Make an easy sign for Christmas, or anytime, with a pretty dollar store gift bag.
The artwork is lovely and the how to is super simple.
So for years I have been saying that I'm a fickle decorator, that I don't like to spend a ton of time or money on home decor, because I change my mind often.
When things don't work out or don't sit right, I want to be able to fix them without feeling guilty about my investment, be it time or money.
Any yet, I don't think I have posted about a time when that has occurred.
My decor has remained mostly stable over the last decade or so, no great changes.
That doesn't seem particularly fickle. I bet a lot of you have thought, What is she talking about?
Well, today I have an example.
Let's go back to my Christmas bedroom, shall we?
Last week, I was thrilled with my new decor.
I had a brand new furry throw, a Happy Holidays wooden sign and a fresh, cheery Santa in my room.
And it was all beautifully arranged under garland adorned windows.
Perfection.
In pictures anyway.
In reality, the sign was really, really heavy.
I would get in bed at night and look up at that thing wondering just how well fastened it was to the wall.
Was that one nail strong enough?
It was just balancing there...no hook, hung on a ledge.
It made me so nervous that I took it down each night for fear that it would fall on our heads.
I kid you not.
Turn down the bed and remove the artwork. Sounds rational, right?
Of course, that routine got old after three nights and it went back to the store.
So much for perfection.
I still wanted my simple, rustic Christmas bedroom though, so I had to start all over.
I needed something festive over the bed. But something light and festive. Hmm.
I started brainstorming and thought about my friend Lisa at Texas Decor.
She framed a gift bag and it turned out so well, I decided to use that idea as my inspiration.
I mean after all, gift bags weigh next to nothing and they're super cheap. Thank you, Lisa.
I ended up at the dollar store found this beauty. The sled pops out a bit giving it a 3D effect. How sweet is that?
I thought about framing it, but that could get heavy and it involves glass. Nope. Not going to work.
I dug around in my craft closet and found this scrolled wooden frame I'd purchased, with a coupon of course, last summer at the craft store.
It's made of balsa wood, the only way this sucker is going to hurt me, is if I get a splinter.
I didn't paint it, stain it or coat it with anything. I like the natural look, and it matches the bag, but you can certainly customize yours to coordinate with your own bag or stain the wood.
Have fun with it.
I cut the bag, leaving a bit of a lip all the way around, to maintain a finished edge. Then I glued the lip down so it'd sit flat.
Before I glued the bag to the board, I had to do something to cover the holes, that were left when I removed the ribbon handles.
I decided to tie a pretty bow.
I glued the front and back to keep the ribbon in place.
That's it, that's all it took to create a brand new piece of rustic Christmas gift bag artwork that won't give me a concussion if it falls on me in the middle of the night.
It only took me about ten minutes to put it together and only cost me a buck. (I did this back when all the items at the Dollar Tree were actually one dollar.)
And now I can sleep without fear.
This time is really is perfect.
Well. For now anyway. 😉
Are you a fickle decorator?
Looking for another Christmas sign? Check out these ideas.
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So creative . . .
ReplyDeleteEasy Peasy Perfect . . .
YAY . . .
Thank you, Lynne. Super easy peasy!! :)
DeleteSo funny - I've had the same worries about things hanging above our bed. Things like decorative plates which could leave a permanent gash in my forehead! Your "gift bag" art looks realy cute and I'm sure you are getting a much better night's sleep now! 😴
ReplyDeleteI have the hardest time finding things that I feel comfortable hanging over my head, JoAnne! This one seems safe. ;)
DeleteKim, this made me laugh because I can totally relate to hanging something pretty and then later realizing it could lead to a concussion ;) I'll confess I am fickle about details. The big stuff like furniture, I can go years without changing but the little things like say...decorating for Christmas, I will move it when I walk by and then move it again when I come by the second time. I always say I have to "live" with the placement of something new for a week before I decide if it will stay. By the way, I truly love the gift bag art better! Hugs, Cecilia
ReplyDeleteCecilia, now you have made me laugh, because I just moved three Santas around for the third time tonight! ;) Thanks so much for the comment!
DeleteHi Kim, WOW this is fantastic and I love it!! What a great solution and looks beautiful in your room.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a change it up kind of decorator and redo things often. My hubby travels and says,he never knows what he is going to come home to find changed. LOL
Thanks for the inspiration.
Have a nice weekend. xo
I’m so glad you like this CelestinaMarie! I had fun with it. I actually have a few more gift bag ideas coming next week. I just couldn’t stop myself! ;)
DeleteIt looks beautiful and I like it better than the other one you had up. I had the same feelings about a picture I had in the guest room a few years ago. It was an old and heavy picture and I thought if anyone stays in there I am taking that thing down til they leave. HA! HA!
ReplyDeleteI like this one a lot, too, Betty! Thank you. It has a little more character. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who thinks about this stuff!!
DeleteI like it and it is safe! Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy!! :)
DeleteLike you, I worry about things hanging above the bed that might fall during the night and interrupt my sleep...or give me brain damage! This is great and I love the look of it....perfect for above the bed! And ditto Lynne...easy, peasy and so creative!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'm with you, Benita. I am a crazy OCD decorator, but safety first! ;)
Deletereally pops on your wall and adds a great holiday touch..
ReplyDeletejust noticed I have the same quilt as you have...:)
Thanks Sonny...the Laura Ashley quilt? I love that! :)
DeleteI like this one much better. (I laughed at you worrying about it falling and taking it down three nights in a row. You lasted 2 nights longer than I would have!)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yes…and two nights longer than I should have! ;) That design bug is a powerful thing!
DeleteWow! I can totally relate to your story, Kim! I am very wary of heavy wall art hanging over my bed at night and I would definitely take it down before I get any sleep! Love the idea of the gift bag wall art on that pretty balsa wood. I like the scroll work on the wood, looks like framed, where you found that wood? if you don't mind sharing :) Happy weekend! Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteHi Poppy! Happy to share…I picked the scroll wood up at Michael’s over the summer, but I still see them there in the wood aisle. Good luck! :)
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! :)
DeleteHow clever and creative is that idea?! And I actually like it better (size, design) than the too-heavy picture you had there before!
ReplyDeleteI do too, Melanie, thanks!! I'm a sucker for a cute snowman! ; )
DeleteLOLOL!
ReplyDeleteyou are just delightful. do you know that?
:)
brilliant. just rustically elegant and brilliant. xo
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tammy!! :)
DeleteThis is perfect, Kim. I love it! I had a mirror I so wanted to hang over the bed but it was just too scary. Didn't want our heads cut off if the house shifted during the night! lol!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Happy Weekend!
Jane x
I have always wanted something dramatic up there, too, Jane…but too scary is right!! :)
DeleteLovely! The DT has some really nice bags. Last Christmas I recieved a gift in a box with a fun picture on it. I raided my stash of crib slats and made a frame to fit inside the box, then covered it in glued down tissue paper. Looks lovely! (And not at all heavy.)
ReplyDeleteYou did well. Now, you want to come work on my christmas decorations?? Just can't seem to get it together. Stuff in boxes all over the house.
That sounds just lovely, Nancy! I am still not done. I keep tweaking things and weeding things out. I am usually done by now...not this year. Must be something in the air! ;)
DeleteA beautiful and smart idea! Love how those spirals on the frame pull the wall color into the picture. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI was in a guest room once on a futon placed under a gallery wall of plaques. In the middle of the night one of the plaques fell off its nail and landed on my pillow...luckily next to my head instead of on it! Because of that there is NOTHING above our bed, just boring blank space, but we sleep in peace.
happy concussion-less sleeping!
Thanks Audra! THAT is exactly what I am afraid of…my husband thinks I’m nuts, but things fall. Yikes. Glad you were safe! :)
DeleteLiving all my life in California I have never had anything on the wall over the bed...just in case there is an earthquake...thought I was the only one paranoid enough to worry about that....thank you for making me feel like I am not alone! I like the new snowman lots better than the original too!
ReplyDeleteCarol Owens you are not alone, I also live in an earthquake prone area and am paranoid about things falling on me...lol
DeleteThanks so much, Carol! I live nowhere near earthquake country, although we did have one a few years ago, but things fall and I don't want to be under any of them when it happens...especially asleep!! I am glad that I have some company!! ;)
DeleteAnother vote for the second one. Even though it's lighter weight, it's a bit bigger in surface, and just looks more connected with your bed. So pretty, Kim.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheryl, I really like it, too. It feels better all the way around! :)
DeleteEverything about this new piece you made is better. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! :)
DeleteVery creative Kim. Love this idea and the bag is perfect. I would have worried too about that other piece falling on your head too! Have a great week end.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks Kris! I know it sounds crazy, but I really thought about it!! :)
DeleteThis is so lovely. What a great idea and can be used for years to come. By the way Kim, did you know your Christmas tree from last year is on the Huffington Post. Check it out. Congrats! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hometalk/35-breathtaking-christmas_b_8682500.html?utm_hp_ref=huffpost-home&ir=HuffPost+Home
ReplyDeleteThanks Vanessa!! And yes!! I saw it, how exciting and thanks for the heads up friend!! :)
DeleteOh this is SOOO cute! What a great idea and looks so nice in your room. The print goes so well with the wall color. I understand what you mean about anything hanging over your head...can be scary. Have a great weekend! Lynn
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn! This little guy was so cute and just begging to come home with me. I couldn’t resist for a dollar! :)
DeleteYou come up with some great creative ideas ! This is so festive and cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb! You're always so kind! :)
DeleteKim this is brilliant thinking on your part and the result is so pretty. I also have the same problem with my over the bed artwork. I used to have a framed picture and then we had an earthqquake and that took care of that real fast! So now I've made a tapestry of sorts with fabric and hung it up with some twine. Even if it were to fall, I probably wouldn't notice it if I was sleeping. lol. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteEarthquake?? Scary! I just worry about normal falling, kids slamming doors, cars rumbling by, a tree branch falling and shaking the house...all stuff that's happened. I started with a wreath, went to a lightweight wooden piece and now I am featuring the bag. I may stick with it for a while!
DeleteNo, I'm not a fickle decorator; but I am a tweaker....truth be told, they are one in the same! I think the bag art is adorable! Cheers to "fickle-tweakers" everywhere!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Cheers indeed, Carol…and thanks!! :)
DeletePerfection!!! You're too cute, Kim - I love your decorating style, fickle or not!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!! :)
DeleteNice. One year my sister framed a great xmas bag and gave it to me and I still use it. Some of them are just beautiful and great art. I haven't ever worried about things falling off the wall onto sleeping people. Something new to worry about. You are always inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteHa! Sorry Lorri. I just look up at night and think...glad I can inspire you in good way, too though!! I hope!! ;)
DeleteEvery time I see that paint color in your bedroom, I am smitten! I think that was the color I used in TX, and it is so tranquil!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Good old Sherwood Green by Benjamin Moore...I love it too, Brenda! :)
DeleteSo perfect! I love that wood plague! It is so pretty! And if you are that fickle with your decorating you can change it up next year :-) Every time I walk through the house I move something or rearrange something. I have already had to resist revising my blog post with new pics of new ways I decorated.....not doing that though!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that I am not alone, AnnMarie!! :)
DeleteLove it Kim, it's so you! :) Yes, I am a fickle decorator too, just ask the hubs (it drives him crazy).
ReplyDeleteYour hubby is in good company, Kristi! Watching me remove wall are before bed is not my husband’s idea of a good time! ;) Good sports, for sure!!
DeleteThanks so much for the shout out! I'm so glad you could make one of these! There are so many cute gift bags out there, especially this time of year. Yours is lovely and bonus...no concussion to worry about! Lol! BTW, I just made my Italian Prosperity Jar and it's sitting pretty in the sun on my kitchen table. Thanks again for the info on it!
ReplyDeleteOf course I had to shout out to you...you are the mastermind behind this craft! I loved your idea and have had it tucked away in my head all season. Of course, now, all I see is pretty bags! I am fast becoming a bag lady....not good!!! ;) I hope your jar brings you great prosperity. I just won another giveaway...can you believe it???
DeleteI had to kind of giggle thinking of you laying in bed worrying about it falling on you. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have a 5x7 frame on my gallery wall that I put greeting cards in for each season. I love greeting cards, there are so many beautiful ones out there. I change it with the season or celebration. Last year it was a prim card of a little church. This year it's a beautiful old English stone house with a red arched door & an old iron fence...all covered in snow. It's fun to change them out & look for the new ones - sometimes I frame one that has been given to me & lose no money at all on it.
I also change out my photographs with the seasons, just putting the old pictures behind the new one in the frame. Now I have lots of pictures from Christmas past on display. A simple easy way to decorate for Christmas & still enjoy family photos.
I like to change out my photos, too, Jenny! The ones of the kids in front of the tree are my favorite. They always laugh when they see their little mugs in their Christmas pjs and messy hair! I miss those days for sure. And yes, I’m crazy, I know, but I just can’t sleep with something heavy over my head…and I do not live in earthquake country! Can you imagine if I did!! ;)
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI had to chuckle about you thinking about the sign falling on you. :-) I love what you did hear! Inspiration for me to decorate my room again!
I know...I'm crazy!! I just couldn't sleep thinking about it! ;) Lighter is better!
DeleteWhat a fun and easy way to make a Christmas picture for your bedroom or anywhere in the house!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us at Cooking and Crafting with J&J.
Enjoy the week Kim! Julie
Thanks Julie! :)
DeleteI love this idea! It turned out so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I really like this one, too…and it was cheap! ;)
DeleteWow! I really love this Kim! Putting things together like you do, and making a "wow" project - you are gifted in that department, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. Like my mom always said, necessity is the mother of invention. Certainly applies here! ;)
DeleteThis is so festive and pretty, Kim. And I'm thinking how this would make such a great gift. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! I may have to gift them, because I am getting carried away with the idea in my own home! ;)
DeleteOh wow...such a neat idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thanks Jess! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful project!! It looks so fabulous.Thanks for sharing such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Thanks Kathy. I am a little bit addicted to these bag projects now. ;) Merry Christmas!
DeleteWow! You received a lot of comments on this! It is so pretty and simple. Looks nice above the bed. I should decorate my bedroom for Christmas from now on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cyndee! This was such an easy project and so inexpensive. I'm glad you popped over for a visit and found some inspiration. :)
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