Saturday, November 12, 2011

Chili, Crafting and...Christmas!

Here is a sneak peek of what a Friday night might look like in my house...
That hubby of mine is fixated on his latest video game purchase while I have the Christmas music on and the table covered in fabric, ribbon and paint. We sit together and enjoy a bowl of Chili, corn bread and a new winter beer while watching an episode of 24 and then we go back to "work." Drew's mission-kill bad guys, my mission-make a cute Christmas banner to hang.
Crock pot Trail Chili from my "Fix it and Forget it" cookbook
I saw a few adorable burlap banners on Pinterest and set out to make my own. I started by cutting out a 5 inch x 6 inch triangle from cardboard to use as a tracer. I traced enough triangles out of burlap for the letters I needed. I decided to make the words "Be Merry" so I cut out 7 triangles.

After I had all my triangles cut out I picked a font I wanted to use on my computer. (I didn't trust myself free hand) I printed each letter large enough to fill up space on the triangles and printed them out. I cut apart each letter and taped it under the burlap. In a blog tutorial I had seen it suggested you tape the burlap to the window and use the light to trace the letter onto the burlap and then fill it in with a fabric marker or paint. Problem...it was 10pm and completely dark. I got mad thinking I couldn't finish my project and then a light bulb went off. Since my burlap was so light I could actually somewhat see my letters underneath...so I went for it. I grabbed my handy Martha Stewart paint brushes and Holly paint and went to work slowly and carefully.

I was very happy with how the letters turned out...my idea was a success. After the paint dried I added Mod Podge to each triangle to make them a little sturdier.

 Then I laid out my letters just like I wanted them and got out my ribbon. (Michael's purchase)

I hot glued each letter onto the burlap. If I had a sewing machine I probably would have sewed it on, but hot glue works too. Here is the final product...what do you think??
 I can't wait to find the perfect place to hang it. And you just might see this banner again in our Christmas card picture! Happy Weekend!

13 comments:

Natalie said...

OMGOSH! I love the banner! LOVE IT!

Emily said...

This looks awesome. I have booked a few days off in November and will be dedicating them to crafting - while my husband also fights bad guys! Being a lobby wife isn't all bad.

Megan said...

That is SO SO cute!!!! I need to make a banner. I've been seeing the cutest ones on Pinterest!!

Valley Art Project said...

What a cute idea and so easy! I have a mantel in my living room that I think I will make one and hang it under there. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Ok, I love that letter idea! I am going to have to use it!

Stevie Leigh said...

Love that!! You make it look so easy... give me a craft, and I'll show you how to mess it up. You've got skill, girl!

Stesha said...

oook!!! Thats the cutest thing ever!! I love it. I want to make something just like that!

xo
Classic & Bubbly

Tamara said...

What a great craft!

Ashley Slater said...

ADORABLE.... you did a great job!!! I want to make one of my own..maybe I would make mine say "silver bells" or "merry & bright"! so fun!

xo,
ashley

Sam W. said...

no way!!! that is so dang cute. you are too crafty :)

henning love said...

you are so cute!! i love this project and that ribbon totally makes the project complete

Summer-Raye said...

I want to come over when you have craft friday! I love this idea.

I'd love for you to check out my blog and follow along, let me know and Ill be sure to follow you back!

Cant wait,
Summer-Raye
www.summer-raye.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

That is adorable! How long did it take you to complete the project?