How to Make a Candy Cane Star Tree Topper

Learn how to make a candy cane star for the top of your tree this Christmas. It's simple, inexpensive, and easy to make!

My kids have been asking why we don't have a star at the top of the tree. The biggest reason, is that I've never see star tree toppers when I'm out shopping. Our upstairs tree has a bow on top. I'd like to get a star eventually.

Easy Christmas Centerpiece

I have a couple more Christmas crafts. Then I'm taking a break until the new year. This one is super easy - I'm not sure it even qualifies as a craft.

Start with an empty vase, some small ornaments and a floral stem with berries. Add ornaments into vase, insert stem and spread out the berries.

I actually keep this on my kitchen counter, but I didn't want to clean up the mess to get a good picture of it there:)

My Newest Menu Boards

I've come up with a few new styles of menu boards for my etsy shop {Bits of Sparkle and Lace}.

 I've tried to keep the blog somewhat separate from my shop, only promoting here and there. But I'm just dying to share my newest menu boards with the frames I built by hand. They are bigger and have a bigger writing area - which has been requested by several people.

The first two are easels. They are quite large and would be perfect showing the specials in a little cafe somewhere. The one above has a dark walnut finish and the one below has an early American finish.

The next two are designed to hang on the wall. They are basically the same size, but without the "legs" of the easel.

As I was making them, I really liked the early American finish the best. However now that they're done, I'm leaning more towards the dark walnut. Which do you prefer?

Of course, I still have this one available in many different colors. Although creamy buttermilk is by far the favorite.

 I have been busy filling up the shop so head over and check it out: Bits of Sparkle and Lace

Wooden Nativity Sign

Today I'm going to show you a simple wooden Nativity sign to dress up your home for the season. This is easy to make and you can even use scrap wood to cut down on the cost.  I love the look of the dark stain with the cream vinyl.

As a side note, things might get a little sporadic around here on the blog. I have so many ideas of things I want to make this holiday season - and I want to share them too. I'm just not sure how much time I'll have to sit down and blog. I'll do my best, but blogging is not my first priority in December.

Want to make your own Wooden Nativity Sign? 

 You will need:
5 1/2" X 5 1/2" board {I cut down a 1X12 that I had, but you could easily use a 1X6}
3 1/2" X 2 1/2" board {Cut from a 1X3 board}
saw {you could use a hand saw or a power saw}
Kreg jig
2 screws
vinyl / silhouette

To begin, cut your pieces to size. This project is easily changed to meet your needs. I wanted a square piece. Change it up to fit your style and ideas. You could also use a 2X6. Then it would stand on it's own without the small piece. In your small piece drill two holes with the kreg jig.

Next, stain your wood if you'd like.  I used Minwax Espresso. After letting the stain dry thoroughly, I sprayed on a couple coats of lacquer. You can use steel wool to smooth out any bumps from the lacquer. I actually made two, so that's why there's extra pieces in the picture above.

Line up your small board at the base of your larger board. Draw a line with a pencil.

Now move the small board up using the line as a guide to keep it straight. Screw the screws in the pre-drilled holes.

Look at that! It makes the perfect little stand.



Then simply cut your vinyl and apply it to the front of your board. I found this sweet nativity scene last year for the Silhouette. New to applying vinyl? Check out my vinyl applying tutorial.

Here it is on my mantle.

I have also made a Valentines sign

And a St. Patrick's Day sign