This year is a thrifty one for us.

Not a worry… I have more than enough material to keep me insanely inspired to create spirited decorations this year! I refuse to feel like we have less because we didn’t buy all that we have displayed. There are far better ways to feel rich and prosperous than through purchasing things .
Now, I must admit that I get little girl giddy when I walk into a dollar store, and jump up and down wacky in craft stores. I’m a self proclaimed crafter and recently I have come to terms with this side of me and allowed myself to manifest into quite the DIY-er. Yay self-discovery.
And so instead of relying on over-priced generic decorations this year, we (by we I mean me dragging the boy) have been searching said stores, excitement bursting from my coat seams, and trying to find the right odds and ends.

I’m OK with not having all of my decorative ideas completed yet because that’s what makes the season so much better — It lasts for over a month. This Christmas we decided to go with a “country-esque theme”, meaning lots of deep reds, dark evergreens and light and dark browns. Checkered ribbons galore and twine instead of sparkly ribbons. Country style jingle bells for days and plenty of amazing smelling candles to spark the perfect atmosphere.

I started by collecting things from our own yard such as pine cones, pine branches and dried sticks. So far, I am extremely happy with the results. A few supplies from the craft store (spray paint, ribbon and some Cinnamon scent) and a couple of glass pieces we had around the house and you’ve got a beautiful nature inspired decorative scene.
We also took the dried sticks and laid them out on paper in the yard and spray painted them ever so faintly with both red and white paint. Add a bit of seasonal scent to the vase, and again…holiday, spirit and nature all in one beautiful glassware design!

More to come — hint, gingerbread, ribbon wreaths and ornament making, but for now… Its time to get ready to go get super inspired at the local Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony. Happy Holidays, I say!!

Photo of the Day: “you just have to believe…”