January 2012 - Page 2 of 3

Monthly Archives: January 2012

Playroom Project

Written on January 16, 2012 by LisaW

I just decided to move one little piece of furniture this morning, and the next thing I knew, the whole playroom was torn to pieces. It has been on my list – organizing and rearranging the playroom so that the kids can actually find their toys and then maybe even put them away again. I have big plans of everything having its own place, the furniture arranged in a useful, but also somewhat attractive way and MAYBE even a chalkboard wall. My dream playroom (never mind that it’s actually for my children) has artfully arranged toys, creatively displayed artwork and an insane chalk mural that created no dust at all. I am going to be realistic, but I am using some of these great rooms as inspiration to get me started- and if I’m lucky- finished, too!

Image via Spearmintbaby

The chalkboard wall is what initially drew me to this room, but I also love the colors, the rug, the pillow, the shade, etc. I also have a table like this one in our room, and I’m hoping to use black to help tie everything together. I want to display art and make games and toys accessible, but when everything is visible it can get a little messy.

Image from Better Homes and Gardens

This display is so great for the kids’ artwork. I like the idea of framing the pieces that I want to keep permanently and then tacking up others and changing them out as new pieces are created. I’m also a big fan of using a big art clip to hang the kids’ work. They’re cute, easy and about $2 at the craft store.

Image from Better Homes and Gardens

So by moving that one piece of furniture this morning, I managed to get most of the playroom closet cleaned out. I’m not really sure why that’s how it went, but at least something good came of it. I love the organization in this closet, and now that I have gone through every last paintbrush and half-used book of stickers, I’m ready to put everything in the appropriate containers. I love these because you can see what’s in them, they have handles and they’re not too big - much easier for little hands to get off the shelf and carry.

Before I started tearing things apart today, I had begun a little bit of playroom organization. With two little boys, we have lots of toys like nerf guns, swords, guitars, bats (promise our house isn’t as dangerous as it sounds)- and in the past I’ve found these things a little bit hard to organize. They need to be in a container that’s tall (so it won’t tip over) and very sturdy (so it won’t fall apart).

Baskets like these from Pottery Barn are perfect. They’re big and very sturdy and they’re just as perfect for blocks or blankets as they are for guitars and swords.

These baskets by Aidan Gray available at Layla Grace are also great. They’re so cute, but they’re also metal so they’re super durable.

So, this has been the focus so far on my playroom makeover. As I have updates and hopefully pictures worth showing – I will share how it all turned out. To finish up, I have one more picture of an awesome playroom. It’s too late for us to try to recreate this- but maybe it’s not for you!

Image via Spearmintbaby

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Design, Home, Kids, Lisa W. Tags: decor, design, kids, Lisa W.

Valentine’s Day Decoration Round-Up

Written on January 13, 2012 by Roxanne D

While I am not one to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the traditional way with flowers, chocolates and eating dinner out or other date night activities, I do enjoy the free-for-all declaration (decorations) of love in the shape of stylized hearts. Since I’ve been surrounded by these at work, I thought I would show a quick round up of things I would use to garnish my home.

RDelsitapapercut Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Papercut from Elsita on Etsy

RDgraytwig Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Grey Heart Wreath from Cole Frank on Etsy

RDminigarland Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Crochet Mini Heart Garland from Bridesmaid

RDmscobweb Valentines Day Decoration Round Up RDmsvotive Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Cobweb Valentine and Votive Holders from Martha Stewart

RDwhiteheart Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Wreath from Namenia Felt on Etsy

RDheartprint Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Heart Print from Alejandra on Etsy

Hopefully I’ll get around to making some of these and getting them up before the holiday arrives. If so, I’ll be sure to share with you! I do however have a little head start because I made a crochet heart garland a couple of years ago but would like to make the mini to go along with it. This one is similar but I gave it to my mom, mine is the same pink with a bright coral edge. How fitting that my bright coral color is almost the same as Pantone’s new color of the year. My palette is pink, coral (or tangerine), white and gray.

RDgarland Valentines Day Decoration Round Up

Sorry, this was the best photo I could find, all of the others were blurry. I’ll try and share more pics soon. I got the pattern for this heart from Bella Dia in 2008, thankfully it’s still there.

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Holiday Tags: decorations, holiday

Winter Gear

Written on January 12, 2012 by AlaynaB

Those of us in Tulsa had our first, ground covering, snow last night! I love snow. I grew up going skiing at least once, if not twice, a year. So the few snows we get here in Tulsa, I love. Last year was completely abnormal with the blizzard and all. Typically we get one or two inch snows during the winter. We are off to a late start this year, so we shall see how it turns out.

When it does snow it is nice to have a few wintery items on hand. They make navigating the white stuff much more enjoyable!

You definitely need a pair of shoes that will keep the snow out and keep your feet warm. If you want to do double duty for snow and rain, try out these Merona Rain Boots from Target.

image via Target

The rubber is great b/c it keeps your feet dry, but the key to keeping them warm are fleece rain boot liners, also from Target.

image via Target

Unfortunately I couldn’t find them in the store, so I had to order them online. They should be here by Friday…of course after the snow is gone, I’m sure! Rain boots are a great option for the few snows we have here in Oklahoma, but they will also be great for all of the rainy spring days that we typically have. And they are good looking too!

As soon I see about 5-6 inches of snow I am ready to head out for some good old sledding. That’s right. I am 30 years old and can’t wait to sled. Last year when it was 10 degrees and we had about 20″ of snow on the ground, I was determined to hit the “slopes” (a large retainage ditch). We did, and it was cold! If you want to actually enjoy sledding and not be miserably cold and wet, you need some waterproof clothing. And do yourself a favor, get your kids some as well. There will be less complaining!

You can easily find ski pants and coats at local sports stores such as Academy and Sun & Ski, among others as well. If they are ski or snow boarding pants then you will be nice and dry while sledding. In fact you can make snow angels and not get wet!

image via Sun & Ski

These are a simple pair of ski pants…see the elastic at the bottom? Those go over your boots and they keep the snow out. Genius! You can typically pick up a pair of these for under $100, especially at the end of the season.

I’m kind of digging this coat….love the stripes!

image via Sun & Ski

A pair of boots that would be better for sledding and spending extended periods of time in the snow, would be something like these…

image via Sun & Ski

They would fit perfectly under your pants and keep your feet nice and toasty.

Another option for footware is to use Yaktrax with some shoes that you already own.

image via REI

These slide on over your tennis shoes or boots and provide great traction when it is slick out. My mom swears by these. You can find them sometimes in sports/athletic stores, you can also find them online.

It’s also a good idea to get a good pair of waterproof gloves. My hands always freeze, so having a pair is really important to me. There are many kinds out there, just be sure to find something that fits properly and is waterproof.

Hopefully some of these items will make your snowy winter days more enjoyable! Snow doesn’t come very often around here, and when it does, it doesn’t stay for long. So get outside and make the most of it!

One of my families snow day traditions, while growing up, was meeting up with friends to go sledding and then going to eat Mazzio’s Pizza. And if the friends weren’t available mom and dad were always up for it…and still are (thankfully my hubby enjoys it as well)!

Do you have any favorite snowy day traditions?

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Design Tags: Winter

Things Are Looking Up

Written on January 11, 2012 by DawnT

An unexpected element or a bold design choice are definitely things that grab my attention when entering a space. It’s like a surprise for the eyes! And one such design element I always find intriguing is a unique ceiling. As my friends know all too well, the designer in me is constantly checking out the ceiling design wherever I go – restaurants, stores, hotels, coffee shops. So it’s no wonder that these images have me wondering where I can incorporate some paint or wallpaper to one of the ceilings in my home. Maybe my guest room? I love when the ceiling is thought of as another canvas, and not just a white expanse. What do you think of dressing up ceilings in this way?

DET Ceiling01 Things Are Looking Up

image via Trendzona

DET Ceiling02 Things Are Looking Up

image via Painters Place

image via House & Home

image via Vintage Revivals

DET Ceiling05 Things Are Looking Up

image via Better Homes and Gardens

DET Ceiling06 Things Are Looking Up

image via Moffly Media

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Design, Home, Trends Tags: design, home, Inspiration

Serving Suggestions: Spice it up

Written on January 10, 2012 by Kim A

Thanks to a few great foodie gifts I’ve received Christmas and the luxury of some rest and time off, I’m refreshed and ready to try new flavors and many, many new dishes this year.

January is a great time to take stock of that messy pantry — most of us have about 47 bottles of spices and seasonings that are expired and should be tossed.

But rather than replace them with the same old Italian seasoning mix, I’m going to try some new things this winter. Warm heat from serrano peppers, the exotic shape and texture of star anise, and my all-time favorite, Herbes de Provence, will be making appearances again and again in my food.

1. Star anise, ethnic food markets, specialty food stores. Great for ciders and hot toddies — plunk one of these into a cheesecloth bundle with cinnamon sticks and cloves and steep in your favorite beverage.

2. Herbes de Provence, Amazon. A staple in my pantry, this lovely blend of dried herbs — including thyme, basil, fennel and lavender — is great on veggies and meats. Its fresh taste will get you through a cold winter.

3. Saffron, Amazon. The dried threads of the crocus plant are hand picked, that’s why this Mediterranean spice is often so pricey. But a tiny bit goes a long way in classic dishes, such as paella.

4. Cardamom pods, Mecca Coffee Co. in Tulsa. These pods are in the ginger family and have a sweet pungent flavor when crushed with a knife. The flavors meld with all sorts of dishes, from coffee drinks to meats.

5. Truffle salt, Sur la Table. Add a dash of this blend to popcorn for a luxurious treat for your next movie night.

6. Smoked serrano chili powder, Williams-Sonoma. Add some complex flavor to this winter’s chili, adding a smoky Southwestern kick.

Here’s a recipe to try, featuring cardamom pods:

Cardamom Honey Chicken

from Simply Recipes

Marinade

4 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp sherry
1 teaspoon cardamom seeds, ground
1 teaspoon peppercorns, ground

Chicken

6 chicken breasts, or one whole chicken, cut into parts
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

If a recipe calls for ground cardamom, it is best to start with whole pods. Break open the pods to release the tiny brown and black cardamom seeds. Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the seeds.

1 Preheat oven to 390°F. Warm the honey, stir in the sherry, cardamom and peppercorns. Place marinade and chicken in a large bowl, coat chicken with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2 Heat olive oil in a large frying pan at medium high heat. Sear the chicken, skin side down, until golden.

3 Place lemon slices in a roasting pan. Lay the chicken pieces on top. Brush with the marinade. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake until done, approximately 15 minutes for breasts, 20 minutes for thighs, wings, and drumsticks. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Pour out drippings from the pan into a gravy boat for gravy. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous

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Design

MANDAY – Color Me Bad

Written on January 9, 2012 by Dustin Thames

Navy blue, light grey, oxford grey, dark grey, khaki, British tan, dark taupe, light brown, dark brown, chestnut brown, olive, charcoal, black, etc, etc… The spectrum of colors we as men have been wearing all our lives are drab at best. It’s like we’re going to a funeral every day. Where are the colors?!! Seriously! I crossed a tipping point the day I knew I could never wear another variation of Cambridge grey wool gabardine pants for the umpteenth consecutive day. Otherwise, I’d shoot myself in the face. This has nothing to do with being on the pulse of fashion. It’s about injecting life and personality into the business day. If we wear color does that mean we aren’t serious about getting down to business? I think not. In fact, my clients love it. I now own a pair pants in spruce green, mustard yellow, light blue, and red. I wear them to work, dinners, and weddings, church, you name it. Nothing’s sacred.

Images via Style.com

The fashion industry has been saying yes to color too. It’s been all over the runway for several seasons. But trends work in a different way. Mainstream fashion markets know that you have to ease men into big palette changes. That’s why you can walk into any storefront in our market and see awesome color options for women, but none for men. When these changes become common place on women, men will adapt and then begin to adopt the changes themselves.

DTGapgreen MANDAY Color Me Bad

Gap pants, “Spruce Needle” priced $44.99.

DTGapburgundy MANDAY Color Me Bad

Gap pants, “Novel Burgundy” priced $44.99

DTBonobosRed MANDAY Color Me Bad

Bonobos pants, “Brick Red” priced $88.00

DTBonobosMoney MANDAY Color Me Bad

Bonobos pants, “Old Money” priced $88.00

DTUnisGreen MANDAY Color Me Bad

Unis pants, “Emerald” - sold through Union Made Goods, priced $198.00.

DTUnisRed MANDAY Color Me Bad

Unis pants, “Ox Blood” - sold through Union Made Goods, priced $198.00.

I wear what I want when I want. However it’s going to be a while before non-traditional colors are storefront accessible for men in general. But rest assured they are “en vogue”. What’s more, I’ve found that clients respond positively to progressive fashion if worn with confidence. Here are three websites that increase in price. The second two have significant more offerings in variety. In my mind you should always be able to wear the colors you like (I love navy and grey too.). That’s why I’m stocking up while I can. I suggest you do the same.

Cheers,

Dustin Thames

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Fashion, MANDAY Tags: fashion, Manday

Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Written on January 7, 2012 by SarahV

Prairie Hive Mag, Issues 1-4

Better late than never, right? When I started over a week ago putting together my favorite images from the first few issues of Prairie Hive, there ended up being so many it took me a while to finish up! To kick off a new year, I wanted to take a look back at our first issues, share some of my personal favorites from the magazine, and share a few behind the scenes stories with our readers!

For our first (partial) year, we had a great time in 2011 and can’t believe how far we have come. Our team started this project with no idea where it might take us, and still continue to be surprised around every turn! We look forward to sharing even more great homes with you in 2012, look for a few format changes and some new additions to both the magazine and the blog!

Details

Sometimes it’s the smallest things in our featured homes that really catch our eye. Above are some of my favorite details from the homes we have visited. As we get to know our homeowners, both through the interview process and often through spending a couple (or more) hours invading their homes, I always find that it’s often these little things that tell us the most about who they really are. These personal touches, enhanced by Alayna’s stunning photography often end up being some of my personal favorites in each issue.

details Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Clockwise: Issue 1, Hood home, dishware collection; Issue 1, Hood home, Sputnik style light; Issue 4, Robinson home, Cufflinks; Issue 3, Lupp home, Bookcase; Issue 2, Rippy home, Dining Table; Issue 4, Robinson home, Peruvian Glass; Issue 4, Robinson home, Sunglasses.

Recipes

Oh, the food! Behind the scenes scoop: Despite the fact that we have frequently had our hands all over the food for a few hours after a photo shoot, we routinely pig out on all the yumminess when it’s over (we are a close knit group). Sometimes we make the food, sometimes we enlist the help of local businesses (or spouses), but we have had some truly delicious menus at our party shoots!

These are some of my favorites (both the photos and the foods themselves).

bestfood Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Clockwise: Issue 1, Rose’ Sangria; Issue 4, Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese and Pistachios; Issue 2, Shrimp, Cucumber and Dill Canapes; Issue 2, Melon, Pea and Squash Bruschetta; Issue 1, Curry Popcorn, Issue 3, S’mores with Coconut Marshmallows; Issue 3, S’mores Bar; Issue 3, Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce.

Confession: The Sangria at the top wasn’t real…we decided at the last minute that we needed a pitcher of something on the table, so we concocted a colorful drink out of random stuff we found in the fridge. Afterwards, we showed our favorite Mixologist the photos and had him come up with something that would look like it. However, it was taste tested, approved and will be an integral part of my first summer party this year! Thanks, Tony Collins for the recipe!

Have you tried any of our recipes? What were your top picks?

Get Crafty

When I tried to pick my favorite craft, I found I really couldn’t do it! I have been truly amazed at some of the wonderful items that Roxanne has come up with for each issue, so I included them all! They are all beautiful on their own, then add in Dawn’s photography incorporated into the spaces or events, they come to life.

crafts Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Clockwise: Issue 4, Glitter & Grain Wood Orbs, Issue 3, Dreamcatcher; Issue 1, Pom Garland, Issue 2, Hand Painted Silk Scarves.

We try to take a do-it-yourself approach to our entertaining features, so keep the flowers simple and easy for readers to replicate with what they can find locally and seasonally at the florist or favorite market. These are a couple of my favorite shots of some of the simple arrangements that Lisa has put together.

flowers Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 2, Casual Cocktails; Issue 3, Zinnias from A Moveable Feast

Most Accommodating Couple Award: The Lupps

The photo below pretty much says it all – the Lupps were so wonderful to work with, considering we invaded their home not once, but twice to shoot both the home and the outdoor party there. Not only did we take photos of their home, we completely destroyed it in the process. Their bookcase was fantastic, but K.C.’s massive board game collection was all stored inside, which wasn’t exactly…um, photogenic. We completely emptied it, then re-arranged the games, raided cabinets for their personal items, and brought in a few props of our own to add height and color where we thought it needed a little oomph. I think we scared Jen a little when we discovered her hidden pottery collection and got so excited we started running all over the house with it.

Surprisingly, they let us come back and take over their kitchen (it was around 100 degrees the day of the party photo shoot), set up a dining room in their front lawn, and drive a quite large truck dangerously close to their trees. They laughed at our lengthy debates over object placement, helped us hide bins of photo shoot props, and passed out wine and cheese to our sweaty, dirty team.

Thank you, K.C. and Jen!!

lupps Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Luppshelf Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

All Images from Issue 3

Coolest Detail You Probably Missed:

Metallic Zodiac Wallpaper, Issue 2

This photo kind of got put in a corner in Issue 2, and I would be remiss if I didn’t point it out again. Metallic. Zodiac. Wallpaper. This was the original paper in the house when Todd and Heather moved in, and it’s so fantastic she kept it all in tact despite the renovations throughout the rest of the house. Somehow we didn’t get a good close up shot – but take another look and soak it in.

bathpaper Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 2, Rippy Home, Powder Room

And here are, in no particular order, just a few more shots that I liked from various issues, with a few bits or behind the scenes info mixed in.

hoodhasty Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue One, Hood home, Accessories

Loved the Hasty-Bake Manual!

MovieNight2 Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 1, Movie Night on the Lawn

Fast fact: A tornado blew through town about an hour before we shot this. No, seriously. We had cancelled it, then once the storm had passed (mostly through the other side of town), decided at the final hour that it was back on and pulled the whole thing together in a short time frame to get as much light as we could before dark. Alayna and Dawn did a great job pulling all that “green sky” vibe out of the pics…they ended up looking wonderful!

soda Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 1, Movie Night on the Lawn, Retro Sodas

Love the colors in this shot. And yes, we drank them later.

rippyhouse1 Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 2, Rippy home, Living area

That glossy orange! That driftwood! That fireplace!

Overall room shots are hard because you can’t always capture the personality in the details, but I absolutely love this one from Issue 2.

poolparty2 Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 2, Rippy home, Casual Cocktails

Oh, the weather we encountered in 2011. It was about 107 degrees (no, really.) the day we shot this. We carried everything up these very steps that afternoon, took a few dips in the pool to cool off, and proceeded to all pass out later once we got home. We loved the way it turned out, though and I loved this shot just as the candles were starting to glow as we were wrapping up.

MvFeast Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 3, A Moveable Feast

Oh wait, did I already mention that it was 100 degrees AGAIN when we shot this outdoor party? Nothing like a fall feast, hot cider and s’mores while you are dripping sweat in the drought ravaged pasture. We were most thankful that we had decided not to incorporate people in the shoot, as we would have asked them to wear flannel, scarves and the like to set the autumn scene.

truck Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 3, A Moveable Feast, S’mores and Cider Bar

The truck bed was actually a last minute call for the cider bar. Thank goodness Lisa had the skills to back this monster up without knocking down one of the trees. I was a little nervous for a few minutes there.

luppsunset Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 3, Lupp home

I just love this shot!

zinkehall Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 4, Robinson home entryway

Those ceilings! That tapestry!

PCM Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 4, A Shimmering Soiree, Pohlenz Cucine Moderne

Gorgeous sky and scene in this photo, and thanks again to Pohlenz Cucine Moderne for letting us take over for an afternoon/evening and glitter bomb their showroom.

champbar Prairie Hive Mag, Best of 2011

Issue 4, A Shimmering Soiree

I just love this champagne shot – and the cool kitchen trough that the glasses were set down in.

And yes, we drank this afterwards too.

Cheers to what’s to come in 2012! Thanks for reading!

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Prairie Hive Mag Tags: design, Entertaining, food, Prairie Hive Mag, Recipe

4×8 Plywood Desk Design Contest

Written on January 6, 2012 by Roxanne D

We love to promote happenings in Tulsa and I thought it was past time to introduce Fab Lab Tulsa to you. This is the studio to join in order to bring your ideas to life. It is full of fun toys (advanced equipment) that is shared between members and fosters creativity. We had a meeting at the lab in October and I’ve been designing chairs in my mind ever since, a little something like this.

That is the 4×8 Contest that More Branding is hosting. They call for designing a desk from once 4×8 sheet of plywood in a friendly competition to foster creativity in the community. I think this will be an inspiring event to attend considering the variety of talent we have. Hope to see you there and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you are entering!

Here’s a little inspiration:

RD010612earl pinto custom plywood light 2 4x8 Plywood Desk Design Contest Earl Pinto Custom Plywood Light from Alex Earl

RD010612chair ply 4x8 Plywood Desk Design Contest

Plywood Chair by Jasper Morrison

RD010612Offset Stool Plywood Furniture 4x8 Plywood Desk Design Contest

Offset Stool by Giorgio Biscaro

RD010612plywood furniture for kids 4x8 Plywood Desk Design Contest

Plywood Table from Keener Boy Furniture

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Design, DIY Tags: design, DIY, furniture, tulsa

TV to Reality – Modern Family, Cameron & Mitchell

Written on January 5, 2012 by AlaynaB

image via ABC

Who doesn’t love Cameron and Mitchell from Modern Family? It’s hard not to….and that goes for their home as well.

I like the use of color in their living room. It’s not too overpowering, yet it’s not all brown (which many men tend to fall victim to!). The earthy green on the walls creates a warm space. While the neutral colors of the couch, chairs, and rug provide a nice canvas for pops of orange, blue, and a brighter green. Nothing is matchy-matchy, it looks like pieces that have been collected overtime, which is always nice! There is a nice balance of contemporary and transitional pieces of furniture and art, which gives the room a very welcoming and comfortable feeling.

Here is my interpretation of Cam & Mitchell’s living room….

1. Verano Sofa, Crate & Barrel

2. Red Sand II Print, AllPosters

3. Decorative Wood Grain Pillow, Target CLEARANCE!

4. Red Dust Ombre Velvet Pillow, Pier 1

5. Chalkboard Pillow Cover, West Elm ON SALE!

6. Blue Print, AllPosters

7. Boka Lime Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel

8. Box Frame Coffee Table, West Elm

9. Karlstad Chair, IKEA

10. Tribal Carved Wood Accent Table, World Market

11. Ceramic Turtle, West Elm

12. Papier-Mache Birds, West Elm

13. Mayflower Mocha Wool Rug, Overstock

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Design

Christmas Card Crafts

Written on January 4, 2012 by DawnT

One of my most favorite things about the holiday season is receiving all the cards, especially photo cards, from family and friends from around the country. And call me cheesy, but I adore the annual family newsletters that accompany many of them! I enjoy seeing how friends’ kids have grown and hearing what they each have been up to over the past year. Sitting down with a hot mug of tea and a stack of the newest cards that arrived in the mail that day becomes something I look forward to in December.

Last weekend I began putting away all the Christmas decorations in my house. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to take down the Christmas card display. Seeing all those smiling faces of people I love makes me happy!

I usually hang the photo cards on my refrigerator until the next batch arrive the following December, and retire last year’s cards into the “card box”. But I wanted something better (and a less-cluttered fridge). So, I was wondering what special way I can keep these lovely cards that my friends have undoubtedly spent many hours on – capturing the perfect picture, selecting the prettiest card design, and figuring out how to fit a year’s worth of family news into one snowflake-bordered letter.

Here are some great ideas on what to do with them!

I love the binder ring idea. That way I can add year after year’s cards so simply!

DET CmasCard01 Christmas Card Crafts

image via Toddler Approved

Make a custom scrapbook. You can place both the photo card and snippets of the newsletters. Maybe you can group the pages by family to see the year-to-year growth of everyone.

DET CmasCard02 Christmas Card Crafts

image via Two Peas in a Bucket

What a great card-book I can pull out with the Christmas decorations each year and use as a coffee-table book!

DET CmasCard03 Christmas Card Crafts

image via The Creative Place

Or if you aren’t someone who holds on to cards, but have received many pretty ones, why not recycle! Use the festive card fronts to make these fun crafts.

DET CmasCard04 Christmas Card Crafts