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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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December 12, 2011

Chalkboard Frame Tree Topper

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Whew! Anyone else feel like their head is still spinning from all of the fun last week?
I don’t think I have ever written more adjectives in my entire life than when I was leaving comments for all of you. Words like…
Gorgeous! Creative! Beautiful! Clever! Fabulous! Fantastic! Elegant!
Crazy! Scatterbrained! All over the Map….oh wait…those last ones were just adjectives describing 
ME last week!
Winking smile
You are some seriously talented folks and it was such a pleasure to get to have you share that talent with us. 
And, there is still time for you to share some more!
We will be leaving the links to the Christmas in the Kitchen Party and the Doors and Porches Party open all week long so please come on over and share some more of your gorgeous, creative, beautiful, clever, fabulous, fantastic, elegant selves with us!
And there is plenty of time to enter to win one of 8…count ’em 8 incredible prizes at the Giveaways for each party. You don’t even have to link up to enter so get on over there and do it!
Now, how about a fun and easy way to customize your Christmas Tree?
This is my Chalkboard Frame Tree Topper!

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We have 6 Christmas Trees in our house. Small ones in each bedroom and playroom and then our real tree in the Living Room which we go chop down each year.
This slim “faux” tree has been dubbed our “Family Tree” as it is filled with all of the paper angels and snowflakes, candy canes and even ornaments from my childhood and my hubby’s too.
Plus, it’s in our Family Room so it kinda makes since, right?

Here is my sweet boy setting up the train around the base.
I love this tree so much and pretty much want to cry every time we pull out the decorations for it. So, it seemed only fitting to create something extra special for the top.
I also wanted something which could be updated and reused year after year!

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This could not be more simple!
I purchased 2 (since we have 2 kids!) wood frames from Michael’s and gave them each a coat of
Chalkboard Paint.

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I then added the pictures of each of my rascals (fresh from their baths) decorating this exact tree this year and wrote their names on the bottom and the date on the top.

A ribbon wrapped around the frame and tied off with a bow finished it off and then it was tied onto the top of the tree. I seriously love the ribbons I found this year! 

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And there you have it. 
Sweet
Simple 
Sentimental

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My idea of the perfect Tree Topper!

I promise I don’t have a popcorn ceiling in there even though it looks that way in this picture!
Who edited these anyway? Sheesh! 

I just had to throw this one in for good measure.
I can show it to them the next time they are getting on each other’s nerves!

Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post will be partying here this week:

holiday home button centsational girl


My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Ruby Jean’s: Sew Crafty Tuesday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me on Monday

20 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, Holidays

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Previous Post: « Doors, Porches and Kitchen Highlights from the Christmas Block Party!
Next Post: Banisters and Foyers~Welcome to Vanessa’s Home »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tanya@takesix says

    December 12, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    I always tell me kids (who fight alot) as I’m taking their picture together on Christmas Eve, “Just pretend that you love each other!” ;0)

    Your tree topper is a treasure, Vanessa! I love it! Thanks for sharing it with us!

    Reply
  2. Savvy Seasons says

    December 12, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    The kids are A D O R A B L E!! Love their jammies. What a great idea for a tree topper. I never would have thought of that, but it really is special. Thanks for sharing, I may have to steal this idea for next year. =)

    Happy Holidays! xoxo ~Liz

    Reply
  3. Honey at 2805 says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    It’s adorable! Love the frames and your children are precious!

    Reply
  4. Pattie says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    How cute and a great idea…

    Reply
  5. Linda @ A La Carte says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    That is so cute! Great idea! Love the pic of your kids. hugs, Linda

    Reply
  6. Maria Elena says

    December 12, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Beautiful idea! Your kids are so adorable! Enjoy them! They grow so fast! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Becca says

    December 12, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Aw, Vanessa … the last picture melts my heart … so, so sweet! I love your tree, and the picture frames at the top are such a wonderful, sentimental idea. You guys are so blessed! xoxo

    Reply
  8. Judy says

    December 12, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Love the tree topper…but I especially love that photo of them in their pj’s hugging. That’s sooo cute. Beautiful family.

    Reply
  9. Honey at 2805 says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    I adore the tree and the tree topper! The little rascals are so adorable!

    Thank you for linking to the Christmas Blogger’s Block Party Christmas Tree Party (in progress). You add even more dimension to the fabulous inspiration!

    Reply
  10. Richella says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    SO cute! Aren’t they darling?! And your tree topper is just right. I’m assuming that you’ll use this next year with photos from 2012–unless, of course, blogging inspires you to create something new! 🙂

    Reply
  11. michelle says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    What a great idea and it is perfect. 🙂 Oh my gosh girl 6 trees!!? You were very busy putting up all your decor. I bet they are so beautiful and my kids love having their trees in their room too. 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    December 12, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Wow! You are a Christmas crafting genius! So glad I found your project via Centsational Girl.

    Please stop by for a visit to my blog. I am currently in the midst of a Gifts to Make series.

    Be Merry and Bright!

    Reply
  13. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 12, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    What a fabulous idea Vanessa, I love it!! Your kids are adorable and I love their pj’s! Love the ribbon you used for the top too. Martina

    Reply
  14. Kelly says

    December 12, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    What a cute idea! I love being able to write on those frames like that and know that it can be changed if needed too. Chalkboard paint is so great, isn’t it?

    Reply
  15. Laurel says

    December 13, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Love this!! Great idea…I’m thinking our kids look like the same ages, boy/girl same too 🙂 chat soon, laurel

    Reply
  16. Michele Smith says

    December 13, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    I LOVE this, what a fantastic idea. Your kiddos are adorable too, love their little jammies. Love chalkboard paint too!

    Reply
  17. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    December 13, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing with us at NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    December 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    The chalkboard paint is downright inspired. Why, you could post it on your own Friday party! I love the topper. BTW, that Ian is just plain cute to me. I still remember the video he did explaining the game for the giveaway. If I had a son, I would have wanted one like that. Maybe a grandson…

    Reply
  19. Ange says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    What a great idea! So easy and cute too. I love the last picture of sibling love, so sweet. You need to do a post on how to tie a bow because if that was my tree it would look like a rat’s nest of ribbons! 😉

    Reply
  20. notes of sincerity says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Oh so cute! :o)

    Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
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