Homemade Christmas

Christmas has already begun to creep into the farmhouse and I can’t say that I’m mad about it! 2020 has been a challenging year. I think we can all agree that there’s a need for joy now more than ever before. One way we're spreading Christmas joy around the farm this year is by making ornaments and other handmade gifts to use in our décor and to share with others.

I'd love to share with you three homemade craft ideas that involve the whole family: cinnamon cut-out ornaments, snow globe ornaments, and potpourri jars. Let me know if you give any of these a try!

---

First up, I’m highlighting these adorable cinnamon cut-out ornaments that any age group will love. It’s an easy, inexpensive and super cute craft. One added bonus is that this project only totals up to around five dollars!

Picture by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Second, I love these inexpensive, adorable snow globe ornaments that will add a whimsical twist to your tree or holiday gift wrapping. I found all of these items at the Dollar Tree and each ornament is so cute and budget-friendly.

Picture by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Last but not least are these adorable potpourri jars that you can put at the table for a (small!) family holiday gathering or for a sweet holiday touch to your Christmas table. For this project you can use recycled jars, fresh pine, dried fruit, peppermint sticks and our cinnamon cut-outs.

I love this idea so much because it can involve each member of the family and it smells amazing!

Picture by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Let me know if you try any of these projects, or if you’ve been inspired to make something new! The countdown to Christmas has truly begun and I hope these ideas helped you get a jump start on the holiday cheer.

Blessings,

Ginny, @maplecreekmarket

Board & Batten Hits the Farmhouse

Do you ever want to change things up around your home? Well, that’s me...pretty much all the time! The only problem is that change often comes with a price tag. When I'm on a tight budget, staying up-to-date can be difficult.

The farmhouse entryway has always been one of my favorite spots in our home. Most of the original character is still intact. It seems to say to me, "welcome home!" when I walk in. I really wanted to brighten up this special space and give it a little extra something.

Mr. Maple and I were brainstorming, and he thought he could create a board & batten look with two-by-fours from the barn. He used his table saw to cut the boards into 1 & 1/2 inch strips in the hallway and entryway to give it a fresh look.

He repeated the process in the dining room. For these panels, he went with 2 & 1/2 inch strips, and even popped in a shelf! The entire process took about a day.

If you haven't tried to replicate the board & batten look...try it! It's the perfect timeless, cheap solution to update your space for the new season.

Remember: decorating doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here are some tips to help cut additional costs:

1) "Shop your home" and see what you have on hand that you could update or repurpose before you go to the store.

2) Rearrange what you do have to give things a fresh perspective.

I save decor arrangements that I like on IG & Pinterest, and I pull out those pictures when I need some inspiration. Sometimes just changing the furniture will give the room a new look!

3) Never forget the power of paint.

Often you can bring a brand-new look to a space by painting a wall or a piece of furniture.

4) Be creative! Think outside the box! Decorate with confidence...and let it be a joyful process!

I think sometimes we (me especially!) tend to be too hard on ourselves when we decorate, write, draw, paint—whatever you love to do. We try to make our living room or kitchen look *just* like someone else's, and it can be frustrating when the budget or resources don't come together perfectly. But always remember to focus on YOUR outlook and YOUR gifts.

You were made for such a time as this! Esther 4:14.

Thanks for reading friends! Have you tried the board & batten look? If you do, be sure to share your thoughts & pictures with me on IG or in the comments! Are you excited for fall? What are you most looking forward to in this season?

Be a light & shine bright,

Ginny, @maplecreekmarket