{create} festive garland

I have one more easy and fun holiday craft to share with you. I've been really loving garlands all year ... they just make any space so festive!And of course, what we're looking for around this time of year is festive. Simple festive.

So when I saw West Elm's simple and beautiful holiday garland, I sprung into action. I knew I needed a garland in my house, and as it turns out, I now have two! Instead of silver though, I opted for a red base to better match my other decor colors.

First, on our tree. I wanted a different look for our tree this year, and the red garland paired with silver, sparkly balls is perfect.

Second, strung across a window to add a festive vibe to our holiday party this weekend! Post party this lovely garland will most likely move to the fireplace.

How to make? It's so easy! First, I started by cutting out a million little red circles. I'm not really exaggerating. These circles are a little over an inch in diameter (traced from a small measuring cup) and I stopped cutting when I'd gone through a yard and a half of felt. (Pop in a fun holiday movie ... it makes the time go by much quicker!) I had no idea if it was enough, but figured I could add more later. Luckily, it was just the perfect amount.

Then I cut out just under a million pieces of festive paper. Okay, it was way less than that. I just wanted the paper to add touches of fun throughout the garland.

Then I just ran them all through a sewing machine, on straight stitch, one by one. You can see in the above pic that there are no spaces between the circles. I didn't want this to be a super time consuming project (you know, once the felt was all cut!), so I sewed the paper to the fabric all at one time. Sidenote: Have you tried sewing on paper? I love it! Check out the fun Christmas project I worked on last year with sewn paper. And, important to note: wrapping your garland around a toilet paper roll as you go will decrease your changes of a tangled knotted mess. Don't say you weren't warned! :)

Happy friday friends!

{inspire} holiday music suggestions

Friends, today I need your help.

See, last week I finally pulled out my Christmas music. I really can't bear it until December 1, or a few days after even. I worked at Starbucks for a few years and holiday music began in November. It was pure torture. By the time Christmas actually arrives I am so sick of the music. And that's just sad.

I have a favorite holiday song (of course!). It's God Rest Year Merry Gentlemen, performed by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. Have you heard it?

I LOVE this version of the song. I realized that this song, plus a couple others, make up the entire 5-6 Christmas songs that I can listen to on repeat. And this is where YOU come in! 

I need Christmas music suggestions. We're hosting our first ever holiday party on Saturday (yikes!), and I need to put together a festive, cheery, upbeat holiday play list.

So, dish. I know you all have one :). What is your absolute favorite, play on repeat every year, Christmas song.

** photo via we heart it**

{create} felt wreath

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Remember last week when I said my goal this year was to make a wreath? Well, I actually made two wreaths. I know, overachiever. Besides my yarn wreath, I also made a felt wreath.

Do you read the Purl Bee blog? If not, please go check it out (after this post, of course!), because it is loaded with inspiration and fun diy projects. They posted this wreath last January, and I was completely smitten. I even mentioned it here and I immediately bookmarked it into my *projects I must make* file. All this year I kept wondering when was too early to start making it!

Since I've never embroidered, much less hand embroidered, I decided to start back in November, just to be on the safe side. The nice part about starting so early was that I could work on it here and there when I had time. I never felt stressed or pressured, which is huge for me this time of year :).

This turned out to be a really fun and informative project. The instructions on the Purl Bee's website are super detailed, but it's a project that relies on your own creativity. There were days I was really sick of hand embroidering, but then I just put it aside. I learned a few really cool stitches (see above), and techniques for cutting felt that create depth and texture. I could also see this being a great template for a spring wreath in fun pastel colors.

In all honesty, it was supposed to be a birthday gift! But, as it was coming together I realized it was not at all the recipients style. I didn't want them to feel like they had to like and display it because I made it, so I kept it. I think subconsciously I just really wanted it in my house. :)

And here's the wreath + a sneak peak of my Christmas decor:

We're no where near done decorating (does it take anyone else this long to decorate their house!?), but I did get the fireplace and mantle all set up. This is our first year with stockings :).

** Update: I'm adding this wreath to Centsational Girl's Christmas Craft Party. Pop over here to check out all the great holiday crafts! :)

** I also added to Krafty Kat's holiday craft party (so many parties right now! :). Check it out here.

** Update, 12/14: Krafty Kat featured me on her Holiday Hookup Roundup. Go here to check out all the great projects I'm featured with. THANKS KAT!

How is your decorating coming along?