12 Days of Christmas Day 10 and 11 Christmas Entryway

On the tenth and eleventh day of Christmas

Beyond the Picket Fence gave to me

Old book ideas and a decorated entryway.

Um, ya, that doesn't rhyme and yes, I am "cheating" and combining two days again because there are all sorts of thrift store Christmas decor ideas in my entryway.

So, let's start with a stack of old books. 

Now, if you are a bibliophile, look away. BUT, I have said it before and will say it again, thrift stores take loads of books to the dump on a regular basis. I would rather use them, even if it isn't for reading, than see them at the dump. 

Sketch a tree on a stack of old, thick books and paint using craft paints. I start by painting the trunk and then using a lighter, brighter colored green, making small brush stroke lines. I then add a darker green over top.

Using an older, scrubby brush I add snow to the branches and dotted snowflakes.

You also can paint words, paint the book edges blue and then paint a snowman, or whatever you like.

I used other old books to make paper chains. I used these when I sold at a show in November. I wanted a random, drapey look so I just hung them willy-nilly from the hooks. I made this shelf last year for my stockings and then moved it to the entryway. There are directions for it in my NEW BOOK (shameless plug), Wood Pallet Wonders HERE. 

I found a metal, red Tonka truck for $2 at Salvation Army and added a tree to it. The skis are another project from the book.

I sock stretcher from the thrift store got  the Christmas treatment,

and these tiny ice skates from a thrift store are a favorite. I showed you how to make the NOEL garland HERE.

Fresh pine boughs filled out the shelf.

My old school desk (I do live in an 85 year old schoolhouse) holds my thrift store Tom Thumb children's typewriter and a basket of pinecones.

I made the chalkboard last year on a piece of an old hollow-core door (easy to find at Habitat for Humanity Re-stores). I framed it out and change the sentiment on it seasonally.

Honestly, I surprise myself sometimes with how many goodies and Christmas decor items I use that are from the thrift store. Keep your eyes open and think outside the decor box!

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