Break out your Scrabble tiles and Glue Dots for this easy DIY. I used an old, wood bookend for mine. It's a little time consuming, but it's a cute Christmas project you could do by yourself or with little ones. I laid out my pieces first and then individually "glued" them to each spot. I finished up with brown buttons for the "stem."
And if you're wondering, here are the lyrics to O Christmas Tree:
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer's here
But also when it's cold and drear
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
For every year this Christmas tree
Brings to us such joy and glee
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You'll ever be unchanging
A symbol of goodwill and love
You'll ever be unchanging
Each shining light, each silver bell
No one alive spreads cheer so well
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You'll ever be unchanging
Jeanine
Recognize this toolbox? I swear this is probably the third makeover it's gotten. Over the summer it held fleurs. Now it's all dressed up for Christmas. Once again, I had all of the pieces to put this together in a matter of minutes.
It's rusty and chippy, and everything I had envisioned! I added everything to the front using Glue Dots. Yes, Glue Dots. Thankfully, not every project requires hot glue. I did a quick layout first and then got busy...um...sticking.
I was happy to combine two of my favorite crafting pieces: Scrabble tiles and Bingo cards. I used an old plaid shirt for my ribbon. My faux snow is actually Poly-Fil. I can't wait to use it to display some snowmen or Christmas ornaments in the coming weeks!
Jeanine
Raise your hand if you're already working on Christmas projects! I definitely am - starting with this simple joy metal placecard. All you need are some Scrabble tiles, a hot glue gun and the metal piece of your choice. Just be careful: hot glue + metal = I may or may not have burned my finger. Ouch!
I went old school for these next pieces. I jokingly asked Mr. OkioB if we had any label makers. A short trip to the garage and my hero came out with these bad boys. I knew I kept him around for some reason!
Label makers + metal placecards = industrial chic/steampunk "angels." My hero was even sweet enough to cut out the metal angel "wings" for me. I added a simple snowflake to the other one, and used hot glue to attach the "halos."
I must admit, these small projects definitely got the creative juices flowing again. The struggle has been real thanks to Co-Vid and way too much home time. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I can't wait for 2020 to be a distant memory...
Jeanine
I love fashion almost as much as I love crafting! If you've been following me on Instagram (@okiobdesigns), you've probably seen me post a photo or two (or three, four, fifty, etc.) of some of my favorite outfits. Just because I'm 49, doesn't mean I want to give up or settle. I still want to look stylish, and I try to put together outfits that embrace all of the many milestones that make me ME.
And because you know I'm a frugal mama, everything I share is almost always $50 and under. This date-night outfit is a perfect example:
- Snakeskin Pants - JCPenney, $18.75 with coupon;
- Black Top - Amazon, $16.99;
- J Initial Necklace - Amazon, $8.99;
- Fur-lined Mules - Target, $24.99;
- GG Belt - Amazon, similar $10.99.
- Leopard Print Cardigan - Target, $34.99;
- Levi's 711 Jeans - JCPenney, $59.99 (they were $39.99 when I purchased them);
- Uggs Mules/Slippers - Nordstrom, $119 (I purchased during N Sale for $59).
I'm also pleased to announce you can now find me on the LiketoKnow.It app (also as @okiobdesigns)! I was finally accepted and I'm dizzy with excitement!
Many more changes will be coming to my blog in the next few weeks. I hope you'll stay tuned!
Jeanine
You know that one dinner your Mom would make when you were growing up? The one that gave you all the feels like Anton Ego in Ratatouille. For me, it was Mom's Tuna Fish Casserole. While it's not quite classic comfort food, it was the one meal that made me happy - even after having a rough day at school. Now that I'm the Mom, I make it every few months for my kids with the same cheerful results.
Today, I'm sharing it with you! All you need is:- A bag of egg noodles;
- Two cans of tuna fish drained;
- One can of Cream of Chicken (or Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery Soup);
- A medium-size onion (smaller or larger depending upon your tastes) sliced;
- One half cup milk;
- Bread Crumbs;
- Butter slices.
Start by browning your onion in the frying pan with a little butter. Add the tuna fish, soup and milk to the pan constantly stirring over low heat. Cook the noodles separately. Once the noodles are to your liking, add the mixture to them and spread out in a casserole dish. Mix bread crumbs with sliced butter and put on top of noodle mixture. Cook for 15 minutes at 325 degrees.
Enjoy!
Jeanine