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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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November 15, 2012

Ballard Holiday Table Runner Knock-Off

 

Well, I told you yesterday that I was saying Farewell to Fall and hello to Christmas, didn’t I?

I’m nothing if not a woman of my word, so I’m back again today with my first Christmas craft of the season!

I just love me some Ballard Designs. Don’t you?

But, their prices don’t love me back.

So, I have to resort to knocking them off. That always sounds so wrong doesn’t it?

Kinda has a Bonnie and Clyde ring to it. I’m just going to think of it as imitation being the sincerest form of  flattery!

This is my version of the Ballard Designs Hanging Ornament Table Runner.

Theirs ~$79.00

Mine ~ $15.00

 

Here’s what you will need to make this:

1. Drop cloth cut to size of runner you want (don’t wash the drop cloth first!) 

2. Fabric squares or remnants

3. Twine

4. Ribbon in coordinating color

5. Glitter Paint writer in color of your choice 

 

 

Step 1 ~ Using whatever you can find that works, cut out your desired ornament shapes. I was trying to do my best to imitate the Ballard version so I went with round…and used a glass ’cause I really stink at doing shapes freehand.

Be sure to use a really dull pencil over and over again before finally going in search of one that is sharpened! It adds to the whole “tortured crafter” thing.

 

 

Step 2 ~ Once you have your shapes cut out (ok, so I actually don’t totally stink at doing shapes freehand since I did that one on the far right! Not bad huh?) place them on the drop cloth runner and then use No-Sew/craft glue to attach.

 

 

Step 3 ~ Cut twine to desired length (they should all line up at the top) and put a knot at the bottom where it attaches to the fabric ornament. Glue twine in place.

 

 

Step 4 ~ Use the ribbon to cover up the top of the twine pieces and attach with the No-Sew glue or craft glue.

 

Step 5 ~ Finish off the edges of the ornaments with glitter paint

Step 6 ~ Stand back and admire your handiwork and then take it off the table before your children can cover it with crumbs. Oh wait…

 

I couldn’t resist snipping some Rosemary and bringing it inside. It makes the whole house smell so wonderful!

 

 

I gave this little white box some detail courtesy of the Graphics Fairy and it looks so festive filled with Christmas goodness, doesn’t it?

 

 

 

It’s official, my house is making the shift from Fall to Christmas.

Don’t believe my husband if he tells you that I’ve been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween.

It was only instrumental music so that doesn’t count right? But you better believe that Bing, Nat and Perry (Como not the  Platypus) are bellowing out their best Holiday tunes now!

How about you? Is your home starting to make the shift too?

Thanks so much for joining me as I knocked-off kindly imitated Ballard’s today at the Fence,

 

This post is partying here:

Feathered Nest Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Home Sweet Home

Open House Party

Grace at Home

Fall Into Fall

Wow Us Wednesday

Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits

Tabletop Tuesday

Meet Me Monday

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

 

49 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Ballard Designs, Christmas craft, Christmas table runner, holiday, knock-off decor, table runner

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Previous Post: « Farewell to Fall in My Home
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Comments

  1. Courtenay says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    How cute is that??! Answer: So cute! And simple! And brilliant! I just love the little bit of pattern the fabrics that you chose add too. Well, done!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    Love this! I can’t believe their price, your version is wonderful, the brighter fabrics give it a festive pop!

    Reply
  3. Maureen says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!

    Reply
  4. Judy Clark says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Vanessa – That is really cute and I like the price so much better. Reminds me of the pillows last year from PB I think.

    Judy

    Reply
  5. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Your comment about Perry (not the platypus) made me almost choke on my coffee!!!

    Love your runner, it’s so pretty!!

    Reply
  6. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Adorable table runner, just love it!

    Reply
  7. Martina says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Sooooo cute Vanessa, I love it!! I love the way you filled that pretty tray with greenery and berries too! Can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    You did a fabulous job on this a Ballard KnockOff. I just shared it on my Facebook page. Can’t wait to see more holiday knockoffs and ideas in the near future. Heather
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Larissa-Hill-Designs/186766618057210?ref=hl

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      November 15, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      Thank you so much Heather! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  9. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Vanessa,
    Oh my goodness…this is SUPER DUPER CUTE!!! Just think how many ways you can do this for more upcoming holidays.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  10. Cynthia says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Great job! I love this project. I love the fabric pieces you chose.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  11. Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    This is gorgeous!! Looks pretty simple and you can’t be the price – love everything about it! =)

    Reply
  12. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    So super cute — and I’m not just saying that because I’m crazy for drop cloths!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  13. Kim says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    That is too cute!

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Hi, Vanessa

    This is a lovely table runner, so glad you shared.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    That is the cutest table runner ever. I love it. I’m sure you kids must love it too. Great job as always.

    Reply
  16. Shelia says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Oh, this is so cute! You did a great job of copy catting and the little dangly ornies are just darling! You’re good, honey! 😉
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    I love it! Such a cute Idea and I haven’t even seen the Ballard one but I’m sure yours is MUCH cuter!

    Reply
  18. Gina says

    November 14, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    I love the table runner! You did an excellent job!

    And yes, even though I haven’t pulled out the Christmas decorations, you can bet I’m listening to Christmas music…and have been for some time now!

    Reply
  19. Anne says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    Beautiful table runner! You did an amazing job re-creating it!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  20. Recreate and decorate says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    That is too cute! Yes slowly I am decking the halls! My husband as been deployed and will be home Dec 1 so I want the house to be ready for him! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Nana Diana says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Vanessa- You did a wonderful job! And you can’t beat the cost. I love all your prrojects- you are so talented. xo Diana

    Reply
  22. Carol says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    That is really cute, Vanessa!

    Reply
  23. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    I LOVE this! I so love Ballard Designs as well – I have two of their catalogs sitting nearby and their pages are earmarked!
    I just posted a Target holiday pillow “knock-off” earlier this eve (I know – that sounds so mean!). 🙂

    Thanks as always for all of your great posts!
    – Claire

    Reply
  24. MariaElena says

    November 15, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Love, love this runner!!! Vanessa, It is so pretty! I have a thing for runners so I may have to try my hand at making this. Just beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  25. Angeliva says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:21 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!
    I love your bLog!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Leslie Stewart says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    I love this runner! So cute and thanks for sharing the great tutorial! Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Leslie

    Reply
  27. Robin says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Thrify lady you have produced yet another keeper! Your table runner is adorable and I just love the fabric you picked out for the ornaments.

    Reply
  28. Debra@CommonGround says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    OK, this is super cute and you did a great job with it. really fun for Christmas!!

    Reply
  29. Sherry says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Hi Vanessa, The runner is sooo cute that I may have to copy you! Hope you don’t mind. The box filled with rosemary is also wonderful. Thanks for partying at the Open House party and I hope you have a great weekend.

    Reply
  30. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    November 15, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    You had me at no sew – and the cuteness factor too!!
    Pining for this and pinning it too!
    Kelly

    Reply
  31. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    This is so gorgeous! I love it. Really nice job 🙂

    Reply
  32. Carlene@Organized Clutter says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Great knock off runner. The white box and natural vignette is so nice.

    Reply
  33. Paula@SweetPea says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    So cute! I love the fabrics that you used to created the ornaments. Your centerpiece is pretty, too!

    I’ve been busy crafting a pillow that’s similar to your runner. I’m hoping to have it ready to start enjoying just after Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  34. Debbie says

    November 16, 2012 at 6:07 AM

    Hi Vanessa, what a great knockoff! You did such a good job on that, and it’ll be fun to get that out each year, won’t it? And I really love the little white box on top. You’re so talented! Have a great day!

    Debbie

    Reply
  35. Suzan says

    November 16, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Oh Vanessa this is just gorgeous – what a beautiful job!!!

    Reply
  36. Carol says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    This is so cute, Vanessa! Great job!

    Reply
  37. Sherry says

    November 21, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    That is very cute! Love the fabrics you used! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for joining me at HSH!
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    Are you hems around the edges of the drop cloth once you cut to size? If no… once you wash(?) does it fray?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  39. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    … sewing hems…

    Reply
  40. Pamela says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Vanessa I love this! It turned out great!

    Reply
  41. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    I’m loving this! It would go so well with the felt Whoville tree I have on my table! Thanks for the tutorial. I’m going to try and find a way to fit making one of these in along with everything else. It’s so adorable!
    Liz

    Reply
  42. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 5, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Vanessa this is super sweet!! I had not seen the original so as far as I’m concerned.. you invented it 🙂

    Reply
  43. Krista @thehappyhousie says

    November 15, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    This is stunning! I love it – thanks for the tutorial. Pinning and I want to make my own!!

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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