Saturday

DIYP {Christmas Decor & Ideas Part 2}


{Scroll down for my Nester-inspired garland!}

Sometimes it's all about The Simple & The Cheap. Here are some more fun Christmas decor ideas for the recession-minded (plus they are really cute ideas):

Idea #1 Pine cone garland of sorts


Supplies needed: 
  • Pine cones (I sent my kids out with a bag) 
  • Hot glue 
  • Ribbon

I saw this idea in a magazine several years ago. I was tired of putting garland on my stairs and I thought this was the perfect (cheap) solution.  But I was on bed rest with a difficult pregnancy. So, my hubby and kids collected pine cones and I woke up to find this:


My man can handle a glue gun.  Back off, he's mine.

Count how many pine cones you'll need. Cut same number of ribbon strips.  Glue ribbon to top of pine cones and staple to the underside of banister.  This would also look cute in an entryway, hanging from a mantle or doorway!



I re-use the pine cones for a couple of years and store them in a safe place to avoid breakage.  And with all the fun Christmas ribbon, this DIY-selfer is cheap, fun and family-friendly!


Of course, Ike the Cat, thinks the pine cones are there for his personal pleasure:


Idea #2

I love decorative nutcrackers.  Wal Mart and The Dollar Store have small ornament nutcrackers.  I hung the little guys from my dining room chandelier, added candle rings around the base of the lights and a glittery ornament.  You can hang any themed item to create a merry atmosphere!


Idea #3  My Nester-inspired Mantle:

The Nester went to great lengths to show the blog world how she manages such a luxurious garland on her mantle.  I thought I'd give it a try, using stuff I already had, plus a few new Christmas picks. 

It has a THAT family feel, don't you think?



Isn't my Texas-style Nester-inspired garland scrumptious?

Go visit the Nester to see some more fabulous mantle-makeovers!

63 comments:

Joy said...

LOVE the chandelier idea!!! I also love pinecones but the ones around here are DINKY. I need to find some good big ones without having to buy a bag at Wolly World.

Valarie Lea said...

Oh I love the pine cone idea!!!!! I wish I had time to fix them for tomorrow (first Christmas get together of the year at my house). They will be put up next week though. Oh the possibilities!!!!

Unknown said...

Great ideas.

Keep sharing :)

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

A very festive scene, what a great job your doing!

Great ideas!

Steph at Problem Solvin' Mom said...

That is the best pinecone idea ev-ah!

Anonymous said...

Look at you being all nestory and craftor-ish! (and look at me using words that don't exist!)

GREAT ideas!

But we don't have too many pine cones here in southern california. Could I use...toys from McDonalds? We seem to have ALOT of those!

Steph said...

Love your mantle garland! It is so pertyful!

And the Texas star adds the finishing touch...

Blessings!

Jessica said...

Love the mantel!!!!!!

Amber D. said...

Love the pinecone garland. so cute!

Tammy said...

Oooohhh, such cute ideas. YOU are so crafty!

Anonymous said...

You did great. They turned out really cute.

Kasey said...

Your garland looks great.

Anonymous said...

1.) I am jealous of your garland.

2.) I am jealous that you have a mantel to hang one on.

3.) I LOVE YOU for introducing me to the Nester. ;)

Anonymous said...

These ideas are superb! I loved the Pine cone garland sorts Idea the most! these ideas are surely cheap and simple. thanks for sharing!

Stef Layton said...

love the pinecones! Did you make that Believe sign yourself?? I'm thinking of getting some J O Y letters at Walmart, painting them red, and sprinkling with gold glitter. Will let you know how it turns out!
Stef

Anonymous said...

The pine cones on ribbons is such a cute idea! Stashing that one away in the back corner of my head. And I love your Texas garland! It is beautiful!

Sandra said...

Your mantle looks Wonderful! It looks like you have the same type of tile that we have but, I have no mantle. The builder decided that we didnt need one! Love that Star also!

nicole said...

Love the garland. A beautiful look.

Mc Allen said...

omgosh this looks fabulous!! Im serious, you out did yourself!! I love the pince cone's, its very fresh and original!! Seriously great job!! LA

MM said...

How nifty! I have a glass bowl filled with pinecones as a little centerpiece on my table, but now you gave me another fun idea! Thanks! You and your sis are both so crafty! Is in in your genes??

Anonymous said...

You are good! Your ideas look awesome. :)

Unknown said...

Great ideas! Love your garland with all those stars.

annies home said...

love your ideas you give me ideas for next year

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

I think my cat (who's black and is named Zeke) is your cat's secret evil twin. I love the pinecone idea, but 1) I don't have any stairs or railings in my house and B) my cat would eat the pinecones and then barf them up all over the floor. Fun times.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

So cute the pinecones like that...love the kitty pic.

Amy said...

LOVE the pinecone idea! How wonderful that your husband did it for you. He's a keeper.

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Fun Christmas decor!!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

In LOVE with the mantel, the garland, all the decorations around the fireplace AND the wallcolor. WOW!!!

Kristi said...

OH, way to go! I love the Texas look. I have my star on my fireplace too. Christmas blessings to you and your amazing family!

Girly Stuff said...

Nice garland! I like your BELIEVE.

Mom in High Heels said...

OMG, that garland is beautiful! It's sumptuous. Oh, how I adore the pine cones. And how sweet of your hubby to have put them up when you couldn't.

The Nester said...

Love the shot of the cat playing with the pinecones! He's the luckiest cat in the world--like living in Disneyland for cats!

Hope all is well with you--see you in Nashville in Feb?

Bee said...

Your Nester-inspired garland is gorgeious, but I love, love, love that pine cone idea!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

I love your garland! I really love the photo of the cat batting the pinecone! I bet your cat is on Cloud Nine! So many new toys to play with. :)

Screaming Meme said...

Great Texas Mantel!!!!...Are you from Tx or just love Texas? :)

Screaming Meme said...

Great Texas Mantel!!!!...Are you from Tx or just love Texas? :)

Screaming Meme said...

Great Texas Mantel!!!!...Are you from Tx or just love Texas? :)

Screaming Meme said...

Great Texas Mantel!!!!...Are you from Tx or just love Texas? :)

Screaming Meme said...

Great Texas Mantel!!!!...Are you from Tx or just love Texas? :)

leigh ann said...

I love the pine cone idea. I've never used a glue gun, but your husband has...gosh if men can use one, surely I can! Great blog!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Very pretty garland, indeed! Love the ornaments you put in there :), and the pine cones on the stairway are too cute! Great ideas!

April said...

Hi.

Love the decorations.

I was wondering if you knew the paint color above your fireplace? We have the same tile too and I love how it brings out the tile.

Bonita said...

Such clever ideas! Love it!

Decor To Adore said...

Your garland is so lush and pretty. I absolutely adore it!
Love the pinecones.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Loved the kitty batting the pine cones, and loved the mantle with its stars and sparkles. SO pretty!

XO,

Sheila

Miss G said...

I love how you said you sent your kids out with a bag! Greatness. I'll bet they had a great time. Great job on your garland! Kelly

Lamp Tramp said...

Everything looks so pretty, love your inspiring ideas!
Lamp Tramp

Judy @ In His Grip said...

Super great ideas, I especially like the pinecones on ribbon.

Kathleen @ Measuring My Life said...

Love all of your decorations!

Please tell me where you got that star above your fireplace, I've been on the hunt for one, and love that style!

Happy Wednesday!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Beautiful job, I love all the colors and how creative everything looks!
Blessings,
Debbie

Paula said...

Oooo, I like this Texas style!

Anonymous said...

Your tips were great! The photo of your cat is priceless! The mantel looks like you're in a store...very well done! Ya gotta love Texas. I'll be heading from Florida to San Antonio on Christmas Day!

-Kim

Unknown said...

I love your garland. Do you take it apart every year? Or are you just going to package it away like that?

Anonymous said...

Linking over from the nester. I love your garland! So cute!

Little Oak Table said...

love your garland!

and your cat...too cute playing with the pinecones!

Unknown said...

Simple and perfect. You are so smart!

Trudi said...

I love you playful and more traditional red and green garland. Not that the others aren't pretty. But this is more my style.
Very nice. New to your blog.

Sandy said...

Love the simplicity of the pine cone garland. Your mantle looks wonderful!

Charmingdesigns said...

I love the hanging pinecones. Laurie

Tamara Jansen said...

Love the mantle :)

Anonymous said...

What an original idea with the pinecones! I'm gonna find a way to use that!

Michelle said...

beautiful - thanks for the ideas!!
~Michelle

3CHEERS4MOM said...

This TX gal just loves the tin star *****
I thought that everything looks so beautiful. -Cheers, Amy