Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, November 12, 2012

Semi-Homemade Christmas: DIY wooden rocking horse


I am so excited about this project!
I've had this idea for awhile, but finally got my supplies purchased and the time to get it done!
This rocking horse is Levi's "big" present from Santa.

If you don't remember....I'm trying to do a "Semi-Homemade Christmas".
I'm thrilled that Levi's little horse was lovingly made by his Mama.


So, here's what you need:
Wooden Rocking Horse (available at both Michael's and JoAnn...but Michael's is cheaper!)
Paint
Coordinating scrapbook paper (at least 4 sheets)
Modge Podge
2 brushes
Coordinating Ribbons
Scissors
Staple gun

Here's the play-by-play
I purchased this sweet, unfinished wooden rocking horse at Michael's.
It is normally $30, but I had a 50% off coupon....bringing it to $15.
Always have a coupon.

Next I found this paint sample we had. It's a perfect gray-blue color.
It was in the mis-tint section at Lowe's for $1.
It is Valspar's Winter Flannel.


I did one coat on it and let it dry.
I was going to do two coats, but I kind of liked how the grain showed through.

Then I got my scrapbook paper ready.
Can I just say, it is hard to find cute boy scrapbook paper?
I went with the transportation paper with coordinating stripes and houndstooth.
His playroom is transportation themed, so I thought it would go.
I purchased the scrapbook paper at JoAnn for $2.

Once the horse is dry, get your Mod Podge ready.
Thankfully, Mr. Free had some in his art stash.
The blessings of being married to an art teacher...


Figure out where you'd like the scrapbook paper on your horse.
Then lay the paper down and trace along the outline of the area.

Then, apply a layer of Mod Podge in that spot.
Put the cut paper down on it and apply a thin coat of Mod Podge on top.
Let it dry.

Here's the areas I went with...

I then cut out the letters for his name.
Love things that are personalized.

I just free-handed it, so it isn't perfect.
You could find a font you like, print it off then trace around it for a more "finished" look.
With the letters, do just like you did before.
A thin layer of Mod Podge below the letters, then a thin layer over top.

Now onto the mane...
I decided to do a ribbon mane instead of yarn.
I picked these 4 colors. 
I liked the varying widths as well.
Cost $8 at JoAnn.

 I cut them varying lengths and with different decorative cuts on the ends.
Then, I just staple-gunned them onto the horse.

Once the Mod Podge was dry, I took a brown paint pen and outlined Levi's name.
The light blue houndstooth faded into the other paper too much for me.

 
I let everything dry.

Then...for one last decoration, Mr. Horsey got a bandana.


 All finished!!!

Some details

 

The grand total was: $25

I absolutely love it and cannot wait to put it under the tree!


Thursday, November 8, 2012

Baby and Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree

Yes, I'm talking Christmas.
Why?
Because I'm so stinkin' excited.
This year I'm doing several of Levi's gifts from scratch, as well as decorations for our home.

My first project is a Felt Christmas Tree for Levi (and all the other precious little ones the come to our home!)

Levi is into everything, and loves rearranging everything...so I thought this would be perfect!

Here's what you need:
Cutting mat
Large sheet of green felt
Christmas-y felt
Scissors
Fabric pencil or pen
Rotary cutter (optional)

I got the felts from Michaels.
The big green felt (36" x 36") is regularly 3.99
The pack of Christmas felt contains 12 sheets and was 4.99
I used a 50% off coupon + my 15% off Teacher discount (love the teacher discount!!!)
So the entire project cost me about $6!

Here we go:
(warning: blurry photos ahead. sorry.)

First.... fold your green felt in half.
Then, trace half a Christmas tree.
(I free-handed it)

 Rotary cut along the lines you lovingly drew
(you can use scissors too...obviously)

Unfold it....voila! A Christmas tree!
 
Attach it to the wall with double-sided tape

For the ornaments, I forgot to take pics...whoops.
Basically, just trace around something round onto the felt and cut out.

The great thing about felt? It sticks to felt!
All you have to do is push the ornaments onto the tree and they stick!


And I let Levi test it out...
 He liked it!

FYI....it's not staying up.... I'm not that crazy...

This year,
I'm doing a semi-homemade Christmas.

I'd love to do everything by hand and with love, but let's be real.... 
No woman who has a small child can do everything handmade.

But...I am vowing to do a semi-homemade Christmas.


Want to join me?


So there it is! Project Numero Uno for my...