Don't Disturb This Groove DIY Holiday Ornament Guest Post

Please welcome Brandi from Don't Disturb This Groove. Brandi is an amazing DIY blogger. She has done just about every kind of project that you could imagine finding on Pinterest. She creates all kinds of crafts, decorates her home and shares inspiring recipes.

Hey everyone! I’m Brandi, Wife, Mother of 2, Blogger behind Don’t Disturb This Groove. Thanks to Darline I’m excited to be guest posting here today! I love to create simple crafts and I've got an easy holiday ornament tutorial to share with you today. These ornaments would also make great gifts or fun tags to attach to a present.

I'm a little obsessed with the whole chalkboard craze!  It seems like it's everywhere I look.  I just wish I had a steady hand and fancy handwriting skills.

I was inspired by this image.  With the holidays right around the corner, I decided to create my own ornament.  The process ended up being fairly easy.  Here's what I did!

I began by separating and painting a mini-embroidery hoop with silver craft paint.  After the paint dried, I placed a piece of black fabric between the two hoops and trimmed the fabric close to the edge of the hoop.

Then, using my printer, I printed my inspiration picture out close to the size of my hoop.  I removed the fabric from between the hoops so I could transfer my image to the center of the fabric.  Next, I traced over the front of the image with a pencil, making sure to cover the entire image getting it as dark as I could without tearing the paper.

After lifting the paper from the fabric the outline of the image is now visible.

I went over the design with a sharp white crayon to make the details darker.

I love that I was able to create the ornament for cheap with materials I had on hand.

No annoying chalk smudges!

There are tons of chalkboard fonts and templates out there to explore.  The creative possibilities are endless.  Have fun creating your own chalkboard effect!

Life While I'm Waiting Holiday House Tour Guest Post

Please welcome my friend Deborah from Life While I'm Waiting. Deborah really knows how to plan a party and she really knows how to make her family and friends feel special when she does.

I'm delighted to have been asked by Darline to join her Christmas House Tour.  It's the first time for me and I am very honored.  Thank you Darline.

For those new to "Life While I'm Waiting" let me tell you a little bit about myself.

My name is Deborah.  I've had this little blog for a few years now.  It is mainly used to document my family's life but I also advocate for children and widows from time to time.  I'm a Jesus girl who loves to decorate for the seasons, plan parties and create.  I'm blessed with a husband and four children that I love and the four sweetest grandkids that I'd do anything for.  Even spoil them "a bit" to much.  I'm currently obsessed with Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappicino Light.  I'm determined to learn to be a good photographer, play the piano and speak french even though I haven't managed to accomplish any of them.   I love all things Disney, especially Epcot.  We've lived in our home for 15 years.  I don't really think I have what you could call a style.  I'm kind of a "go with what I like" kind of girl.   So come on in, grab a cup of hot-chocolate and join me on my Christmas Tour.

                 


                                                                 Our Home

I'm proud of my husband's wreath making skills.  He bought the wreath, cut it in half

and wired it with lights, frosted fruit and ornaments himself even before

you could buy the wreaths pre-cut.  We've had this about 10 years.   

Our take on a gingerbread house.

 Entry Way

Love our Carolers.

Dining Room

Living Room

Mike's salute to his favorite Christmas movie.

Family Room

My husband loves his "moose" figures so I added a little merry to them.

They make me smile/  

Of course the reason we celebrate.

Kitchen/breakfast nook

My favorite Christmas spot in the house.  The hot chocolate bar.

The pictures were taken in 1989.  My youngest, Carrie,  had them enlarged and framed for Christmas 

 a few years ago.  I just love them and they are front and center every year.

I want the Christmas' back when they were young so very much. 

If your kids are small, hold on tight and cherish every moment.

It goes way too fast.

A treasured tin from many years ago given by a dear friend.

Is it just me or does everyone just love the kissing salt/pepper shakers.  Cute!

My tiny gingerbread tree that sits between the kitchen and breakfast nook. 

Grandkids Playroom

The reason we celebrate!

I choose to do the grandkids rooms in their signature colors.

Upstairs entryway into our bedroom

Thanks for joining me on my little tour.  Remember it's not really about the decorations,

presents, movies or feasting on roast beasts.  That's just the icing on the cake.

It's about welcoming friends and family in.  It's about spending time

with your loved ones.  And most of all it's about the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Luke 2: 1-20

Thanks for joining me on my little tour.  Remember it's not really about the decorations,

presents, movies or feasting on roast beast.  That's just the icing on the cake.

It's about welcoming friends and family in.  It's about spending time

with your loved ones.  And most of all it's about the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Luke 2: 1-20

I want to thank Darline  again for 

the honor of being asked.

Merry Christmas to all of you and have a very blessed New Year.