It's beginning to look alot like...

Christmas

Yep. You guessed it. I am all decorated and ready for Christmas...

Truth is...Decorations and music started making their appearances the week after Halloween. I took these down...


and started putting these up the same day...
In fact...you might recognize a lot of things from this halloween post. Another in fact...here are some of the before and afters...

Remember this tree? Remember how I said I was going to keep it year round?I wasn't joking.
Remember these hot-glue spider webs..?

Ha. No I didn't keep them up...


But I used the same technique (plus some white glitter) to make these icicles for the winter

These are the frames I keep covering with scrapbook paper. And for this season, I added in some paper grocery bag behind the scrapbook paper.

And those are my Christmas trees. Also handmade and free.
Here's how...
or just scroll down to the next post...


My Nativities
When we were engaged, Alex had the idea of collecting Nativities from places we travel. I love it. My grandparents did the same thing and ended up with a unique and beautiful collection.

Mexico

Russia.
Ok ok WE didn't actually go, but my brother served his mission there and brought these back for us.

Peru
Ok ok only Alex went. That still counts.
Hawaii
We couldn't find a Nativity ANYWHERE so we snagged a Santa. Could the hut be manger-ish?
And tree globe from Lori :)

This one we got when we were married. Beautiful.
And that is what the back lighting looks like on the rest of the Nativities when the camera flash doesn't mess it up.

Yeah? You like the lighting? Here's how it happened...
Christmas lights scotch-taped to the back of the shelves and people propped on boxes and cans of food.

Halloween version:

Winter version:

The coasters were replaced by cream felt and a penguin. I found the idea and template in an old Better Homes Christmas magazine
(quick tutorial...printed image on printer paper, sprayed with spray adhesive, stuck it to fabric remnants, THEN cut it out. Keeps fabric stiff and in place)

Quick-made winter pillow cover
Also, thanks Grandma Lori for the early Christmas present..squeak-free rocker :)

Remember this spooky snazzy duck?

Well..
Merry Christmas and a quacky New Year

Remember my thrifty spendage on Halloween decor?
I did it again!

Price breakdown...
$14 fabric
(various red/black/white plaids, white and red felt that I will hopefully use (in addition to the other plaid remnants) for an advent calendar.
$4 bag of pinecones
which I will also use for my Card Club this month, and used to make turkeys for Thanksgiving table
Equals $18
Everything else that I used I already had in my craft closet.


Happy Holiday decorating...