Last Minute DIY Holiday Decor

I hate to admit it, but I'm a bit late on holiday decorating this year, so I put together some ideas to quickly add a splash of cheer. They are homemade, but don't take a lot of time or resources.

Metallic Spray Paint is your friend!
Do you have some old knick-knacks hiding away in a closet, some inexpensive wood or plastic toy trains (ask your kids for permission, please!), a tree or shrub with interesting small branches you can cut and bring inside, unused perfume bottles, or any other interestingly shaped objects?  No? Your nearest thrift store may have the perfect ugly duckling to turn into a swan. Try to collect a few items that make up a theme - animals, vases, transportation, etc. Get some gold spray paint or gold glitter paint (or both) and start spraying those objects...some with gold, some with glitter. Turn a few objects into a collection and display them together on your mantle, table, or bookshelf. A few small items sitting in the middle of some greenery (wreath or garland), will give you an unexpected pop of sparkle.

www.hisugarplum.com

Not liking the idea of spraying non-holiday shapes? A hobby or craft store has options like cardboard or wooden letters. Spell out HOPE, LOVE, PEACE, whatever message you prefer and spray paint those.  Or grab up some small wreaths.  These can be made of fake greenery, twigs, or other non-porous material.  Spray, spray, spray and hang a few with some red velvet ribbon.  Imagine these wreaths sprayed gold!

https://www.digsdigs.com/76-inspiring-scandinavian-christmas-decorating-ideas/

Bandana/Napkin Mantle Scarf

• Materials to gather: Several bandanas or napkins, wide ribbon, double stick tape, safety pins (or needle and thread), ornaments or tassels.
• Step one: Cut the ribbon to the length of your mantle. 
• Step two: Fold your bandanas or napkins like this picture -​​

• Step three:  Sew or pin an ornament or tassel to the pointy end that is longest.
• Step four:  Tape double stick tape along the length of the ribbon on the pretty side. 
• Step five:  Lay the bandana along the double stick tape where the black line is drawn in the picture above.  (The bandana is shown with the right side up.  You will lay it down on the tape keeping the right side up. The line is just there to show you the alignment.) If you want (or need) to further ensure the bandana stays put, either sew, pin, or replace the double stick tape with double stick Velcro.

Lay your newly made mantle scarf on top of the mantel. Here is one I found on Etsy.com:

Less messy and labor intensive ideas - we like those!

• Fill a basket or bowl with ornaments and/or pinecones.
• Get small mirrors from a hobby or craft store and display candles upon them.
• Gift wrap various sized Kleenex boxes and display on a table.

To my family and friends -
​Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!