I don’t know about you, but Christmastime brings out my desire to craft like no other time of year!  Whether it’s making decor for my house or gifts for someone else, I just want to make make make!  Unfortunately the added time constraints of this season can leave little time for crafting, but as creative people, WE MUST MAKE! 

So, for this week’s edition of the More Merry, Less Stress Holiday Action Plan, we’re taking time to indulge our inner craft gods and goddesses and create something special – even if it’s a super quick craft like this adorable Paper Christmas Tree Garland I’m going to show you how to make in this post!  Taking a little bit of time to create will help you feel more fulfilled and less stressed – trust me.

Supplies Needed for a Paper Christmas Tree Garland

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• Cardstock in colors of your choice (note: make sure to buy cardstock that’s colored on both sides – unlike scrapbook paper, which is usually white on the back.)
• Paper cutter (or scissors and a ruler)
• Glue Dots (optional: you could also use a hot glue gun for this part!)
• Chipboard stars
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Twine or string

How to Make a Paper Christmas Tree Garland

Okay, I was so creatively uninspired and sorting through my craft supplies to see what I could make for a Christmas craft.  I found a whole bunch of 8.5″ x 11″ rainbow cardstock that I bought for who knows what reason.  I grabbed it and my paper cutter and started messing around.  A little while later, I figured out how to make these adorable paper Christmas trees and I decided to make this garland.  It’s so easy!

Begin by cutting four, 11″ long and 1″ wide strips of cardstock.  If you have a paper cutter, this is SUPER easy!  (If you don’t have a paper cutter, you need to get one!  I bought mine back in 2005 when I was wedding planning and I have used it so much since then!)  If you don’t have a paper cutter, you can either measure with a ruler and cut with scissors, or just eyeball it and cut freehand.

Next, shorten these strips of paper as follows:

For larger paper Christmas trees: keep one strip 11″ long, cut one down to 9″, cut another down to 7″, and cut the last one down to 5″.

For smaller paper Christmas trees:  cut one strip down to 9″, cut one down to 7″, cut another down to 5″, and cut the last one down to 3″.  

Next, use the Glue Dots or double-sided tape to attach each strip together at the ends to form rings.  Alternatively, use hot glue to create the paper rings.

Then, take the largest ring and press it down in half, so that the folds are crisp.  Place more of the double-sided tape or hot glue in the middle.  Repeat this process with the other rings and stack them one on top of the other.  For the smallest ring, push it into a point at the top so that it looks like the top of a Christmas tree!

Repeat this process until you have a forest of paper Christmas trees.  At this point, adorn the tops of the trees with chipboard stars, add glitter to the edges to look like snow, glue on sequins to look like ornaments – whatever you want!

After the trees are complete, tie them together with twine or string to create a darling paper Christmas tree garland.  

This garland is so unique!  I haven’t seen any like it online, and I love the festive touch it adds in my kitchen.  

This simple project did not take much time at all, and I’m so glad I made it a priority because crafting is what lessens my stress!  

Taking time to do things I enjoy is part of what helps me keep my head on straight during the hectic holiday season.  I hope you will do the same for yourself!  

HEY! You May Also Like This DIY TOILET PAPER ROLL ORNAMENT.  It’s Perfect for 2020!!!

Watch This Video on How to Make a Paper Christmas Tree Garland!

-Bre

What’s a wreath without a bow?  (Probably still a beautiful wreath, but humor me here, OK?)  I think we can all agree that the cherry on top of most wreaths is a pretty bow.  For years my DIY wreaths had, being completely honest, stupid and wimpy bows.  But after fiddling around with my ribbon stash for a while, I finally figured out how to make a beautiful wreath bow, and it could not be easier!  

The best part is that aside from the ribbon you need to make the bow, you probably already have the other two supplies you need: a stapler and scissors.  

Seriously.  With just three supplies you can make a full, floofy, fantastic wreath bow in under two minutes!

Because it’s easier to SEE how it’s done in real time, I made a video to show you how to make your own wreath bow.  I think it’s simpler to “get” the process this way than with step out photos.  So here you go – watch and learn!  

Can you believe it?  Did you know it was THIS easy to make a gorgeous wreath bow?  Now that you know, just say no to those premade plastic bows and make your own.  Your wreaths will thank you for it!  

You May Also Like This No-Sew Coffee Sleeves Project!  

Today’s post is making me feel like Oprah.  Not because I have bajillions of dollars or celebrity influence of any kind, but because I’m giving you a peek into my absolute favorite products of 2018 – all of which I think will make amazing holiday gifts for people on your list! 

My Favorite Things Gift Guide makes me feel so happy because these items are ALL things that I own or have purchased for others, and are ALL things that I love!  I feel 100% confident recommending them to you.  They all make perfect gifts. And, I’ve teamed up with some blogging buddies to share their favorite things gift guides, too!  You’ll find links to their wish lists at the bottom of this post, with thanks to Knock It Off Kim for hosting!  

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Okay, so here goes – my favorite things of 2018!

Nutri-Bullet High-Speed Nutrition Blender System

The Nutri-Bullet is my absolute favorite way to get good nutrition into my system.  It makes it so so so easy to whip up delicious fruit and vegetable smoothies, which I love drinking for lunch.  I pop spinach, banana, various fruits and/or seeds, and water into my Nutri-Bullet and have a tasty lunch in no time.  It’s super easy to clean, too, and makes “eating” fruits and veggies a lot easier for me.  

Women’s Suede Pom Pom Slippers

These suede slippers are like a dream with their suede upper and faux fur lining inside.  My favorite part is the hard-sole bottom, so I can take Jasper the dog out in the morning while still wearing them, and, of course, the pom pom detailing!  I am a total sucker for pom poms.  

Ryobi Cordless Glue Gun

Having a cordless glue gun is a game changer, and having one that gets super hot and bonds all the things is even better!  I adore my cordless glue gun from Ryobi and think it’s the best one on the market.  I’ve used other cordless glue guns and they’re all wimpy.  Don’t be a wimp.  

Nixplay WiFi Digital Frame

This isn’t your grandma’s digital frame, friends!  (Although it does make an amazing gift for grandma!)  This frame lets specified users email photos directly to the frame and it automatically updates.  With a built-in motion sensor, the frame turns on when it senses movement, and all new photos are automatically uploaded and displayed.  We gave this amazing frame to my grandma for her 90th birthday and she LOVES it!  Family from all over the country send new photos and her frame is constantly being updated.  This is a definite hit!  

Magnolia Table Cookbook

I do not enjoy cooking, but something about this cookbook makes it a little more fun.  Every recipe I have made turned out fantastic, and my family LOVES when I cook from this book.  The stories Joanna Gaines has woven throughout the recipes make it extra special to work from.  It’s filled with practical recipes that span breakfast to dessert, and I just love it so much that it sits on my counter every day.

  

 

Instant Pot

Since I’m not a fan of cooking, I’m constantly looking for ways to shorten my time in the kitchen.  The Instant Pot has done just that for me.  Although there’s somewhat of a learning curve that comes with it, once you get the hang of this device that speed cooks (as well as slow cooks, sautees, and more), you will love it!  It is really convenient and consistent and I am so happy to have it in my kitchen arsenal.

Lively Floral Water Bottle

I’ve been traveling a lot more this year thanks to a busier work schedule, and my reusable water bottle is a must wherever I go!  Staying hydrated makes me feel so much better when flying, and Rifle Paper Co. patterns make me happy.  This water bottle is a winner for sure!  

Leopard & Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt

I call this shirt my “mullet shirt” because it’s business in the front (with the stripes), and party in the back (with the leopard).  Such a fun combination!  This shirt makes me happy every time I put it on.

Accu-Cut Circular Saw Track

Prior to owning this saw track, every time I used my circular saw, the cuts would be wonky and unprofessional looking.  This amazing device solves that problem keeps the saw cutting straight.  It is a great buy for any person who loves DIY projects!

For the Kiddos: Design Your Dream Room activity book

My eight-year-old daughter enjoys watching HGTV and looking at my home decor magazines, so I bought her this activity book, which lets her punch out paper pieces and design rooms with them.  She LOVES it!  It has been such a great addition to our screen-free activity arsenal and would make a great gift for any child with a creative interest.  

For the Kiddos: LEGO Chain Reactions Book

At the same time I bought my daughter the interior design book above, I bought my six-year-old son this LEGO Chain Reactions book.  It lets him use the LEGOs he already has to create amazing contraptions.  Some of the projects are a little advanced for his age, but kids six and older who are into LEGOs will love this creative book!

I hope these favorite things of mine from 2018 give you some help with your holiday shopping list!  For even more great ideas, make sure to pop over to my friends’ favorite things posts, too!  I think you’ll love their ideas as well!

*****

These days it’s almost unheard of to send a holiday card that is not a family photo, whatever your family consists of.  Whether it’s a whole group of people, just you, or your best furry friend, the holidays are a time to re-connect and share a snapshot of you and/or your loved ones with others! 

With the photography tools available to ALL of us these days, it’s so easy to take great looking photos for your holiday cards. To help, I’m giving you tips for taking great DIY Christmas Card Photos on your own, without hiring a professional photographer!  (And guess what – these tips will work for ANY family photos you want to take in the future; not just holiday card photos!) 

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

DIY Holiday Card Photo Tip 1: Plan Ahead

Instead of snapping a picture of your family in front of whatever random background is in the location you’re at, spend 10 minutes planning ahead and the results will be worth it! 

First up, plan the location of the photo.  If you have time to go to a location with pretty scenery, you’ll instantly upgrade your holiday photo game.  Whether it’s a hotel lobby with pretty Christmas trees or the woods with natural scenery, plopping your people in a scenic spot will help your photo tremendously.  

Next, think about whether you want or need any “props” for your photos.  If you’re going to the woods, for example, maybe you should bring a blanket for everyone to sit on.  If you’re taking the photo in your living room, do you want to add in a cute holiday pillow to make the photo more festive?  Take a look at this amazing Pinterest board for lots of great prop and pose ideas.

Finally, if possible, plan the outfits your family will be wearing in the photo to avoid clashing colors, graphic or “message” t-shirts, etc.  You don’t want to look unnatural with overly matching looks, but coordinating colors goes a long way for a professional-looking photo.

DIY Christmas Card Photos Tip 2: Get Them Smiling

When it comes to taking a holiday photo of a group, you’re almost guaranteed to get someone who doesn’t want to cooperate – especially a child or a pet.  Bring some treats along with you to help soften any attitude.  

Another great tip to get a really natural look in photos is to say something that makes the people being photographed laugh.  I often tell my kids that they can say a “bad” word they’re not allowed to say (before you jump on me in the comments, these “bad” words are things like “butt” and “fart.”  Not really the bad words you might be thinking of.)  This makes them crack up and I get awesome, natural faces in our photos instead of cheesy, faked smiles!

DIY Holiday Card Photo Tip 3: Technology is On Your Side

Thanks to smartphones, it is SO much easier to take a great holiday photo these days.  These tiny devices can take such nice photos, especially if you know how to use some of the most basic features that are built right in! 

Brush up on camera skills for your particular phone with a quick Google search.  You’re bound to find tutorials that will teach you things about your phone’s camera that you didn’t know before, like how to brighten the image before even taking it and how to set the timer for a group shot.

Add-on accessories for smartphone cameras can also be very useful – especially when taking group photos that you want to be part of!  I love my phone tripod and remote control, which lets me set up my phone as a camera anywhere and snap the photo wirelessly when we’re all in place.  It makes taking family photos so much easier!  

And if you’re going for super high-quality, pull out the trusty old camera to take even sharper images.  Just make sure to minimize use of the built-in flash and use natural lighting instead.  That always leads to a better image!

DIY Christmas Card Photos Tip 4:  Edit, Edit, Edit!

Finally, the best thing you can do for your DIY holiday card photos is edit them before printing!  The good news is that you don’t even need an expensive editing program to do it. 

While I use Adobe Lightroom for editing my blog photos, there are awesome online programs that you can use, too!  PicMonkey is my personal favorite. 

If you don’t want to use an external editing program, use the editing tools built in on your phone or computer.  You can’t edit as much, but something is better than nothing!

Use the editing tools to do things like crop the photo to a good proportion, brighten the photo, enhance the colors, smooth away stray hairs, etc.  Simple fixes like that will make a world of difference in your pictures!

Now that you have all these great tips for taking a wonderful holiday card photo, get out there and do it.  Then make sure to order your cards or print your photos to add into your cards.  

Do you have any DIY holiday photo tips to share?  Make sure to share them in the comments below!

-Bre