DIY Ornament Ideas

For most of the years Derrick & I dated we got each other a Christmas ornament every year, so that when we got married, we would already have several to put on our tree!  A little tradition we have started is to exchange our ornaments as we decorate our tree instead of waiting until Christmas morning.

Not all, but several of the ornaments I have gotten him are ones that I made.

Here is one I made the year we got engaged. I got this blank wooden frame ornament at Hobby Lobby, painted it and used a paint pen to write on it. I then put one of our engagement pictures inside.

This is one I made for our dog, Ellie, the first year we had her. Again, it was a blank wooden ornament at Hobby Lobby that I painted and tied some ribbon on.

This one I made last year. You can find these clear crafting ornaments at Hobby Lobby.  I filled it with some sand and seashells we got while on our honeymoon in the Bahamas!

Finally, the one I made Derrick for this year is a copy of our house key. This way we will always remember our first home together :)  I also printed out our address and covered it with contact paper to keep from getting yucky.

Oh..and here is the ornament Derrick got me this year! Perfect, huh? ;)

What are some special DIY ornaments you have made or received?

Christmas Decorating

Christmas is my favorite time of year! One thing I love about is decorating my house and getting to enjoy the Christmas tree all lit up! Here are some pictures of our house this year..

Love this burlap stocking! 25 cents at a yard sale!

Willow Tree nativity set  is so beautiful!

Used a curtain rod hook to hang these aqua mason jars then filled with Christmas flowers from dollar tree.

Burlap ribbon bow at top and almost all the ornaments are ones Derrick & I have gotten each other over the years! (Notice there are no ornaments towards the bottom..we have a puppy who likes to chew on them)

White shutter to hold Christmas cards.

Filled a mason jar with Epsom salt to look like snow and a tea light candle.

Still in love with this old doll bed brace that I turned into a memo board! 

Antique sled Derrick got me for our anniversary! Found the vintage skates at a thrift store.

Now onto the kitchen...

Divided wood crate found at a yard sale for 50 cents!

A jar filled with Christmas cookie cutters and one filled with Christmas cupcake liners.

Had this sign custom made from Someday Creations. She does great work and has very reasonable prices! 

 Tied some twine on Christmas cookie cutters to make ornaments for our kitchen tree!

Also, be sure to check out my business page: Thrifty 31!  I sell items in my booth at Golden Goodies in Cambria, IL and also on my facebook page! You can pick up at my home or I am willing to meet in Marion or Carbondale to deliver your items. I also am willing to ship small items if you don't live near by. 

Thankful

 Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his loves endures forever!

So excited that I have the rest of the week off to relax and spend time with our families for Thanksgiving! I have so many things to be thankful for this year, but most of all I'm thankful for the awesome things God has been doing in our marriage this first year! Here are some of the pictures my sister took for our one year anniversary a few weeks ago!

This first one is going to be our Christmas card picture- so glad we finally got one with Ellie looking at the camera! :)

What things are you thankful for this year? Also, stay tuned for an upcoming post on Christmas decorating!