HOWEVER...
One thing I appreciate about not having much money this year (did I really say that?) is that it forces me to be extra creative with what we already have. After all, I have plenty of "stuff" to be creative with, right?
Yesterday, I was talking with my daughter about what, if anything, I had purchased specifically for Christmas decor this year, and all we could come up with was the ornaments the three kids chose, and this:
Isn't it cute?! It didn't start out looking like this, though.
My oldest daughter called me from Hobby Lobby last weekend (an hour away from our house) and said they had 12" trees for $1.50, and did I want one?
I told her to go ahead and get one for me. I was totally thinking I would give it to the younger kids for their dollhouse "forest".
I wish I had taken a photo of what it looked like before, but I think everyone has seen these, right? The little bendy wire branches and a plastic base?
Perfect for a little dollhouse pine tree!
But then something happened.
I had the tiny tree in my hand, and I happened to walk past a can of spray snow on the kitchen counter. I found 2 cans in my "stuff" that I had bought several years ago.
Well, I had to see if it still worked, didn't I?
Well there was this tiny tree all frosty-snowy-cute, and I knew the kids weren't getting it for the dollhouse. I feel so selfish!
The next thing you know I had my vintage looking glittered bird in the tree. The bird is sort of heavy and kept tipping the tree, so I needed a sturdy container to hold it up and just like that, it was in a cute clay pot.
I tucked in some of those pearly things on wired sticks, ripped up some cotton scraps to make tiny hand stamped peace, hope and joy banners, added my tiny bird flag to the top and I knew I had my inspiration piece for the wintery decor on top of the piano.
As I have
Downstairs, I'm doing what many of you who don't have fireplaces do. I'm using the top of the piano as substitute mantel.
I strung my handmade "Let Heaven & Nature Sing" banner across the front of the piano and hung my twig wreath, with the vintage sheet music leaves, in front of a large antique mirror surrounded by a large white frame.
Lots of white details, some silver ornaments, bottle brush trees, candles, and the tiny tree as the centerpiece.
Peace, joy and HOPE to you, my friends.
Jeanette
Sharing over at:
CHRISTMAS PAST at SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE
The Ivy Cottage Blog-Cowgirl Up!
Family Home and Life-Wow Us Wednesday
Between Naps on the Porch-Metamorphosis Monday
The Dedicated House-Make it Pretty Monday
Vintage On a Dime-Welcome Home Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesdays
Cozy Little House-Tweak It Tuesday
Embracing Change-Creative Inspirations
StoneGable-Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits
Common Ground-Vintage Inspiration
The Vintage Farmhouse-Creative Things Thursday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
Craftberry Bush-Happy Hour!
Liz Marie Blog
Debbiedoo's-Power of Pinterest Party
Fox Hollow Cottage-Power of Pinterest Party
Faded Charm- Holiday Home
Just beautiful - how creative you are!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a little bitty tree too - sometimes I put teensy little miniature lights on it -
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Hugs,
Suzan
Thank you Suzan! I think I'm hooked on the idea of little bitty trees :)
DeleteJeanette
It's beautiful I think I would display it all year long Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love the whole vignette on your piano-gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Thank you Susan! I appreciate you stopping by :)
DeleteJeanette
It looks like a million dollars! Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI came over from The Farmhouse Porch, hope you have time to come visit me ( and I sure would like some new followers!)
Jan
Thank you for visiting, Jan! I'm following you back. Love the story of your blog name :)
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Jeanette
Looks so pretty !!! Love your style!!! Thanks for linking up at Welcome Home Wednesday ,,,,,Deb Vintage On A Dime
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Deb!
DeleteJeanette
Oh, I love your sweet little tree and the changes you made to it. So cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer!
DeleteJeanette
So sweet! Definitely meant to be mommies tree ;)
ReplyDeleteI guess it was, the kiddos didn't even notice :)
DeleteJeanette
I absolutely love the little tree and your mantel! Found you on Wow us Wednesday, glad I did. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I appreciate your visit :)
DeleteJeanette
Very pretty! I'm so in to birds right now. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alyssa!I've been into birds for a long time :)
DeleteJeanette
That looks super pretty and not all all like you hardly spent a dime! WOW!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Thank you, Stacey!
DeleteI like the dollhouse tree just as it is now!
ReplyDeleteI too like to be creative with what I already have!!! I've done that in several cases this year..using old items in new ways I'd never thought of. That, or Goodwill.
I believe that going through tight periods just teaches us for the longer term and I appreciate that...
I couldn't agree more, Dawn. Many times creativity produces a personal and interesting result more than just spending $. Thanks for visiting, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteJeanette
It looks so pretty on your piano!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Christmas,
Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn. Wish you a wonderful Christmas too!
DeleteJeanette
Clarice, I'm so happy to came to visit! Thank you for your kind words, and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteJeanette
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by my blog because now I have found you. I love your Christmas decor. So beautiful. I love the little cherub laying on the greens. Adorable!!!
Kris
Thank you, Kris. Merry Christmas!
DeleteJeanette
Your mantel is gorgeous! I love seeing how people decorate wood mantel vs. painted ones. This is just beautiful! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Thanks so much, Sherry! Merry Christmas!
DeleteJeanette
I adore it~ what a darling little tree!! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Courtney!
DeleteJeanette