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Easy And Elegant Christmas Crafts Anyone Can Make

November 07, 2020

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About a week ago, my daughter asked me about the red bar at the top of my website.

What happens if I click it?

You get crafty emails with Christmas crafts and DIY ideas.


Merry Christmas Candy Cane Gift bag framed with red ribbon

This apparently piqued her interest.

Really? Crafts that people can actually do?

Yes. Of course. That's the whole point of sharing...


In fact, it's the whole point of my blog. To share inexpensive and easy craft and DIY ideas that absolutely anyone can do.

Without any prior experience.

To decorate their home.

To be honest, I was kind of shocked at this line of questioning since I've been doing this for over 7 years now and the kids have been here watching me for all of it.

I couldn't understand why this all seemed like new information.

No. It's not new information, it's just that well...you're crafty.

And..
.I responded.

And you make really beautiful things...naturally. I'm just not sure they're as easy as you might think they are...you know...

For normal people.


Well. First of all, I thanked her for the lovely compliment, but then I assured her that I was a lot less talented than she thought I was and truly anyone could do these things.

I even told her stories and showed her the many pictures I'd received over the years of projects and curtains, all based on my posts.

All made by other people.

Yes, other crafty people...

Not necessarily. I'm sure there were some beginners in the group. 

Mmhmm...we'll see...

So you know what that stinker did?

She decided to test it out and told me she was going to challenge herself to make some of the crafts in my holiday tab.

Apparently after months stuck in the house, we're running out of things to do. 

No, she assured me that it wasn't boredom, it was scientific.

She wanted to see if real people, who had no formal crafty training, could replicate my projects. Of course, I told her that wasn't always the goal. 

A lot of times my projects are really just there to serve as inspiration, that people could take them and make them fit their individual style, home or taste.

Ok...than that, too. 

And with those words, she was off and running. Raiding my craft closet.

First on the list, was one of my gift bag wooden sign posts

That sent her ripping through my box of Christmas wrapping where she found a bag I was going to make a sign from last year, but never got around to.

White picture frame and Christmas gift bag on table

When she couldn't find a board in the garage that fit, she emerged from the living room, where I had just finished redecorating, with a picture frame I decided not to use and said, Do you need this?

Nope, have at it.

Over the next 15 minutes or so, she gathered ribbon and scissors and clear packing tape and created her own gift bag Christmas decor.

Framing A Gift Bag Supplies ribbon, bag, frame, tape, scissors on table

She cut the front of the bag out, so it was a flat rectangle that would fit in the frame.

Then she cut the ribbon to create a matte for the bag. It was more dramatic and festive than the plain white one it came with.

Merry Christmas Candy Cane Gift bag framed with red ribbon

She used clear tape to hold it all together. 

Lastly, she put everything back under the glass and closed up the backing and - ta-da - she had a gorgeous new accent for the holidays.

Framed Gift Bag For Christmas on table

I have to say, I was quite impressed with her version of my craft and I think she was, too.

Hmmm. Easier than I thought.

Score one for mom. 

It's actually perfect and exactly what I hope people will do with my crafts...make them their own. Work with what they have and create what makes them smile.

Framed gift bag on table with red roses and apples

Even if it's not red?

Well, let's not get crazy. 

However, since blue is her favorite color, when she tried one more craft, just to be sure, she incorporated it.

Following the directions from my sock angel ornament post, she made her own boy sock angel ornament. Can you even stand it? Isn't he darling?

Sock Angel Ornament With Knit Cap

Since we already had a girl angel, we clearly needed a boy.

Using her newly rediscovered knitting skills, she whipped up a blue cap, in place of a halo, and now we have an adorable pair for our tree. 

Or a gift for my nephew's little one on the way...baby boy's first Christmas ornament perhaps?

Sock Angel Ornament Boy with blue knit cap

That decision is still up in the air. However, the verdict is in and apparently, I was right.

It was easy. They were all easy.

You were right.

I was right...

Words a mother of two adult girls...young women...doesn't often hear.

My easy, inexpensive - since we had all the supplies on hand- and very elegant craft tutorials had passed the test.

And now I have two {more} projects to prove it.

Made by a real person.

A college student, in fact.

Not a crafter.

Well. I guess she is now.

And that's the point, isn't it?

Have you ever made one of my crafts?

Kim Signature


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  1. Such a fun story. Love both her projects. The boy angel is adorable.

    Cindy

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    1. Thank you, Cindy! It was actually fun to watch see what she came up and more fun to see that I was right! Ha!

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  2. That is awesome Kim that your daughter made those Christmas crafts. I will have to make them too! The boy angel is adorable!

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    1. Oh Julie, I bet you could make a darling angel with crocheted accents! And thanks...I'll pass your sweet words along.

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  3. Oh how fun and cute. Love the boy angel. With some of these gifts bags being so pretty what a great idea this is to frame it out. So pretty. Your daughter is following in your footsteps to be very crafty. Happy Weekend. Enjoy! Hugs. Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris!! She really is crafty, I’m glad she’s giving it all a try. Although, now she’s like you can write a song. Which I cannot…but she says, yes, anyone can, just like crafting. I don’t think so, but she’s persistent!

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  4. That is so clever and pretty. I love the little sock angel.

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  5. She did a great job, seems she has talent like her mother, i know i'm fairly new, now i know what that red stripe is. I honestly had never noticed.

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    1. It's a pretty new stripe, Marlene. I enjoying tweaking the site...I guess my DIY and design obsession applies to more than just the house.

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  6. I'm imressed! She did great - takes after her mom!

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  7. No, I don't think I've ever made one of your crafts, but I did sign up to receive your Christmas ideas:) I'm really not crafty other than doing some scrapbooks and some other paper crafts. But somehow I am never satisfied with my work because I compare it too much to others who are so talented and truly artistic. I know I'm not supposed to do that but just can't seem to help it:( How wonderful that your daughter tried her hand at it!!! (And being the mother of a grown son, it's nice when we can get one up on them!!!!)

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    1. I took a class with a woman who said put your art or craft aside for a while and then come back to look at it later. You'll almost always be really impressed with it. And I know it's hard not to compare. I think we all do that...

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  8. That is such a fun story! I've made the gift bag craft before. It hangs in my living room at Christmas....I do it the lazy way though. I just use poster putty & tac the bag onto a frame already hanging on the wall. It looks good to me & I enjoy it.

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    1. I love that idea, Jenny! I have tons of that tac leftover from my teaching days. I should try that next time...Thanks for the tip!

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  9. Kim I love the elegance of the ribbon used as a mat. It really amps up the Christmas cheer. The little angel boy is adorable.

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    1. I'm so glad I had that ribbon in the craft closet, Mary. It was just waiting for a good use.

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  10. She did great :)
    I think the little angel is so cute.

    All the best Jan

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  11. Kim, you taught your daughter well. I have yet tried one of your shopping bag art pieces but they really turn out beautifully and there are so many pretty ones to choose from..Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. I agree, Judy, those bags really are so pretty. And for a buck, who can pass them up? Take care!

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  12. Such great projects I love them both. The frame looks very elegant.

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    1. I agree, Anita! Not bad for a first timer, huh?

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  13. Oh I love her framed gift bag with the ribbon matte! Awesome! and the angel is sweet too!

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    1. Me too, Deanna! I have it hanging in the living room now...

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  14. I love your story! And she did a great job on both her crafts. They're so pretty!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! She really is very creative.

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  15. I enjoyed reading this, Kim! Her framed gift bag is beautiful and the boy angel is adorable. I'd say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree!

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    1. Thanks Marie! And I love that apple saying...my mom used to say it all the time. Great memories...

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  16. Kim, you make me smile. I do enjoy your writing style, your family and of course your crafts.
    I love both ideas.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Carla

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  17. And to think I was just going to give away the extra gift bags! Evidently, they need to become pictures. Or... I could go buy new ones at DT!
    I, also, wondered how the kids could not know that real people make this stuff, since you've been doing it for so long. But she had a good point - non-crafty people. Okay. She did a great job improvising! Impressive! It's so fun that she had to give you credit!
    Score one for mom!! lol

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    1. Thanks Nancy! It's funny isn't it, that I just assume everyone can be crafty! I guess it was good to have an outsider opinion. I will keep it in mind moving forward...but she did prove my point. Anyone can be crafty! Especially with DT bags!

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