"Dad" Magnetic Board

The magnetic board pictured above was a custom order that I was able to try some "new to me" techniques. Through some trial and error, I finally was able to complete it! Here is what I did that finally worked:

1. The frame came without a back, so I cut some plywood to fit the frame.

2. I then cut some metal the size of the wood and used liquid nails to adhere it to the wood.

3. Once that was done I designed the saying on my computer and printed it off on fabric, using my laserjet printer.

4. I then ironed on some backing and did a messy stitch around the edges to attach it to the burlap (which I cut a little larger than the wood backing).

5. Next came attaching the burlap to the backing, which I used Elmer's permanent bond spray adhesive.

6. I wanted to use upholstery nails, in the corners of the fabric with the saying on it, but they were too long and would stick out the back of the wood, so I decided to cut off the nail part and glued them in the corners. Worked great!

7. For the magnets, I used some old keys and metal buttons.

8. The frame was stained somewhat, so to make it look more rustic, I sanded it and applied Antiquing Glaze.

If you like this idea and would like to place an order, please email me at: judesigns@hotmail.com. You can also check out some of my other designs on my facebook page at: www.facebook.com/dippitydot.

Christmas Decorations - 2012

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior. ~by Max Lucado

I absolutely love this time of year for several reasons...there are many opportunities to spread the love of Jesus by serving and giving, beautiful decorations and lights everywhere, yummy food, a great excuse to get together with family and friends, need I say more? One of my favorite quotes is "The magic of Christmas is not in presents, but in His presence." I pray that you will find the peace and rest you need in Jesus' presence.

Here are a few photos of Christmas decorations at my house. I love decorating in red, white, and silver! I was also wanting to add another splash of color, but just didn't find what I was looking for this year, so I will keep looking. :) Above is a photo of our tree and fireplace. I was excited to find a nice long berry garland for 80% off after Christmas last year and I think it looks great on top of the mantel. This year we gave my kiddos teachers poinsettias, so we were able to enjoy them around the bottom of the tree for awhile, until giving them to them. The photo below is of the bulb wreath I made a couple of years ago. I thought it would look nice hanging on my mirror above the couch this year.

The photo below is of a unique glass candle holder I found at a thrift store that I filled with bulbs and put berry sprays around it as well as added a small figurine of little sledders. It works perfect on the metal shelving beside our couch!

Above is a photo of the ledge above our back door. It is fun to decorate it with our larger nativity set. Someone gave me an old wood piece out of an old dresser drawer and I thought it worked perfectly for turning into a "Noel" sign. The photo below are the decorations on top of our armoire in the family room.

The photo above is the decorations on a wall in my kitchen area. The photo below is the decor on my kitchen table. The glass lid came from a thrift store as well as the trees, bench, and lamps inside. I thought it would be fun to create a mini winter scene for this table top display.

The photo above is a display that I have on one of my kitchen counters. The "True love was born in a stable" frame I made last year and grouped it with a couple of sprays and one of my favorite nativity plaques. The photo below is the decorations on top of my fridge. I love finding unique bargains and everything in this photo was either found at a thrift store or on the clearance after Christmas sale racks!

Here are some photos of my front dining room. The photo below shows how we are using the old screen door I made a few months ago to display our Christmas cards. I also made a "Joy" banner out of recycled cardboard and old hymn book pages to hang on it. The garland on the top was also purchased 80% off last year after Christmas!

BEFORE PHOTO: Below is a before photo of some items I picked up a thrift stores and the dollar store with a plan in mind. ;)

AFTER PHOTO: The photo below shows how I used some of the items for my dining room table centerpiece. I spray painted the $1 ceramic house white as well as some of the trees. I have the winter display on a glass cake stand, with a glass cover I found on clearance a few years ago, and setting in a vintage mirror jewelry tray that I spray painted. I also added some berry sprays and evergreen sprays to finish the centerpiece.

AFTER PHOTO: The photo below is what the gold reindeer looks like after I spray painted it. I like it so much better!