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A Simple Christmas Banner

You’ve seen my simple little book page buntings before and now that December is nearly here I just had to make one for Christmas too! 🙂 They’re so quick and easy to put together and add just the right handmade touch to your holiday decor. Scroll down for a supply list and instructions on how to create your own Christmas bunting!
What you’ll need to make your Christmas bunting:
 
some string or twine | a stapler | buttons |  coordinating pattern paper | gluestick or other type of adhesive | some pages from an old book
Here’s how you’ll put it together:
 
1. Using your book pages cut out however many rectangles you’d like approximately 3.5″ x 6″ in size.
 
2. Snip out a triangle shape from the bottom of your rectangles. Hint: From left to right, find the center of your rectangle then measure approximately 1 3/4 ” from the bottom to find where the top point of your triangle will be.
 
3. Cut out the number of stockings {or other Christmas shape} that you’ll need for each 
piece of your bunting.
 
4. Attach stockings to your bunting pieces being sure to allow enough room to fold over the top edges. Place a button in the center of each stocking.
 
5. Now you’re ready to put your bunting together. Simply cut a length of string and attach banner pieces to string by folding top edge of banner pieces over the string + staple. Space banner pieces evenly along the string by sliding them back and forth as needed.
 
6. Now hang that cutie up somewhere and enjoy your new holiday decor!
I hope you enjoy our little Christmas bunting as much as I do! It was a lot of fun to put together and looks so darling hanging up in our home for the holidays!
 If you like this project please leave me a comment, pin it or share via facebook/twitter. 🙂
It’s so helpful to know what projects you like so I can keep on sharing more tutorials and craft ideas that you enjoy!
 
Find a few more variations on my book page bunting here:

Holiday Cards + Photography eBook Giveaway!

Thursday feels like a fun day for a giveaway, don’t you think? 
It’s a quick one,  giveaway will close Saturday at midnight and I will be choosing three winners! 
Each one will receive a prize package that includes:
ALL of my 2012 holiday card templates!! 
Commercial or personal use.

PLUS a copy of my latest eBook Real. Life. Photography! 

Real.Life.Photography eBook - how to take amazing photos in real-life situations

Follow the prompts in the rafflecopter widget below to enter! 

50 Fabulous Christmas Books for Kids

If you’re looking for a few new classic titles to add to your Christmas library here are 50 Fabulous Christmas Books for Kids. These books are some of our all-time favorites!

50 Fabulous Kids books for Christmas // Well-loved family favourites for the Holiday Season.

A favorite holiday tradition in our family is our annual Christmas book countdown. Every year at the end of November I wrap up 25 of our most loved Christmas books.  The kids take turns opening one each day in December leading up to Christmas. We have many fond memories of snuggling up on the couch together to read the days book by the light of the Christmas tree.

Each year I go in search of one or two darling books to add to our ever growing collection of Christmas favourites. I’m picky about what titles I pack away with the holiday decor at the end of each year, so I am slow and deliberate about the books I choose to purchase. We first borrow them from the library to test them out or follow up on recommendations from friends by browsing at the book store.
For the past few weeks I’ve been researching children’s Christmas books online and borrowing them by the bag full from the library! Below you’ll find our list of 50 fabulous children’s books to read this Christmas. They include some of our current favs, ones we plan to read soon and ones I can’t wait to purchase for the kids!
Enjoy our list and if you have any more titles to add I’d love for you to share them in the comments! Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a printable list of all 50 titles.
You can download a printable list here of all 50 Christmas books to tuck in your purse for the next time you’re at the  library or local bookstore! I hope you have as much fun exploring this list as I had putting it together!
 
Does your family have a favourite Christmas book that’s missing from this list? Be sure to leave a comment and tell us what it is!
 
 If you liked this post you might also enjoy
This post contains affiliate links, see my full disclosure policy here.

Kids Crafting Resource: The Studio by Kiwi Crate

Looking for some fun crafts to do with the kids during the holidays? Well, look no further than The Studio from Kiwi Crate! In addition to their fabulous monthly subscription craft kits, Kiwi Crate has launched The Studio, which is a place where you can find all kinds of FREE creative and kid-friendly craft ideas! 

Each project shared in The Studio has easy to follow step by step instructions along with helpful visuals to save you time and effort in getting creative with your kids!

With hundreds of searchable ideas {by age, materials, theme, etc.} at your finger tips The Studio is a hugely valuable resource for kids crafting ideas! They even have a selection of craft kits available for purchase, one of which we recently got to try and it was so much fun!
It is so handy to have everything for your craft project delivered to your door in one neat little package. No running around to multiple stores with kids in tow to purchase all the supplies needed is heavenly and makes things so much simpler!

With the easy to follow, illustrated instruction card in the kit my older kids were able to complete this project with little to no help from me and they loved that! 
We now have these darling little elves hanging on our Christmas tree. Sorry no picture of our finished project since we ran out of light – it’s nearly dark here by 5:30pm these days if you can believe it! But here’s an image of the finished elves….aren’t they cute!?

You can stop by The Studio for even more fun ideas and see the other holiday kits they have available for purchase here. You can also visit The Drawing Board where you can post questions in the a Q&A message board about creativity, kids’ crafts, etc.

I’m excited to have been invited to be an activity designer at The Studio! You can find some of my past kids craft projects here and look forward to sharing even more ideas with you in 2013! 
You can also enter to win a entire year of Kiwi Crate by entering their Win a Year of Holiday Cheer contest. 
Click image below for details!
Enter to Win a Year's Subscription to Kiwi Crate! >>

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the Jo Totes giveaway last week! The response was incredible and I’m SO excited to announce the winner! Congratulations go to…

Entry No. 840 Marcee Rodgers

Congratulations Marcee! Shoot me an email ASAP to claim your prize!

Stay up to date on the latest from Jo Totes by following them online here:

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FREE thank you card printables and more!

I’m really excited to be sharing this set of FREE thank you card printables over at 
The Crafting Chicks blog today! Click here to find download links.
This set of freebies coordinates with Set No. 1 of my 2012 holiday card templates! 
I just love this simple + non-traditional color combo for Christmas this year!
Many thanks to all of you who have purchased my 2011/2012 card templates! 
Your support means so much. If you’re a photographer looking to purchase the templates to sell to clients a commercial use license is available for just $25.00 for all 2012 sets until December 1st!
Stay tuned this week for some fun Christmas freebies, craft ideas + our list of 50 fabulous Christmas books for kids!! 
Giveaway ends Tuesday 11/27 at 12:01am.

Simple things Sunday Photo Link Party No. 108

Thank you to everyone who linked up their photos this past week! I had such fun popping by some of your blogs and here are just a few of your photos that caught my eye:
end game | sarah at the salad days
If your photo was featured be sure to grab yourself a featured button! 🙂
 

We took a little break from the simple things special guest series this weekend but I’m excited to welcome another of my favourite photographers to the party this coming week….Anna Jones!
She’ll be popping by some of your blogs throughout the week and I can’t wait for her
guest post next Saturday! 🙂

Now, on to this weeks party…
SIMPLE THINGS SUNDAY No. 108
This past week we trimmed the tree and hung up all the Christmas decorations a little earlier than we usually do. It feels like our first real Christmas since returning home from the island almost one year ago next month and that makes it a little bit extra special! The kids were so excited to pull out all the decorations and keepsakes that they haven’t seen in over two years! Despite the occasional spat over who got to hang which decorations {just keepin’ it real here folks} it was so special to welcome the Christmas spirit into our home as a family and carry on with some of our favourite holiday traditions.
Now it’s your turn. What simple things are you celebrating this week?
If you’re new to Simple as That I’d love for you join us in this weekly tradition. Scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find all the details on how to share your photos with us.  We’ll be taking a short break from our simple things special guest series while our friends in the US celebrate thanksgiving.

THE SIMPLE THINGS ON INSTAGRAM

Don’t forget you can share your simple things photos via instagram! Simply post an insta-pic of a simple thing/moment using hashtag  #thesimplethings and be sure to tag me @rebecca_simpleasthat so I can check out your photos! *This is new:  Each week I’ll be highlighting four of your simple things photos posted via Instagram in my instagram feed. I can’t wait to feature you on instagram!

Just a few quick rules to play:
1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can.

 

Jo Totes Camera Bag Giveaway!

I’m so exctied about today’s giveaway and I’m pretty sure you will be too! Just in time for the holidays, Jo Totes is giving away a stylish camera bag of your choice to one lucky Simple as That reader! Keep reading to find out all the details on how to enter! 🙂

I know I go on and on about how much I love their bags but I just can’t help myself! 🙂 Since I got my my very first Jo Totes bag I’ve been hooked! Being able to carry my camera {and diapers, wipes, snacks and all the other million things that us moms carry in our purses} around with me everywhere I go is absolutely fabulous and I don’t have to lug around an extra bag for my camera gear! I also love how much more accessible my camera is since I started carrying it around in my Jo Totes bag!

Jo Totes has been creating stylish camera bags for women since 2009. They provide a fashionable way for you to safely carry your camera bodies and lenses, along with your regular purse items, every day—whether it be to a photo shoot, while traveling or just when you are out on a regular day. For hobbyists, having your camera in a Jo Tote will mean no more missed moments. For professionals, you’ll look lovely at your next shoot.

The main compartment of each Jo Tote is lined with padding (around each side and on the bottom) to protect your photo equipment. Movable interior pads are also included to allow for configuration around a variety of equipment. Jo Totes also conceals the fact that you are carrying an expensive camera.

An explanation of all these items + links to each one can be found here.

Jo Totes newest line of bags include the compact, cross body Allison and the super cute vintage inspired Missy bags!! Love both styles SO much!
Stay up to date with all the latest from Jo Totes online at the links below. Be sure to stay tuned to their facebook page today/tomorrow for exciting Black Friday sale announcements!! 😉 😉
Enter to win a Jo Totes bag of your choice by following the prompts in the rafflecopter widget below. Giveaway closes Tuesday 11/28 at 12:01 am!
Good luck everyone!

Black Friday Offers from SAT sponsors + Affiliates

I’m just popping in quickly to let you know about some FABULOUS  Black Friday offers from Simple as That’s sponsors and Affilliates. Find all the details and links below:

KIDS CLOTHING + MORE FROM TEA COLLECTION:


One of my favorite places to shop for children’s clothes is Tea Collection and this year Tea is offering some really great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Beginning Thursday, 11/22 at 9pm through Sunday, 11/25 at 9pm, Tea Collection will offer $15 dresses, $10 leggings, $10 boys tops, and $15 boys bottoms in celebration of their Black Friday Sale. Don’t miss this fabulous Black Friday offer! Then starting Sunday, 11/25 at 9pm through Tuesday, 11/27 at 12pm, Tea will offer an additional 25% off ALL sale items with code CYBER25. In addition to this Cyber Monday promotion, you can also shop $10 Tea Baby and prices as low as $15 when shopping the women’s collection (no code required). Happy Shopping! 

BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS FROM SCRAPBOOK CIRCLE:

Scrapbook Circle is offering all new subscribers a free grab bag with the purchase of their first kit with code “grabbag12”. They will also be offering any remaining past kits for only $9. Grab bags will also be available for purchase for only $15. The deals begin Thursday (Nov. 22nd) night at midnight and will run through Monday (the 26th) or until supplies run out. 

ONE DAY SALE AT MADISON REECE DESIGNS:
All handbags are on sale from Madison Reece Designs Friday November 23 for $25.00 each which is a savings of $17.00!

SALES ON KIDS CRAFT KITS FROM KIWI CRATE:

Kiwi Crate’s award-winning, monthly subscription service makes a wonderful holiday gift for kids ages 3-7. For less than $20 per month, your little one will receive multiple arts, crafts, and science activities – delivered right to your door.

Kiwi Crate offers a range of subscription options, all shipped for free

Monthly Subscriptions – $19.95 a month

3 Month Gift – $59.00
6 Month Gift – $110.00
12 Month Gift – $220.00

JO TOTES: CAMERA BAGS FOR LADIES:

All Jo Totes camera bags will be $99 and under on Black Friday. 
Sale starts at midnight 11/23 and ends at midnight 11/24!



Sales going on at the Life ‘n Reflection Boutique include:

Black Friday Nov 23rd – 50% OFF All Photo Cards 
Just Because Sunday Nov 25th – FREE Christmas Countdown via Facebook.

Cyber Monday Nov 26th – 50% OFF ALL CD/DVD Sets & 25% OFF ALL Photo Wallets

Enjoy 30% off the brand new Private Collection action set from Addy Lane this week only! The Private Collection is a complete set of delicate actions mixed with the appeal of film finishes. First, the Simplify trio consists of 3 actions designed for flawless edits perfect for creating classic prints and web posts, and great for everyday simple editing.  Then there are 7  Faux Film color and 3 black and white actions resulting in the classic, lovely feel of film with full control over tone, grain, and depth. Each action can be tweaked from subtle to extreme. Finally there are 5 Finishing actions to add just the right gentle or nostalgic touch. The possibilities with this set are endless, and allow you to create your own signature look.

20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT BABY BIRD + BUB BUB


Take 20% off all print orders at Baby Bird & Bub Bub with code THANKFUL!


20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE CART AT TINY PRINTS:
Enjoy 20% off site wide at Tiny Prints Black Friday week sale that starts today and ends Sunday. Thanksgiving Deal of the Day is 25% off holiday cards and invitations and their Cyber Week Sale is 30% off sitewide!

Diy Dollhouse Bookshelf

I’ve been so excited to share this little project that my husband and I have been working on for the past week. We converted this bookshelf from Wayfair into a dollhouse/bookshelf for our two youngest girls for Christmas and I just love how it turned out! We’ll be adding dollhouse furniture to it and they’ll use it as a dollhouse, but I think it looks so great as a bookshelf too!
As part of the Wayfair DIY blogger challenge we were given our choice of three different products to transform and we chose this 3 tiered bookshelf. I new exactly what I wanted to do with it before it even arrived and I was super excited to get to work!
We loosely assembled the bookshelf as we decided exactly how to go about transforming it into a dollhouse. Once we’d decided on a plan of action we got to work and in just a couple of hours we went from this, to this:
Here’s how we did it 
We moved each of the shelves on the bookshelf down a few inches so there wouldn’t be any wasted space between the roof and the first shelf. This was a great way to add one more level to our dollhouse creating some extra play room. Use wood glue and spax screws or brad nails to attach shelves.
We then used some scraps of MDF to create the roof and inside partition walls and attached some scallop edging that I purchased at Michael’s to finish off the edge of the roof. We switched out the original backing of the bookshelf with a sheet of wainscot panel.
To save yourself some work taping and masking things off when it comes to final painting, I’d recommend painting the backing and the shelf separately before assembling. I just might be speaking from experience here.
After filling all the holes and lots of sanding, we were ready to give it a coat of primer. We masked off the top of the laminate shelves because I thought they’d look cute as faux hardwood floors in our little dollhouse. We used KILZ primer and it worked great! After some more sanding we were then ready to move on to painting. We used Rust-Oleum satin spray paint on the whole dollhouse and I’m really happy with the finish.
We used aqua for the shelves, antique white for the backing and grey for the roof. Once we were done it just didn’t look quite right. Those faux laminate floors that I thought would look so cute, didn’t, and the grey roof was just too dark for the rest of the house so we gave it another try. After sanding down the top of the shelves and roof we masked things off again and began repainting. We painted the roof antique white and all of the shelves aqua. It turned out so much better and I’m really glad we took the time to repaint even though it took us much longer than anticipated to finish the project because of it. After our painting mishap I learned that its best to keep your colour palette simple.You can scroll down for a few pictures of the final product. I’ve photographed it as a bookshelf, but as mentioned, we’re going to be giving it to our girls for Christmas along with some darling little furniture
so they can use it as a dollhouse. Either way it is cute, cute, cute and our painting mishap aside, it was a relatively straight forward project that can be put together in a week or less. With the repainting on our dollhouse it took us 1 week + 1 day to finish. Total cost {minus the extra paint we had to buy} was the cost of the bookshelf + $50.00 in supplies {spray paint, primer, scallop edging, wainscot panelling} not including things we already had on hand {MDF scraps, wood filler, wood glue, nails/screws, sand paper}.

 

Free Holiday Card Templates

Just in case you missed it last week, I shared this set of FREE Holiday card templates available for instant download for all Simple as That readers!
Keep holiday card giving simple + affordable this year with these fun and festive photo cards. If you’re unsure of how to use layered templates in PS or PSE visit this post for a quick tutorial.
Enjoy this early little Christmas gift from me to you! I so enjoy creating these fun freebies for ya’ll and if you enjoy them too please pin, tweet or share this post on Facebook to help spread the word!
Thank you! 🙂
Fonts used: impact | zurich | flakey | 5th grade cursive | ostrich sans rounded | 
Even more Holiday card template designs available here.

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