Christmas

How to Make a No-Sew Coffee Sleeve

December 7, 2015 by Bre 18 Comments

A DIY Coffee Sleeve makes a fantastic gift – especially when paired with a travel mug and coffee! Learn how to make no-sew coffee sleeves with felt in this post.

“Oh! Oh, kids! Santa definitely came to our house last night. Wait until you see what’s under this tree!”

I remember those words like they were spoken yesterday. Sitting at the top of the stairs, my brother, sister and I would wait anxiously to run down and see all of the beautifully-wrapped packages that were just waiting to be torn open.

But first we had to wait there on those stairs – gifts out of sight and our anticipation building as my dad gathered trash bags (poor guy always had trash duty – but I think it was a job he relished), and turned on the holiday cassettes (or cd’s as we got older), and my mom made the coffee.

Once the aroma started to waft up the staircase, we knew it was almost time for the best morning of the year to begin.

When we got the go-ahead, we bounded down the stairs with enthusiasm unlike any other.

Holiday traditions are made merrier this Christmas.

Yes, that’s me (and my Pound Puppy). I’m probably seven years old in that photo. Of course, I can’t remember what I got for Christmas that year, but I can remember the buildup to it clearly. The sights, the sounds, and the smells – all of them forming the basis of family traditions I carry forward with my own family today.

And on Christmas morning, my husband and I now do many of the same things that my mom and dad did back when I was so young. (Although now we’re streaming our Christmas carols wirelessly – something they never would have imagined possible!)

Once the coffee maker signals it’s finished making the energy we’ll need to keep up with our kids that day, we fill our Christmas mugs and bring them down for the fun to begin.

I imagine that once my children are grown and raising families of their own, they will cherish the Christmas traditions of our family the way I cherish those that my mom and dad established when I was a child.

One way that I like to share the family traditions that are so important to me is by giving coffee-related presents to special people in my family’s life. People like teachers, crossing guards, hairstylists, postal workers, dog walkers, etc.

I love lots of no-sew coffee sleeves and incorporating them into wonderfully adorable (and delicious) gifts that are always appreciated.

No-Sew Coffee Sleeve Supplies

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

To make these no-sew coffee sleeves, you only need a few basic supplies.

Stiffened felt sheets in colors of your choice
Craft (acrylic) felt sheets in colors of your choice
Felt stickers or chenille patches
Velcro dots
Optional: pinking shears
Fabric scissors (the sharper the better)
Hot glue gun and hot glue
Pins
Coffee sleeve template (which you can download by clicking that link)
Optional: embellishments like rhinestones, ribbon, buttons, etc.

How to Make a Felt Coffee Sleeve (Without Sewing)

First, print the coffee sleeve template. Cut it out and pin it to a piece of stiffened felt.

Next, using the pinking shears (if you want a zig zag edge), cut the felt around the coffee sleeve template.

Now for the fun part – plan out your coffee sleeve embellishments!

Since mine are holiday gifts, I made them holiday themed with candy canes, presents, Christmas trees, and more! I used a mix of premade felt stickers and hand-cut craft felt for my designs.

Here’s a tip: the sharper your scissors, the better. Dull scissors do not cut felt well at all!

Hot glue the designs and any embellishments to the middle front of the coffee sleeve.

Next, hot glue one Velcro dot to the right front edge of the coffee sleeve.
Attach the other Velcro dot to the one that is already glued down.

Put some hot glue on the smooth side of that Velcro dot, and fold the coffee sleeve around to attach it to the inner left edge of the coffee sleeve.

And then you’re finished!

These coffee sleeves make a perfect gift with a reusable to-go mug and some delicious beverage mixes like coffees or cocoas.

You may even want to keep one for yourself (hey – you wouldn’t want to spill while opening presents, right?)

I love that I am able to share some of my family’s holiday traditions with a simple gift. How will you do the same this season?

DIY Christmas Wall Art: Reindeer Specimen Art

December 6, 2015 by Bre 36 Comments

If you are sick of Christmas posts around here, I am sorry. I cannot help myself. This time of year is just SO fun and I have too many projects to share – like this DIY Christmas Wall Art that graces my Christmas mantel this year.

You’ll love how easy this is to make. Let me show you.

DIY Christmas Wall Art Supplies

These are the supplies I used to make this reindeer art as shown in this post. Feel free to substitute anything to make the project your own! Also, this post contains affiliate links and you can read more about those in my disclosure policy.

Stretched linen canvas
Christmas-themed scrapbook paper
Electronic cutting machine (like a Cricut Joy), or make a reindeer stencil by tracing a reindeer shape onto cardstock
Mod Podge
Foam brush
Paint marker or permanent marker
Small red pom pom

How to Make DIY Christmas Reindeer Art

First, I used my cutting machine to cut nine reindeer head silhouettes on different pieces of Christmas pattern scrapbook paper.

If you don’t have a Cricut or cutting machine, Google “reindeer silhouette,” print an image you like, and trace it onto your cardstock to cut.

Next, I put a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the backs of each of the reindeer.

I pressed them onto the canvas and tried to keep them equidistant from one another. It wasn’t perfect but it was close enough!

Once they were all in place and had dried, I added a thin layer of Mod Podge to the top of each reindeer to seal them into place.

After that, I glued a red pom pom onto the last reindeer’s face, because obviously Rudolph needs a red nose!

Then I used a green Sharpie to write each of the reindeers’ names, just in case anyone was confused about who was who. (And yes, I had to Google the song lyrics so I would be sure to spell their names correctly. Who knew it was “Donner” and not “Donder?”)

And I love my reindeer art! It looks great next to my DIY Reversible Wood Sign, too!

This DIY Christmas wall art adds such a fun look to my mantel that’s filled with other DIY art and thrift shop finds.

I’m happy every time I look at it. (My husband – not so much. He says it’s too cluttered. But what does he know?)

Charming Bottle Brush Tree Crafts to Make This Christmas

December 4, 2015 by Bre Leave a Comment

Looking for adorable bottle brush tree crafts to make this winter or Christmas? Here are ten bottle brush tree ideas not to miss!

This year I am having a total love affair with bottle brush trees. They are so charming and adorable, and I cannot get enough of them!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Around the holidays you can buy bottle brush trees at just about every craft store, Amazon, and also at Dollar Tree.

Stock up because after you see all of the adorable bottle brush tree craft project ideas in this post, you’re going to need a lot of them!

Bottle Brush Tree Winter Scene

I grabbed a few packages of them mini bottle brush trees during a recent trip to Michaels. They also had tiny plastic deer (my heart skipped a beat when I saw them), a small metal plaque, and some pom pom trim.

A little hot glue and fake snow later, and I had an adorable bottle brush tree diorama that I love!

It makes me think of third grade when I had to make dioramas for school projects. Those were the days.

A smaller version of this would be adorable as a Christmas ornament!

Ten Other Adorable Bottle Brush Tree Crafts

There are so many other darling ways to incorporate these trees into your holiday crafting, too!

Here are some of my FAVORITE bottle brush tree crafts to give you more inspiration on how to use these fuzzy little guys. Click through the links to get all the details on each project!

Bottle Brush Tree Centerpiece by Re-Fabbed

Well, I know what my Christmas centerpiece will be this year! This simple yet beautiful bottle brush centerpiece is easily recreated by anyone!

Bottle Brush Trees Ornament via Todolwen

The vintage appeal of this gorgeous Christmas ornament made with white bottle brush trees can’t be denied!

Vintage “Bleached” Bottle Brush Trees via Rachel Teodoro

And while we’re on the subject of white bottle brush trees, learn how to bleach them to create that white vintage look all by yourself!

Giant Snowglobe via Inside the Fox Den

For larger bottle brush trees, a larger-than-life snow globe is perfect! Learn how to make your own large snowglobe in this post.

You Might Enjoy These Other Christmas Crafts, Too!

Custom DIY Snow Globe of Your House

DIY Fake Snowballs for Decor

Vintage Inspired Christmas Cloche via DIY Beautify

Transform a domed cake plate to a winter wonderland complete with bottle brush trees. This is a wonderful way to use a serving piece you already have!

Bottle Brush Tree Frame via Yesterday on Tuesday

This charming DIY bottle brush tree decor would look perfect on a mantel or shelves styled for the holiday season!

Bottle Brush Tree Wreath by Gluesticks

Jazz up an evergreen wreath with bottle brush trees and some mini houses to create a welcoming holiday wreath for any home!

Snowglobe Ornament via It All Started With Paint

The iconic little red truck with a Christmas tree on top gets a retro twist when it’s on top of a little red Cadillac! How charming is this DIY bottle brush tree ornament?

Waterless Snowglobe via Simplistically Living

No fancy supplies needed for this bottle brush tree craft: just a jar, glitter, pom poms, and of course – a bottle brush tree!

Bottle Brush Tree Gift Toppers by Satori Design for Living

So simple and so beautiful! Dress up those Christmas gifts with these darling bottle brush tree gift toppers. They couldn’t be easier!

What do you think of these easy DIY bottle brush tree craft ideas? Will you be making any of them? I know I will!

DIY Etched Glass Candle Holders

December 1, 2015 by Bre 34 Comments

Glass etching is such a fun and impactful craft! Learn how to make these DIY etched glass candle holders with dollar store supplies. They look much more expensive than they are!

The season of giving is upon us, and at times, that can be overwhelming! So many people to shop for and so much money to spend! Luckily, I have an AWESOME DIY gift idea for you that is inexpensive to make but so fun, too!

DIY etched glass candle holders are a really simple project, and they can actually be used in a few different ways (which I’ll fill you in about below).

Supplies Needed to Make Etched Glass Candle Holders

These are the supplies I used to make the etched glass candle holders shown in this post. Feel free to substitute anything to create a project of your own!

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Small square candle holders
Armour Etch glass etching cream
Plastic knife
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton balls
Electronic cutting machine (like the Cricut Joy) and removable vinyl or contact paper. Alternatively, try Christmas glass etching stencils.
Paper towels
Vase filler stones
Votive candles

Glass Etching Tutorial

First up, clean the glass candle holder to make sure it’s free of any oils or residues. Gently wipe it with a cotton ball that’s been soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it dry.

Next, if you’re creating your own stencils on an electronic cutting machine, like a Cricut, make your designs and measure them to fit the front of the glass vase.

Simple shapes are best. I used seasonal silhouettes, state shapes, and monograms. Mine were just about 2″ wide and high.

Cut them from removable vinyl or contact paper, and press them onto the glass. Make sure they’re firmly pressed down along all edges!

If you’re going to do your etching with a premade glass etching stencil, make sure to follow the directions on the stencil package.

Apply the glass etching cream, using the plastic knife or palette knife, and make sure to cover the entire area to be etched.

Let it sit according to the directions on the package (mine took about 15 minutes).

After the proper amount of time has passed, use the plastic knife or palette knife to remove the etching cream from the glass. The directions on my etching cream said I could reuse that cream, so I put it back into the container.

Rinse off the excess etching cream and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Pop in your votive candles and enjoy!

I Think You’ll Enjoy These Other Christmas Crafts, Too!

DIY Jingle Bell Garland

DIY Holiday Simmer Pot Gift

I also filled some of the space with floral accent gems, but that’s optional.

This was my first time using glass etching cream, but I am OBSESSED. It is like magic in a jar! I honestly did not think it would work, but it did, and I love it!

One good thing to note is that the etching is dishwasher safe, too!

I will be giving my DIY etched glass as votive candle holders this holiday season, but I think you could easily give them as makeup brush holders or vases, too!

Pretty cute, huh?

Holiday Gift Ideas for Makers and Crafters

November 24, 2015 by Bre 31 Comments

Need a holiday gift idea for your favorite crafter? Look no further! Here you’ll find the best gifts for crafters in every price range.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, friends! And that means I’m back with another gift guide (updated in October 2023).

I worked hard to design a guide that will give you lots of AWESOME gift ideas for crafters, makers, and DIY’ers (some of the best people around, if you ask me!)!

I have gathered some of the MOST FUN products on the market for the creative types! You’re sure to find something for anyone on your list who fits the bill.

Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission at no added cost to you, should you purchase through them. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

Crafter Gift Idea: DIY & Craft Kits

With the explosion in popularity of DIY’ing and crafting, there are SO many awesome preassembled kits on the market, which are sure to please any maker on your list. Here are some of my favorites!

Soy Candle Making Kit

This candle making kit comes with everything you need to make boutique-style candles: from scents, to beautiful containers, wax and more! This looks like a very fun and unique gift idea for any crafty person!

Paint Your Family Peg Doll Craft Kits

These little peg doll family kits are so endearing! There are a wide variety of them and they are a perfect project for a sentimental crafter. Plus, they’re from a small business, so you’ll be shopping small!

Brush Lettering Starter Kit

Calligraphy is back in a big way! This little kit is a perfect way to get started with modern brush lettering! Who wouldn’t enjoy the relaxing art of brush lettering?

Intro Needle Felting Kit

Needle felting is all the rage right now! I have never tried it, but know it involves punching wool with needles and creating beautiful things. Sounds like a perfect way to release some stress, if you ask me!

Gift Idea for Crafters: DIY & Craft Classes

The gift of learning is one that keeps on giving. (Ha! I sound like my mom.) But seriously, there are some fabulous resources for crafty types to hone their skills, and they make great gifts!

Creativebug Online Classes

With over hundreds of online craft and fine arts classes to choose from, a Creativebug membership is an amazing gift for anyone! Classes range in topics from cake decorating to furniture painting to knitting and more. They’re really awesome and fun!

Shoot Fly Shoot Online Photography Courses

Although my photography is far from perfect, let me just say that Shoot Fly Shoot’s online courses have made a WORLD of difference in my skills! I totally love these classes, which are broken down into 10-15 minute segments.

I am sure that the beginner photographer in your life would love them, too! Once you purchase a class, you have lifetime access to it, so you can always go back and refresh your skills.

Gift for Crafters Idea: Craft Tech Machines

A little help can go a long way, and with these machines your crafter’s projects will get to the next level!

xTool M1 Laser and Blade Cutting Machine

This amazing machine cuts and engraves hundreds of materials including wood, acrylic, slate, vinyl, and more! You can read more about it in my post about 10 Reasons You’ll Love the xTool M1, and you can save 10% with code ABI10!

Minc Gold Foil Applicator Starter Kit

For the sparkle and shimmer lover in your life, the Minc is the go-to gift this Christmas! It lets you add gold (or other metallic) foil to just about anything! This starter kit will get the recipient started with everything they need to foil all.the.things.

Resin Bubble Remover Machine

If your crafty person does resin crafts, consider this amazing bubble remover machine! Bubbles in resin are a crafter’s worst nightmare, but this machine removes 99% of bubbles to help ensure quality work.

You can watch my review video of this bubble remover machine on TikTok!

Cricut Joy Cutting Machine

If your crafty person doesn’t have an electronic cutting machine yet, the Cricut Joy is a great place to start! This compact machine cuts vinyl, cardstock, and more, and it can create stickers and labels.

This starter pack comes with some materials to help your maker get up and running quickly.

Epson Expressions XP-420 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier

My husband gave me this printer as a gift and at first I thought it was the weirdest thing ever. But now I LOVE it! It prints awesome color photos as well as the free printables (and ones I purchase on Etsy), that I love so much.

It’s also great for printing gift tags, greeting cards and embellishments for scrapbooking. It can be wirelessly connected to the user’s computer and it’s compact so it fits in small spots. I definitely recommend it!

Glowforge Aura Craft Laser

I was part of the social media launch team for the new Glowforge Aura, and let me tell you: what a privilege it was! This craft laser machine is so much fun!

Much like the xTool M1 mentioned above, this is a laser cutter and engraver that works with hundreds of materials. It is a lower wattage than the xTool M1 so it’s a bit slower, but the tradeoff is that it is more portable than the M1.

Pair it with the personal air filter (shown in the photo), and you can use the Glowforge Aura anywhere.

Gifts for People Who Like Crafts: Craft Books

Although Pinterest is obviously a great resource for crafting inspiration, sometimes the best (and most beautiful) ideas can be found in books. That is definitely the case with these craft book picks!

Creatively Christmas by Jennifer Rizzo

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jennifer Rizzo, and let me tell you that she is amazing – as is her Christmas crafting and DIY book!

It’s filled with simple holiday projects that contribute to a gorgeous holiday home. The photographs are stunning and the inspiration abounds!

Felt Flower Workshop by Bryanne Rajamannar

Doesn’t this book look so pretty? It makes me want to make felt flowers immediately! Package it with pretty felt sheets and sharp fabric scissors, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful gift.

Quick and Easy Paint Transformations: 50 Step-by-Step Ways to Makeover Your Home for Next to Nothing by Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint book will have novice and experienced chalk painters completely excited to get started on their next project! Beautiful images and detailed instructions make each project completely “doable” for all.

Stocking Stuffers for Crafters

Finally, what gift guide would be complete without some great stocking stuffer ideas? Here are some that Santa should definitely bring with him this year!

Gold Scissors

Take making to the next level with glamorous scissors. Seriously – any fancy pants will love these. Trust me.

Hot Glue Gun Ornament

Have you ever seen a more perfect ornament for a crafter or maker? I haven’t! This adorable hot glue gun ornament is perfect on a Christmas tree, or hung in a craft room or maker space!

Pom Pom Makers

This little kit lets you make four sizes of fluffy yarn pom poms! They’re the best for adorning blankets, pillows, wreaths, buntings and more. Pop this into the stocking with some pretty yarn and it will be fabulous!

Artist’s Brush Set

I ALWAYS need small artist’s paint brushes and I NEVER have the ones I need. Ever. With this set, any crafter who uses paint will be in good shape for their next painting project. I love how the little canvas roll will help keep them in order, too!

Wood Burning Tool

Wood burning is not just for country-style projects! In fact, it’s a big trend in the craft world right now. This small wood burning tool is really versatile and allows for many tips and shapes to be attached. It would be a fun gift in any maker’s stocking!

Cordless Glue Gun

I love love love love my cordless glue gun! It might sound crazy but not having a cord makes working with a glue gun so much easier. I got a cordless glue gun for Christmas last year and cannot emphasize how great of an addition it has been to all of my projects!

Glitter Set

Glitter: you either love it or hate it, but chances are most crafters love it! This set is filled with so many colors and styles of glitter. Any paper crafter, resin crafter, or general crafter would love to receive it!

* * *

Well, that’s it for my holiday gift guide! Thank you SO much for stopping by to check out my gift ideas for crafters, makers, and DIY’ers! I hope you found some gifts that will help you with your shopping! Best of luck with your holiday preparations!

5 Tips for Decorating the Dining Room for Christmas

November 17, 2015 by Bre 23 Comments

Don’t overthink your Christmas dining room decor. Here are five tips for decorating the dining room for Christmas!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I could not be more excited to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family and friends!

Normally I’m a “wait until after Thanksgiving to deck the halls” kind of girl, but I realized that planning ahead and decorating (even a little bit), before Thanksgiving will mean less stress for me in December.

It was a snap to turn my dining room into an elegant winter wonderland, and to make it just as easy for you, I’m sharing five tips for decorating the dining room for Christmas.

I’m glad I decorated this room first because my mom’s dining room is where so many of my fondest Christmas memories have taken place. Sharing beautiful meals with those I love while soft lights twinkle and Christmas decor sparkles in the background is a part of every Christmas memory for me.

To give future memories a proper setting, my own dining room had to be transformed into an elegant but festive space.

1. Light it Up

A big part of the magic of Christmas is twinkling lights everywhere you look. Why not bring that into the dining room with an abundance of sparkle and candlelight?

If you’re clumsy like me and worried about setting the table or yourself on fire (um, yes, I have done that), then flameless LED candles are the perfect solution!

I set my table with lots of subtly-sparkled LED candles and votives.

The glittery branch trees and evergreen garland I bought add even more glamour and shimmer to the table, even when it’s not dark outside.

Don’t limit the sparkle to the table, though! I carried the look throughout the room by adding these gorgeous lanterns and wine-colored LED candles near the tree.

The soft glow and ambiance the candlelight creates while reflecting off the glittery accent pieces will inspire family and friends to linger, and will make the dining room a memorable setting for the Christmas memories being made.

2. Set a Special Table

Since the table is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner, make it shine with special details like festive linens, unique place cards, and beautiful accessories.

These Christmas tree placemats are a wonderful way to bring Christmas to the meal in the absence of holiday china or tableware. With their ribbon and bell detailing, they’re a special addition to the table.

Unique touches like mini mason jar place cards filled with greenery cuts will also have guests smiling and feeling special.

And how about these cute new Santa salt and pepper shakers? I mean, come on. They’re adorable.

With a beautiful table set, guests will truly enjoy themselves at the holiday meal – even if the food is not very good (which is what happens when I host).

I Think You’ll Like These Other Christmas Ideas, Too!

Classic Christmas Mantel Decor

DIY Wood Bead & Jingle Bell Garland

3. Say Yes to Swag

Adding swags to the backs of chairs elevates the look of any holiday dining room.

I made these by tying together faux evergreen swags, ornaments, and ribbon – looping them through my chairs.

Make them personal to you and your family’s traditions by including ornaments that have meaning to you.

The ice skates on my swags are a nod to my daughter’s obsession with ice skating. They’ll definitely be a conversation starter, which can certainly be helpful at some holiday meals!

4. Add a Tree

Beautiful evergreens are synonymous with Christmas, so why not bring one into the dining room?

I’m not saying you have to lug the Griswold family tree in there (especially if your dining room is small like mine), but even a small tree will bring ambiance and joy into the room.

I was SO excited to find this faux tree because it is the perfect size for my space. I also love that it is pre-lit and came with an adorable base so I didn’t have to buy my own or skirt the tree.

My kids are so excited to have a tree in the dining room, and I have to admit that I am, too. It is really beautiful to look at, and I know it will be especially beautiful during a lovely meal.

5. Pay Attention to the Little Details

To really complete a dining room’s transformation for the Christmas season, pay attention to the little details.

One way to do that is to swap out regular artwork or wall hangings for Christmas art.

Adding garlands and ornaments to other bare spaces also adds a festive touch.

You can also try emptying dishes and containers of their regular contents and substituting with sparkly ornaments of varying shapes and sizes.

Put out seasonal candy dishes, too! They look cute on their own, and guests will love nibbling on sweet treats once you fill them with candy. The little details can be the easiest to take care of, but they really show you care.

I hope these tips help excite you for the holidays to come and give you some inspiration for your own Christmas home!

Now that you’ve seen my decked out dining room and read my tips for creating your own beautiful holiday dining space, which room are you planning to transform this Christmas?