Mia Bella Passions

Gathered Burlap Mantel with Candy Canes and Ornaments...

To decorate the mantel the burlap theme is continuing...

by using the overlocked burlap ribbon.

In New Zealand this is called 'Jute Tree Tie',

and It's available in the gardening section at Bunnings.

Thread some thin ribbon on a needle

Hand stitch a gather line...

Pull to gather...
I have done mine loosely,
just pull it tighter for more compact gathers,
but be aware that you will require much more burlap ribbon.

Attach ornaments spacing evenly.

I used a cute wooden ornaments I found

in the new seasons Christmas range at Spotlight...

Then add some ribbon hung candycanes.

Trim the loose bits of ribbon off.

Add a Simple Burlap bow to the centre for a finishing touch.
Learn how to make the bows here:
http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/simple-burlap-tree-bows.html

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Fairy Light Birdcage...and a pretty Christmas table vignette.

I LOVE fairylights!

And I LOVE birdcages!

Let's put them together for a stunning Christmas table vignette.

Clea offered to help.

Ohhh, they are so pretty...

let's put them inside the birdcage.

Butterfly fairy lights are mesmerizing...

And this is what they look like...

What a pretty vignette.

It's still daylight,
so I can't wait to see them tonight!

On the table is the peekaboo heart candle...

This is how you make one:

http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/peek-boo-heart-jar-candle-holder.html

The white birdcage is full of butterfly fairy lights...

and there is a large vintage jar

full of berries and baubles in RED...

And a gorgeous aroma of lavender from the candle jar.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Simple Burlap Tree Bows...

Christmas prep time continues,

and today we're making some simple burlap tree bows.

Cut 17 inch (43cm) pieces of burlap ribbon.

(In New Zealand this is sold

in the Gardening section at Bunnings as Jute Tree Tie).

Fold as this photo below shows...

(the blue paper is so you can see how much to overlap).

Pinch the centre together.

Tie with binding of your choice.

You may want to enlist a helper to tie the ribbon

if you find it tricky to do by yourself.

And that is it!

I made 20 simple burlap bows to decorate the Christmas Tree.

But you could use the bows to decorate
a basket handle, a wreath or even a present.

Peek-a-boo Heart Jar Candle Holder...

using Christmas-themed music sheets,

a little ribbon and

a hint of lavender.

This is a sweet wee project for celebration decorating

or to give as a gift.

Select a jar in the size you want.

.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the jar is heatproof
Print a music sheet -
or two if the jar is bigger than mine.

.
I used this one:
http://olddesignshop.com/2013/12/vintage-christmas-sheet-music-free-download/
Print a heart template:
http://www.2020site.org/templates/Heart-Template.html

Using a Sharpie pen outline the heart in a central position on the music sheet.

Cut it out.

Extend the music sheet to wrap around the jar if necessary
by glueing another piece to it...

Glue onto the jar
with the cutout heart centred at the front.

Add a few sparkles...
some dried lavender to the bottom of the jar...
and a ribbon or string bow.

Finally, add a small candle or tealight.
Light and enjoy.
You'll smell the lavender as the jar warms up.

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#Christmascrafts

Red Christmas Front Porch...

The Christmas themed front porch started with

the creation of the tin can wreath...

A bright pop of colour with a cute burlap bow...

Instructions can be found here:

http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/diy-tin-can-christmas-wreath.html

Then a Dandelion wish sign was added...

Find the tutorial here:

http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/christmas-dandelion-wish-sign.html

Wishes...

And dandelions...

= LOVE!

I think I squealed with delight when at the garden centre,

I found this cherry red plastic planter!!

Christmas Dandelion Wish Sign...

Don't you just LOVE dandelions?

Don't you just LOVE wishes?

I do, so I thought let's create a dandelion wish sign just for Christmas...

Mine is quite big,

as I wanted it as a statement piece for the front porch,

but you could downsize it if you want.

Paint a piece of wood (130cm x 18cm) bright RED.

Print the letters to the wish word
Make sure you flip it and mirror image it.
This is easy to do if you have Microsoft word.
Follow the instructions on how to do it at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGhSiREPy8w
I tested this out and it works well.

Cut around each letter.

Place into position on the wood.

Tape to hold.

Then brush water on it...
this transfers the image.
Go over it in paint if you wish or leave it as it comes out.
Instructions on how to transfer this way can be found at
Upcycled Treasures...
http://upcycledtreasures.com/2013/05/diy-wood-sign-using-your-printer/
Or you can freehand draw the letters
as I did using a black sharpie ink pen.