I was in desperate need of a quick and easy advent calendar idea, seeing as it is already December 1st! After perusing several ideas in magazines and on the web, I came across the perfect, quick project…a baby sock advent calendar…thank you, Martha Stewart.

It took no time at all for me to gather some of my daughter’s baby socks. I have a tendency to save EVERYTHING and I knew just which box the socks were in. Unfortunately, many of her socks were white, which just wouldn’t do, so I popped out to our local dollar store and purchased a few pair of new, colorful socks. I had previously purchased the pink wired ribbon, scrapbook paper and the ornament hooks so I was ready to get crafting.

To make this simple, yet adorable, baby sock advent calendar you will need:

• 25 baby socks

• ornament hooks or small clothes pins

• ribbon

• scrapbook paper

• candy, treats, toys, etc.

HOW TO:

• Cut ribbon to desired length

• If using ornament hooks insert one hook into top of each sock (if using clothespins continue on to the next step)

• Cut scrapbook paper into 25 strips, write numbers 1 through 25 on strips (I also wrote a little note at the bottom of each strip for my daughter - some were inspirational messages, others were directives about what we would do that day ie: decorate the tree, make cookies)

• Insert numbered strips into corresponding socks

• Insert candy or a small gift into each sock

• Hang socks on ribbon

Martha’s was a bit more traditional but I like the funky spin the colors add to mine.  Happy Holidays…and happy crafting!

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When changing a room over I like to grab several paint swatches, tape them to the wall and ‘live’ with the colors for a bit before I make my decision. Well, my daughter had her own ideas and immediately fell in love with a lovely shade of blue from one of the swatches, so we went with it.

BEFORE - the PINK room

The pink gingham roman shades were removed from the windows, as well as the shutters to make way for new window treatments.

DURING - PINK to BLUE room

AFTER - the BLUE room

While shopping for paint I happened to pass by the fabric clearance rack and spotted this funky fabric that I knew my daughter would love. I grabbed all of it for $8.00, sewed two panels…and now…new window treatments:

We scoured the stores for a bedding ensemble that would match the walls. It didn’t take long for my daughter to spot this set…and it looks perfect:

So, for approximately $70 (the majority of the money was spent on the bedding) I completely changed a room - in one weekend.

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I took the chair home and started to disassemble the various pieces. As I sat and looked at the base an idea came to me. I grabbed an old ironstone platter and …TA-DA!… it rested perfectly on the base of the chair. I now had my very own, unique bird bath.

I do bring the bird bath into the garage for the winter as the platter would surely crack under the extreme NY weather we have. But as soon as spring arrives I always look forward to setting up my bird bath in a quaint little corner of my garden.

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One of my favorite organizing tricks is to make use of the assorted glassware I’ve collected over the years. Most of these pieces were found at thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. I’ve made a rule for myself to never pay more than $4 or $5 for a particular piece - most of them were actually found for under $2.

I use these pieces throughout my house for organizing; here are just a few tips/suggestions on how to use your collections to your advantage:

- Use small containers to organize bathroom supplies such as cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes

- Use on your dresser top to organize earrings, jewelry, miscellaneous items

- Use on your desk to organize office supplies such as pens, scissors, paper clips

Put your collections to good use, get yourself organized and have fun!

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I also added a piece of chalk tied to a string so it’s easily accessible for writing grocery lists.

Since we’re on the subject of chalkboards, another fun find was this Chautauqua Desk:

I found this piece at an auction for $3.00. It was in pretty rough shape and missing many parts. I was interested in the chalkboard and managed to salvage it. I put a hanger on the back and this lovely piece now hangs on my porch wall to welcome guests.

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Vintage stained glass windows come in all shapes, sizes and varying colors. My very first stained glass window was purchased at a flea market for only $15. I pulled another window out of my neighbor’s trash! In a few easy steps you can have a fabulous piece of stained glass hanging in one of your windows.

Once you choose a stained glass window all you have to do is bring it home and give it a good cleaning. I like to use Ecover Multi-purpose cleaner - it’s environmentally friendly and has a light, lemon scent. Murphy’s Oil soap also works well. I chose to leave my stained glass windows untouched - just like I found them. If you prefer a cleaner, more polished look you can sand the wood frame, and use a wood stain or paint.

Project Skill: Beginner

You will need:

• Drill

• 2 sets of screw eyes and c hook screws

• Pencil

To hang the stained glass window:

• Drill two holes in the top of the stained glass window frame approximately 3 inches from either edge.

• Insert the eye screws into top of window frame.

• Have someone hold the window so you can mark the appropriate spots to drill for the c-hooks in your window frame.

• Drill holes and insert c hook screws.

• Mount stained glass window on c hooks.

Another creative and inexpensive way to make your home cozy!

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Project skill: BEGINNER

You will need:

A spool of chenille rickrack

2 flat headed thumbtacks

2 large buttons

Craft glue

Clothespins

Craft paint (if you choose to paint the clothespins)

Before assembling the “Clothesline Art Gallery” you need to prepare the clothespins and the button thumbtacks:

I chose to paint each clothespin individually which should be done several days ahead of time to ensure proper drying. If you don’t want to paint each clothespin you could also embellish them with any of the nifty decorative notions they now sell at craft stores. Scrapbooking sections are a great place to find stickers, die cuts, felt cutouts, ribbon, etc.

Next, you will need to assemble the button thumbtacks. This, also, should be done several days in advance to allow time for the glue to set. Place a dab of craft glue on each thumbtack and position the button accordingly.

To assemble the “Clothesline Art Gallery”:

• Measure the rickrack and cut to desired length.
• Poke thumbtacks at either end of rickrack.
• Position on wall and push thumbtack into place.
• Add clothespins and display art!

This project is so easy to assemble and provides ease in allowing you to change out the artwork as your child creates new masterpieces. What better way to make your child proud of their artistic accomplishments?

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On one of my many trash-to-treasure outings during my town’s annual spring clean up I found several vintage dresser mirrors. These large, framed mirrors that were once attached to dressers make great accent pieces. The frames can be painted to suit any decor. Use them on walls, mantles, or over dressers.

I found several mirrors in very good condition and I grabbed them all. I cleaned them up, removed the hardware used to attach them to the dresser, painted the frames and now use them on my fireplace mantel as a focal point. I chose to paint one mirror frame white, and one black so I can change them out as the mood suits me.

These pieces were free, took only a minimal amount of refurbishing and look great. How can you beat that? You can also find these pieces very inexpensively at flea markets, yard & garage sales and estate sales.

When searching for such pieces make sure they are sturdy, with no chipped frames, warping, or broken mirrors. Also, make sure the backing is sturdy as this is what keeps the mirror in place. If you find a perfect mirror that is missing the backing, by all means grab the piece and have a new back piece cut to fit. Also, if the frame is in disrepair but the mirror is in perfect condition and is a pleasing shape don’t pass the piece up. You can take the mirror to a local hardware store and have holes drilled for mounting it on a wall.

And just a piece of advice when looking for trash-to-treasure items; always take precautionary steps to avoid getting cut by rusty metal or broken glass!

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I have a large collection of transferware which includes several plates and platters. I keep plate hangers on all of these pieces so I can just grab one and switch it out as often as I like.

Ironstone and milk glass pieces are great additions to your collections. White goes with everything and makes for a calming, eye pleasing display.

Experiment with different combinations - use pieces from several collections, or focus on a single color or pattern. For vignettes on tables or shelving try mixing cut glass vases, candy dishes, and bowls. Or try arranging several kitchen items of a similar color for an interesting wall display. The possibilities are endless!

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Alright, so it’s not “that” kind of rack, but I got your attention, didn’t I? I’m not quite sure what to call this nifty project. I use it to hold my dogs’ leashes but it could be used to hold coats, purses, scarves, you name it!

Project skill level: BEGINNER

You will need:

• Old cupboard door (preferably one with inset panels)
• Large decorative hooks
• screws
• drill
• tape measure
• screw driver

Follow these directions and you’ll have it done in no time:

1. Depending on the condition of your cupboard door you may have to sand it a bit to remove any loose or chipping paint. You may also choose to paint the entire door to match your decor. I wanted mine to look “shabby” so I scraped a bit of the chipping paint and left it mostly ‘as is’.

2. First, put a hanger on the back. Use any type of hanger you’d prefer - I used picture hanger mounts on the back of mine. You could also use eye screws and picture wire.

3. Decide where you want to place the hooks - measure an equal distance between each hook, mark it with a pencil and drill a small starter hole for the screws.

4. Screw the hooks into the cupboard door.

My town has an annual spring clean up. Everyone is asked to put their unwanted household items curbside for pick up. This is a nifty thrifty girl’s dream!! You’d be amazed at all the things people throw away - perfectly good tables, antiques, shutters, etc. If you have something similar in your area, do take advantage - one girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure. I picked up the cupboard door used in this project last year. You’ll see many more of my “curbside” finds projects in the months to come!

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