How to Make Architectural Letters

Sometime last spring I was busy working on a few holiday DIY tutorials for HGTV.com. How fun to finally be able to share these projects with you! Even earlier, when working on the Master Bedroom Redesign, I had such a great time making the "M" and "I" Architectural Letters for the art wall that I thought this could become a fun holiday project as well, using letters to spell a word fitting of the season.

Here are the steps to create your own...it couldn't be more easy!
{paper mache letters available at JoAnn Fabrics}

Materials Needed:

• paper mache letters
• tinted primer
• silver metallic paint

• rust-colored acrylic paint
• foam and bristle brushes
• rag

Gather Supplies

Select letters, gather paint, brushes and rag.

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Apply Primer

Brush a layer of primer over letter surfaces, leaving noticeable brush strokes in varying directions. Let dry to the touch.

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Apply Metallic Paint

Brush a layer of metallic paint over letter surfaces, leaving noticeable brush strokes in varying directions.

Wipe Letters

Wipe away excess metallic paint with rag.

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Add Rust Accents

Mix or use rust-colored paint to brush highlights over letter edges and any rough or raised areas.

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Wipe Letters

Wipe away excess rust-colored paint.

Apply Second Coat of Metallic Paint

Brush on second layer of metallic paint to diffuse rust accents.

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Rub In and Wipe Away

Using rag, rub in metallic paint and wipe away any excess.

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Display the Letters

Spell out the season's greetings on a table, mantel or location of your choice to spread a little holiday joy.

To see this and other holiday decorating ideas, visit HGTV.com

Easy Holiday Decor Ideas

When it comes to holiday decor, I prefer simple! Here's how my table is looking.

Simply dress up an existing candle tray by wrapping glittery garland around candles 

and scatter ornaments among the branches for a bright, colorful look.

See this and other ideas for creating a festive home this holiday at HGTV.com

Snowflake Tree Skirt

In the end,
the Snowflake Tree Skirt project turned out fairly well.

We had trouble cutting through the thick layers,
(Not as easy as cutting a paper snowflake I discovered!)
and I'm not crazy about how bright the pink is...

But after the tree was placed in the center...

with presents covering the majority of the skirt,
so that just a bit of its edges are showing...

It looks pretty.

And most importantly,
ready for the kids on Christmas morning!

Are you ready?!

A Little Addition To The Holiday Candelabra

Early this past Black Friday morning the kids woke up to pour over the flyers in the newspaper, informing me that they wanted to go to Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics that day.

What?!

The only plans I had to participate in Black Friday was a trip to the Lego Store to take advantage of the opportunity to get 10% off gifts for Max and my nephew.

So off we went with a list drawn up by Isabella. We made it in and out of the stores in under a couple hours. Not bad! We came away with fabulous buys on decorations for the front of the house, some craft and sewing supplies, as well as this little bird.

A great little addition to the Candelabra.

Did you brave the crowds?
If so, what did you come away with that can't be found today
at the same price?