day 2 - christmas memorabilia holder from just be me!

After falling in love with the Christmas Card Holder in my current Pottery Barn catalogue, I was hoping to recreate it for a fraction of the price. Although I wasn't sure if it would work at first, I LOVE how easy it was, and the final result turned out great. I can't wait to fill it with memorabilia from this month of celebrating and fun. I'm also planning to use it year round, to showcase favorite photos or other little things that bring me joy.

Step 1: Find a frame and "gut" it. You will only need the frame and any materials to hang it up. (I reused that too.) I found this frame at the local antique mall for only $9.00!

Step 2: Grab some supplies and head outside to spray paint. Notice I also brought candy, as no crafting project is complete without it!

Step 3: Spray frame until covered, or until your likeness. I left a small bit of gold showing on the inside for added texture and color. Let it dry, as you enjoy your treat of choice.

Step 4: Once dry, it's time to gather more supplies. (Of course you could do that while it dries, but I prefer to eat candy instead!) You'll need a level, sharpie (my other must have when creating), strong tape, scissors, metal clips and your string of choice. I used very thin twine by American Crafts, and Tim Holtz clips. Using the level, mark every 3.5 inches, or any size depending what you want it to look like.

Step 5: Once your lines are measured and marked, cut the twine and tape on each marking. Make sure to make them extra long, so you have room to pull them tight, and to staple. Continue until all are added. Press the tape firmly into the wood, and check that they are level and lined up to your liking.

Step 6: Now the fun with "tools" begins. Grab a staple gun, staples, more candy if needed, and if your husband is willing to help, grab him too. Mine offered, so of course I took him up on it. The goal is to pull the twine as tight as you can, then add the final staples. Don't worry about taking the tape off, it will just help the staples and twine stay in place.

Step 7: Once all staples are in place, trim the excess off.

Step 8: Add your favorite photos or holiday items using the metal clips. This would also be a fun advent calendar, taking off a card each day, etc. So many possibilities for just a small amount of work! And now, the final product!

Thanks so much for allowing me to share in the fun! Feel free to check out more about me at
http://www.erinwells.typepad.com/, and email me if you have questions or suggestions! I'd love to hear from you and see your creations!

Happy Holidays and Merry Crafting!