DIY Christmas Card Display by Upcycling a Window Shutter

I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail, and when I was a kid we got so many my mom would add string to the wall to hang them on.

Usually this meant some kind of tape, which of course took off the paint.  Or they would display then all over the mantle.  But I wanted a cuter more effective way to display the cards!

By using an old window shutter, you can really display them as part of your holiday decor.

I found this quick video by Red Cottage Chronicals, on how to make it.  You can go wild with paint and bows, or simply leave it in it's rustic shape especially if you scoured the reuse center or thrift shop.

Upcycling a old window shutter works super well.  I have found these in many re-use centers, second hand stores and some thrift shops.  Or simply purchase one online.

You could also consider a louvered closet door if you have a lot of cards.  The one I found online is super cute and under 30 bucks, you just need to paint it festive colors and turn it the other way to hold the cards.

Lean against the wall and show off all your cards.

How to Make:

Take a window shutter or louvered door and clean it up if used.

Paint with a good primer if you want it covered such as Zinsser (this covers everything without sanding)

This primer literally covers all old paint. Just scrape off any loose bits. It creates a base for any paint you choose.

Paint the colors of your choice

Decorate as she did in the video with a garland or greenery glued to the top (dollar store has lots to choose from for this part of the project)

Lean against the wall or hang on the wall with a good hook or 3M hook (this doesn't leave marks)

Hang all those wonderful cards you have been getting in the mail.

If you are not a fan of the DIY but want a super cool way to hang cards this year, I found a couple of affordable ideas online with Amazon.

I love making the cards part of the holiday decor. I feel people have spent time on picking them and personalizing them to send to me, so it is only fitting that I display them.

...or Upcycle a Crib Rail Side

I saw this idea and thought it was perfect as well.  If there are any old cribs around, use one of the sides, paint it and hang it vertical to create rails for the cards to be displayed on.  Add a few garnishes, such as a garland and you are done!

Easy to store for each season too!

It's end of November at this writing and I got my first card in the mail today!  Time to get started on my display!

How to Upcycle Christmas Cards into Gift Tags

I still have last years Christmas cards, and instead of throwing them out, I decided to make them into tags after watching this super short and yet simple video.

Many of the cards had beautiful fronts, and so it was fitting to create round tags using a punch.

Check out the video:

This is a very simple process.  You could cut them out yourself by using a glass and tracing the circle, or you can do it super quick with a punch.  If you do scrap-booking, you probably already have a punch, if not, I found one on Amazon.


This is a 2 inch punch.

Just think of all the gift tags you could make, once you have this punch, as it speeds things up!

After you have punched them out (you can get 2 or 3 out of a card front depending on its size). You simply need to punch a tiny hole for some string.  I just happened to have some fine red wool left over from a knitting project, so I used that.

Get started now, These are Fun to Make

I got myself organized this year, and purchased a small plastic storage container just to house my recycled cards and tags in.  I keep the punches with them and when I am wrapping, I don't have to go hunting.

Gift Tag Shape Punch

The simple tag above, is obviously round, but if you prefer the traditional "gift tag shape"  I found another hole punch online that creates 3 different sizes.  Just think of the possibilities!  I know I am, for birthdays, Christmas and more.

Create Gift Tags from anything you can punch out!  You could also punch out of plain card stock and decorate yourself.


These tags could also be made into unique pieces of art to add to your gift giving.

Recycle and Upcycle!

It is so easy to turn last years cards into beautiful gift tags.  There really is no need to purchase tags separately.  It is expensive enough at this time of year.

So whether you wish to invest in hole punches in different shapes and sizes, or if you simply want to use a glass and draw a circle, it doesn't matter.  Just reuse the best you can!

Upcycle Punched out Tags into New Christmas Cards

This is a side project, but if you get over excited and make too may tags, then here is a wonderful idea!

Take one piece of card stock and cut in half.

Fold each half over (you now have 2 cards from one sheet) and with a bone folder or a ruler make sure the fold is crisp.

Take some of your punched out round tags and glue to the front of the card.  Or many different shapes, if you have different shaped punches, and you now have a brand new Christmas card made from the old ones!

DIY Perfect Popcorn on the Stove

With microwave popcorn readily available, the old fashioned "pop your own" seems to have disappeared.

But I have to to tell you, there is a HUGE difference in taste, plus I am not sure about the microwave popcorn myself.

But I was sent on an errand for my daughter in law to buy "unpopped popcorn" but what she really meant was the microwave stuff.... so I have a bag of plain unpopped corn sitting around.  So decided to try it.

Check out this video by Simply Recipes:

What you will Need:

*Oil of some kind, they use coconut oil, but you can also use vegetable oil.

*Note:  Don't use olive oil as this is too high a temp and will give a burnt flavor.  Keep olive oil for your salads.

*Unpopped corn (You can usually get this in a bag at grocery store in the same section as popcorn and nuts etc)

*Butter and salt for flavors..

Method:

Step 1 - In a large pot, cover the bottom of the pot with oil.

Step 2 - Heat on med/high heat

Step 3 - Add a couple of kernels when the oil is starting to slightly sizzle, and wait for them to pop.

Step 4 - Once they pop add in the rest.  (follow the bag for amounts)

SECRET RIGHT HERE....  so this is the true secret to beautifully popped and no burnt popcorn.

➽Step 5 - After pouring in the kernels, take the pot off the heat for 30 seconds, sit it on a heat proof mat.  This I think allows the kernels to get into the oil

Step 6 - Then place back on the heat with a lid slightly ajar to let the steam out. (definitely don't forget the lid or you will have popcorn popping everywhere!).

Step 7 - Shake the pan back and forth a bit.

Step 8 - Once the popping mostly stops.  Pour into a waiting large bowl.

Step 9 - Put the pot back on the heat and melt some butter.

Step 10 - Pour over the popcorn and add salt and other seasonings of your choice.

Mix.

That's it!! 

Cozy up somewhere, put on Netflix and get munching!

Obviously you have to be careful around any hot pot or oil, so you can't just leave this like a popcorn maker, but there really is a difference in taste.

It tastes much fresher.

Now that you have the hang of this, you can make you own much cheaper than the microwave stuff.

If you truly don't like the idea of the stove top version, and don't have a microwave, you can get a air popcorn maker.

Give the above method a chance. I find this method tastes just like at the movies!

DIY Christmas Wreath from Bathroom Shower Scrubbies on the Cheap

Sticking with my Christmas decor theme (on the cheap of course!) I came across this super cool craft that I am going to make right now.

This ultra modern style Christmas wreath using bathroom shower scrubs!

I had no idea there was that much material on those things.  You only need 2 to make this wonderful craft, and the whole family will enjoy it.  Check out the video by Craftcast (its a short one promise!)

What you Will Need:

• Foam Wreath (online, craft stores etc)
• 2 x bathroom shower scrubby
• Christmas Tinsel Pom Poms
• Glue Gun

Method:

First of all, I had no idea there was this much material on one shower scrub.  But once you pull them apart, not only is there loads of material, but it also forms a tube.

Step 1 - Make a cut in your Styrofoam wreath (so that you can get the material on to it)

Step 2 - Find the string inside the scrubby that is holding it all together and snip it.

Step 3 - Unravel the scrubby and place your hand in the tube of netting and gather it over your arm (like you see in the video).

Step 4 - Place over the wreath from your arm.

Step 5 - Hot glue pom poms to this wreath (or something else lightweight)

Very Lightweight

I love that this wreath is light in weight so that you can hang it without worries.  No heavy hook needed.

Different Colors?

You could use different colors of scrubs, but I personally think the white makes the most impact especially with deep colored pompoms.

You can purchase the scrubs, wreath form and pompoms at any craft store, but you can also purchase them online if you don't have the time.


I thought this was a super cute as well as fast Christmas decoration done on the cheap but does not look cheap. I love the modern look of the white.

If you can find a dark green scrubby that would look good too, but there is something about the look of the white wreath and the colored pompoms with tinsel that just makes this look super festive.

DIY Christmas Decorations on the Cheap - Jingle Bells Shadow Box

Maybe this is your first place on your own, or maybe you want to add to your Christmas decorations this year with a small budget.

I have found a few super cute and creative ways to create on the cheap Christmas decor using the dollar store, things you have at home and online.

This craft is super easy, and would really add some holiday ambiance to any room.  I think making a few of these to light up the room or add to some shelves, would really get the Christmas spirit happening without breaking the bank.

Check out the video by Mojisstyle on the Jingle Bell Shadow Box:

What you will Need:

• Shadow box from the dollar store or online (she used a 4x6 inch but I am sure you could use any size)
• 
  
• Tiny twinkle lights 
• 
  
• Bags of Little Jingle Bells  
• 
  
• cute red bow for front (or whatever you find or maybe already have)
• 
  
• Optional Decal for the front of the glass.
• 
  
• Gift bag (for background, you could also use wrapping paper)
• 
  
• Paint for frame
• 
  
• Double sided tape (to adhere paper in background)
• 
  
• Hot Glue Gun (for attaching everything)

Method:

1.  Take apart the frame, and paint it.  Let Dry

2.  Measure out the paper for the background

3.  Tape in the background using double sided tape

4.  Add the jingle bells (enough to cover the bottom of the frame)

5.  Add the twinkle lights

6.  Secure the battery pack to back of frame.

7.  Secure the front of the shadow box frame onto the back with hot glue

8.  (Make sure your glass is super clean!)

9.  Add your optional decal to the glass and bow.

ALL DONE!  

Christmas Decor on the Cheap

If you don't mind a bit of DIY, there are so many ways to decorate without spending a lot.

I find many Christmas's with kids and pets, that I fear expensive things would get broken, so these are fun ways to create some holiday decor on the cheap!

These little frames in the video are only 4x6.  I think if you grouped them with different decals on the front or even simply different colored jingle bells inside would make an awesome display.

Toilet Paper Roll Wall Art - How to Cover Bad Walls on the Cheap

If you have some blank walls to fill up, and are low on funds, then check out this awesome idea by using empty toilet rolls and black canvas.

With just a few supplies, you can totally transform a wall with black and white abstract dandelions gone to seed.  Check out this video to get the idea:

What you will need to create this stunning black and white art!

Purchased black canvas - OR find some canvas's at the Dollar store, or some old used ones and paint them black.

• Empty toilet rolls
• White Acrylic Paint
• Black acrylic paint (if painting a white canvas to black)
• Scissors
• q-tips (cotton swabs)
• elastic bands (to bundle the cotton swabs)
• paper towel or cotton to create the fuzzy background
• small paint brush

Method:

This is super fun and depending on how much of a wall you want to cover, you can make lots of them on one canvas and then simply use a canvas right below for the stems.  Have some longer and shorter than others.  

Create an impact by making them quite large.

Hang them all close together and you have created a super black and white wall of art!

Step 1 - Watch the video, but the most time consuming part of this craft is cutting the toilet rolls into a fringe, but well worth spending the time on this part.

Step 2 - Dab the fringed toilet roll into the paint and start creating your dandelions gone to seed!

Step 3 - Using the bundled cotton swabs, you will create the seeds fluttering.

Step 4 - Using cotton or even paper towel to create soft clouds of the seeds

Step 5 - Use a cotton swab or paint brush to create the stems.

DONE!

This is the Perfect Idea to Cover a Bad Wall Too!

If you have a wall in your home that has seen better days, filled with nicks, chips, too many layers of paint or wallpaper, go to town with art!

If you are not ready for the DIY involved with fixing the wall or replacing the drywall, then consider simply covering it with art.  You can create this art fast too!

With the black background and the white dandelions gone to seed, it creates a beautiful mural like wall.  No one will ever know how ugly the wall behind it is!  It actually looks quite breath taking!

Upcycle Old Canvas

Sometimes the thrift stores or  even the dollar store will have canvas prints.

You can take these and cover them with the black paint and let dry.  Don't forget to cover the sides.  If the canvas is shiny then use primer first.

Do not use lumpy oil type canvas, it is best to use smooth surfaced ones, even if you have to prime it and cover with black.

I think the jet black background is the trick to this project with the bright white dandelions.  It might be worth the investment into some already black canvas's to save time.  

Personally I think they would look awesome hung very close together.  If you rent, you don't even need to use hooks, you can use 3M hooks that come right off the wall without leaving any marks.

So whether you rent or own, decorate on the cheap and cover an ugly or boring wall with art!

How to Clean a Mattress - Get Rid of Pee Stains

A good mattress is an expensive part of the bedroom and you want it to last.  But eventually they need some deep cleaning and this is the best way I have found to do this.

Follow these Steps and You will Have a fresher and cleaner mattress!

Step 1 - Vacuum the mattress.  Get into all the nooks and crannies with the tool attachments.

Step 2 - Sprinkle liberally with baking soda.

Step 3 - Leave for at least an hour.  Baking soda will absorb odors and leave a fresh clean scent.

Step 4 - Vacuum again.

For Nastier Stains...

If you have "biological stains"  which happens, especially pee stains from kids and pets. Then try using this product.

You can just use baking soda but I have found you need to use a cleaner that is designed to remove "biological stains" which is called an "enzyme cleaner"

All pee (people and pets) is made of uric acid, and you need a cleaner that will break that down.  Pet stain removers have this enzyme that breaks it down, that is why they work so well on rugs etc.

I personally love this particular brand RESOLVE as I have 3 cats and a dog, and everything from pee to puke happens and it works!.  Plus it has not bleached or damaged any surfaces in my house.

Step 1 - Make sure you always address the stains as quick as you can by soaking up excess.

Step 2 - Spray this product directly on the stains (check a part of your mattress for color fast, but I would think you would rather just attack the stain and odor).  Follow instructions on spray bottle.  Make sure you get the entire stain covered.

Step 3 - Let it dry for the day if you can.  It will work on breaking down acid that has soaked in.

Step 4 - Once dry, Sprinkle with baking soda to absorb any left over moisture and odors.

Step 5 - Vacuum.

This is my "GO TO" Cleaning Method for my Mattress

The Above steps have worked wonders for me.  I have found this pet product to work on all soft fabrics such as mattresses and couches and of course carpet for human accidents too.

The trick for getting rid of biological stains and odors is to put enough product on to follow the trail of the stain and to break down as much of the odor causing acid as it can.

Once clean, use a mattress protector if this may happen again to extend the life of your mattress.