{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?

{inspired} wish list

Are you all happy it's Friday? I know I am! This weekend will be full of holiday decorating, crafting and cookie baking. I love this time of year.

I was putting together a Christmas list for both Chris and I the other day (yes, my mom still demands lists from us and my brother ... it's really cute) and thought that I'd share with you a few things that are really high on my wish list. Some of these are just that ... wishes! But if Santa really wanted to bring them ... I'd be a happy girl. :) 

1.  Cascading Wall Art  2. Lake Forest Painting  3. Sea Anemone Stacking Rings  4. Frazier Mobile  5. Ballet Flats  6. DSLR  7. Chevron Business Cards  8. Etc.  9. Cupcake Stand
 
This isn't a gift guide -- because as I already mentioned, I am so not a source for what's cool this year -- it's just a glimpse into things I would love to bring into my home/life. 

So friends, what's on your Christmas list this year? I hope you all have a great weekend!

{create} holiday wreath

I had a goal this holiday season. I would make a wreath. There are so many cute ones out in bloggy-land and at least one needed to hang in my home. So, while I did make the lovely wreath I'm sharing with you today, I cannot take credit for the idea.

I'm sharing it anyway, because I think you should all make one. :) It was so, so, so easy. I literally created it one night Thanksgiving weekend while watching a movie. It's very festive and I love that it looks very wintry and can be used past the holidays. I found the tutorial on Take Heart.

I found my yarn at a specialty yarn store near my house. It is sooooo soft. An added bonus was that it hides mistakes really well. I was actually really surprised at how many weirdnesses the yarn absorbed.

My favorite part, though? The flowers were a cinch. I have a huge problem with fabric flowers. They are completely frustrating to me for some reason, but I had so much fun making these and I love how they look.

My one hint? Danielle recommends using a plastic wrapped straw wreath. Please listen to her. I used Styrofoam (because I already had one on hand) and I can really see how plastic would be easier to wrap.

I'm still looking for a home for the wreath, because I'm still not done Christmas decorating! But, look for the wreath when I do take you on a tour of my holiday digs. :)

So, if you want a quick and beautiful wreath to add to your holiday decor, pop on over to the Take Heart blog. And, let me know if you make one. I would love to see how yours turn out! What crafty projects are you all taking on this month?

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