Bring Hygge into Your Home!

 

  

A couple more to go!

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What You’ll Need:

• Plain ceramic teacups
• Masking tape
• Ceramic paint
• Paintbrushes

Cover the top half of the cup with masking tape. Pick up some masking tape online for $3.00!

Paint the un-taped part of the cup. Let this dry and apply a second coat. You can find high-quality ceramic paints here.

Dip an old toothbrush into dark blue paint. Using your thumb, splatter paint on top of the painted portion of the cup. If your looking for mugs – check out these, perfect for this project.

Use a thin paintbrush to add two thin criss crossing lines around the top of the cup.

Make your favourite hot beverage, snuggle up on the couch with a great book and hygge away!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

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1. Rainbow Trees

Predicted to be the biggest trend this season, this colourful look is sure to make a statement. You can easily create this design by picking up a few boxes of different coloured ornaments. A great tip from www.housebeautiful.com, keep in mind you’ll need more boxes of the colour on the bottom of the tree as it gets wider on the way down.

2. Wicker Tree Skirts

The absolutely perfect way to cover the worst bit of your tree. This collar covers up not only the trunk but also the never attractive water basin. You can get one in any colour you like, from white to dark brown, so they suit any palette.

Christmas Decor

3. 80’s Vintage

Oh the 80’s. A decade where our Christmas’ were filled with tinsel, multi-coloured foil stars, glass ornaments that shattered if you breathed on them and false trees so sparse they looked like they were attacked by termites. But despite all of this, or maybe because of it, you just can’t beat the nostalgic feeling of having a few of these kicking around the house.

This must be why 80’s vintage is making such a huge comeback this year, with stores like Michaels even coming out with an entire vintage inspired collection. Pick up some vintage decor here.

4. Mother Nature

Natural elements have been a part of Christmas decorating since the beginning of, well, Christmas decorating. It all started with evergreen wreaths, berry garlands and pinecone ornaments.  This isn’t a trend that is going anywhere anytime soon and we can’t say we’re sad about that.

5. Warm Golden Lights

In recent years, since the LED bulb came onto the market, the trend in lighting has been icy whites with bold, electric colours. This year that will flip as we see a swing back to warm, golden tones. The glow from these lights will bathe your home in warmth and splendor. But don’t worry! You won’t have to go back to eco-unfriendly incandescent bulbs to get this look.

6. Barely There Christmas

Not for everyone, this hot trend is sweeping the decor world. If you can resist hauling all of your decorations from storage, this look can deliver a clean, crisp and modern Christmas. Our friends at A Crafted Passion have eleven inspirational strategies to get you started.

7. DIY Advents

Anyone remember those cardboard calendars with the not-so-great little chocolates in them? While those are still hanging around, the trend for 2018 is to make your own. There are unlimited tutorials out there – including our own. Options range from chalkboards, to felt, to wood boxes and everything in-between. There’s even kits that make it that much easier to get started – you can find some here. 

8. Plaid Stockings

The great thing about this easy trend is  you can pick up these beauties pretty much anywhere. Because they are so popular this year, every store from the local Dollar Store to Pottery Barn has them in-stock and ready to buy. Don’t wait too long though or they’ll be gone!

9. Folklore

Inspired by the Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) decorating trend, this Christmas style is sitting front and centre in 2018. Hygge – in a very basic sense – is the Scandinavian concept of feeling cozy contentment and well-being through simple things. With how crazy the world is feeling today, it’s no wonder this concept is so popular. Think candles, blankets, cocoa, and even sweatpants. Its not only about decor, its also a state of mind.

10. Pink

I’m dreaming of a Pink Christmas!! Say yes to this fun colour we don’t normally associate with the holidays. Think pink lights, ornaments, wreaths, dare we say… a pink tree?? While that might be pushing most of us past our comfort zones, don’t be afraid to add touches of this trendy colour to your decor strategy. Perhaps try starting with out funky pink photo box pictured above? Get the tutorial here.

We hope you found this list of Christmas Decor helpful and that you feel inspired to mix something new into your holiday decor this year! However you decorate your home, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

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Large DIY Outdoor Christmas Trees from Tomato Cages

Two it Yourself has created these beautiful Tomato Cage Christmas Trees and has a tutorial too!  These will look great beside any front door, accented with decorations or left simply in green.

DIY Christmas Trees with Marquee Lights

Another awesome tutorial by Christmas Lights, Etc.  I have seen a few of these pallet lighted Christmas tree’s around town and they are fantastic during the day and night.  Put this project on your to-do list!

Joyeux Noel Snowflake Wreath

This is a sparkly wintery coloured decor project.  Easy to make and looks beautiful in the sunlight, this wreath by Champagne and Sugarplums is a bright and beautiful addition to outdoor Christmas decor.

DIY Starburst Ornaments

These simple Starburst Ornaments are fast, inexpensive and totally awesome.  Made by Listotic, these ornaments look best hanging from a large evergreen!

Make Your Own Evergreen Wreath for Christmas

Made by Learning and Yearning, this wreath is made with real evergreen foliage and it’s a statement piece!  Big and beautiful, save the money on a pre-made wreath and begin a tradition of creating your own.

DIY Santa Sleigh

Designed by Her Tool Belt, this Santa Sleigh is too cute!  It will take some time but the finished product is well worth it.  The bright colours and shiny accents make this project a must do!

Hope you found something you’re anxious to make!!

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My project this week is some painted and glittery shells. On our shelves in the living room we have a little wooden dish. Every season I switch out what sits in the dish – its currently holding some sparkly skulls for Halloween. I had been thinking of doing something a little different this year for Christmas, so once Christine and I decided to dedicate a week to a coastal theme, I thought of my dish! Once these Coastal Christmas Seashells came out better than I expected, and as a bonus, only took me an hour to make!

It may be snowing outside but with these decorations, the summer vibe will certainly last a little longer.

Coastal Christmas Seashells

What you’ll need:

• A variety of seashells
• Paint in navy and gold
• Glue
• Teal glitter
• Paint brushes

Firstly, cover some of the shells with glue.

Before the glue dries, dip or pour glitter over the shells.

Paint some of the shells gold. This will most likely need two coats, be sure to let the paint dry between layers.

Paint the remaining shells navy. I painted only half of these cone shells for a fun effect.

Allow them to dry completely.

Finally, arrange into a vase, dish or plate to display and you’re done.

I hope you liked these Coastal Christmas Seashells!  If you’re looking for more Christmas decor, certainly check out this 2 Step Coastal Christmas Starfish Decoration or these Retro Christmas Photo Transfers.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

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One of the biggest trends of the past few years has been faux taxidermy. Deer, moose, rhinos, even unicorn heads have been gracing every walls in every colour and texture you can imagine. So  it’s time we showed you how to make one for your own home, especially because you’ll be shocked at how easy and quick this project is. Let’s make this easy faux marble deer head.

Easy Faux Marble Deer Head Decor

What You’ll Need:

• Wood deer head
• Patterned paper
• Paint
• Foam brush
• Modge Podge glue

Paint the sides of the wood gold, covering the deer head all the way around.

If paint gets on the front of the wood that is fine, this will be covered with the patterned paper.

Trace the deer head onto the patterned paper. Tip: trace onto the patterned side of the paper. This will prevent the cut-out not fitting the deer head when you flip it over.

Cut out the tracing.

Cover the front of the deer head with a thin layer of Modge Podge. Make sure its not too thick, puddles of glue will cause the paper to ripple.

Smooth the paper onto the Modge Podge and cover with another layer to seal the paper to the wood.

Finally, let it dry and hang!  A fresh, modern take on Christmas decor. 

We hope you loved this Easy Faux Marble Deer Head Decor for your modern Christmas decor!  If you’re looking for more, certainly check out these DIY Chunky Christmas Blanket Tassels of this Coastal Christmas Starfish Decor.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

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1. Spring Cleaning

This is one chore that no one looking forward to but it is a necessary evil. Open the windows on the next warm day and dig in. Consider really getting into the nitty gritty –  scrub the walls and baseboards, move the beds and couches, wash the windows to let the sun in, switch out the furnace filters and soak all the faucets with vinegar to clear away the buildup. Try breaking the tasks up into a couple days work to lighten the load.

2. Go Green

The garden will have to be tended but first, let’s start indoors. Bring some green inside to liven things up. Real or silk plants are both great options (especially if your like me and don’t have the slightest green thumb). Try a terrarium for a modern take, ferns always look great, or fresh cut or potted flowers for colour.

There’s Still More Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home

3. Outdoor Decor

I don’t know whats on your porch looks like right now but mine has some almost dead, very wilty evergreen branches and a winter wreath that winter storms really didn’t take care of. Renewing this area of your house brightens up the thing. New arrangements with spring flowers will really freshen your entryway. Don’t forget the front door – try Christine’s Chevron Door Hanger for a personal, fun addition to your decor.

4. Switch up Your Bedding 

Winter is ruled by dark shades and comfy, thick blankets to keep out the cold. Now it’s getting warmer, store all those dark sheets and welcome the new season with lighter, brighter shades of bedding. Try swapping out pillows for light colors and floral prints. 

5. Delight your Sense of Smell

Spring is a season associated with the aroma of nature. Let your home too, reflect the same.  Just get some citrus, rose, lavender or any other floral scented candles or essential oils to ensure that your home always welcomes others with warm, breezy aromas of the spring.

We hope you liked this list of ways to welcome spring into your home!  If you’re looking for more spring projects certainly check out our Spring Forward Umbrella Art.

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Coffee Filter Art Project

What You’ll Need:

–          A blank canvas or canvas board
–          Acrylic paints in white, blue (light and dark)
–          Paint brushes
–          Coffee filters
–          Washable markers in greens and yellows
–          Spray bottle with water
–          Scissors
–          Foam adhesive stickers

Firstly, the Adult Part (or kids too if they are doing the whole shebang):

Cover the canvas in a thin layer of water to prop the canvas to take the paint better.

Paint the sky (the top two-thirds of the canvas) blue.

Paint some snow onto the bottom third of the canvas. Start with white paint and free hand in some soft curves for snowy hills. Add some low-lights in dark blue to add depth, using a wet brush to blend in the paint.

Using an at least a 1” or wider brush, splatter paint some white snowflakes on top of the sky. To do this, dip your brush into some white paint. Hold the brush sideways and above the canvas. Use your finger to pull the bristles in a quick upward motion so that paint splatters off of the bristles and onto the canvas. This gets messy so make sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or an old cloth.

Secondly, the Kiddos part:

Get the kids to colour the coffee filters in abstract lines and shapes with different shades of green and yellow markers.

When they are all done colouring, lay the coffee filters down flat on a table and spray lightly with water from the spray bottle. The ink will begin to run together and spread. Be careful not to spray too much water though because the colours with get over mixed and start to look muddy. Leave them to dry; it should take about 20 mins or so.

Draw triangle shapes onto the coffee filters and cut out the trees.

Finally, use the foam squares to attach the trees to the canvas background.

We hope you love this coffee filter art project!  Looking for more projects to help the winter go by?  Certainly try these Frozen Ice Globes or this Umbrella Art Canvas!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

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Christmas or new years DIY Wedding centrepiece

What You’ll Need:

• Small shatterproof ornaments (no bigger than 2”)
• Styrofoam ball
• Candle holder for a base
• Small beads or glass marbles
• Knife
• Low temp hot glue gun and sticks

Firstly, cut the bottom of the Styrofoam ball so that it has a flat edge that will sit on the candle holder base. Remove the hanger pieces from the tops of the ornaments.

Secondly, begin pushing an ornament into the top of the Styrofoam ball. The top ‘bump’ should push into the Styrofoam. Add some glue to hold it in place.

Continue adding ornaments around the first one you placed. Keep them as tight together as possible to avoid large gaps.

Use some glue to attach the Styrofoam ball to the candle holder.

Finally, add the smaller beads or marbles into the gaps between the ornaments. Use some glue to hold in place.

Voila! One centrepiece down…probably a bunch more to go. But some good people and good wine will help you along. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, off to work you go! ?

We hope you liked this Christmas or New Years DIY Wedding Centrepiece as much as we do!   Looking for more DIY wedding crafts?  Certainly check out our DIY Favour Boxes or Unique Wedding Gift, Year of Firsts .

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

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What You’ll Need:

• Three mason jars
• Three pillar candles
• Three different colours of glitter (I used dark purple, light purple and silver)
• Acrylic paint (I used Americana Chalk paint in Sheepskin, which has a beautiful super flat finish)
• Foam brushes
• Mod Podge

Step One:

Paint the jars completely with the acrylic paint.  Let them dry and paint a second coat.  Let dry completely before moving on.

Apply the Mod Podge to the section of the jar you want the glitter to be on the first jar.  I started with the bottom third of the first jar, the second jar I did the top third and on the last jar I did a strip in the middle of the jar.

Step Two:

Pour glitter onto the Mod Podge, turning the jar as you pour the glitter to adhere them all the way around the jar.  Don’t worry about wasting any, work on top of a large piece of paper so you can lift it to pour the extra glitter back into the pot to reuse for another project.  You need to work quickly here to apply all of the glitter before the Mod Podge sets.  Do Step Two and Step Three to each jar one at a time.  Allow Mod Podge and sparkles to dry.

All done your new  Glitter Mason Jars!  You can spray the jars with a sealer if you like to seal the sparkles in, you can use any clear spray sealer.

Like this winter project? Check out these lifestyle tips: Help Fight the Winter Blues

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