Merry Christmas!

Nativity, mixed media digital illustration, 2013

Things cooper ate

Ironically, a pen from the dog school we took him to.

Christmas decorating - bannister

As a first time home-owner I'm excited to figure out ways to decorate for Christmas- on a budget of course! I love to mix and match items from different places and did so for our staircase. 

We spent about $20 on Christmas ornaments and ribbon from the dollar store. I try to buy multi-item packages, with a few fancier single ornaments. I always try to buy an odd number so I can easily group ornaments.

The garlands were $4 at Target. I fluffed them and hung them first. Then I separated the gold and silver balls I purchased and tried to evenly divide them in the sections of the garland. I made sure the 'key' ornaments were hung first, then I framed them with the basic balls. 

Finally I added the bows. I made them after searching online for a garland bow tutorial. It was pretty easy! It takes a full 9 foot roll to make one bow. Best thing is that you make them once and then just reuse them. 

I still want to add a string of lights and probably some handmade paper ornaments, but overall I'm happy with how this came out!