Monday, December 8, 2008

Blue Christmas Craft

~ ~ Hallelujah!!! ~ ~

No, that isn't the sound of Angels singing, but ME because I am finished with my Christmas decorating! :)
I cut back this year, but am pleased with the simpler effect, none the less! (Oh what a pun!) I will share my decorations over the next few weeks, so stay tuned if you wish.

This past week, I visited a delightful little local gift shop to do some Christmas shopping. They carried the ribbon adorned frames that I have seen on other blogs, and were even prettier in person. Never did find a price on them, the shop was busy and I didn't ask, but I knew that I could make them myself. I thought they would make great teacher gifts, and party exchange presents.

I went to Wal-mart, the only "craft store" in my little town, to gather my needed supplies.


I made the fancier frames, with rhinestone buttons, for friends and exchange presents. And for teacher's gifts, I made made simple, whimsical ones.

So let's start with the more glamorous ones, with a little bling!

BLUISH-green wired ribbon, gathered into a bow and secured with a white pipe cleaner.
The wire pipe cleaner allowed me to keep the bow as flat as possible.
After I completed the bow, I realized that the pipe cleaner would show.
This was a "learn as you go" project! :)
So I folded and glued a small piece of the ribbon, to make a center wrap for the bow, creating a more finished look.


Hot glued & finished...

Now onto the Frames for the Teachers...
Something different and unique, and cheap. Which was a bonus for me, having six to make.

BLUE ribbon, below, to coordinate with the BLUE buttons, and brown ribbon for the pink buttons.
The frames were $3.00 each, and the buttons were $1.97 for a card of 3. The ribbon was around $2.00 a roll, (3 frames per roll, with ribbon left over for future projects.) So these frames can easily be made for under $4.00. And the frames were nice, decent frames. Not too costly, but not too cheap looking.

The BLUE ribbon frame completed. (Much cuter in person!)


I made one for myself. Found the silver heavy frame, below, at the flea market for $1.00 I originally made a double bow for the frame, but it was overpowering.

And here we have the frame, holding a Christmas picture of the children many years ago.

See the green glass Christmas tree in the vignette? That is preview of tomorrow's post...
My Trash to Christmas Treasures.
For now, I am off to finish the pink ribbon frames.

For more BLUE MONDAY post, visit Sally, at Smiling Sally.
~Rhonda :)

53 comments:

Nancy Rosalina said...

OOOOh I love it!!!! I love to make those frames too! Nancy

mysteryhistorymom said...

Rhonda-Oh my goodness Sweetie! You are AMAZING! Off to Wal Mart I will go today! Yippee!! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful craft! Lori

Susan said...

You work wonders with buttons, ribbon & wire!!!!!
Susan

Amelia said...

Wonderful looking!

Not much money - but high dollar looking...

jlshall said...

Wonderful frames! I might try them myself, even though I'm not really a crafty kinda gal. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Anonymous said...

These are great craft ideas! The frames turned out terrific! I might have to try this one out! :D

Heidi said...

Good Morning Rhonda, What a great gift!....I especially LOVE the first one!!!...Love the "sparkle"!....Your children's teachers are in for a treat!....And i'm jealous all your decorating is done!...I haven't started yet! Too busy sewing gifts! :)...Hopefully will get to it today!..You have inspired me!...Talk to you again soon!...Heidi XO

Bella Della said...

Awesome! I love these! What perfect gifts!

SmilingSally said...

How smart are You! I'll be looking at the Trash to Treasure group tomorrow and Pink Saturday for your pink ribbon frame. Good work. Happy Blue Monday!

Monogram Queen said...

Very pretty!!!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Those are very cute. I love the bling one of course!

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Those are so cute. It's amazing what a little "dressing" can do to a plain frame. They look great!

Deb said...

Hi Rhonda! Your project turn out beautiful! That's a gift I would love to have! I can't wait to see the rest of your Christmas decorations, whay you've done over the mantle is very lovely! Deb

Ginger said...

Oh i love the Mantle it's gorgeous.The picture frames are so Lovely! Well done!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

The frames are just darling. What a great idea!!! I can't wait to see what else you're up to.
Hugs, Terrie

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh Rhonda, you have been a busy little beaver! Love those frames! I seen those buttons the other day and i thought they were so pretty.

CIELO said...

The House in the Roses is having a party!... Come to the “World of Treasures” and show your lovely treasures... Come see!

Cielo

Sweetie said...

Your picture frames are lovely. They certainly make nice gifts. Happy Blue Monday!
Sweetie

Tootsie said...

they look fantastic! I once did some with bread dough roses...you take white bread and white glue...make it all into a paste/clay consistency and make your shapes...allow to dry and then glue onto the frame...took forever...but looks pretty!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful frames !! What a great post and tutorial..Thanks a bunch, now I'm off to Wal Mart for supplies. Happy Blue Monday..and have a lovely week.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness your frames are so pretty! What a great idea. I have never seen anything like this on other blogs. I especially like how you went through the steps to show us how to do it. Happy Blue Monday Rhonda.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rhonda, these are oh, so cute! Great job! I enjoyed seeing these so much! I want one!!!!

Happy Blue Monday!

XO,

Sheila

Anonymous said...

I love these, too, and your's look fantastic. The recipients will be thrilled.

I can't wait to see more of your Christmas decorating.

Coloradolady said...

What a terrific idea! I loved this. Thanks for sharing your talants.

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda! These are adorable! I love everyone of them. You're so creative and you may have given me some ideas!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Michelle said...

you did a great job...I love to make these too...

Can't wait to see your decorations...

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

What a great job you did...I just love them all..I will have to put this one in my memory file also..Oh I have an award fro you Rhoda please come and get it girl...hugs and smiles Gloria

Natalia said...

I must attempt this! It is just too perfect. I have frames that I loved back in the early 90's that I don't like anymore and now I'm inspired to make them better.

Thanks so much for posting this and inspiring me today!

Dawn said...

The frames are beautiful!! I love that idea. You are just so talented. I love looking at what you make!!!

take care,
Dawn

bj said...

oh, Scooter...these are just fabulous. and something i might could do.
thanks for sharing...
love, bj

Anonymous said...

Rhonda, I do love your ribbon craft. It takes a plain photo frame and gives it a personality. A fun idea. Thanks for sharing your project. Lucky you for being done with Christmas decorating. I am knee deep in stuff. I hope I finish tomorrow.

Christmas hugs...Jeanne

Bo said...

Hi Rhonda...lady, you've got it going on! A wonderful gift idea for anyone! ;-) Bo

Justabeachkat said...

Very very cute!

Christmas hugs!
Kat

Lisa (aka) French said...

YOu have some great ideas here;) Thanks!! French;)

ksarra said...

These ideas are fantastic. I love the way you've achieved 2 different looks. The buttons are adorable, did you find those at WalMart? And what about the rhinestone (pin?) So creative and fun. And EVERYBODY needs frames for those precious Christmas pictures. My grandkids took pictures with Santa today, I can hardly wait to see them.

imjacobsmom said...

What a neat idea - Thanks for sharing how to accomplish it - tips and all. I bet the teachers are going to love them. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us! ~ Robyn

Vintage Whimsy said...

Those frames are fabulous! I'm totally going to steal your idea and make my own!

I can't wait to see your other decorations too!

Neabear said...

That is a great idea. I will have to keep that in mind as a gift idea. Thanks for visiting me too. Happy Blue Monday!

Beth at Aunties said...

That is a wonderful idea! They are so pretty and you seem to have the talent to make anything look fabulous.

Beth

Anonymous said...

Well aren't you the crafty one....those are so cute. Isn't it fun to make stuff and have it turn out so cute. Go ahead toot your own horn cuz girl those are awesome!!

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Becky said...

OMG!!! Those are the cutest frames EVER!!! Girl, can you give me tutorial on how to tie a bow like that. I have NO clue!!!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

In regards to your question about the pinecones. Just drill a small hole in the base of the pinecone and glue a small dowel into the end of the pinecone. Stick the other end of the dowel into the dirt.

I am still in PT. I am getting a little better. But, it's taking a really long time. Thanks for asking! Hugs, Terrie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

How clever! Now, if I could just make a few extra mins. in my day, I'd sit down and do this. I may just wait until after the holidays and make some for myself. laurie

onlymehere said...

I'm having blogger issues and can't see all your frames. Hopefully it will clear itself up later. I'll stop by tomorrow and see if I can see what everyone is so in love with!! Cindy

Picket said...

What you talking about girl...I can get us a family discount on therapy my bunch is so looney! lol lol Girl I love how you can look at something and then just go make it yourself even prettier than the one you saw! Those are beautiful Scooter..the teachers will love them! Can't wait to see you Christmas pics girl...thanks for coming by!

Kristen said...

What beautiful frames. You did an excellent job.

Dawn said...

Good morning Rhonda. Just stopping by to tell you that I have something for you on my blog. Stop by when you get a chance.

take care,
Dawn

Tardevil said...

Love the frames...especially, the ones w/ beach ribbon. Love the $1 frame too...what a bargain. You must live near Whiteville if there is only 1 Walmart. :O) I have those same pink buttons. I have been to Callahan's at Calabash. I wanted to go at Thanksgiving, but too much to do, too little time. Collectics is just above D & B Antiques, but may be under new ownership since you've been. The other owner died last year. Collectics is north of there (just above Overtime's sports bar - I think it's called) on the left if you're headed south. It's real small, but Luke will usually make a deal. You may have to go several times to find something. Have a good holiday! I'm still trying to finish decorating.

onlymehere said...

Yay!! All the pictures finally loaded for me to see! Now I know what everyone was looking at! These turned out so darling! I'll have to make some to put Savannah's pictures in! Great job friend!

Unknown said...

What a great gift and very beautiful. Very thrifty but so lovely. Thanks for the inspiration.

Grandma Faith said...

Thanks for visiting me on Blue Monday. Your frames turned out very nicely. I enjoyed your Christmas decorations, too.

Kathleen Ellis said...

What a great easy and inexpensive gift idea! They are beautiful! A very versatile gift...so easy to personalize!
Smaller frames could be done the same way, used as placecards and sent home with the guests as a favor...what do you think?!
Merry Christmas!

Ruby Ruth said...

Love this. Off to HL to dress up my sister in laws gift.