Top 10 Projects of 2015 by Dreamingincolor

Can you believe another year has past?

So much has happened this year. The store turned two in November! My son got engaged. My daughter moved to Georgia. And I have a little redhead in my life. (soon to be grandson)

As the year comes to a close, I like looking back in the blog to see what you all liked most of the projects I have published here. Although I am not putting out as many, you still are here reading and commenting. Thank you for your support!

So here they are! Starting with number 10. Click on the heading below picture for the full post!

#10

Ahhhhh Spring!

Bunny Topiary

#9

I have to say I love this Idea! Freezing those beads!

Aquarium Centerpiece and Cooler

#8

My signature paint colors!

Country Chic Paint in Tennessee

#7

A little hand painting added.

French Decoupaged Dresser

#6

Me on TV...so exciting

An Artisan Affair and Denise Simons TV Spot

#5

love the curves and details

Painted Wardrobe

#4

antique goodness

My Favorite Things

#3

popular colors

French Chest

#2

love redoing hutches

Painted Hutches

Annnd the #1 favorite post....

love anything beachy

Whale Beach Sign

Boy this is appropriate right now! I can use some beach time really bad.

I hope you enjoyed looking back. 

I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for us! 

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I hope the world will be headed for a change.

I wish you peace in the coming year, health and love.

Happy New Year!

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Star Wars New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is just around the corner! This year I was looking for kid friendly ideas for a fun party.

With all the excitement of the new Star Wars movie out, everywhere I look there is some sort of merchandise. This got me thinking. I know there is a little geek in all of us and what better way to celebrate the New Year than getting our "Dark Side" or "Light side" on!

I think this is something young and old will enjoy.

 The minute I walked in the store I saw Star Wars items. 

No, not for a New Year's party but that never stopped me before.

 I grabbed what I could and decided to make something fun!!

There were the cutest drink cups made like Darth Vader and Yoda. I could have left them alone but when I saw the metallic Star Wars jellybeans I decided to make noise makers by pulling out the straw and filling the cups. When you shake them you got your noise for midnight!! ( and you can eat them later )

There were Star Wars lollipops that I decorated with clock faces striking midnight. I downloaded free printables for this from the Graphics Fairy.

My favorite thing was making light sabers. I did two different kinds. One with a foam noodle type rod with sequins and the other with a mesh tube.

I decorated a cardboard tube with Rhinestone mesh ribbon. I cut the sequin tube in half and threaded in the tube turning the end up and stuffing back in the tube. I used silver and green.

I used the same technique with the glow sabers. I inserted a glow stick inside the tube mesh and glued the ends. When the clock strikes twelve everyone can "break" the stick and get it to glow!

The sequin ones looked more proportional but the tube mesh one was more fun. 

There were tin puzzles like Chewbacca and dice game tins of R2D2 to help with the waiting!

I even found a celestial blanket to turn into a tablecloth to make a really cool table setting for my sign and decorations. Even turned a vase over to make it look like a space ship.

I think I am ready for the Party!

As Yoda said, "Do or Do Not, There is No Try."

have fun!

Happy New Year and May the Force be with You!! 

How to make a Holiday Lantern and Coffee Filter Wreath

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

 If you DIY like me, you got your wheels turning and now is the time to get started if you haven't already.

 Do you have summer or fall still lying around? Instead of putting it away, incorporate it in your holiday decor.

That is what I did with this lantern.

Decorating does not have to break the bank.

Make a Holiday Lantern and coffee filter wreath.

I have to say that Old Time Pottery has some really fun and inexpensive pieces. I will show you how to get more from an already low priced item

They have these chicken wire wreath forms that are super cool. You can make succulent wreaths, moss covered wreaths or dried flower wreaths. Possibilities are endless.

TIP: It can come apart and you can actually get two wreath forms out of it.

I made a coffee filter wreath.

You need:

 coffee filters

Rustic Farmhouse wreath form

floral picks or ornaments

Start by inserting a filter at a time in each of the holes pushing in to hold and leaving ruffle above.

When you are done it will look full and pretty

I wanted to add color. For  $1.99 I found these glitter ball picks. I pulled all of the balls of and glued them to the wreath.

TIP: Save the stem for decoration

Use whatever colors you like

Now you can hang it with a pretty ribbon. I wanted to do something different.

I added it to an outdoor lantern.

I created a winter scene by adding different elements inside.

I first added the wreath and raised it up using a paper tube.

I then added greenery to the bottom and a tree.

We have all seen those cute cars and trucks with trees on top, right?

Well Old Time Pottery has all different kinds of cars, vans, and even a VW.

I used the greenery and made a faux tree (.99) and glued it to the top so I could add it to my holiday scene.

It was just the right thing to make this adorable!

I leave the doors open added a pretty bow and I am done! 

Now...

the wreath or the car can be one project if you want.

I thought it would be fun to have a scene that looks like someone is preparing for the holidays.

This would be fun to keep changing throughout the season too!

Maybe even add some lights or miniatures!

This can be added anywhere. A table, porch or mantel.

Have fun with it!

This would make a nice gift too.

I guess it is time to start decorating and enjoying the holidays!

How to Decorate a Christmas Table

Preparing for the holidays and making things feel like home for my family is what its all about. Decorating doesn't have to be stressful. I do however want to make things they will enjoy.

It is the best time to share a moment with family and friends. It is one of the few times we get to sit at the table with each other and laugh, talk and be thankful.

I have always enjoyed decorating for the holidays. Part of that decorating is coming up with different ideas for my holiday table. The kids get a big kick out of it and the adults seem to like it too. I try to decorate for both to enjoy.

 I managed to find almost everything I needed for this one at a home decor store, florist and backyard.

I went with a plaid motif and dressed it up a little but still kept it a little rustic. I found a set of chargers to highlight my set of pottery dishes. All in all, even with fresh flowers, it was an inexpensive table setting.

I used some plaid scarfs for table runners and added my red chargers and plates. 

I found some stuffed plaid deer ornaments that I really though the young ones would love. Later they can take it home for their tree.

I folded wire ribbon to act like a pocket for the silverware. This way I can use any napkins I choose.

I love using fresh flowers and at Christmas using greens. An inexpensive way is to cut from the yard if you are able. I also used birch logs for my centerpiece.

 I stacked three logs and started adding white mini carnations, green spider mums and greenery. Eucalyptus mixed with pine and flowers made this pop on the table and it smells wonderful.

The last thing I did was add that sweet little reindeer and the glass vases.

Plaid is so popular this year. He look so good in it too! 

Love the way the table looks. I think the family will love it too.

Filled the large vases with pine cones and wrapped it in the same plaid ribbon that I used for the flatware. It gave height to the table.

It feels so festive. No table is complete till the family gathers around it. 

I think we will enjoy this one this year.

What will you decorate with this year?