Nothing Says Love Like Handmade For The Holidays (And A Button Cone Tree That’s To Die For)

I wanted to join Anita over at Cedar Hill Ranch for Handmade Holidays (which is part of the Homespun Christmas Link Party series) and thought I’d share a couple handmade things I’ve used.  You’ll have to scroll to the bottom to see the super cool vintage button cone tree.

 

First, my handiwork.

I hand-stamped upholstery webbing that I got from Hobby Lobby with Joyeux Noël for 6 boxwood wreaths on my staircase and 1 for the front door wreath.  I got this idea from Vanessa and Heather at At The Picket Fence of a project they did last year.

I’m including one in my French giveaway HERE.

 

I also stamped wired burlap ribbon to use on my French inspired tree in the foyer.  Pottery Barn is selling a set of worded banners for tree décor, too, but I like mine better.

Notice the pillow ornaments embroidered with French holiday sayings?

 

 

 

These were handmade by a friend of mine last year to give to guests for the Holiday Home Tour in my town.  Of course,  I saved several for me to keep!

 

 

I used them everywhere.

 

Does studding oranges with cloves count as handmade?  Homemade potpourri maybe? Scents are so important at Christmas.  I learned a valuable lesson that I had forgotten from last year---put a band aid on your thumb before inserting a gazillion prickly cloves into the tough skins of oranges.  My thumb has been sore for days now. lol   Holiday decorating can be hazardous.  lol again

 

And finally, I found this great button tree at an antique store in Lexington.  There usually aren’t too many crafts in this shop, but one dealer had some handmade items using vintage Christmas items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought this tree was so très chic.  Tons of vintage creamy white buttons cover a styrofoam cone base and they’re all just hot glued.

 

 

I just think it’s the coolest thing ever.

 

 

 

 

I have to mention all the great Etsy shops out there with very talented artists.  I have gotten numerous handmade Christmas items from multiple Etsy shops.  I know you guys have, too.   Just felt I had to acknowledge them although I can’t list everyone.   Those folks certainly know what handmade holidays are all about.

And speaking of handmade holidays, this topic actually got me thinking about how our ancestors did EVERYTHING handmade for Christmas like stringing popcorn and making paper chains for garland and putting real gingerbread men on the tree, needlepointing stockings, and  knitting sweaters for gifts……don’t get me started….I’m thankful for Hobby Lobby, the mall, and the internet!

Merry Christmas,

Kim

Linking up to:

Handmade Holidays at Cedar Hill Ranch

P.S. Please enter my French Christmas giveaway HERE.  You have until tomorrow.