12.09.2009

Holly-day crafting.

 PSSSST...I'm no longer blogging here!
You can now find me at

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Besides getting to see all the fabulous links from Mi4M, I spent today getting *almost* all of my crafting done for the season.  Still have a couple more projects taunting me, but then I'll be done, done, done.  Probably.

I had all the usual suspects out: spray paint, mod podge, twine, linen fabric, hot glue gun, epsom salt.
Yep, epsom salt.
Wanna see?

Kitchen nook with chandelier ornaments and centerpiece.

Close-up of dangle-y mache ornaments I spray painted, then mod podged, then threw in a plastic bag full of epsom salt.  I love the way the large crystals shimmer and look just like freshly fallen snow.  In the kitchen. Because *that* could happen.

Next up is a project I actually did a week or so ago.....2 dollar store plates, 2 candle sticks, one bowl and some epoxy glue.  Apples courtesy of the Kroger, cranberry chain was a 'fail' as I ended up with a string just long enough to circle the platter before calling in the straight jacket guys.
Still need to stain the IKEA lazy susan.  

Please imagine a pomegranate perched on the epsom salt....now replaced by a big red glass ornament I got last Christmas after teen daughter #3 ate my interior decor. *rolling eyes*

Next I got busy painting these little wooden birdhouses I'd picked up for a buck at JoAnn's and the dollar store.  Then I smeared some mod podge on the roof of each and sprinkled on my new friend, Epsom Salt.

Isn't this dandy?
 

This one was tricky 'cause it has those eaves on the front.  I used my ninja skills.
 

Just heart them so much.  'Twould be nice if I had a place left to display them. *snicker*
 

Then I took the advice of my commenters and added some linen fabric strips to my jute-wrapped ornaments.

Finished hot gluing the jute twine on the round ornaments too.
 

Also filled some clear glass ornaments with fake plastic snow....I tried the epsom salt in these and they looked ridiculously awesome, but weighed 4 tons.  Fail.
 

But tell me the plastic snow looks nice?  
 

Set up our manger...handmade by my aunt, and cherished for its simplicity and wooden goodness.
 

That's all I got for now.
Go play with some salt girls!
 

More Christmas HERE and HERE and HERE.

okaybye.

34 comments:

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Cindy,
I love it all! You simply amaze me. I am falling behind on my decorating. I may just call it quits and enjoy the season, ya know what I mean?
I love the epsom salt ornaments. Those turned out gorg!
Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas.
Blessings,
Traci

Unknown said...

I like the ornaments with the epsom salts. They are really neat. And your kitchen nook is adorable, btw!

Nancy

Polly said...

Hi Cindy,

Lovin' the epsom salt idea! I always use epsom salt to secure the candles in my outdoor jars that line our walkway on Christmas. But now I will have to tuck this new idea somewhere into my brain for next year! Your home is looking very festive!

Happy Holidays!

Polly

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Well, I better go get some epsom salt and if it don't work, then I can always go soak in it!
All of your projects look wonderful. I've fallen behind on my craftin mood. Better get with it.

Claudia said...

Okay, why didn't I think of that? Epsom salts! You are so practical. And after shoveling today, I could use a bath with epsom salts!

xoxo
Claudia

Anke said...

Ooohhh, it is all so pretty! I love the idea to use epsom salts, never would have thought of that. There must still be some epsom salts around here from making bath salts... The nativity is beautiful, right up our alley. We have a handmade one as well, "childproof" actually, since our youngest always wants to play with it.

Crafty Sisters said...

The epsom salt looks very pretty, I need to try that!

Mama Thompson said...

Okay...so this has NOTHING to do with holiday decorating, but you mentioned staining your IKEA lazy susan...I ALMOST buy one every time I am there...but HATE the color...guess I wasn't thinking...it could be whatever color I want. Thanks for kicking my brain with that comment...I will be buying one for sure the next time I am there! Oh...and I LOVE the salt as snow...looks fantastic!

Elisa said...

Taking a much needed break from cleaning house (we are selling!) by stopping by here. I love the epsom snow. I have a lot of it in my bathroom because I like taking baths with epsom salt (helps relieve muscle aches) but I bought much too much, so I will try something with it. Will link up once I have it done in a few weeks...hopefully! The other great thing about your epsom ideas are that...in case my little boys put fingers in their mouths, they won't be poisoned to death! Yay for "green" snow white ornaments!

The Whispering Creek House said...

love the birdhouses!

Patricia said...

You always inspire me!
Many Blessings to you and yours this season
Patricia

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Neat! The epsom salt is an awesome idea! It's gotta be cheaper than glitter!!! :) Do you know how long it will last?
Michelle

Barbara Jean said...

So you used Epsom salts as the snow on your birdhouse roof? Looks like glitter, and a whole lot cheaper.

Thanks for the cute ideas.

blessings

barbara jean

Kate said...

Cindy

Simply amazing WOW such beauty. I'm so glad you are sharing your talent among us.

Hugs
Kate

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Neat idea using "epsom salt"...looks great! I also loooove those twine balls!

Blessings,
Linda

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Everything looks so great and so Christmas-y! And I have to try out the epsom salt trick. I also love your twine ornaments. Loved all of it!

tara said...

I just added my link at Lindsays and see that we have a few similar ideas. Great minds think alike. I love the epsom salts.

DeeAnna said...

So snow-y sparklicious!

Linds said...

SO BEAUTIFUL! Great ideas! I love seeing how people think! MMmmAZING!
Found you via Liv W/Lindsay

Ruth said...

Everything is so gorgeous. I love it all. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas. So glad I stopped by from Lindsey's blog.

Ruth

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

Epsom salts really looks like snow doesn't it? Much better than the flaky stuff in the bag that floats everywhere!

Love the ornaments but really love those birdhouse! I have some from last year that I decoupaged but I'm liking the glittery snow effect you got much better!

Manuela

Lindsay @ Makely said...

I love the epsom salt snow!

The Weathered Cottage said...

i too love that salt as snow! I wonder if kosher salt would work too...that's BIG salt and I have some of that!

Also, PLEASE PLEASE share your kitchen nook paint color. Is it all over your kitchen? I LOVE IT!!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

I love the use of epsom salt...would never have thought of it...very clever. Love all the white with the jute, too

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy. Everything looks great and it's looks like you've been busy having fun!

Merry Christmas & Hugs...Tracy :)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home you have. Your ornaments are gorgeous and I love your style. Thanks for sharing. Come check my transformation out & let me know what you think.

Janis@White Alder[Home] said...

Lovely ornaments, the jute twine ones are fantastic!

The House Creative said...

Those turned out so nice. I love the ornaments hanging from your chandelier! Beautiful! I need to remember that you have that party on Monday. I think I linked up once, but it hasn't made its way to my long term memory. I will try to remember again this week.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I'm adoring Epsom Salt this year too... it's beautiful on your houses and ornaments.

Holly said...

Cindy, this is fabulous! Love the salt "snow"; I've put it under a few things, but I think I'm going to have to start looking for things to glue it to!
(Imagine, thinking the pomegranate was to eat! Lol!)

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Are you kidding me?!? I need me some salt! And time.

You have totally morphed your whole decor this year. Where have you had time to cook and clean and all that?

It took me all evening to morph my mantel last night. With what I had. Trying to make it white. With no white stuff. And no time to make the white stuff. Do you know how hard this is?

Nevermind. You're taking the time to make what you need. Good for you! Those birdhouses would totally have a place in my home for certain.

You've given me some price efficient ideas for next year. To start maybe in Feb.

Lovely as always Cindy. I think you need an Etsy shop pronto. Your stuff is HOT. (yes the fake snow is fabulous, I did the same thing but ran out of snow so mine look like the Charlie Brown variety)

Thanks for linking up to SNS!

FJ Donna

KimMalk said...

I am enjoying your decor and the colors of your home. I like the mix of elegant and casual.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Epsom salt?! Who knew? I love all of the snowy details and the peppermint sticks. Your eating area looks lovely!

nell ann said...

Your decor is amazing! I love the birdhouses! I just painted and papered several for a shower and wish I'd thought of Epsom Salt first. They are wonderful!!!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails