Art is Found! And so are decorations.
New post at The Art is Found! And here's what I did.
Since we're in a new house this year, it's been taking me a while to figure out solutions for holiday decorations. By the time I'm done with everything, Christmas will be over! But it's okay, because I love the process.
One of the issues with the new house, is that traditionally, the stockings would be hung on the mantel... except we have no mantel! So, I decided to find a solution that would be a bit modern, and a bit quirky. I'm not even sure how my progression of thoughts turned into this. But here we have it! Our stocking tree!
I applied wood grain contact paper to a sheet of posterboard. Then, I drew out the outline of the tree and cut it out. To apply it to the wall, I used rubber cement. It dries quickly (but I secured it with painters tape while it dried) and peels off easily. After Christmas, I will take down the stockings, and leave the wall decal for part of my winter decorating. When it comes time to take down the decal for Spring, the rubber cement rubs right off and leaves no residue. It's amazing, really. I use it for everything....
I also made the stockings. No, I didn't knit them. I just went to the thrift store and bought some sweaters I liked. Cut them up. And made these! :) The stocking tree is one of the few decorating choices I've made that I think looks a lot better in person. It's so hard to get photos of our front door because there is only a few feet in between that wall and the other wall. It's our entry area, and on the wall across from the front door is our Christmas tree. I figured, that way, Santa will be able to easily spot the stockings. :)
Which... I've been wanting to share my feelings of Santa and Christmas. I think I will save that for another post.
Because I also wanted to share with you something I did with the scraps from the posterboard.
I always wanted to decorate the panels on the old doors in our house... so I thought little leaf-less trees would be perfect for this time of year! I think they look really sweet.
So there's a few ideas for ya! I think it's so easy to make wall decals... I don't know why I've never done it before!
you are genius!
This is about the cutest flippin' thing I've seen in the way of innovative Christmas DIY decor!
I think you can take your trees into spring with something clever....maybe some Hambly?
Posted by: kim whitten | December 15, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Adorable!
Posted by: Serena | December 16, 2008 at 12:27 AM
LOVE, LOVE!
I tried sticking wood grain contact paper directly on my plaster walls once. They were scallops above the molding on our entry from living to dining room. They were fine for two weeks and then I'd have to re-stick the tops every three or four hours as the humidity made them droop.
It got to be annoying so I took them down. I think I'll try out your rubber cement idea, though, because much fun is to be had with wood grain contact paper.
I really think your holiday ideas are some of my favorites online.
Posted by: Rachel Denbow | December 16, 2008 at 01:02 AM
Hey, love this idea! I actually have a few branches in my room that I made a few months ago, and the word "Love" in my living room in woodgrain contact paper, I love making decals out of it, it's addicting! Gorgeous idea with the stocking though, wow!
Posted by: Genevieve | December 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM
such a fab idea...saw it over at the art is found.
also wanted to say that your page in CK this month flippin' rocks.
seriously girl...it blows everything else out of the water...great job!!
Posted by: emily anderson | December 16, 2008 at 02:39 PM
So cute! Love the stocking trees :) A while ago I saw something (and I want to say on designspongeonline?) about using ummm (this isn't going well!) cornflour paste (or something) to attach fabric decals. Anyways that rubber cement looks like it's keeping christmas on track ;)
Posted by: rose | December 16, 2008 at 02:49 PM
love the trees and stockings!!
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Posted by: lizzy | December 16, 2008 at 03:02 PM
genuis.
Posted by: Kara | December 16, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I loooove the trees..great idea
Posted by: elisa P | December 18, 2008 at 04:23 PM
what are your thoughts about Santa and Christmas?? You've totally got my interest peaked.
and this is such a great idea.
Posted by: dani | December 19, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Your craftiness always amazes me. The tree decal is adorable, and will look great for a long time!!! You go girl!
Posted by: Jess | December 21, 2008 at 12:49 PM
My elder sister loves decorating her place. These ideas would flourish her. Height of creativity!!
Posted by: Dazy | March 19, 2009 at 08:10 AM