take this $3.50 tree from Big Lots...

add silver balls...$1.50 from Big Lots... and using the Sizzix flower die cut create this lovely Christmas garland with old book pages...just use a single strand of sturdy  neutral thread...and voila! instant old country decoration for your table.

Here I have used a vintage table runner, pewter candholder with white candle and a Christmas angel figurine...all from the resale shop and probably have spent under ten dollars for all of it! I will be posting a tutorial for the garland on my youtube channel : Elizren so stay tuned!

Snowman with Altered planter with vintage Christmas balls

It all started with a dusty old planter. It just needed a good clean up then a few coats of gesso allowed to dry, then added  torn paper with mod Podg,e a little distressing here and there with Tim Holtz tea dye distress ink and it started to take shape.  Next I added a few embellishments to the planter including a few Tim Holtz clock faces, bookplates, number plaquettes and pin nibs;
the bird pieces are die cuts from vintage book pages distressed with Vintage Photo and then dimension is added with glossy Accents. I have also used vintaged buttons, old chain,  white IamRoses flowers that have been spritzed with water and Tea Dye distress ink and also used some glass stars I had in my stash. It's functional and pretty.  The silver glass balls add the perfect seasonal charm.  The vintage doily represents a snowly area for the snowman to stand.  I hope you like it.  Let me know if you would like a tutorial on the planter!

Wanted to share with you this completed Vintage Dolly - my handmade entry into Va's (Bianca4430) youtube challenge!
She's made with vintage fabric laces and trims.
For more information go to Bianca 4430's channel there's still time to participate in the challenge!
Thanks Va!

Tea Dye Vintage fabrics and lace!

First, take some vintage muslin, lace and your favorite tea - I love to use apple lemon and spice teas, and then add some vanilla flavoring...makes your kitchen and the fabric smell great!

bring just to a boil then turn off stove and cover the longer you let it steep the darker the color

Don't wring out. Just let it Hang to dry- creates more interesting color variations.  Here I have mine drying in the warm desert sun.