I have searched all over town {and the web} for something to decorate my Christmas Mantle with, and I came to the conclusion that I had to take things into my own hands. Literally. Homemade Christmas decorations can be the only way to get the look you want, especially if you have a specific look you are going for. I wanted my décor to be more floofy and femine than years past, but it was hard to find something that fit my vision. So, after searching for awhile on Pinterest {yep, I use it for inspiration at times too!} I remembered an amazing blog called A Place for Us where Destiny made these amazing homemade brown paper flowers.
I knew instantly that I had found the right look! I normally decorate with a lot of colors around here, but lately I’ve leaned toward more neutral tones. I think it’s because my house is already full of color, and I don’t want my home to look like the circus. So, I think that using mostly neutrals for my holiday décor was the only way to go.
I used Destiny’s tutorial to make the paper flowers, but I actually used brown paint masking paper instead of brown paper bags. I had some already in my garage, so it was FREE. Yep, that’s MY kind of decorating. It took a few tries to get the sizes of the petals in the right proportions, but it was super easy once that was out of the way. Then, after the flowers were complete, I dusted them with Krylon’s Gold Glitter Blast to give them the holiday ambiance. 
I also found that affordable stockings are also extremely hard to find. Most stockings are over $15.00 even at Target! OUCH. I searched at HomeGoods because that was the only place that I could find stockings for less than $7.00 each, but I needed SIX, and they never had six that coordinated. So, I took things into my own hands again and homemade these! I made the stockings out of Target placemats and burlap ribbon. They only cost about $3.00 each. I will post the tutorial soon. But believe me, they were super duper easy. 
The best part about making the stockings out of placemats is that the placemats are already lined on the back, so you don’t need any more fabric. You simply just cut the shape and sew it! EASY PEASY.
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I bought these fun reindeer at Michaels {with a coupon} and I think they are soo cute.
I updated our old movie theatre sign with kid-friendly Christmas movies. I thought about the classic Christmas movies first, like “The Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Story,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But, my kids are young, and I ultimately decided that they would like “The Grinch who stole Christmas” and “Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer,” better. 
I added a few simple wreaths around the room and some simple garland too. I also changed our chalkboard to reflect the season. {inspiration photo source here.}
You may notice that you don’t see a Christmas tree in these pictures. It MAY be because I’m saving that for another day, or it MAY be that it’s only half decorated at the moment. Ummmm, yeah, my {almost} two year old is a destroyer.
Oh, and anyone notice my new mantle!?!
I linked this post to the Inspired Room Christmas Home Tour 2012 Linky. It can also be found at the Cottage Magpie.
This is amazing! I love the flowers and the movie marquee!
Love it . I was planning to use A Place for Us brown paper flower instructions too but I have not got to it yet. This makes me want to get to it right away. How long did the project take, including hte time to get the petals sized just right. I usually have all my decorations up by the weekend after thanksgiving but it seems I just can't stop crafting. I love love love the new mantle.
Isn't PInterest the best for inspiration?!?
So fun and festive! Loving the new mantel! Wow!
I am in love with the new mantle. I noticed it right away in all of its white, chippy, beauty. Perfection! Your Christmas decor looks great, too.
Thanks Christy!!!
Love the simple awesomeness of it all Miss Brooke! I love that you used a place mat for your stockings. Do you think that I could glue some together…:) Happy Monday my friend
Tausha!
Thanks friend. xoxo love your guts.
Thanks McKenzie! I love my movie theater sign! I just need those old letters and a marquee pole because I'm terrified of heights and putting vinyl on it scares the bejeezes out of me!
Erica, I had all the flowers made in a day, but I didn't work on them continuously that day. And after I got it down it only took 10 minutes to put together a flower. I started cutting a bunch of petals to have on hand and that sped things up a lot! Good luck!
I LOVE that theatre sign! Such a cool thing to have..You have a beautiful home!
Brooke! Your house looks like so much fun! I love your mantel, and really love that movie theater sign! 🙂
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Those brown paper flowers look great!
First of all, I LOVE your mantle! I remember you guys overhauled that, too, right? Those stockings are adorable. Can't wait to see your tutorial on that one! And the brown paper flowers really top it off and give it a very rustic-y feel. Really pretty. What a fun room!
I bought those same reindeer at Michaels and the flowers go perfect with them! Your mantle suits your house perfectly.
I have those paper flowers pinned forever but not got a chance to make them. Yours look awesome and they coordinate perfectly with the stockings! Happy Holidays!
very nice…