Okio B Designs: 2017

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

Jeanine

It's probably no surprise that I've already started working on some Valentine's Day projects. Today I'm sharing some sweet framed prints that were super easy and relatively free to make. To start, I jumped over to Pinterest and started searching up shiplap backgrounds.

After scrolling through what seemed like 100 shiplap wall paper pins, I finally found a pretty background that perfectly captured what I was looking for. After downloading it to my computer, I headed over to DaFont to find some faux calligraphy fonts that I could use for my prints. My favorite is called Autumn in November. It's what I used on this "i love you more" print above.

Then I found this great old typewriter font that was just screaming out to be used too. It's called Lucky Typewriter. Now if you're not familiar with DaFont, you simply search up the type of font you are looking for and then download it safely to your computer. Yes, you have to go through the whole extract all files hub-bub, but believe me, it's worth it!

Once you've downloaded your font, simply print out your shiplap background onto plain white paper (or cardstock). Then open a Word document and line up your words for how you want them to look on the shiplap paper. Feed the shiplap paper (that you already printed) through your printer and simply print the Word document onto it.

Super easy, right?! Total cost $0 - unless you're like me and you had to head to Target to buy a new 8x10 frame to put one in. So this cost me $6.99 total.

Jeanine

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Merry Christmas to my bloggy friends!

I've been such a naughty blogger of late. Hopefully I didn't end up on Santa's naughty list! I plan on getting my craft groove back on after the holidays. I've missed it, but as we all know, life sometimes gets in the way. I'm wishing you all a very happy and healthy holiday season! See you soon,

Jeanine

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Guess who just signed up to become an Amazon Affiliate? This girl! I'm still learning the ropes, so any advice other affiliates care to share will be much appreciated!

Jeanine

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I dressed up this mini pail with a free printable from On Sutton Place. Sometimes I like to keep it simple. I also used tea-stained seam binding, faux moss and one of my French script candles.

Jeanine

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It's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Okio B house!

I actually started decorating inside a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I am that person. Ha ha. A lot of the pieces and projects you've probably seen from past Christmas posts. I switch things around though every year for a new look.

There is a touch of Christmas in just about every room in the house.

My hubby did the outside lights over the weekend. I have to snap some pics of that. He did a great job again, but we still have a few random pieces to put out.

My decorations are a mix of handmade and then pieces from Target, Ikea and Home Goods. I couldn't resist the stocking from the Gaines' Target line.

Remember these little tins from last year?! So much fun to make.

My snowman corner hutch.

I feel like this is missing a little something.

This little crate is under our tv table. I love stocking it with bits and pieces.

Last up is this little tote in the kitchen. I have to keep it simple because we don't have a lot of countertop space.

Hope you enjoyed this mini Christmas tour!

Jeanine

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Sharing a super easy Christmas ornament you can make in 15 minutes or less!

I actually made these last year for a Christmas fair. They went over really well, but I did have some leftovers. All you need are some Jenga blocks, Scrabble tiles, a glue gun and wire (paint optional).

I started by painting some of the Jenga blocks red. Some I left plain because I think they look more rustic. Anywho, start by drilling holes on either side of the block - this is so you can add your wire. Next use your glue gun to glue the tiles onto the front of each block.

Once that's dry, you just slip your wire through the tops and coil them up at the bottom so they stay in place. You can add your own embellishments. I added the rusty bell to my JOY one (and most of the ones I sold had the bells). Super easy, right?

While I was at it, I used a vintage ruler and some Scrabble tiles to make another design. This one has a rhinestone embellishment and I used a soda tab to string some baker's twine through for easy hanging.

Think of the possibilities! You can do family names or other seasonal expressions - as long as they fit the Jenga block. This idea is floating all around the blogosphere and Pinterest, but everyone has their own take on it - and now you can add yours too!

Jeanine

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Disclosure: I received free product samples in exchange for posting products to this page, however, all opinions are my own.

I love, love, love paper crafts. If you're a regular follower of my blog or even a fan of my Etsy shop, you probably know how much I adore working with paper. With that said, I must confess: I'm not exactly the best paper artist. And now I don't have to be thanks to Christmas Paper Crafting from Fox Chapel Publishing!

This amazing book is chockful of ready-made holiday cards, gift tags, printables, bookmarks and more. Seriously, it offers a healthy dose of holiday inspiration on every page.

If you're like me and can't draw chalkboard print to save your life, flip to page 57 and voila! - they've already done it for you.

Or maybe you're looking for a festive printable and don't have time to peruse Pinterest. Done again! They've thought of everything you could possibly need to "craft a heartfelt card" or gift tag "for any recipient." Want to see more? Simply click on the Fox Chapel Publishing link above.

But wait it gets better...how about these cuties for the animal lover on your holiday gift list?! Cute Christmas (by Jenny Newland and William Vanderdasson) features puppies and other cuddly creatures, while Santa's Kitty Helper's (by Kayomi Harai) offers tons of adorable kitty coloring pages (both from Fox Chapel Publishing).

I know my cat lover would spend hours coloring in these pages. Meow!

Both books come with fun seasonal quotes too.

Each coloring book is a steal at just $5.99. Wouldn't they make for perfect stocking stuffers?

All books are available by visiting Fox Chapel Publishing.

Jeanine

Disclosure: I received free product samples in exchange for posting products to this page, however, all opinions are my own.

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How excited were you when Target officially unveiled the Hearth & Hand line from Joanna and Chip Gaines? I popped into our local store over the weekend and spied this pretty Merry & Bright framed print. I loved the idea so much that I decided to make my own version.

After finding this great wreath image from the Graphics Fairy, I got busy trying to find a similar font to use for my Merry & Bright. I forgot what it's called, but this was the closest font I could find.

I printed out the wreath first onto white cardstock. Then I lined up my Merry & Bright text so it fit within the wreath. Print again - onto the cardstock with the wreath image.

I'm busy hunting down a chain I can use for my version.

Mine cost $0 as I already had the frame and was able to get my wreath image for free. And I know I have a chain around here somewhere!

Jeanine

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All of our Halloween decorations have been taken down and packed away. I'm ready to roll for the Xmas season! I actually started working on my first Xmas projects a couple of weeks ago - like these Scrabble tile desk sitters (currently for sale in my Etsy shop).

And I finally got around to upcycling these cute angel ornaments. It only took me a year, lol. They were off-white with a bit of gold originally. I gave them a few coats of white spray paint to start.

Then I added some French book paper to the wings on two of them (the third one was just too frustrating to trace). Each received a couple of coats of Mod Podge and some German glass glitter. They look so much better now, don't you think?!

I also started working on some new Xmas tags. I just love this vintage Santa image!

Here's the second set. Another wonderful vintage Santa image! Both sets are available in my Etsy shop.

Have you started any holiday projects yet?!

People in our neighborhood have already started putting out their Christmas lights and decorations, gasp! I'm itching to start doing our house, but I'm going to try and pace myself...

Jeanine

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Happy Halloween!

Jeanine

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I'm in a full Halloween mode over here. Can you believe there are only 19 more days to go? Before I move onto Christmas projects, I made some new skull candles that cost under $5 to make.

Simply grab some prayer candles from your local Dollar Store. Next you'll need some Avery clear label paper. I usually get mine from Staples or Quill ($19.99 for 25 sheets). Find a great creepy image (this one is from Etsy, but there are a ton of freebies on The Graphics Fairy) and simply print onto your transfer paper.

Cut the image to fit the candle, and then simply peel and stick. Easy peasy, right? I added some purple rhinestones to give my images just a touch of color.

I also made a few more of these creepy faux Mercury glass Mason jars. Again, simply print your image onto the label paper. Cut to size, and then peel and stick again. I used Krylon's Looking Glass spray to give the jars the faux Mercury glass look.

And here's a quick look at my annual Halloween corner cabinet. I try to change it up every year using pieces I've made over the years.

How are your Halloween decorations going?

Jeanine

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Sharing some Alice pics I printed on vintage sheet music for my tea room/she-shed. I'm doing an Alice in Wonderland theme in there and these fit quite nicely!

Happy White Wednesday!

Jeanine

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I started putting out some Halloween decor earlier this week. Nevermind that it was 90 degrees. A girl's gonna do what a girl's gonna do. You might remember these painted wine bottles from last year. I'm still loving their haunting Halloween look. This is on our front porch.

This doormat is from Pottery Barn. Not super happy as it ripped when I was taking it out of the packaging. And now it's sold out. Grrr...Can you see where it is or have I camouflauged it well?

Speaking of not being supper happy, I came to find out today that PicMonkey is no longer free. Seriously. You now have to sign up for a membership just to get a 7 day free trial. I'm sure some hardcore, money-making blogs don't mind, but for my little blog, I'm not ready to be shelling out any money. Sooooo...I found a nice FREE alternative in Ribbet.

Back to Halloween...I'm doing an Alice in Wonderland theme in our tea room/she-shed this year. I picked up this lantern at Goodwill, gave it a few spritzes of white spray paint and added some tiny Alice pieces.