If you follow me on Facebook you may have seen my last status update…..for those of you that may have missed it…..my family and I have headed to Hawaii for Christmas. We will be in Maui until after the New Year. In that time I will be taking some much needed rest and relaxation time with my family!

I still have a couple things I want to share with everyone before I take my va-ca. Today I want to share my Glitter Paper Mache JOY.

I started with some simple paper mache letters from the craft store to spell JOY. I liked the idea of using red, white, and green for the letters.

The first step was to paint the paper mache letters with red, white, and green craft paints. I had to give each letter a couple coats of paint. Once the paint was dry I added some extra fine craft glitter to the front of each letter with Mod Podge. Obviously I added corresponding colored glitter to paint color.

I am a big fan of all things glittery at Christmas time!!! These Glitter Paper Mache JOY turned out so fun and festive. I also made a set in champagne gold but didn’t get a change to get a photo of them. How do you think they turned out???

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

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On Friday I shared these Wood JOY Blocks. Obviously you can see that I am full of Christmas JOY this year!!! ; )

With Christmas just days away I am sure you are all just counting down the days. I know I am. I mean, it’s mostly for my kids….but let’s be real, it’s for me too! Back around Halloween I created a chalkboard countdown. So of course I had to make a Christmas Chalkboard Countdown too!

I made my Christmas Countdown the same way that I created my Halloween tutorial. So if your wanting to make yourself one…just follow that tutorial!!!

I had a lot of fun making some of these Christmas versions too! This polka dot scrapbook paper was so bright and happy!

I know Christmas is highly anticipated in this house, so having a countdown around is so necessary! Does your family countdown???

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

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While your here, I’d love if you would come over and check out the Burlap Sack Tree Skirt that I posed about yesterday.

As a DIYer and crafter I find myself with a constant surplus of scrap wood laying all over the place! I am also known for not being able to let go of things that I think I may use down the road. When I started seeing some versions of “scrap” trees around I knew that was exactly the project that I needed for my scrap wood pile! So my Scrap Wood Christmas Tree was born!

I started grabbing different pieces of scrap wood from my pile. There are some molding pieces mixed in with some leftover cuts of lumber. Once I had all my wood picked out, I had my hubby cut them to varying lengths to make the shape of a tree. We also cut a long piece of wood for the “trunk”.

Then came the fun part…..painting! This is where I got to have a little fun! I grabbed three different colors of spray paint and some green rit dye. I wanted all of my….branches….to have lots of varying shades of green. The trunk was painted a light creamy brown and then it was ready to assemble!

We used nails to attach all of the wood branches to the trunk. Then the hubby made a little stand with what else? More scrap wood!

I love the varying shades of green in the tree. I had fun dying a few of the wood pieces with some Rit dye. I may or may not have also dyed my hands a little green in the process!

How stinkin adorable is this Scrap Wood Christmas Tree? I think this will look adorable on the front porch or it would make a great no maintenance tree alternative!!!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

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Yesterday I did a little round up of my Christmas projects from last year. Come check out my Christmas Revisited 2011.

So it’s probably about time that I share my August Make & take. I know. AUGUST! So I’m running a little behind! I had decided to do a “Christmas” craft a bit early because let’s face it, once December rolls around life gets a little crazy!!! So here’s my re-cap from my Stocking Holders Make & Take….

Check out all this cut wood for the class! All I have to say is that my husband is awesome and he has mad wood cutting skills!!!

Look at all the beautiful ladies crafting away!!!

Look at all the different looks and ideas that everyone had!!! Look at all those happy crafters!!!

You weren’t able to attend but you want to make some for yourself??? Here are the steps we did….

1) Cut some 2×4’s into two 5 1/2in pieces.

2) Paint the blocks any color that matches your holiday decor.

3) Decoupage scrapbook paper onto your blocks.

4) Attach the blocks to each other, either by gluing or you can screw them together.

5) Add a white hook to the front of the holder (I pre-drilled a small hole in the block to make it easier to add).

6) Add a letter to the front. I choose to do the first initial of each of our family members. You can use vinyl, cardstock, wood or chipboard.

I am loving my new stocking holders and I can’t wait to put them up on my Christmas mantel!!!

I think all the ladies had a great time and everyone’s stocking holders turned out so cute!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

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Looking for a little bit of color inspiration? Come check out the new feature over at My Colortopia called Show My Colors. It’s a great place to check out reader’s before and after paint projects and maybe share some of your own!!!

Happy Friday!!!