Christmas Touches Around Our Home.

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEhlSkbx2UVHB6vFd3I-mWSw7vr-q2XlWYZgtNz4mjJEDe8O7lYpOsEYAjNOSY6HFMEk36ho4PyUCjROdubS2u5P9SZdnA196N8NtRd0dfKA2eTYdUTu8W2x7aXfdXfFdJArZ3Zo2/s1600/Photo+Dec+16,+12+17+54+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEhlSkbx2UVHB6vFd3I-mWSw7vr-q2XlWYZgtNz4mjJEDe8O7lYpOsEYAjNOSY6HFMEk36ho4PyUCjROdubS2u5P9SZdnA196N8NtRd0dfKA2eTYdUTu8W2x7aXfdXfFdJArZ3Zo2/s1600/Photo+Dec+16,+12+17+54+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hello everyone! I’ve been meaning to snap some pictures to show you our Christmas touches here and there in our home, but it is such a busy time of year!  Anyway, come on in and I will try to keep the narrative short and sweet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU84BUuMigoEqVYwQh-LVxTvxUb33jJUJPEsDJQEmMrgRmb6cI6W2SrZ8lvCLdWlujUQywaxJpdn0YS75517ZaMPdYemV9VKQThJ4iOIkw5kvhKGqusZ9G8EGR9mrehq5fVio-hN9b/s1600/CSC_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU84BUuMigoEqVYwQh-LVxTvxUb33jJUJPEsDJQEmMrgRmb6cI6W2SrZ8lvCLdWlujUQywaxJpdn0YS75517ZaMPdYemV9VKQThJ4iOIkw5kvhKGqusZ9G8EGR9mrehq5fVio-hN9b/s1600/CSC_1000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This year I felt in the mood for a touch of the quintessential Christmas color, red. I reused most of my already existing Christmas decorations but added in some new pieces.   I have to add that I bought that wool tartan blanket at a thrift store for less than $4! It’s like new too!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqzkocdVvggWFpDkkxfVlBua0tonaYnnz1Ul6g82NsBCnnfiV7XCiEQPpaeolEIlBuwXvw5Zj0ACm-7xpKHJTdRq4b38pz-UY1fXlMGUBKt5aMB9LfNCw95BVfC2kXQMD2y1UFVxT0JLo/s1600-h/DSC_0928%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0928" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEmeqDbsRfiR2-qHY2LwyyivwV-jfde8F-coxEsqq_4tCpKjyAShmepl4wtEpVo5TjP4MJFjp8osBmftVhCOrLKcbfgJ1I9hCoB-eUJsQtuiDQ5qhsYJua3sW_KOgA7gobvGmQYCnPByu/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0928" width="604" /></a><br /><div align="center">mantel close up</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7sP8lQw2ZJq4ZjFs-OKYmQa1QmZ_BTJ9KsMa7J_2Rz0zlWlvtw2vVFsODd0aTgMm4_g_rE2nWvKxrYPGykrRVBuiIaAvIDOuqt5SZNJMe5azKpLK6WRRwrYFvR8QdcFTipqoHDPoIRl_/s1600-h/DSC_0938%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0938" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTPOhuYVO9A_k0FvfVnlizPPwAUeERIZ6L0qqoW-B9TS56HWeRJd1wpMX8o0bFfMcnJyGib3sMXlfV3JiMQLqBSsNJvEYRYcRsYAFacQpI1pl94Z_v_QRdkAn6-OTloA-PQaNDzdEaenU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0938" width="700" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz-Uo3IuWGlOux1ae1VPXpHr5qmfovCLnfI-e_BXV70GJ9-MBFz2Vm5owItygCthY9hXTou3seGOG1E1dv2TvUCkMGy_YhyRE1qewuXWtv0dmulueOpraKseTCe8oNLz1e3nW5GUGODU9/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%25252011%25252057%25252015%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 15, 11 57 15 PM" border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpgo4ckAtKth0rY5ykj2WXF0_X28rf00vg418bANRdyFmdDNTp9um3Uh4Ux42jxCXE9r_mFJQ-6JY278bWOA7R1PlQ6fBMf8ROlzZA7A7umh7_uPZMYR21_uIJxjrIGH5KCQUjSkQTXuT/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 15, 11 57 15 PM" width="700" /></a></div><div align="center">Dada drew the most lovely mural depicting the true meaning of Christmas…</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2kwaXhRWkBXYdWqR-znqIDVw9rij2CeUPiDhzbGJlxSbfs0Ta6b6XwBgp-zev14mXfWzY2yZEBXNBNaWukAc0efcbiA1lkCeJYknajmEaNjCPLcvkZ7eqhvoltDIynaEiAdUkS8qpGP-/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%25252010%25252006%25252041%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 15, 10 06 41 PM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLwTbKtU_WJX4F0SSYNjUzcbioLjJXtfL7Ki024-bq5JLUobp9VHSm6oYx8-k3EvH6PKHloB6JbU2GU9mfiQgimrUGRTPFdc-iGsjp4Yv3XDCQAa8MUVv0dMmbJAetFHvjJfyqN_mq23M/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 15, 10 06 41 PM" width="700" /></a><br /><div align="center">We made the Village of houses again this year as our advent calendar. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyY5H2K3AeIObdh-YvWTsN0IlCswaNMjcuz9FXssfJviHU4OG_EOJK3bsk1DyJgfxkGmajUaZ19vicVwJ58fYlfHlCtKRGAZ508D5pAuOIiIcvdvXF7Y7Ue8JcVZ4vTOXOCDmEYDXTMNz/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%25252011%25252037%25252013%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 15, 11 37 13 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJf5orALl6S5Fd4Y9JD5RWqS37eJFaSOlw-uI9d3k_WG18aT3o8Y202t5O3v8TY9XNtpAHdpe6V_6qWkHyGkVYGw6ofBXteQCD_R_A-tiPOY39Y5R1h2EEbEAimfatEmBvAmyFThXdjuy/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 15, 11 37 13 AM" width="700" /></a></div>Yesterday after he had retrieved his treat from house number 15, Zion excitedly exclaimed, “Nine more houses are left until Christmas Mama!” You can find the free printable to make your own on Mr. printables.com.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNix4ZxXJoWVWe_AEaV-1TZGbbWUnK4RwKcfsXgs2RM0dkLEypC9z6g19PAhhtBGbfud0MqLZI-TeqKpFy5qnh6vtxvQ5ncpna58_vxZ3GaJf-NzM6UALrop3vD_KhY38XzRf1mC3SwQ_/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252015%25252C%2525208%25252028%25252056%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 15, 8 28 56 PM" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyvrz50rJ7G8pxLnGDvLdxxWO534YNNlJZq1SShOL08DPyL-esFCdLxck29XqZpsYfOri2dMEbjsCQnGXclnSeIOFK_JAnAVc_acgugTUXCD2Orn6JuoBycWOwV88K1T_heP5Qmn0psrn/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 15, 8 28 56 PM" /></a><br />For the mantel in the sunroom, I picked a few branches from a tree in our backyard and placed them in a vase. I also cut some strands off some variegated vinca that I have planted in pots and used them as garland. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoowox3QF92VZHUKeNUGnIaerAeVLKIL22YzGuB-HcvzaKW37Q_HepDJu9NslRQCMVKa6bWqURo6u26wcNrlYyis5Vjtaj30f-DsM50u3gD2Guy6Ju-mK-m9XsvHkXz0dllqxY8AIOtoU/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252013%25252C%2525204%25252030%25252034%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 13, 4 30 34 PM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lkb8EsBawf2utYyIThW7WRw9MSGiMjJsWC3fypR1Ly3VYBd_XekUB2aTYiUAn6LstZN2980PHar620ZqC8io8vBWzBshbllQg3zJQjMeZNflwg7o4pR2c8YCNlb-lwNxC_zbZfJoX0FA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 13, 4 30 34 PM" width="700" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">vinca up close</span></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwVrtb_iPDZLnWAJqN67fI5CTBM1xxtHkndtmJ3hvqer3HE9MbdeIM4mtZ5rUvOnJzlUIIko_K6msqBP0fHGgaH5rQj8iwdleTI-7KFaifJrhLDFHdTttp6RZZp239nRzX1xD4fMtqUo0/s1600-h/DSC_0893%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0893" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwLr7tcQuPS6-9XAD4ou3y1rzwKExUIiI6nzbH8FB1I8zl6krNBVAqo6GNUytVRXdM-JJrJ5QvmlP3-SjK63BHE_oD1yKDLijlNx9GGxYIFC-efA8YtSGtnvFfaQuyXlNMFHk2OrAQTbD/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0893" width="700" /></a><br /><div align="center">lots of bling add lots of sparkle</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce1U0_evy89sF5zL4lIVr_I0c6LmA1sYgz8A5LLXqIdQvRvB1EhIx08GCLCrbGjZCUiSyPIC_SS5AU-6RsYFLzVT2nM4Zt-5S0oyOty4_OyuisMDpw_Rq_MOAWrYRM8XT9_U2r-HZ1Tru/s1600-h/DSC_0897%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0897" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2atIcekle8RAmZD56tyrMM_FP2mmmxZw59yMbeshRIjlLgVGkWnwNq6WYmk0bIHOINq713MORZ_KHEISshkXPrxvCqycnEMeKMIRcqejRaKqy1_dJMJlyos86yeEqDChALRcDk4u1S5S/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0897" width="604" /></a><br />The cards are sentimental. Last Christmas the hubby(who was away) sent us about 6 cards. Even Ginger(our dog) received a card! I placed them there as a reminder of  just how grateful we are to have him home this Christmas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZdhYBzEl1ZIqi0AeC73Ux1pLFKCf6WyE1E-9_Qc40YlHNxYsr3Q7HDoBt4on3n0V18FGLeGHG8EzO-6Vj62-yKEAXI_iDEiRgDTU-rwibNRV9Dk-Mvw5CCrpvPCp76f9RLISFRdF-mnC/s1600-h/DSC_0898%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0898" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ywJx0scoz0T4Xf9rnFr04EPRnjnCnK_M4Ov_UZ110v9R58d0zVLNOeBJHbgR_YbyznhSobvbM2MTEc1eo8SbLs530XCnBs2lsRbw86gMJJK6wJHQlC4xGmMsFQw9Mbirqwe4HQgjRKPz/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0898" width="604" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6pKWegeFj1cT-1VQ_c6O8N1oYPYEtJEqtUcUj13sZFpsN5I9XBD6OKOIA9Sxte3RWZiaT-NH69Xem58CmKAUy0W98V3Cgmjzzf6QkCb_QlW-Z3EBmimlEs1NdRSIHOdEq_4rO6Lzp8Go/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252013%25252C%2525204%25252010%25252059%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 13, 4 10 59 PM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27YCAqgXPArYJr9SvhDY71xqKpBM-pG9jii5zbq6hYf2CLMhRZSKuF2joB7FbgAAcb_x8OJ9Wk-1Eoplm6g1fN1aEiORvujCnLZZSXtOX32mOIbbvStsRMmss78Rb_dR7GedIq1hZ6GbZ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 13, 4 10 59 PM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X3AEcSE_pBE/VI_TgYJFR3I/AAAAAAAAMxs/u6-1Dh8kR-E/s1600-h/DSC_0993%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0993" border="0" height="468" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nz3KaIyysDU/VI_ThGIP1kI/AAAAAAAAMx0/nr_CwY3O-X0/DSC_0993_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0993" width="700" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaukH_6ADJNX49WPb_RSSnFoPbH0tUZYAPHl332xGYpfNGgNEHrRr8QOH66OhyEb-Manp8ds_MIE94spDwqSo5E_YHSGfE7ocT9ipDjPSNyUIUKl328GDO3wCFgPOBJ0il7GrI6wqZ89v/s1600-h/DSC_0982%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0982" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZHBghfiqmTX233MGTJDbuA1s9WoC-8Zhyphenhyphenk8AY7-eQ-IxbI8wHxYd9huqMHg1wDJ78FOqhBmarLvhenK2qL4FtK9c0Fy_SD9xnSzlsi_5jforSKtlHtslER0GDT8nUoIhhCkQjfZBVGMG/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0982" width="604" /></a><br />Zion and Ian chose this tree from a local farm and decorated it themselves. They also helped me to make those garlands(one on the bed and around Moose’s neck) from pipe cleaners. So much fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdPQ0dDu9ZNnrmGRhHCIO7ee4Fbvzs055lBQPhok5xhojg_NB986pmydDCrN22u1SXr_u3PyVrcx3eb47CBpNCPbpPRxUMTKaYm57A_z4Oggl8oG-o2VXjN55yuNaT7rZMInuqy8xZhyphenhyphenL/s1600-h/DSC_0977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0977" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACvYvHErs45kWfcIAGtAjwmOnlzW1CLD4FmnKdxTwuCwxal6tAA5YgYY3dtIcFepyFJkF8laU_oYEuxLbXMQFCsfkHMhsqftOyg_aCpGHitHtxPflP5_R-fyM00iJvDBqOfSDCn7Leqfd/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0977" width="700" /></a><br /><div align="center">a little seasonal display in Z’s room with his art work</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOztcasIBMyW14Xvw7btzh5rKLI2HdXwkUDm80P20otC67e1_9P66tWLVfq5ML-_BSSpVqV9mSH23IPwJAGNzS_qJrUaATKVqYnjAfpuAuFv48o65UOu_-_94UpyywbleyBHw_Kuw/s1600/DSC_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOztcasIBMyW14Xvw7btzh5rKLI2HdXwkUDm80P20otC67e1_9P66tWLVfq5ML-_BSSpVqV9mSH23IPwJAGNzS_qJrUaATKVqYnjAfpuAuFv48o65UOu_-_94UpyywbleyBHw_Kuw/s1600/DSC_0814.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Our fancy tree! I added in some pink and animal print ornaments  this year. I might have gone overboard with the pink. There is more to show, but that would be too many pics. If I am not able to pop back in before Christmas, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Love and Blessings. xx</div>

Christmas Touches Around Our Home.

Hello everyone! I’ve been meaning to snap some pictures to show you our Christmas touches here and there in our home, but it is such a busy time of year!  Anyway, come on in and I will try to keep the narrative short and sweet.This year I felt in the mood for a touch of the quintessential Christmas …

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Affordable DIY Props to Use In your Family Holiday Photos: A Guest Post

Hello everyone!<br />Today's guest post comes from another Mama and blogger, Andrea Genevieve Michnik. Today, Andrea will be sharing how to make your own props for those fun holiday photo shoots that many of us are all scurrying to get done this time of year. Take it away Andrea!<br /><br />Family holiday photo shoots can be challenging, especially with a toddler in tow. Last year for my own family’s holiday photo, we only had two different props, and my 1-year-old son lost interest in about 10 minutes. I learned my lesson. This year I’m pulling together a basket with plenty of handmade options for us to pose with, depending on how we feel during the moment. The end result may be silly, romantic, cozy, or cute. No matter how it turns out, I’m certain it will be an honest and heartfelt depiction of my family at this point in our lives, and I can’t wait to share it with our loved ones through our holiday cards.<br /><br />First, I’d like to offer step-by-step instructions for creating a craft I’m extra excited about: DIY glitter letters. After that, I’ll share a few of my other favorite DIY prop ideas, from oversized ornaments to a modern Christmas tree made from cardboard. <br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">DIY Glitter Letter Prop</span><br />This project is a fun way to create a card that really says something — literally! You can spell out festive words like “Joy,” “Peace,” or “Merry,” or choose to go for a custom twist and create your family’s last name. Best of all, the letters can work as holiday décor in your home for years to come.<br /><br /><b>What you’ll need:</b><br />Cardboard letters from your local craft supply store (If you can’t find any, cut them out of old cereal boxes)<br />Modge Podge or glue<br />A paintbrush<br />Colored glitter (red, green, gold, and silver work well)<br />Clear finishing spray (I used Krylon Glitter Blast Glitter Seale)<br />Newspapers or scrap paper to work on<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKAUT_kgZ7m6KHLfGAHdHN4-8C_9Vux5nJHb0Own-nZb7vw5J-PL49J9vz3gvF_5CZT2YXtiE99BET5tdHOSrFgi5AX_LyOggrSqYXRmK3hItMaURvVqPr2KKaAdg1yj8BTYlg-sh/s1600/20141121-supplies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKAUT_kgZ7m6KHLfGAHdHN4-8C_9Vux5nJHb0Own-nZb7vw5J-PL49J9vz3gvF_5CZT2YXtiE99BET5tdHOSrFgi5AX_LyOggrSqYXRmK3hItMaURvVqPr2KKaAdg1yj8BTYlg-sh/s1600/20141121-supplies2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Instructions:</span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><br /></span>1. First, pick out what you want your letters to spell. For this tutorial I went with “Joy” because I’m going to use them through the winter as a table centerpiece. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGgfbzLajcJglVNYccS6g6N217TtcaNqt9146n_DTgyeQ-gjw3s7GBJUO253ViKWua8AO_g7zhtTsO0FDIpcMJitVKil-av2iISnLYkrdYkhkqXhS-IzQ9lRIY-6N5p5tGRAicfBJ/s1600/glitterb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGgfbzLajcJglVNYccS6g6N217TtcaNqt9146n_DTgyeQ-gjw3s7GBJUO253ViKWua8AO_g7zhtTsO0FDIpcMJitVKil-av2iISnLYkrdYkhkqXhS-IzQ9lRIY-6N5p5tGRAicfBJ/s1600/glitterb.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />2. Lay the letters down on your newspaper or scrap paper. Using the paintbrush, apply glue to one side of one letter. Make sure that every inch is covered. A thick layer of glue works best, but watch out for drips. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXodU04tP9KYyoVElpdNeu4ZpOCK46Qr8-dpgkTPpoIZ9Oq3dynEMdHj_0atcBWOO_9jphsRuS-bqYFK-_hbramt1xk6LRc6VnZFrX2bMm076MxaxwokJ-g8TxZKehg6m_EW-UE33Y/s1600/glitter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXodU04tP9KYyoVElpdNeu4ZpOCK46Qr8-dpgkTPpoIZ9Oq3dynEMdHj_0atcBWOO_9jphsRuS-bqYFK-_hbramt1xk6LRc6VnZFrX2bMm076MxaxwokJ-g8TxZKehg6m_EW-UE33Y/s1600/glitter2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />3. Apply the glitter generously. You shouldn’t see any of the letter or glue peeking through. If using Modge Podge, stick to one letter at a time, since it dries pretty quickly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHvpkmkcluOBaDgFcQRYO_Hxcimq_piULbk-QfhSAuR48vogwx3YiMcztAQqKQkLZXFEb2tyu38yfNiryOYMsqKW42czEyaUAEKtepsEGXAfnftdBpzMqxM3lRaCo_ZpyOb-S4VP3/s1600/20141121-glitter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHvpkmkcluOBaDgFcQRYO_Hxcimq_piULbk-QfhSAuR48vogwx3YiMcztAQqKQkLZXFEb2tyu38yfNiryOYMsqKW42czEyaUAEKtepsEGXAfnftdBpzMqxM3lRaCo_ZpyOb-S4VP3/s1600/20141121-glitter6.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><br /><br />4. Once you've glittered one side, let the letter dry for about an hour and then flip it over to do the same to the backside. <br /><br />5. When both sides dry, finish with glue and glitter on the edges of all letters. You could always do the edges in a different colored glitter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMro4lvGQaF-EP87yIo4EN_w0eJqsuNfL4jzQoFdCxJchLeY_JUtdWLKcLsXdx50MeeY2BJmYoFHrrN3KyzjvhDBd7N_-FR4iyyDrUxMYXFbtwSBduZwGUbc1X3-xgk4N51UbMQ90/s1600/20141121-finalletters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMro4lvGQaF-EP87yIo4EN_w0eJqsuNfL4jzQoFdCxJchLeY_JUtdWLKcLsXdx50MeeY2BJmYoFHrrN3KyzjvhDBd7N_-FR4iyyDrUxMYXFbtwSBduZwGUbc1X3-xgk4N51UbMQ90/s1600/20141121-finalletters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />6. The final step is crucial and this is to seal the glitter with a clear finishing spray. Glitter is fabulous — don’t get me wrong — but no mom wants to spend their holidays cleaning up glitter trails around the house! <br /><br /><b>For a totally different look, try covering the letters in holiday wrapping paper, metallic spray paint, or use rustic jute twine wrapped around each letter.</b><br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Looking for more holiday photo prop ideas? Here are four of my favorites: </span><br /><br />1. <b>Painted Mini Chalkboards</b><br />Take a plain wooden trimmed chalkboard and paint the edges red, green, silver, white, or gold to match your setting. Scribble out a cute phrase or the year. <br /><br />2. <b>6 Point Paper Stars </b><br />Use a variety of seasonal 12” X12” scrapbook paper and fold into stars using this guide. Make a huge pile for you and your family to hold or toss in the air. <br /><br />3. <b>Oversized Ornaments</b><br />These huge ornaments made from gigantic colored balloons look so awesome! Any prop that is larger than life will be tons of fun for both kids and adults. Attach a string to each balloon and use cardboard with wire to recreate the ornaments’ cuffed top. <br /><br />4. Modern Cardboard Christmas Tree<br />If you’re going for a more modern look or don’t want to have a living tree in your home, this cardboard version can be assembled to any size and painted to accentuate your home design. <br /><br />Thank you Andrea for sharing! Do you use props in your family’s holiday photos? Please share your favorites in the comments. xx<br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;">About the author:</span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span><b>Andrea Genevieve Michnik</b> is a mompreneur, serial crafter and blogger living in Austin, Texas. When Andrea isn’t knitting for her shop or exploring the outdoors with her adorable toddler, she is helping other local female entrepreneurs to empower themselves professionally. Andrea shares her maker insights and other Christmas card crafts on the<b> </b><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">TinyPrints blog</span></b> </a>, and you can find out what she’s up to on her<b> <a href="https://twitter.com/andreagenevieve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Twitter</span></a> </b>and<span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><b><a href="http://andreagenevieve.com/blog1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">personal blog</span></a>.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /> <br />

Affordable DIY Props to Use In your Family Holiday Photos: A Guest Post

Hello everyone!Today's guest post comes from another Mama and blogger, Andrea Genevieve Michnik. Today, Andrea will be sharing how to make your own props for those fun holiday photo shoots that many of us are all scurrying to get done this time of year. Take it away Andrea!Family holiday photo shoot…

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Hello December!

<img alt="tumblr_mxz6fmXIRD1svy70xo1_500.gif" height="359" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/7f63a9ca0a97c34d0bdd89143e907a7a/tumblr_mxz6fmXIRD1svy70xo1_500.gif" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /><br /><br />Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I am so happy that December is here!! Let the countdown to Christmas begin. Happy Monday my friends. xx

Hello December!

Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I am so happy that December is here!! Let the countdown to Christmas begin. Happy Monday my friends. xx…

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