Weekend Activities and Crafts

Dried Orange Slices and Cranberry Garland

Thyme, Rosemary, & Parsley

Vintage Wood Utensil Holder

Handmade Ball Jar Lanterns

Turquoise Wood Box

I once again had a fun weekend of crafts and new finds. With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would get an early start on decorating. Especially because I am trying to make as much as I can myself. It is more fulfilling when you create things yourself and much more wallet friendly. Also, why buy man-made ornaments, when natures ornaments are so beautiful? (Directions for garland will follow). 

My next weekend project was to transfer my herbs to pots and bring them indoors before it gets too cold. I don't get a lot of sunlight in my home so I am keeping my fingers crossed they will survive. I think they also look beautiful in and on, my recent purchases. I use fresh herbs in cooking very frequently. They add so much flavor to marinades, meat rubs, pasta, sauces, etc. 

I had to throw in a picture of my new vintage utensil holder. I went to an antique store called, Rum Trails, on Friday, and could have possibly emptied my checking account. I also bought a vintage white muslin sheet. Serena, from The Farmchicks, inspired me to purchase these whenever I come across them. The quality of vintage sheets is so much higher than sheets now days. Not sure what I will do with it at this point.  

Next, I went to Michaels this afternoon (second time this weekend, I know, I'm a little crazy) to get black wire to make canning jar lanterns. They are so simple and rustic, and really easy to make. And last, but not least, a little painted box in my favorite color. It just used Folkart brand acrylic paint in turquoise. My plan is to purchase these round boxes in different sizes and paint them all different colors. They look so gorgeous stacked on the ground, a chair, or anywhere for that matter. 

Dried Orange Garland Directions:

Slice seedless oranges about 1/8 inch thick and place on a baking sheets. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper if you are worried about them sticking to the pan. Place oranges in 200 degree oven for 3-4 hours (mine took about 4). Let them cool and string onto any type of string you wish. I used natural fiber jute twine because it looks rustic works well with the theme. 

Cranberry Garland:

Using a needle and some sort of strong thread (I have heard of using dental floss), string fresh cranberries until you have the length you want. Make sure to tie big enough knots on each side so the cranberries do not slide off the string. I used tacks to hang my garland. I am hoping they will dry vs. rot because this is the first year I have made these and am not sure of the end result. You can also use the garland on your Christmas tree, mantel, around a stairwell or porch railing and/or wherever you think it would look nice