Sunday, December 11, 2011

Christmas and Holidays How-To DIY Tutorials Decor

 

Now that I am done with my very last academic class EVER, I am taking a little breather before getting into dissertation-writing mode, and eager to do some home decorating for the holidays!

I love finding so much inspiration from just googling and surfing around the internet. Here's just some of the fun ideas on how to make an upcycled tree ornament, holiday card display, holiday embroidery hoop, advent calendar, seasonal wreath, and a new spin on the paper snowflake!

I am a big fan of upcycled items, its so exciting to bring new life into something! Here is a great idea from www.bhg.com about how to turn a sweater into a cute knitted tree ornament!

Martha Stewart is also the queen of all things crafty, I think this is such a great idea to display all the holiday cards you get each year with this DIY holiday card tree display .  All the other organizing tips in her post are helpful too, e.g., storing some small ornaments in an egg carton, using a hanging funnel to help make using twine and yarn easier, etc.  Here are some of her holiday organizing tips.



Here is a fun idea and new spin on how to use an embroidery hoop to make a seasonal holiday hoop or holiday ornament.  I love all the fun colors! DIY holidays embroidery hoops


I love this idea for an advent calendar in bystephanielynn 's blog where each day, as we get closer to Christmas day, she moves each ornament from the frame and onto the tree.  Here is her advent calendar how-to





I have also been on the hunt for fun ideas on how to make my own holiday wreath...I came across this great blogpost about how to make a fun yarn wreath that is great for making wreaths for any occasion, not just the Christmas holiday season, great idea!  Here is the detailed tutorial by MomsAdvice on making a yarn wreath.

 Usually I read www.boston.com to find out about the latest news in my area, but stumbled upon this lil post about how to make a 3-D snowflake that looks really cool to try out.   Even www.wikihow.com has a how-to tutorial as well.

Happy Crafting!



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Holiday Handmade Gallery - Artists Crossing in Downtown Crossing Boston


Consider shopping local and supporting handmade this holiday season!  One of the galleries where you can find some of our work (from MaJenta Designs as well as other special items not currently listed in our Etsy shop):

 Artists Crossing: 505 Washington St, Boston, MA (Map it)
Downtown Crossing 
(across from Eddie Bauer, between Macys and The Opera House)
Open EVERY day!
Sunday through Wednesday 11 am to 5 pm
Thursday through Saturday 11 am to 7 pm

 
Here is the lovely wall display with all my necklaces, purse hooks, night lights, gift tins, bottle openers, and pocket mirrors 


Close up of some of my pendant necklaces and gift tins


Close up of some of the lovely night lights that look great on or off!  



 Here I am with all my Japanese-inspired creations of MaJenta Designs

  Four of my fellow Boston Handmade members are currently featured! 

  
Up on the walls are mixed media canvases by Reclaimed to You
 
Handsawed sterling silver jewelry by Nancyrosetta

Original millinery designs and an assortment of hats by Elephunk's Trunk

  Metalsmith fine jewelry by Cristina Hurley Jewelry Designs


There are a total of 20 artists featured this month, come check out all the lovely artwork and handmade creations!