Simple ~ Inexpensive Christmas Bulb Wreath

I love the combination of silver and blues, especially when decorating for Christmas. One year after the Holiday Season I found the perfect bulbs to create a wreath. After stashing them with our Christmas decor it was finally time to put it all together for this year.

: : : : : : : : : MATERIALS/SUPPLIES : : : : : : : : :

Wire Hanger {ones that do not have the plastic coating on them are best}
Christmas Bulbs {the 3 packs of 24 would have been enough but the silver were on sale too and I got those so I could have more silver in my wreath}
Ribbon {optional}

: : : : : : : : : TOOLS : : : : : : : : :

{If using a hanger with a plastic coating}
Pliers
Box knife

: : : : : : : : : INSTRUCTIONS : : : : : : : : :

Pull the hanger into the shape of a circle, it doesn't need to be perfect. 

Untwist the neck of the hanger. Since my hangers were covered in plastic I needed to use the pliers and box cutter to help me take off the plastic and unwind the neck.

{EXTRA STEP: When I tried to slide the bulbs onto the hanger I found that, with the plastic coating, it was too thick. So I simply sliced off the plastic coating then pulled the rest of it off. No big deal, it only added an extra couple of minutes.

When we were younger, my dad would bring home extra wire from job sites, we would strip it then my dad would take it in to recycle.}

Now just start stringing the bulbs on using loops on top of the bulbs.

TIP: As my daughter tried to help me move the wreathe she was pulling on some of the bulbs and they came apart from their tops looped onto the hanger. It was impossible to get them back on. I would suggest a small drop or two  wre the neck of the bulb and the top piece meet to hold it a little more firmly. Once all the bulbs are on, the drops of glue won't be seen. 

All that is left once you have your bulbs on is to twist the top of the hanger closed.

Go ahead and use the ribbon to tie a bow around the neck of the hanger, this will help to hide it as well. {I do not have a ribbon on hand and since there are no craft or hobby stores around, I will have to wait until we make it out next}

The great thing about doing this project digitally is that you can use the silhouette in so many different ways. Share your silhouette project with me in Instagram. Be sure to tag me in your post and add #AlwaysCreate.

11 Advent Calendars that can be Made Up in A Night

Ok, I am a bit late to the party so I need a quick, easy advent calendar that I can make up in an evening. The girls are still really young so we need something simple, not too flashy, or they will just want to do it all in one day.

On my quest to start our own family traditions and find some ideas for simple advent calendars, I put together a quick list with some of the ones I found.

Now, keep in mind that a few of these could look pretty involved BUT if you tweak them a little, and put your own spin on them you could get fun and simple all in one. That is the best part of doing a project yourself, making it your own!

Kraft Paper

Sewn Treat Bags by PeppermintPlum

Another Kraft Paper calendar by CanadianLiving

How many toilet paper rolls do you have on hand?

{You could also use cardstock to roll up and make some tubes}

by TheCountryChicCottage

by Maikonagao

Pick and Choose by MessForLess

Printables

I love the simplicity with the presentation of this one by MaileBelles

You could make it even easier by placing hand written cards in the envelopes

Picklebums

AddAPinch

Christmas Story Printable by RedBird-Blue

Wall Chart by ThePaintedHive

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I haven't ever seen anyone else use acetone to transfer an image before but I can tell you it really does work
Here is the process.
Here is my project.
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Vintage Advent Calendar by EllaClaireInspired

This one would be really cute even without the embellishments

I hope you found something to inspire you. Remember, it doesn't have to be elaborate to be fun. Just make it your own!

Two Ingredient - Super Moist Pumpkin Cookies

I have gotten into a baking mood lately but with Paul being so busy with work and two little girls who get all my attention, there is not a whole lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

I found the remedy for that. Cake box cookies!!!

These are so easy to make, very moist and work great when an extra surprise is tossed in {craisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.}.

Add some cream cheese frosting and a craisin on top to dress it up a bit.

White chocolate chips are a family favorite here. When the chips melt and caramelize a little, well, it’s just simply delicious.

INGREDIENTS

Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix

One can {15 oz} Pumpkin

Any additions {craisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.}

*You can also double the recipe if you need more and they turn out great as well

SUPPLIES

Cookie sheets

Baking mats

Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place baking mats or parchment paper on cookie sheets.

Mix the spice cake mix with the pumpkin. Once it's completely mixed, it will be sticky, add any extras you want. I didn't measure specifically but I usually added about 1 C -1 1/2 C of white chocolate chips. It just depends on your mood.

Drop table spoon sized balls onto the cooking mat and bake for 11-13 minutes {depending on your oven}. I usually flatten them out a little because they don't really spread out as they bake. When I first started making these I would poke with a toothpick to make sure it came out clean.

Yum!

Another bonus to cake box cookies is the amount it makes. Usually I can get around 3 dozen snack sized cookies that will last us a week or so…..you know, as long as I don’t make them when I’m hungry and eat most of the first batch.

I would love to hear from you and see your projects. Leave a comment or #AlwaysCreate on your photos. Find me on Instagram {@AlwaysCreate} and follow along for behind the scenes and fun little extras.