Modern stockings are hung...

Since it's our first year in this old modern house, I felt slightly overwhelmed when it came to decorating for the holidays. I simply couldn't bring myself to unpack our decorations and ornaments. I'd have been flooded with memories. So I thought I'd give us a fresh start this year.  I know that in the years to come our treasured ornaments will be added.

Our tree is minimally and Seussically decorated in a theme of red and bright green glitter. Since you can't see our front door from the street, we hung a jumbo (5') lighted wreath on an outside wall.  Everything is on timers so we don't have to turn a darned thing on or off.  The biggest effort I made this year was sewing new stockings. I thought our modern home could use modern stockings.

I've gravitated toward these colors in our family room (pillows, rugs, blankets).   I used fleece and white faux fur and adhesive letters.

We have a wood burning insert in our family room fireplace.  This made it easy to attach the stockings with magnetic hooks.

The large rock wall separates the living room from our family room.  There is a rather big fireplace on the other side.  The colors in the room started from Daisy Janie's Geo Grand pillow (seen on the chair). Thanks, Jan!

An unintended tradition we have each year is cutting out and hanging snow flakes.This year, we hung them above the fireplace.  Attached under a skylight they move gently and seem to float.  

Did you make anything for your home this year?

What are some of your family decorating traditions?

DIY pine cone deer trophy head

This project has been on my work table for months.  The holidays made me eager to finish it because it's perfect for the decor of the season.  I've been collecting giant pine cones since before we moved to Reno.  I discovered them on our first visit out here.  I'm happy to report that I even have some in my yard (which made my wreath decorating a cinch).  If you don't have them readily available, you can purchase them from your local craft store.

List of supplies:

giant pine cone
twigs that look like antlers
unfinished wood plaque (available in various sizes for a few dollars at the craft store)
white paint (or any color you choose)
drill
picture hanger
wood screw
glue gun (not shown)

1.  The first thing I did was paint the base, twigs, and pine cone.

 A dusting of white paint makes it look like it's covered with fresh fallen snow.

 2.  Hot glue the twig antlers onto the pine cone.

 3.  Place a picture hanger on the back.
3.  Add a screw through the center for something to attach the pine cone to on the front.

  Note:  you can see the screw through the front.

4.  Hollow out a small amount of the pine cone back.  Hot glue and insert foam, crinkled paper, or anything the screw and hot glue can grab onto.  I tried screwing directly into the cone but it was too brittle.  Thus several pieces fell off leaving me the hollow area.

5.  Lastly, hot glue the pine cone onto the plaque (and screw) and hold it in place for a minute or so just until it seems stable.  Let dry.

6.  Hang on the wall and decorate.  I made a bow out of wire ribbon and hung jingle bells on to the antlers.  You could string some garland on it, add a red dot nose (Rudolph), ornaments, etc.

I was originally going to paint him bright teal but I thought white would look great for the holidays.  He'll live in my studio and likely change decor with the seasons.  You'll notice in the supply picture that I have several smaller plaques.  I am going to make some with smaller pine cones as well.  I was thinking one with 3 blind mice (is that too un-pc?).

Please, please, send me pictures (or a link) if you make one.  I'll share your work so we can all enjoy our individual interpretations.

If you like this project, please "pin it."  I'd appreciate it.

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Red and Black - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

1. Reindeer Christmas Decoration - SlippinSouthern

2. Chalkboard Garden Stakes - clouds - candystripecloud

3. Hare original linocut lino block print woodland red - TheBluebirdGallery

4. circus - woodland owl wing hair clip - sleepyking

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

5. burberry fox soft sculpture - everyeskimo

6. vintage spectator pumps - RococoVintage

7. The Knotted Sailor Bow in Red/Cream - dollyknits

8. Crazy Cat Lady Hoodie - theboldbanana

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]