Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Christmas Houses

One of favorite things to make for the big craft boutique at my church each year are these lovely paper mache houses.  I pick them up throughout the year, using coupons, clearance, or any discount I can find.  I have a total of five for the boutique this weekend, but I wanted to share a few of them with you all.  I still have SO much to do to get ready, but I'm on my way.
I painted them with antique white acrylic paint, added vintage sheet music, glittered buttons, and lots of ribbons, trims and sweet little touches.  I tried not to "over-do" them, but it's fun to just keep adding sweet little embellishments everywhere.
I took several photos so that you can see up close how adorable they are.  I doubt mean to sound prideful, I really don't - but they are just too sweet to deny it.  I love vintage, glitter-frosted crafts and these always seem to turn out so nicely.  The lids come off on the style houses above so that you can put fresh baked cookies or a small gift inside.
Those berries have really come in handy.  I got a bag with thousands of them in it on clearance last year after Christmas at my Michaels.  This one bag of berries will last me until Jesus comes!
Finally, this last house is a different style altogether, and the lid on this one does not come off.  It has cut-out windows and no chimney.  I got these ones on a super low clearance last year.  I prefer the ones where the lids come off, but they're still so super cute.
Well, I almost forgot to post my card for this week's Word Art Wednesday Challenge.  Sometimes I get so busy making the blog post over there that I completely forget about my own.  I made this card using October Afternoon Woodland Park papers and stickers.  I really hope that you will stop by and play along with us this week at Word Art Wednesday.  Our challenges are always Anything Goes (meeting challenge guidelines), and we have two fabulous prizes - one from Jelly Park and the other a sweet border die-cut from Cheery Lynn Designs.  We would really enjoy seeing what you create, so come on by and play along with us.
I'm sharing my projects in the following challenges:
 
Twist of Faith Card Challenges - Challenge #66 - Christmas Baubles & Bells
 
The Ribbon Carousel - Challennge #88 - Anything Goes - I love using ribbons and trims on ALL my projects, and would love to win one of the Ribbon Carousel's lovely ribbon carousels.  They are SO sweet!  I think I would use it to store my washi tapes.

My Craft Spot by Kimberly - Challenge #120 - Sparkle & Shine - I used LOTS and LOTS of ultra-fine diamond glitter on my houses (above) for the Sparkle & Shine Challenge this week!

Paper Issues - Challenge:  It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas
 
Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello.  I appreciate your visits, your sweet comments, and I would LOVE to have you as a new "Follower" if you're not already following me.  I will be sure to come by your blog and "Follow" you as well.  It's such a blessing to get inspiration from our bloggy friends.
 
God bless you all!
Karen

26 comments:

  1. I am in love with your sweet little houses!

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  2. Hello Karen, Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! I just love your darling little Christmas houses, they are so beautiful! I love the music paper and all the buttons! I hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving! My dads baby sister came to spend the day with us, we have not seen her in about 30 years. We set up the computers here and in Florida so the she and my dad( he is 90) could talk and see each other, it was so special!
    Have a wonderful evening!
    Pam
    scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

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  3. Super cute creations with fun little details.

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  4. Hello Karen:
    your houses are Amazing and Beautiful just breath taking ! I can not say enough about them Oh I would love to make one just like it for each of my Daughters I would love full info on how you make them and all the things you use... NOW on to your lovely card Very pretty I am so happy I found World Art Wednesday I love playing along. .
    Have a Blessed week
    Hugs
    Dottie
    www.http//somethingcraftybydottie.blogspot.com:

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  5. Oh my goodness! Those houses are stunningly adorable!! Gorgeous from top to bottom. I love all the buttons and sparkle :) They are sure to be a hit...who wouldn't love them?! Have a wonderful week!

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  6. Your card is so sweet, Karen!! And those houses are FABULOUS! Love all the details you've put into them. What great project for the boutique, I'm sure they are a hit! God's blessings to you!!

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  7. Karen these are gorgeous - what a delightful thing to make :-) Your card is another sweet creation too.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  8. Wow!! Such beautiful little houses Karen! and your card is so pretty :)

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  9. Oh my word, Karen!!! This is absolutely stunning. It's obvious...this truly is a labour of Love. Much blessing to you,
    Asha - Sunny Summer Crafts

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  10. Great job Karen,the houses are stunning,all the details and the love you put in them great
    LP Vilinke

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  11. Yes Karen, Please do a tutorial for us on making those houses. Please??? I don't even know how to tell you the impact they have made. They are just outstanding . Carole

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  12. Stunning! You left my mouth wide opened....How cute are they and such a cute idea!!!

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  13. I have never seen those houses before, Karen! The houses you have created are absolutely beautiful! And the sweet little details are wonderful! You work is always so inspirational! I must look for these at the post Christmas sales, too!

    Great card, too!

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  14. wauuuuuu
    fantastic
    I am so impressed
    hugs and blessings
    Tamara

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  15. trop bien, c'est magnifique et tellement créatif, biz

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  16. My dear Karen, I am so thankful for blog friends like you and for all the encouragement I receive specially during this challenging time with my Mom's health. The verse in this week's Word Art is a wonderful reminder for me and I thought I came to your blog to see your card with it but what a surprise I got with the gorgeous Christmas houses! I don't know what it is about music sheets and bookpaper. I just love projects that have them! And all the details and the red and green trim make them look so Christmasy! Blessings and hugs,
    peggy

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  17. Karen thanks so much for the info on your houses we don't have a Hobby Lobby here in Fl .so I won't be going to be making any of those beautiful houses.
    again thank you so much
    Have a safe and wonderful weekend
    Hugs
    Dottie

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  18. Gorgeous house !! Love how you made it and embellish it. :)

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  19. These are beautiful girlfriend and so are you!

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  20. These are beautiful girlfriend and so are you!

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  21. These little houses are just precious! I love how you've decorated them. I'm sure these will be big hits at your church craft boutique!!!

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  22. Karen,
    Your houses are so beautiful! what a feast for the eyes! I love all the special little touches you added,very pretty!

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  23. Karen--the houses are beautiful!

    Thanks so much for joining us at this week’s Twist of Faith Challenge. We hope to see your creations again in the future. Barb—DT

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  24. Your houses look amazing! I love the music covering them and the many buttons. I'm going to keep an eye out at my Michaels for some berries like that! I hope the houses sell well at your church! Thanks for sharing them along with your Scripture card at Twist of Faith.

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  25. Karen....OH MY!!! Those boxes are AMAZING!!! Your talent always amazes me!!!! Thanks for sharing with us at Twist of Faith. Merry Christmas!!!
    Blessings,
    Zella

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Thanks for your comments. They mean so much to me.