Christmas idea #11

Renee has two great ideas for making Christmas decorations with store bought frames.  She also uses the same monogram stamp set we showcased earlier in the week for the product challenge.  

Easy is good... on Dec 16th.

 Christmas Frames 

artist Renee Camacho 

I purchased several photo frames at Pottery Barn last year during their after Christmas clearance sales.  I knew that eventually I’d actually find a use for them that was perfect for me and the way I decorate at Christmas time.  I love to keep things simple, with little splashes of color mixed in a monochromatic color scheme.  Since I take (or at least ATTEMPT to take) a photo of our kids for the Christmas card every year at this time, it seemed fitting to make a monogrammed picture ornament.  (and if you know me at ALL, you know I LOVE all things monogram and showcase our ‘C’ throughout our house all year long as well as the #5…because there are 5 hooligans in this house, lol!)

ANYHOO – the frame itself was rather simple, so I knew I wanted to make it just a bit sparkly (to match all of my German glitter and clear glass ornaments on our main Christmas tree).  And of course, I love red, but really didn’t want to make the picture black & white, so I decided to change out the ribbon, too.

I printed the photo and mounted it onto blank chipboard for added stability and covered the backside with 7Gypsies patterned paper (the 6x6 paper pads are PERFECT for adding interest to smaller projects like these).
I stamped the C monogram onto vintage text paper and punched it out.  I then mounted it on a circle chipboard piece that was covered with an additional stamped vintage paper on the backside.  I punched a hole in the top and bottom to add my ribbon and crystal for the perfect finishing touch.

AND since simple is always best in my opinion, but you can be TOO plain, as well…I had to add a trio of buttons and a stamped & embossed Family trimmed cardstock to the backside as well as the date of the photo (because you know I AM turning 36 on Sunday and that old memory will quickly fade away soon!)

I LOVE how this turned out and was so happy to be able to turn our traditional kids annual photo into something that I can now put on the tree each year.


Supply list for Christmas Photo Ornament:
Venice 6x6 paper variety pack
Monogram: classic alphabet
Seam Binding: Gypsy Market
Princesca Hardware
97% certifiable Round Clear stamps
Family Clear stamps
Blank chipboard
Other: cardstock, pop-dots, vintage text paper, black ink, clear embossing powder, vintage buttons, circle punch

Christmas Frame Stand

artist Renee Camacho

I like to have little vignettes of decorations around my home along with quotes and pictures.  One of the things that I like to do is create paper projects for various frames to be added into the mix…
Here’s a frame that I found on clearance at TJMaxx.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be PERFECT for this concept…  It stands tall on a stand and will add height and interest to my little Christmas vignettes (once I get the 10 Christmas Rubbermaid totes out of the garage and actually have stuff decorated!...ha!)

Directions:
1.  Cut a 5x7 cardstock base.
2.  Trim edges of base with various scraps of paper, gold trimmings, and chipboard accent pieces (all from my leftover pile…which is WAY TOO LARGE, lol)
3.  Cut cardstock and patterned paper rectangles of various sizes, rounding the edges with a corner rounder punch.
4.  Lightly ink the edges of each piece using vintage paper ink pad.
5.  Attach each piece onto cardstock base.
6.  Adhere various accents such as rhinestones, buttons, and stickers.
7.  Slide finished piece into frame and display.
TIP-Make this decorated frame a permanent display by creating a unique 5x7 insert for each season.  I imagine this particular frame will find a home on my entry table with a little seasonal vignette.  It will be fairly easy to change them out AND make such a cute piece to catch the eye. 
 
ANOTHER NOTE:  I removed the glass insert so that the bulkier items fit without a problem.  If you feel you need the glass, just use flat items for accent. 
 
Supply List for the frame stand:
Victoria 97% complete tags
ATC transparencies
97% complete stickers: joy
Gypsy Market scrap pack: 8x8
ATC Chipboard: decorative
Misc: buttons, rhinestones, felt leaf, gold trimmings and stars, vintage text paper