Home for the Holidays

 
What a busy weekend we've had.  Teacher conferences, out to catch a college volleyball game with friends, and so much more.  I've been fitting in some craft time here and there ... in between activities and errands.  During my blog travels, these sweet little houses have caught my eye... I'm sure you've seen them too.  I love them so.  They are decorated for Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, and more.  So when Stampin' UP came out with this adorable cottage in our Holiday Mini Catalog, I had to get one.  It has been sitting in my craft room ever since ... waiting patiently for me ... and I must admit I didn't know where to start.  But once I did - I couldn't walk away.  I'm sure to make one for each of my seasonal displays!

The cottage itself comes in 5 pieces that are pre-cut and scored.  It was really super easy to put together.  Before I assembled the parts, I covered each with Designer Series Papers.  You may recognize the polka dots from the Love Letter collection.  Under the buttons on the roof, I added silver Waffle Paper ... it makes a fantastic roofing material.  The large star is chipboard from On Board Mix & Match which I painted red and covered with Silver Glass Glitter.  It stands tall glued to the cottage chimney.

The happy family inside can be seen putting up their Christmas Tree.  These sweet silhouettes stamped in Basic Black Classic Ink are from our Welcome Christmas stamp set.  The door and windows are  Riding Hood Red cardstock covered in Modge Podge and dipped in Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Wouldn't a glittered door be wonderful?  To create the window frame shapes I used our Decorative Label Punch and Designer Label Punch.

Rosettes made from long strips of Designer Series Paper adorn the sides of the cottage.  The gorgeous button is from Deck the Halls Designer Buttons.  I ordered bags of this collection as well as Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons ... they are large, wonderful, and too good to pass up.

Of course, no home would be complete without the warmth of a greeting.  Also from our Welcome Christmas stamp set and embellished with Pearl Jewels , these words wish blessings to all who visit.

You can see more winter scenes at these lovely blogs ...
Lil' Red Wagon asks everyone to use the color red this week!
Paper Sundaes says "Let it Snow"!
ABC Christmas Challenge  celebrates W for Winter Wonderland!

I hope my "home" inspires you to create decorative hand-made items too.  Thank you for stopping by!


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