Nov 27 2016

Chalkboard Christmas Baubles

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 12

With all the chalkboard ideas amongst our 2016 collection it only seemed natural that we brought this look to the Christmas tree as well. A very simple little D.I.Y project to do, all you need are some unwanted Christmas tree baubles, gold paint, chalkboard paint, a chalkboard pen and some time for the paint to dry. I began by carefully removing the top piece, from which the bauble hangs and then painted that gold. I then painted the main part of the bauble with chalkboard paint. Making sure I allowed plenty of drying time between each coat, each piece received two coats of paint.Once they had fully dried I carefully put the two pieces back together. I then used the chalkboard pen to decorate them.

Overall, a very simple project – unless you get carried away with your chalkboard pen design. If you love this look, but don’t have the time or inkling to make your own, don’t fret we currently have these on sale in our Etsy store – check out our store for these and our other handcrafted items or contact us directly.

Sign off

Credits:

Photography: WonderFerris
Fur Backdrop: Covers Decoration Hire

© 2016 As You Wish Events Ltd. Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz. As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.

Nov 26 2016

Chalkboard Wrapping Paper

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 11

Nothing says ‘Christmas’ more than a pile of stylishly-wrapped gifts carefully stacked under the Christmas tree. I love being able to take something that we would tend to take for granted, like wrapping paper, and turn it into a decorative feature. I also love wrapping paper that has a little more substance to it, so that you can actually use it without the fear that it will rip as soon as you touch it. Boxes are another strong favourite, especially for housing those awkwardly shaped gifts and thus making them easier to wrap.

Nov 22 2016

Christmas Card Design – 2016

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 7

This Christmas season I decided to have a go at designing a set of Christmas cards. These were created with the help of Susan Wong, using Stampin’ Up products which can be purchased through her online store (the full list of products used can be found at the bottom of this article).

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own ‘Joy to the World’ card:

Nov 21 2016

No Mantle Stocking Hangers

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 6

hanger

I have this picture in my mind of Christmas Stockings hanging from the mantle piece as a cosy fire burns gently below. Sadly that is not something that happens in our house because we don’t have a fireplace. The best we have been able to manage until now is to hang them from a drawing pin in the Lounge wall. Not the best solution from someone who loves to decorate. As I thought about this Christmas Idea I realised that, in New Zealand at least, fire places with mantle pieces are becoming more and more rare. New houses don’t tend to have them put in and old houses are taking them out in favour of heat pumps. Which, don’t get me wrong, is good for the environment and all but it does make the romantic in me a little sad. So, inspired by the many ideas out there for stocking hangers, and my need to save our walls from being attacked by drawing pins once again, I set out to make these very simple Chalkboard Stocking Hangers out of photo frames.

All you need to make one of these cute Chalkboard Stocking Hangers is:

a sturdy wooden photo frame, with wooden back board, that can take the weight of a stocking,
some chalkboard paint,
a screw in hook
some chalk or a chalk pen.

Remove the glass and back board from the frame. Paint the back board with the chalkboard paint. Once it’s dried, reassemble the frame. Use the chalk or chalk pen to decorate the chalkboard with your family’s names or other festive words. Then lastly screw the hook into the centre front of the frame. All that is left to do is position them on a bookshelf, cabinet or bench and hang the stockings.

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Credits:

Photography: WonderFerris

Nov 19 2016

Crocheted Christmas Stockings

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 4

crocheted-stockings

My inspiration for this year’s Christmas ideas were largely influenced by a couple of styles that may normally be considered as opposites. The rustic farmhouse style mixed with the elegance of black, white and bling was also coupled with some old school craft ideas that had a modern twist. To me crochet is definitely one of these old school crafts. I liked the idea of crocheted Christmas stockings but it wasn’t until I met Ann Marie and saw her rather unique style of crochet that I knew we just had to make it one of this year’s Christmas ideas. This particular style of crochet is called broomstick crochet or broomstick lace because it is traditionally made on an actual broomstick. Using this style Ann Marie and I developed these heirloom-looking Christmas stockings completing the look with a solid band and decorative pom-pom.

Nov 18 2016

Chalkboard Nativity Set

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 3

nativity-set-1

Having seen a few chalkboard doll’s houses on Pinterest I felt inspired to apply the concept to that of a Nativity scene. For those who celebrate a faith-based Christmas you’ll know how hard it can be to find a Nativity scene that can endure little hands – so this handmade wooden beauty is ideal. In fact it’s designed for interaction as your children can draw their own scenery. And if the Nativity isn’t really for you how about making a version suited for Santa coming down the chimney.

nativity-set-4 nativity-set-3 nativity-set-angel-roof

We’ve had so many positive comments about these that we are now making them to order and selling them in our Etsy Store.

Sign off

Credits:

Photography: WonderFerris
Wooden Trees: Gather & Twine Floral Design

Nov 17 2016

Christmas Treat Packaging

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 2

Once again I’m really excited to have Susan Wong of Stamping Susan joining us. She has been one of the main collaborators on this year’s ’12 Days of Christmas Ideas’. I know you’re going to love today’s idea and that you’ll be inspired – because I sure am!

christmas-treat-packaging

With Christmas just around the corner, we begin to think about all the people who have done life beside us throughout the year and how to thank them. Did you know Stampin’ Up! offers a great range of food-safe packaging to house your end-of-year treats? We’re talking gifts for teachers, colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. Whether you’re a home-baking star or, let’s face it, only have time to purchase goodies, you can give your treats a simple but personal, handmade feel.

Jun 23 2016

In The Off Season

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

People often ask me if, in my line of work, winter is rather a quiet season. Now while there always seems like there is something to do, every now and then it’s quite nice to have a few moments to focus on other interests. One of these interests is patchwork. I’ve been working on this quilt for my son’s bed for quite some time – I just hope I can finish it before he out grows it or leaves home. I really wanted a pattern with a nautical theme, but couldn’t find one so I ended up designing this myself. It’s probably why it has taken a bit longer.

May 05 2016

Mother’s Day Activity for Little Bakers

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

This week I have found myself planning a Mother’s Day activity for a group of pre-schoolers. The plan is for the children to make and decorate their own individual cupcake for their Mum.

While it may be considered ambitious by some, after a few trials I’m cautiously optimistic that these little bakers will succeed. And if you are brave enough to give it a go with your little ones here’s what we are going to do, along with some free printables for decorating the packaging.

I began with my favourite fudge cake recipe that I use all the time for cupcakes and broke it down to single serves.

Apr 15 2016

An As You Wish Retrospective: Magnetic Frame Gift Idea

Author: Nadine Crozier • Discussion: No Comments

It’s been around two and a half years since I made these frames and shared them here as a DIY project. They still look great and I still love them just as much as I did then. I love that they provide a space in which we can celebrate life. After all not every happy moment is a party, yet they still deserve to be remembered just the same.

As You Wish Events

Celebrate More, Celebrate Well.

Crafts and Things

Chalkboard Christmas Baubles

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 12

Credits:

Chalkboard Wrapping Paper

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 11

Christmas Card Design – 2016

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 7

No Mantle Stocking Hangers

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 6

Credits:

Crocheted Christmas Stockings

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 4

Chalkboard Nativity Set

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 3

Credits:

Christmas Treat Packaging

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 2

In The Off Season

Mother’s Day Activity for Little Bakers

An As You Wish Retrospective: Magnetic Frame Gift Idea