Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Bit of My Christmas Decor

Not sure if this is netting from a local fisherman, but it was set out for trash this past summer when I scooped it up and stapled it to the back of an empty old frame I had.  Then I found some winter inspired bits of jewelry to add to it. 


I found several boxes of recycled ornaments at the thrift store to make this wreath I had been wanting to make ever since I saw this gorgeous one on a post by Heather Bullard


 I just used one of those thin single wire wreath rings and snipped it apart at the top and started stringing my ornaments, alternating between sizes.


Then I got out a can of faux snow and did several bursts of spray to tone it down a bit. 


This is my favorite Christmas tree holder ever.  I found it a local closeout store and it actually has a place to hold your tree inside.  It's heavy and the finish is a beautiful aged pale chippy pink.  I added some aqua tulle over the top, and a hand stamped Merry Christmas tag. 


 Here's the tree I put inside, a small faux evergreen with pine cones. 



Here it is with the pale pink and clear garland I found to wrap it up with.  


Since I still had more ornaments I made another wreath. 


I had another tree that I wanted to add some snow to, but my snow spray was not thick enough.  I found out that I could make the thicker snow with Ivory soap. 


I just used an old grater and then added some warm water and some spray starch until I got a paste that I could paint on.


It was a bit messy, but it worked out.  It wasn't the look I was going for, I wanted it all to be white, but this works too. 



We had our first snow right after Thanksgiving, it was barely a dusting but I captured this little butterball eating leftovers. 


Here are some of all the others that kept Henri filling the bird feeders that day. 



And what is more beautiful than having a bit of live Christmas decor outside, courtesy of our  little feathered friends!

32 comments:

Country Girl said...

Oh, that wreath is lovely. I like your natural decorations, as well (the little birds)!
Cold here in Maryland today, but it's good. Have to leave and take a long drive down to DE to pick up our Element which is at the shop getting all gussied up for the holidays.
(regular checkup) ~~
Have a beautiful weekend, my friend!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh the clever ideas you have - I love everything. I seem to remember making snow from ivory soap when I was a kid, but haven't done that for ever so long.

Unknown said...

lili i love the wreaths they turned out great! so you used a wire form and just went through the ornament tops? i am on such a wreath kick i may have to make one of those for my side door! thank you for visiting you always make me smile! xo susan

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

You're so brilliant Lili..., the netting framed and ivory snow!!! It all looks gorgeous!

Regarding Boston..., well it's a nice city, and I enjoyed living there for an year plus, but it's not "my city"! My husband still works there though.

Low Tide High Style said...

Lili your wreath is beautiful! And I love your snow covered tree...who knew Ivory soap could look so pretty! The photos of the birds are wonderful!

Kat :)

Teri said...

The ornament wreath is fantastic!! Going to make me one in purple, red and teal!

Polly said...

Oh Lili! I just love the jewelry holder....I have been racking my brain trying to come up with a new way to display all my necklaces.

All your decor is looking beautiful! That ivory soap snow idea is pretty cool! Smells good too, huh?!?!

Your ornament wreaths are amazing!! Looks like a fun project!

Polly

onedia said...

Lili, your creativity is both amazing and intimidating. I love each one of your creations.

jennyfreckles said...

So stylish, Lili, and much nicer than the expensive things you can buy. But I agree that the natural world (real snow here too!) makes the best decorations. I once cried (for joy) when a Blackcap came to my birdtable one Christmas Day whilst we were opening our gifts. I'd never seen one in our garden before - it was the best present.

pam @ iLoveShelling said...

Ivory soap- you are so clever. The tree is really beautiful and I think the urn is perfect too.

Marge said...

Your creativity is amazing, Lili! Beautiful and simple all at once! I love your birdie pictures, too.

Privet and Holly said...

YOU have been busy!
Love all of your
creations and that
Christmas stand is
just perfect. Your
bird pictures are
always so professional,
Lili ~ and really precious!
Happy Monday,
xx Suzanne

Lisa said...

I love the ornament wreath! When you had the ornaments in place,how did you close the wire form to keep the ornaments from coming off?
Lisa

Lili said...

Lisa, I used one of those crimped wire rings and then used wire to tie it back together. On the second wreath I just used a wire hangar and took it apart at the top and then twisted it back together. It was much easier with the wire hangar and then you already have a place to hang it too! Hope that helps! ~Lili

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

Hi Lilli, It's always a treat to visit your blog. The pics are fab! Birds are my favorite part of nature. I think I have enough bulbs to put a wreath together . . I might try that, I've been wanting too. Hope you are enjoying the holidays. Blessings, Sandy:O)

Dear Lillie said...

It all looks beautiful!

Fabulously French said...

Wow you have been busy
Lili! Wish that I could say the same re the decorating as I still have one apartment to do and plan to spend some hunting for greenery this afternoon.

Bisous, Leeann

Rebecca Lewis said...

Wow! Gorgeous decorations ~ I love the ornament wreath and have made several over the last couple of years. Your snow covered tree is perfect too.
I promise to have more pictures posted of our second tree ~ unfortunately the hubby has an unplanned visit to the dentist and I haven't gotten the pictures yet.
All the best to you ~ Rebecca

Maurie Kirschner said...

I am always amazed at how many projects you manage to accomplish! So fun! And I loved those pics of the feathered friends in the snow!

julie - eab designs said...

I am in love with your tree holder! It is just the kind of piece I would not hesitate to bring home. Everything is lovely!

~ Lisa ~ said...

I love your decorations. I especially love how crafty you were with the snow. I would of never thought of that. It's all so lovely and natural and beautiful.

~ Lisa from Indiana ~

Kelly said...

Beautiful decorations. Definite talent for putting finds to use.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

You're amazing. I really love the wreath made of old ornaments. And the faux snow (repeat that twenty times). I was laughing.

Your little butterball is adorable. Those goldfinches make me happy with their cheerful sounds.

Sending love from my garden in California.

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

Elenka said...

Love the wreath!! Really do.
I remember using a box of Ivory Flakes when we were little to make snow. I don't think they sell Ivory Flakes anymore. My mom used an eggbeater to whip it up. We made snow men.

Suz said...

Beautiful wreaths Lili! I love the idea of the grating the Ivory. I'm sure it fills the air with a clean fragrance. Now I know where the little guys flew to from my feeders! I miss them, they are obviously happy across the border! Have a lovely holiday and thanks for the inspiration that you bring us all! XO

Anne Lorys said...

It's looking quite festive at your place!
I just love that sweet ornament wreath! :-)

Have a wonderful evening,
Anne

Lee Weber said...

Gorgeous Lili!! I hope to post some of my decorations soon. We have tons of finches here too- they raid the feeders all day. I love the ivory soap idea. We use an aritfical tree, and it needs some OOMPH!

Heidi said...

Your wreath is simply georgous. I like your decorations, everything seems to fit so well...Take care up in Maine and stay warm!

Julie said...

Just popped over to see if your feed was not working over at my place. Miss seeing your activities and photos... :-) Just wanted to say so. Love ALL of your Christmas pretties, Lili! Does Simon get his own string of lights to hang this time of year, or would he peck the daylights out of them???? Hope you are well and having bright merry days as Christmas approaches...Wondering if you have gotten snowed in .....yet... Hugs to you all up in the freezing NorthEast...

Flotsam Friends said...

I absolutely adore your Christmas bauble wreath. So interested in how you did it though. What was the wreath like that you attached them onto? What a wonderful idea with the ivory soap. The tree looks wonderful. Pruxxx

Flotsam Friends said...

Hi Lili, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for your help with creating a bauble wreath. They really are divine! Very special. Luke's wreath is fun isn't it. He's a beautiful boy. Look forward to catching up again in the New Year as we're heading away on holidays this Wednesday. Take care over Christmas. Pruxxx

Vicki Boster said...

Lili - Your Christmas decorations are breathtaking. The wreaths are out of this world gorgeous. I love that you added a bit of sonow to them also - that was perfection!

Your Ivory snow brings back so many memories - every year while my parents were alive - we would make a holiday tradition of "soaping" the family tree. We would mix ivory snow flakes and water with a mixer until the foam was taller than the mixer and then take our hands and put it all over the tree.

It would take my self and 2 sisters all evening to completely cover the huge tree my parents would have. It was always beautiful. I tugs at my heartstrings to see that someone else does this also.

Thanks Lili for these beautiful photos and for allowing me to enjoy some precious memories again~~

Vicki