100 Decorating Ideas under $100--PB Inspired Art

I have always enjoyed the magazine 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100. I decided I am going to do my own 100 decorating projects under $100 this year, Yes, it may take me a whole year (I am getting a jump start). I saw maps framed in a "tower" in a recent Pottery Barn catalog. I couldn't find that they were for sale (not that I would buy them anyway), but liked them enough to duplicate the idea.

I started with graduating frames from the thrift store--I spent $9 total on 6 frames, it was 1/2 price day. I had an old 1953 Atlas that I used for the maps--cost me a couple bucks.

I used different layers of paint--cream, green and blue and finished with brown and then a coat of walnut stain. I also used the stain on the maps. I picked places I have been or want to go. I had to get Montana in there too--some of the maps are sideways.

Have you seen these command hooks--they were the most expensive (unnecessary) part of the project, but sure saves your walls from too many holes.

When I looked at the catalog again, I realized that their pictures didn't make a pyramid like mine do, but I like the pyramid.
So here is project #1. Sometimes I might cheat like the magazine does and show you old projects or versions of the same idea, but I promise all ideas will be under $100 (most likely a lot less than $100).

I am participating in Kimba's DIY Day and Funky Junk Interiors DIY:

Little Old Suitcase Love

While hunting for new ski poles at thrift stores, I spied this wonderfully old, small (and STINKY) suitcase (just about 12 x 10 inches)
full of old Christmas junk. I am going to paint on the case, will keep some of the goodies, maybe can make something with these old light bulb sockets,
and loved this little bird.
All mine for $2!

Merry Christmas

May the miracle of our Savior's birth bless you and surround you this Christmas. I pray that His peace reigns in your life today and always. Merry Christmas!

Rock-a-Bye

Finished up this special order this weekend. Also got all of the gifts wrapped and the baking done. Aaah--should be a stress-free week!

Tacky!

My husband is a high school teacher and they are having a tacky sweater party today. Apparently this is a trend this year as all of the tacky sweaters at the thrift stores were MIA. I even looked at the plus size women's sweaters for him. As I was leaving the last thrift store I saw these old ornaments sittin' in a box and decided I could make a tacky sweater for him. Hot glued them on, added some battery operated lights and there you have it--one tacky Christmas sweater. Buddy the Elf would be so proud!

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With...

Curtain clips! I picked up cream sweaters last year at a thrift store to make stockings--I didn't get around to making the stockings until this year. I had hoped to find wool sweaters so I could "felt" them, but couldn't. I used interfacing on the back of the sweaters to give them stability. While I was looking for some ribbon to use as a hanger, I spied these curtain clips I had and decided they would be perfect.
I need a mantle--didn't happen when the house got built (6years ago), but haven't decided what I want. The only time I really think about it is at Christmas. I used antique bronze upholstery tacks to hang the stockings on.
These cream stockings are what I call my "decorative stockings". My kids usually use these stockings on Christmas Eve that my mom made for them for their first Christmases.

Check out more fun ideas at:

and at:

Tu-Tu Cute!

My daughter loves to make clothes for her webkinz (with mom's help). Then her friends wanted designer stuffed animal clothes. We came up with the idea to make tu-tus for her friends for Christmas gifts using tulle and hair elastics-- it is something my daughter can easily do herself.

This would be the afterschool, chocolate on the face, messy hairdo photo:
The piece around the neck is a "scarf".

Having a Ball

So, Christmas decorating, hmm... In this economic time and season in our life, I am keeping it simple. Doing less, with less. I have also been on this organizing kick so I have not been creating, but feel great getting things cleaned out! Last year I showed you how I used Christmas balls purchased from thrift stores on my porch. Check it out here: Christmas on the porch. (It was 27 below zero today--not going outside to take new pictures Ü. ) This year I brought the balls inside too to use as filler and accents. I like their color, simplicity, and shine. I would love to hear about some of the ways you are keeping it simple this year.

This church was a card holder purchased on clearance at Traget quite a few years ago.
Notice the balls around the lamp and candle.

Sitting on the top of my wine rack.