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

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 music sheet printable:
http://olddesignshop.com/2013/12/vintage-christmas-sheet-music-free-download/
And this 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 #diychristmasdecorations #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 in the garden centre, 

I found this cherry red plastic planter!!

And the perfect Christmas shaped conifer to plant in it!!

This conifer is called 'Thuja occidentalis Smaragd'.

Another of my passions is Bonsai, 

and I will be trimming the roots of this darling 

so it can bring cheer in it's red pot for many Christmases to come.

 'Gazania Takatu Red' flowers pop against the creamy white pot...

 This is a Colourwave Sunbells called 'Tamarillo'...

A sweet miniature groundcover perennial petunia.

They are great in pots and hanging baskets, 

and by Christmas day this will be a waterfall of red overhanging the pot.

Loving the finished porch...

Loving the red and white...

I can wait for the white clematis flowers to come out on the vine.

In fact, I can't wait for Christmas!

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#christmasideas #christmas #diychristmas #christmasdecor 

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 it 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.

Then Paint it.


Next paint on some dandelion flowers...
and when dry give it a coat of clear varnish.
And here it is.

Wishing every visitor to Mia Bella Gardens a Dandelion wish.... 

Stop by tomorrow to see the completed Christmas front porch...

See you then.

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#diychristmassign #diychristmasprojects

DIY Tin Can Christmas Wreath...

Tin Cans, burlap ribbon, Christmas ribbon, string and a can of spray paint...

And in a jingle of a Christmas bell, you have a wonderful wreath that is a little different!

 I thought to myself that this pinterest found idea would be SIMPLE to create...

In hindsight, that thought is actually quite funny,

as getting a whole bunch of strung tin cans 

to stay in a circular shape is DIFFICULT to say the least.

So this is how it went...

Spray paint 8 tin cans in the colour of your choice.

My colour of choice was Cherry red, 

as I really wanted a bright and Christmas colourful front porch.

When dry,

 Decorate four of the cans with ribbon...

Just like this.

Thread string through the holes you have punched in the end of each can,

alternating the plain can with the decorated one.

Now this is the fun bit.

Pull the string tight and knot,

and try your hardest to maintain that lovely circle of cans!!!

I admit this is where the glue gun appeared...

and that helped a little bit.

My very oval wreath became a very, very wonky circle.

(Next time I do this I'm thinking soldering may be a better plan!)

Make a hanger and tie in position at top of wreath,

then glue on a decorative a bow.

Burlap was used,

 as my Christmas theme this year 

is to incorporate burlap with the colours I've chosen.

Even though the end result is far from perfect,  

(OK - I hear you...it is completely imperfect,
it's wonky, and yip it is OVAL!)

- I LOVE this idea...

And it certainly ticked the box for a POP of Christmas RED

and a little bit of burlap on the front porch display.

 The best thing ever is this tincan wreath is 'George Proof'!

For my new friends, here is the link for George's story:

http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/george.html
For the second attempt at creating a tin can wreath, see the 'Beach' version:
wreath.htmlhttp://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2015/10/beachy-tin-can-christmas-wreath.html

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by joining for free HERE.

#christmas #beach #tincan #craft #wreath #upcycled

Music Sheet Angels Wings Just for Christmas...

Preparation for Christmas is in full swing,

so I today I thought I would share these wee darlings...

Music sheet Angel wings!

You could use them anytime of year on any project,

but mine will decorate a Christmas tree...

But they would look super cute on a wreath, don't ya think?

The first thing to do is print some old music sheets on card or paper.

Windowsill Flowers - Pink Roses and Sweet Peas...

What is not to love...

about a vase full of flowers? 

 With the brightness of the sun peeking through the frosted glass

Illuminating the flowers.

 Gorgeous blooms in shades of pink.

Roses and sweet peas,

 with a perfume that only nature can provide.

 It is amazing how one small vase of beauty

...can inspire a photoshoot!

 But the flowers are too beautiful...

Not to share with you all.

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#sweetpeas #roses #flowersforpicking

Christmas Picture No.2: Glitter Stags Head...

The stag head decor craze is as popular still as ever...

and I have to admit to having a few stag head items in my home decor.

As it's Christmas craft time,

 I thought why not create a glitter stag head silhouette.

And that is what happened!

Christmas picture No.2 in the series of three,
 is a glitter stag head silhouette.

So here is how you make one...

Carnation LOVE...

 What's not to love about old fashioned carnations...

 With a fragrance that is reminiscent of Grandmas garden...

 And a pop of colour amongst the garden green.

They are easy to grow, too:

How to Grow Dianthus Carnations

Dianthus loves the sun! 

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. They thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep your dianthus healthy with proper watering and fertilizing:

· Water deeply but infrequently; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

· Use a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to encourage blooming.

Pest and Disease Management

Dianthus can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for:

· Snails and Slugs: think they are delicious, so pet-friendly bait or beer traps are needed.

· Fungal diseases like powdery mildew; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Pruning and Deadheading

To encourage more blooms:

· Remove spent flowers, a process known as deadheading, to promote new growth.

· In late fall, cut back the plants to the ground to prepare for the next growing season.

This carnation is called:

Dianthus Passion

It offers the garden gorgeously scented, double red flowers

and attractive blue-green foliage that is compact in form

and fabulous for picking.

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#carnations #dianthus #gardenpickingflowers