Ingenuity

First Lesson: Ingenuity

Ever get the urge to buy all new holiday decor simply to tweak the feel or color scheme just a bit? Me too! Perhaps you've out grown a style or suddenly think you went over board with the glitter and shiny silver mirrored ornaments. I am drawn to shiny reflective things and have a hard time restraining myself. Maybe you've moved recently (hello third house in as many years!) But lets face facts, for most of us new Christmas decor yearly is not budget friendly and really just silly. 

After all, Holiday decorating isn't about having the most chic or in style things. Its about making memories and remembering all the good, bad, and the ugly along the way. Like when dollar store shopping wasn't being crafty, it was the only option because you were just starting out. Turn those out-dated, out of style finds into something you can treasure!

This year my husband and I are in a older home with lots of character, bold dark wood trim and brick. It simply doesn't create the right back drop for tons of bright colors and glitter. Here are some of my tweaks I've done using what I already have.

I had this glittery poinsettia that was wrapped in shiny green cellophane. Do you see the glitter theme developing? I think you can still find these at the dollar store. 

Anyway, I took the wrapping off, trimmed down the Styrofoam base, and put it in an old tin pitcher I picked up at an antique store. The result is a more refined piece that goes great with my red, white, and gray color scheme.

 I have had this pitcher sitting on top of my kitchen cabinets for months where I couldn't really see it. Bringing it into my Holiday mix is like seeing an old friend again. Isn't she lovely?

Tip: I do this year round to spice up my decor, using something in a different room or for an unintended purpose keeps your space fresh and allows you to be creative without buying something new.

 I frequent the dollar section at Target and have accumulated a collection of glitter covered (I know I have a problem) pieces. This year I wanted to tone them down so, spray paint to the rescue! I found these wonderful textured spray paints. The black makes things look like old cast iron and the white has a neat snowy porcelain effect. They are fantastic.

 A couple quick coats and presto! Flashy to refined in no time.

 

 The Noel sign. See that lantern? It used to be brass. I used the black textured paint to freshen it up. What do you think?

 Here is the Peace piece. Hehe.

I love how the pine cone ornament came out! The textured paint gave it a just snowed on look. Win!

This is the once glitter bomb bell, which now has a cast iron look.

 I used the same approach with this glittery tree topper from yesteryear.

After a few coats of that magical rust-oleum it has a wonderful cast iron look!

Lastly I fell in love with a cream sweater knit tree skirt at TJ Maxx but refused to pay $40 for it. As I was drooling over it I had a revelation. I had some cream burlap left over from a previous craft at home! Here is the result.

While I have decided to keep my mirror ball ornaments in the mix I'm much happier with the result of my "tone down the glitz" project. Here are a few snap shots of the whole room.

Couldn't resist this one of the beasts :)

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Lindsey

Keep an eye out for my upcoming desk reveal! I scored this beaut for less than a pair of Old Navy boots and can't wait to show you what I've done with it!