That she blows! Or maybe I should I say “thar she glows!” Either way, we got ‘er up.
And this year the theme was:
- free stuff we already had (no getting in the car to go fetch anything, since we feared that would cost us another week to get things up)
- nothing pointy/hard/breakable (for bean safety reasons)
- color, color, color (just like our tabletop tree in the living room)
So yes, we gave our full-sized tree a whole new look (see what it looked like in 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007 here) using stuff that we already had in the house, like a bunch of leftover paint chips from my bin.
Yes, I save old paint chips to reuse them for things like this art project…
… and this temporary postcard ledge arrangement (from our first house’s office)…
… and this year’s tree project:
First I cut them into strips (so I got 2-3 ornaments out of each leftover Benjamin Moore paint chip) and then used a hole puncher to make a hole…
… which I then used to loop twine and string from my craft bin to hang them. I love that they’re like modern little colorful icicles that cover the tree. And of course the fact that they were all f-r-e-e didn’t hurt either.
The other main element of decoration on the tree is a few spools of ribbon from the gift wrapping closet (snagged on clearance from Michael’s last Christmas). We just unrolled them, found the center point and folded it over the top of the tree, so the same amount of ribbon dangled down each side of the tree in an upside-down V shape. Oh and the “tree skirt” is just three faux sheep skins from Ikea (they’re sort of a holiday tradition at this point).
I even had some leftover ribbon to make a little bow at the top. Aw, shucks. Our tree is definitely a gal this year.
Oh and you’ll probably notice two things from this picture…
- We had yet to “catch up” with our advent calendar when we took these pics (the second we got the tree up we excitedly snapped these photos) – but Clara and I have since hung 12 advent ornaments on the tree – so we’re back to one a day from here on out.
- We did some quick mantel decorating in the kitchen, let’s take a closer look:
I added some old feather trees on the floor (from Target, a few years back) along with two ceramic birds up on the mantel (like two white Christmas doves) from an estate sale a few years ago. I also added in the little thrift store rocking horse that I painted for Clara (more on that here). And of course I hung our stockings from Target a few years ago (backwards this year – just to spice it up)…
It might look like those three stockings mean that Burger didn’t get one… but of course he did! John and I actually share one (labeled “Mom and Dad”) and then there’s Clara’s stocking and Burger’s stocking:
I also stuck a basket full of gifts in the fireplace (actually they’re fakers, see how I made those here).
One of the most fun things about the new doorway between the kitchen and the dining room is that we can enjoy the tree from the kitchen too. See it peeking around the corner of the opening?
Never would have gotten to enjoy that view if the wall didn’t come down a little while ago. Yay, demo!
It’s so nice to see something festive in the dining room (the big tree), the kitchen (the holiday mantel), and the living room (our tabletop tree). Aw, Christmastime, how do I love thee. Let me count the trees, er, ways.
So that’s the inside of the house all decorated for ya. Well most of it (I still have a holiday frame gallery project to shoot and share with you guys). Oh yeah, and for the first time ever we decorated the outside of our house too! We’re talking lights and stars and even a homemade wreath and some bright red ceramic-looking reindeer. That’s right, we went all out. Pics to come as soon as we can snap them and write something up!
Psst- We’ll be back with a kitchen update tomorrow for ya! Lots of the stuff that we’re working on is extremely detail oriented (ex: cutting down an old cabinet to make a smaller one that “matches” the rest of the kitchen and houses a built-in microwave), but we’re moving just as fast as we can!
Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15!
Julia says
Your tree looks absolutely fantastic! It’s soo creative! Oh, and don’t stress too much about your site crashing, I don’t mind the weird format as long as I get to read your post and see the pics :)
Erika says
I love your tree decorations, it reminds me of those Sherwin Williams commercials where everything is made out of the paint chips!
Chels says
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that something weird is happening with the website. I got a message that said “error connecting to database” when I first tried to check you out this morning. Once the site loaded, it looks like you’re missing a CSS sheet somewhere, since everything’s in the wrong place and not stylized like it normally is. (Try clearing your history/cache if you don’t see what I’m looking at).
YoungHouseLove says
You’re not the only one, we’ve been furiously working on things since crashing two hours ago. Ack! Thanks for bearing with us!
xo,
s
Todd says
Found your blog last week and absolutely love it! I’ve been enjoying catching up on all the past posts.
I noticed looking at your previous year’s Christmas trees that you’ve used the furry tree skirt a few times; it’s such a great textural element! Unless I missed it I haven’t seen any references to it. Is it specifically design to be a tree skirt? Is it repurposed? Details please! :) Thank you for sharing your adventures!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s actually three faux sheepskin rugs that we have from Ikea! I just toss them down in a circle and call it a day!
xo,
s
Kathryn / Eventually Ever After says
Wow, the paint chips as ornaments is really creative. I love it! Enjoy the beautiful tree.
natalie says
I love using Paint Chips- minus the embarrassing looks you get inside Home Depot when you are hoarding them.
I used them to make a simple Easter Egg garland- you can see it here:
http://www.mintlovesocialclub.com/2011/04/easter-egg-garland.html
Could be easily done in xmas trees or “snowmen” shapes!
-Natalie
Kim says
Creative tree! Love the fireplace, too. I don’t mind the “glitchy” site-it makes me appreciate more how hard it must be to do the computer side of the blog.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kim! As an update for everyone waiting for the site to be fixed, we have been working on nothing else or the last 4.5 hours (and are getting closer, but this crash was a doozie)! We hope to share this afternoon’s giveaway soon (it’s a really fun one, but we can’t share it until we get things back in working order. Argh- we could use a Christmas blog miracle!
xo,
s
Heidi Seawell says
I love the paint chips! Totally perfect for the tree of two DIYers!
Jenn M. says
dang it! i wish this post was from last friday before i decorated my tree :)
re your website also, weird that IE keeps asking for security certificate and is not loading your images unless i allow the blocked content. plus the formatting is all weird. i check your site everyday and its only today that this happened.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we had some issues after we crashed this morning that hung around for hours. Hope it’s all taken care of now though (at least 95% of it- still having some roving glitches, but we’re on it). Sorry for the issues!
xo,
s
Kelly says
That tree looks so lovely lit up. And being able to see it from the kitchen is just such a wonderful thing. So glad you opened her up. Great idea with the paint chips.
My new apt has a fireplace, but no mantel. Didn’t let that stop me from decorating it as IF there was a mantel, thanks to some 3M command hooks. Woot!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8237960@N06/6429549083/in/photostream/
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty and festive!
xo,
s
Melissa Mills says
Is it just me? Your site is all weird. the bakcground is gone and the headliner is just a pic of your house?
So odd!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we crashed this morning at 10am and have been fighting to get things restored ever since (the last five hours have felt like five days). We think we have most of it square now, and hope the site looks ok from here on out (there are some spotty glitches here and there, but it seems to be coming back). Thanks for bearing with us!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Beautiful! I love how you got creative with the paint chips and I am always a fan of ribbon on trees! I’m excited to see the outdoor decorations!
Janice says
Thanks for the idea for the ribbons! I’ve got my first Christmas tree this year and got ribbons to use instead of garland, but was still trying to figure out how I wanted to put them on.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, glad to help! Send us pics!
xo,
s
Krystal says
Love it! I’m a huge fan of any and all paint chip craftiness, but I think it might find it’s way out in the foreseeable future. As of January 1st, I know that many stores are going to start charging for paint chips just because people abuse them for projects like this and the wall art :( I cashier at Menards and we already had to put in place a “5 chip limit” because we couldn’t keep some of them in stock. Women will literally fill an entire bag with them at one go.
YoungHouseLove says
We definitely agree that smuggling chips for projects is NOT the way to go! As we mentioned in this post, we recycle paint chips that we already have leftover from previous projects. So chips and swatches that we consider for rooms like our bedroom and our kitchen don’t get thrown away, we save them in a basket for later projects.
xo,
s
Kelly says
I love the view of the tree from the front door that shows the opening and the hallway. I had completely forgotten that the hallway opened into the dining room for some reason!
Nicole says
Please tell me this tree is a joke. It looks ridiculous. Wait…I think you’ve inspired me. Next year I’m going to decorate my tree with tampon wrappers. /sarcasm. I can’t believe this blog gets national attention with laughable ideas like this.
YoungHouseLove says
Happy holidays to you and your family!
xo,
s
sallie says
believe it, sister! this blog is amazing. (no sarcasm)
Heather W says
Ahhh cool, I get it they are home decorating bloggers who decorated their tree with paint chips… and you are obviously … well someone who would have enough tampon wrappers to decorate a tree. Totally get it!!!
Merry Christmas!
linda says
Considering most people in the middle of a major kitchen rehab wouldn’t even have a tree, I’m thinking the tree is pretty cool, particularly given how Sherry seems to paint a wall at the drop of a hat.
Also, very glad your glitch is resolved – you should see us having tantrums at work when the system gets glitchy.
alex says
…wow. Sherrys response is 2011’s nicest comeback…some of us would have been less than nice in our responses…its okay that you dont like something…its even okay to tell them its not your thing…but my god, that is probably the rudest comment ive seen that made it through. At least hey are doing what truely makes them happy and making a living off of it and putting themselves out there…but happy holidays to you indeed…apparently you dont have much of it coming around…i love your tree, its different, its colorful, its safe and I think there is a nice paper theme…cute.
Melissa Peterson says
It’s really too bad that some people’s parents don’t teach them that old adage about, “If you can’t say something nice… don’t say anything at all.” Cheers to you Sherry! You are a much bigger person than I am. :) Happy Holidays to you all!
Rachel says
Very nice reply Sherry (much nicer than I could muster, that is for sure!).
I love your tree and is it bad that we just put the lights on ours (and decided to skip the ornaments as the pups will just knock them down anyhow haha).
Happy Holidays to you and your family. Stay positive! :-)
Rachel
heather says
“Or maybe I should I say “thar she glows!” Either way, we got ‘er up!”
Hahaha you sure did! Welcome back!
YoungHouseLove says
Whew- this site crash was the worst one yet. Seriously, I am not a complainer, but there were tears. And it took way too many hours of struggling to get things back up (they’re still glitchy but we think it’s coming along). So sorry for the trouble!
xo,
s
heather says
$herdog! Aww man, I lost my entire site after an update a while back and I had to recreate a lot of it. Thankfully I had my style.css saved. I won’t upgrade my theme ever again until I can create a child theme from scratch (which I have had no luck with yet). I can’t imagine if it was my dolla dolla bills maker for the entire house – I would have been totally bent out of shape – probably like a parallelogram.
We all totally understand internet gliches and the b.s. that computers cause sometimes. No apologies needed, at all. I hope the tears have dried up and you do something relaxing tonight – get those cortisol levels down.
And seriously, you are allowed to complain about this. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for understanding Heather! I don’t quite know why it’s so frustrating at the time (lack of control? the unsteady feeling of somehow losing things forever? the minutes feeling like hours while you wait to see if each experimental change will fix things?) but looking back I always wish I were more chill about it. I have yet to master the zen art of blog crash reaction. Haha.
xo,
s
Laura says
Love it! It’s super fun being able to see into the kitchen from this angle, too and seeing it be in use. As much as I love the regular kitchen updates, it almost seems like a bigger thing just being able to see the opening as a part of regular house happening. If that makes sense.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’re totally having fun snapping different angles for you guys! And just settling in with the new flow and open-ness. So happy about the ol’ opening! Haha.
xo,
s
Kat says
I love your tree! I have a 4-month-old baby boy, so this is my last year to enjoy my breakable ornaments for a while, which is a lot of them! I do have some awesome Christmas fabric star and ice cream cone ones my grandma made, but I’ll be looking for inexpensive or free ideas to fill my tree next year when the little one is mobile.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, the fabric ice cream cone decorations sound so charming! Good luck!
xo,
s
Debbie says
it took us the better part of a day & night, but we finally got our tree downed, trimmed & decorated. turns out just because the bf is a proud finlander & can do many things well (fly a plane, safari hunt, dive shipwrecks, repel climbing, etc….) lumberjacking isnt something he should ever put on his resume. walking our 8 acres to find the perfect 28 foot norway pine tree & even cutting it down & log chaining it to the side by side was the easy part. the rest was fodder for that slapstick sitcom that ive been writing in my head for years now. but when we finally got it erected w/ the 26 strands of white lights i purchased & the ornaments i inherited from my dads 96 yr old best friend who recently passed away in our great room of our log cabin, in front of those floor to ceiling a-frame windows, it all became worth it. but i am soooooo hiring someone else to take it down. *sorry if this appears multiple times, im assuming im not the only one having a hard time posting.
Heidi P. says
So clever! How do you do it!
I was going to ask about the mirror, but I read some of the comments, so I won’t make you answer that question again. Just want to say I looove it.
I don’t know if you remember my Jason-proofing of our Christmas tree, but I was right – there is no such thing. He brought the whole tree down this morning. :( And that was after throwing his cereal bowl and shattering it. Oy that child! It’s a good thing for both of us he takes a nap every day.
And so glad your site is back up. At first I thought it was just my computer.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad you like it! And oh man- so sorry to hear that Jason is so… persistent? Curious? Those can also be very good things, so here’s hoping by next Christmas he’ll be happy to have a chrstmas tree standing (as opposed to falling). Good luck!
xo,
s
GreenInOC says
Wow – paint chips? Who knew how amazing those would look?!?!?
Double $herdog!!
I think instead of referring to the issues as a blog crash, perhaps you should consider just saying that you’re doing the retro 1994 blog look – you know, for old times sake!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’re going old school. Argh. Hope we/re back in 2011 again soon!
xo,
s
Caitlin @ Hardly Housewives says
LOVE handmade and family-made ornaments. Those are definitely my favorites from my family Christmas trees growing up and when I have kids, I can’t wait to do the same. In the meantime, I’m making one ornament a day (some are kid friendly and some are decidedly NOT kid friendly) until Christmas. Check it out:
http://www.hardlyhousewives.com/search/label/Christmas
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing and so creative! Thanks for sharing the link!
xo,
s
Karen L. says
Have to post again today…..I think y’all are awesome and so polite and kind to all who write—-even to a strange one with ugly comments. It would have been so easy today to be “short” with someone while you’ve been dealing with tough computer issues. Love your tree and your ingenious ways with your sweet home! Merry Chipmas!! (Get it?!) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Karen!
xo,
s
Heather W says
Love the new mirror. Have you always had that or is it new and where did you get it. Love it!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from jossandmain.com a while back (took us a while to hang it). The funny thing is that we have already rehung it in the living room (it looks so great with the rug and the curtains in there over the desk) and have rehung the mirror from over the desk in there in the kitchen. Love me some switch-age. Haha.
xo,
s
Heather W says
Ohhh I can see that in your living room for sure. I have a mirror over my fireplace too but I think it needs something meatier. I love switching things up too. Can’t wait to see updated pics.
=)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Heather!
xo,
s
Heather W says
Ohh totally forgot but I am in total mourning. Did you all hear that the Nate Berkus show is not being renewed for next season! I am so upset. I LOVE his show and DVR it daily and watch it as soon as I get home. I hope HGTV picks it up or something!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, so sad! I love the idea of HGTV picking it up again! That would be awesome.
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Paint chip idea is fun! Just an idea to mix it up…what if you took some of your strips and punched a hole in both ends, looping it together to look like a tear-drop? That way you could still have all the paint chips, but with more variety in shapes! :) Looks fun though – I especially love your mini-tree in the living room! Might have to do that next year.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh- I love that idea! So much fun! Maybe next year!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Everything looks great as usual. : )
Where did you snag the tree skirt? Love it!!!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s actually three faux sheep shins (we toss them down in a circle and call it a day). Burger likes to snuggle up under there sometimes. So cute!
xo,
s
Molly says
I am totally in love with the white porcelain basket (bowl with holes?) on your dining room table. The only thing like it I can find is a more traditional version at Williams Sonoma. Didn’t see it on your “where we got it” page — so where did you get it??
YoungHouseLove says
We got that from HomeGoods a while back! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Molly says
Ohhh, HomeGoods! Their ever-changing stock is both awesome and frustrating. Definitely have to snap things up when you see them.
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck!!
xo,
s
heartlandfarmhouse says
great tree ~ simple, affordable & elegant just as one would expect.
on another note.
yours was the blog that got me addicted to blogs. i’ve been reading since that bathroom remodel at your old house. i use to comment anonymously as Rebecca, before i had a (just for fun) blog of my own. oddly enough, now that i have a blog i seldom comment, ’cause i’m shy like that i guess. anyway, i’m also the girl who invited you for a house crash if you ever got near a certain pin on that lil map of yours. while i can’t say that my house will ever be ready enough for me to feel comfortable with y’all crashing it, i do have the kitchen pic’s up if you are interested (be for warned it is a former amish house).
heartlandfarmhouse.blogspot.com
thanks for all that you do! this little freebee magazine of yours is a day brightener for sure!
have a blessed day!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! We would love to crash you if we ever make it out that way! Happy holidays to you and yours!
xo,
s
Valenti says
The fact that you guys love to use stuff you already have on hand for all your projects is probably the #1 reason I love you. Those paint chip ornaments look totally awesome on the tree!
Your house feels so open and spacious with the new entryway in the kitchen, I am seriously forever jealous.
Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says
I don’t think my comment went through this morning, but I was just wondering what you do with all your old ornaments since you always have a different theme. Tree looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
We usually end up using some of the ornaments we already have each year (in this case it was all the snowflake ones on our tree and in our advent calendar. But the rest are miraculously stored in just one flat under-bed Tupperware container thing. The shallow depth is perfect for ornaments and you can cram a ton in there!
xo,
s
Ashley says
Gosh! I was starting to get worried for you guys. We’ll call that the “Crash of 2011!” So glad you’re back up and running.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, seriously! It was a doozie! Still catching our breath…
xo,
s
heather s. says
I used what I had this year to make decorations as well!
A banner: http://athomewithh.blogspot.com/2011/11/set-and-match.html
Ornaments: http://athomewithh.blogspot.com/2011/11/yep-more-ornaments.html
http://athomewithh.blogspot.com/2011/11/very-bookish-christmas-part-2.html
http://athomewithh.blogspot.com/2011/11/very-bookish-christmas-part-1.html
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!!!
xo,
s
Maky says
This is not related to your post (lovely tree, btw!) but for some unexplainable reason I searched for your book on Amazon UK to see if maybe, maybe it was ready to pre-order (no dice!). Instead, the search for Petersik came up with this!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Young-House-Love/dp/B0038BS1DQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323716290&sr=8-2
Did ya know you were on Kindle?
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That’s crazy! I love that it’s the old header. Too funny!
xo,
s
Alondra says
I have actually seen that for some time now- just thought you guys knew about it already! It always comes up on the Amazon site when I do a search for your “store”. Always gets me a little frustrated and I have to come back to YHL and click on the Amazon logo- haha!
YoungHouseLove says
No way- that’s so funny. I don’t know how we’ve missed it!
xo,
s
johnna says
I thought you got rid of your IKEA rugs…cause they weren’t so faux????
YoungHouseLove says
Ikea has been selling faux ones for the last year as an alternative! And they’re cheaper too! Yay. We went crazy and bought three of them a while back. We even machine wash them!
xo,
s
katrina says
i love your colourful tree idea!!
Tiff says
Or possibley, There she “bows”….?!? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Har-har. You know we love a pun…
xo,
s
Amanda Dodson says
Your creativity knows no bounds!
Hilary says
It has been so hard for me to get in the Xmas spirit lately with how warm it’s been in VA! Thank goodness the temps are dropping (and for eggnog). Love your tree and fireplace :)
Melissa Peterson says
Best. Christmas. Tree. Ever. Such a great/cute/awesome/interesting/clever idea! I love the inspiration you guys provide! Merry Christmas to you all (Burger, too!)!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks – Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
xo,
s
candace says
Your tree is so innovative and kid friendly – I love it!!! You always end up surprising me with the cool stuff you come up with!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Candace!
xo,
s
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
The paint chips do look like icicles, I had thought the same thing. I made free ornaments for our tree this year including some cute dog bone shapes for our pups. I think Burger needs one. :) http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/my-tree-has-gone-to-the-dogs/
Happy Holidays!
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! Love them!
xo,
s
Tarin says
Can we see a view from the dining room of the tree into the kitchen and thru that doorway into the living room of the tabletop tree?
Thanks for letting us watch this all happen. When do you get your own reality show? Actually, you’re too nice and normal for a t.v. reality show, so I will settle for your own web show…produced and directed by you of course :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I wish the tabletop tree lined up with the doorway to the kitchen and the opening to the dining room – that would make a great shot! Sadly the dining room tree is to the left of the kitchen doorway so when you shoot into the kitchen beyond it you only see the mirror above the desk in our living room (the tree is about eight feet to the left of that). Haha, as for a reality show, we’re definitely way too boring for that – we actually have said no to a few TV offers just because we’d have to stop blogging to make it happen and we love blogging way too much to give it up for TV. Haha. But we do like sharing our lives this way… you know, while sitting dorkily behind our laptops.
xo,
s
Erin says
Did I miss a post or did you get a new ceramic dog by the front door? I was so sad about the first one.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh that’s the concrete dog John got me a few years back for Valentine’s Day (my poor ceramic guy is still tragically lost though, someday I hope to get him back though!).
xo,
s
Becky says
What a creative idea for the tree and so perfect for little Clara! I am just amazed at how awesome your house is coming along. These shots really show how well your demo opened up the space. I bet it is an extreme joy for you three… err four! Happy Holidays!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw shucks Becky, you’re sweet. Happy holidays to you and yours!
xo,
s
Kath says
Pretty!! Love your paint chip ornaments – totally appropriate :)
mp says
Love it!!! So beautiful and simple, elegant and classy. And very bean-friendly.
I was in the Buford Road/Jahnke Road vicinity today and thought of y’all.
YoungHouseLove says
You were totally in our stomping ground! Wish we had run into you!
xo,
s
Dana says
(sorry if this is a duplicate comment but I can’t find the one I made earlier) Love your tree.. it looks awesome. Do you remember where you got the Dandelion print in your bedroom? THe one next to the DIY paint chip piece. thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Ikea a while back (maybe two or three years ago?). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ampi says
Great ideas! I especially like the idea of using paint chips. It’s inexpensive, unique, and a great way to recycle and keep more junk out of the landfills. Great job.