need some holiday inspiration?

Published on by Quandie

As I think I may have mentioned, my sister and I are off visiting our mom this week (she lives just outside Las Vegas).  Mom’s birthday is on Halloween!  So we thought it would be nice to fly out and spend her birthday with her.

Initially we were just going to hang out at her house, but then we decided to take a road trip to Zion National Park.

It’s only a little over two hours away by car and we’ve never been.  So why not?

While I’m off enjoying some hiking in Zion, and soaking up some sunshine in Vegas, it is rapidly moving from fall into winter back home.  My biggest complaint about fall is that it’s always too short.  The forecast this week at home calls for highs in the 30’s, and the possibility of snow on Tuesday.  Ahhhh, trick or treating in the snow, how fun.

Since fall is over and winter is here, I thought you all might appreciate a little inspiration to kick off your holiday crafting season.

So, let me direct you to the right hand side of the page (if you’re reading this on a computer screen) just below the search box, but above the thumbnail photos, you’ll find the word ‘sorted.’ with a box below it where you can select a category.  Scroll through to ‘happy holidays.’ and click on it.

This will bring up all of my holiday related posts.

You may have to skip one or two posts about painted pumpkins, or a Valentine’s Day toolbox, but for the most part this category is filled with Christmas decor ideas.

Just start scrolling to find inspiration for stenciling Christmas stockings.

Or making your own Christmas gift wrap, either with paint and stencils …

or with stamps …

You can get inspired to dress up a pair of ice skates …

and you’ll find lots of ideas for stenciling a sled.

Or stenciling a wooden box for your Christmas tree.

You could always choose to add an I.O.D. paint inlay to your crate instead.

I’ve got a few ideas for adding a winter vignette to a lantern.

And loads of ideas for turning cast off cupboard doors (find some at your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore) into pegboard signs.

And of course, you could always turn a headboard or foot board into Christmas decor as well.

And don’t forget those kid sized chairs!

They are perfect for the addition of a stencil, transfer or paint inlay!

As are little stools.

It’s always fun to dress up an old kid sized snow shovel too.

Now, just to help you out a bit and encourage you to get in the mood for Christmas, I thought I’d give away some of my favorite paint.  Almost every painted project I’ve shown here was painted in Dixie Belle’s Drop Cloth, Caviar, Honky Tonk Red and/or Evergreen.

So here’s a chance for one lucky winner to try out all four colors!  I’m also including the Country Living Christmas Spectacular which has 136 ideas for a festive season.  OK, the truth is I purchased this magazine for myself only to find out that all of the articles inside were also included in their Christmas at Home book, which I also have.  So I’m passing the magazine on as part of this giveaway.  It really does have some great ideas inside though!

The rules for today’s giveaway:  Simply leave a comment on this blog post (and please forgive me if I don’t respond while I’m out of town, but know that I read and appreciate all of them).

Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram.  You are not required to follow my blog, or follow my Facebook or Instagram accounts, although it would be awesome if you did!

I will randomly draw the name of a winner for today’s prize from all of the comments left on this post by Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the stroke of midnight (U.S. Central time).

The fine print: no purchase necessary, you must be 18 years of age or older to win, void where prohibited by law, the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning, approximate retail value of prize is $160, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, November 10, 2023 another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.

61 thoughts on “need some holiday inspiration?”

  4. We’re trick or treating in the snow with our granddaughter too! Thanks for all the wonderful ideas and for giving me time to do them! Enjoy the warmth while you can!!

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  5. I’m not ready for winter but Michigan mornings are telling me it’s coming! We still have a few patches of brilliant foliage but most trees are in the process of losing their faded leaves. I’m putting on my waders this morning and going into the pond to remove the fountain for the winter. We might as well embrace the winter months with joy and creating beautiful things leads to some joy!

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  6. What a wonderful variety of holiday projects🎄 I remember being enamored with your article on stenciled wrapping paper inspired by your travels.
    Enjoy your time with your mom.

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  8. It would be impossible for me to chose which ONE item is my favorite of your many amazing Christmas creations! I will always oooh over that wrapping paper though, so maybe that? No wait….the sleds…or the wonderful wall signs. Sigh, they’re all so fabulous and inspiring! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your Mom!

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  9. Your posts bring back the incredible feeling of excitement I remember when as a kid in the 50’s my mom and I would drool over all the new holiday issues of those great “ladies’ magazines for ideas and inspiration for Christmas and holiday projects. Creating things centers me; enriches my life and keeps alive my sense of childhood wonder and happiness. Thank you for tapping into that place, for sharing it so generously and encouraging others!!

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  10. Zion National Park is a magical place. So happy you were able to experience it. Thanks for all of the Christmas project information. The holidays are quickly approaching. Enjoy the rest of your visit with your Mom and sister.

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  12. Holiday music plays as I paint chalkware Santas throughout October, Celtic flavored instrumentals doing little to disguise beloved songs from the family. Love this time of year with the crafting and decorating for the holidays!
    Digging out a tired looking sled today, I think. Thank you for all the holiday inspiration. The sled is getting a new coat this winter!

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  13. Thank you for getting me in the mood for Christmas decorating! I was feeling like it’s just so much work to get it all done, but now I’m much more motivated. I think I’ll go back and read a bunch of your previous posts with a nice cup of coffee later today! Have lots of fun on your trip!

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  15. Loved seeing all these. Your Christmas posts are always awesome! I’ve got to find some little deer for a vignette inside a lantern! Enjoy seeing your mom and hiking. I’m sure the temps will be a little milder than Minnesota!

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  17. You have such wonderful inspiration for the holiday season and throughout the year. Have a great time on your vacation.

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  19. Oh my is the “sorted tab”new? I love it what a great format I have always wandered through the “how to “ tab. Enjoy your visit and soak up some warmth.

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  22. your blog inspiration worked & now I am in Christmas spirit! would love to try some of your fav paint colors. I love the skates & the cupboards ,,,, and the headboard ,,,, & yes all of it!!!

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  24. I agree fall is too short in Iowa as well. Though it is supposed to warm up again this weekend. Once last chance to paint in my garage before I have to move everything inside.

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  25. I agree Fall is too short in Iowa as well. Though it is supposed to warm up this weekend. One last chance for painting in the garage before I have to move everything inside.

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  29. Until I see it all together I don’t realize how much you have done over the years. So festive. I’d like to give it a try. I have some old fence pickets that I think would be fun to write different words on and put them out in planters.

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  32. Love all your Christmas ideas but the metal tool box and the cupboard door made into a peg rack ate my favorites. Oh and the stenciled stockings!

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  33. Zion is so beautiful!! My hubby & I made a quick trip there in early May 2021 ( right before my mom had a major back surgery – the trip was to refresh me for the nursing ahead of me lol). The colors were so vivid! Although I have physical limitations, hiking is not really in my wheelhouse but we did make it to the lower pools and s few other gorgeous spots. The tram is such a wonderful help. Enjoy Zion and the visit with your Mom😁

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  34. You are going to love Zion!! My daughter and I were there a couple years ago and its a favorite place for us. I have antique furniture I would love to use some of these paints on. Have a great trip. Its cold back here in Minnesota!!

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  35. Thanks for the inspiration! So many lovely ideas to get those creative juices flowing for holiday and winter decor projects.
    Happy Birthday celebration to your Mom!

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  37. Your blog is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. I recently started on an old tool box, which I never would have tried if I hadn’t seen it on the blog. I am leery of stencils ’cause I am covered in paint the instant I open a jar, and can’t make a straight line. Seeing your work makes me think they’re worth trying for the variety of designs and spirit. They’ll be next on the ‘to attempt’ list. Thanks!!
    Lisa
    PS I am on the email list.

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  39. Fall is way too short here in IN too. We are also expecting a dusting of snow Tues night. I must say the cooler temps do put me in the mood to create Christmas treasures. I’m loving all the inspiring ideas! Thank you! Enjoy the sunshine & family time. 😊

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  40. Enjoy Zion and soak up the sun before you have to hunker down for MN winter! Your post of holiday decorations is helping me look forward to Christmas. Love the deer and tree lantern.

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  42. Thanks for sharing so many great Christmas projects. I always look forward to reading your posts and seeing the latest transformation! Enjoy the time with your Mom. 💕

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  43. So crazy about your Christmas lockbox that I finally caved and bought the exact same lock box on ebay, and bought the same transfers and paint! They say imitation is the highest form of flattery! LOL!

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  44. So much inspiration! One year I did a Quandie sled and another a child’s chair. This year I may attempt a Christmas tool box. Thank you for sharing so many fabulous projects!!

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  45. I love every single one of your posts on so many levels. I have a couple of tool boxes and have been dying to copy you and mimic one of those beauties! I have a pair of skates I’d love to tackle as well. I’d love to win this! Ty for years of inspiration talent and fun!

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  46. So many inspiring creations!!! I think I might try the stockings! The cupboard door (stocking hanger) & Cookies & Milk stool are my favorites! I really admire all of your projects! You are so talented!!! ❤️

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  47. Thanks again for a wonderful viewing of some great Christmas ideas! You never disappoint us with all your great ideas and examples. Just need more hours in each day! Have a Great time with your mom.

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  48. I’ve got a stack of old toolboxes and wooden boxes just waiting for some Christmas inspiration! Thanks! 😉 I really enjoy your posts.

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  50. As snowflakes (on Halloween!) are falling here in Wisconsin, I have to say that this post is very inspiring! Thanks for the opportunity to win those beautiful paint colors and MORE inspiration in that magazine. Enjoy the warmth where you are!

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