Oh, yes I did. I’m writing about Christmas and Halloween in one post on October 2. Welcome to my world.
As I’m getting ready for the Christmas open house at The Old Lucketts Store, it made me think of some of my favorite tutorials from last year.
Everyone went nuts over this ruffled linen Christmas tree skirt I made for HGTV.com. Well, the tutorial is finally live, so you can make one on your own. And the best news? It’s no sew. That’s right. No sewing…at all…ever. You can check out the full tutorial here. To keep it budget friendly, linen can be purchased for $5.00/yard online. You can also use a white cotton sheet to reduce the price even further.
I sell a lot of piece I make for HGTV.com after I turn the article in, but I kept this one for myself.
…and in case you’re wondering…yes, I did try it on. A girl can’t resist a twirly skirt!
The other project I received a lot of questions about is my ornate gold leaf chalk board.
I kept this piece, too, and use it in a lot of my photo shoots.
I used a discount frame, some gold leaf and made my own chalk board for inexpensive, custom artwork. You can read the full tutorial here.
Shifting gears to a holiday just around the corner, Halloween. One of my sponsors, Janet Hopkins, has some very cool Halloween printables and kits to bring your decor to the next level. I love these labels…
…and this banner…
…it would look so cool printed on some frayed linen, don’t you think? I also have a lot of easy and fun Halloween decorating ideas posted on HGTV.com. The links to those projects are listed on my side bar. Have fun preparing for the upcoming fall and winter holidays. This is definitely my favorite time of the year.
Ya know, for a girl who needed a little inspiration and pick me up on this rainy Sunday afternoon, this post was just the thing. Thanks much,
Tina
Oh my that tree skirt is amazing. I'm going to have to do that for sure! We are getting a real tree this year because my husband has NEVER had a real tree! Crazy! We're going to go to a place where we can find our own tree & cut it down ourselves so that he gets the full tree-hunting experience
I totally love that tree skirt and will have to go check it out more. My hubby probably won't be into the frill, but my daughter WILL be. hee hee
I kinda get your world, even though I'm not in no way well known like yourself, but I do craft shows and I even have some things published in the Sept. issue of Cricut magazine, as well as the upcoming Holiday issue. I've been working on making witches hats and Christmas decorations in the same day…in July. LOL! Talk about trying to get into the Christmas spirit by the pool side when it's 90+ degrees. It's getting easier now that it's cooled off and Fall is here.
Thanks Marian for the inspiration I really needed it today. Beautiful tree skirt & I love the Christmas glitter banner. Where do you draw your inspiration?
Beautiful blog post!! Very inspiring like always. I am usually not a decorator for the holidays, but I love your style of Christmas decor, it's very me!! I hope you are having a great weekend!!
xx LizMarieblog.com
YAY!!!! NO SEWING!!!! I can't wait to try it! What a fun Sunday post! Love, Me
http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
Very awesome!! I ADORE the tree skirt and I totally can't believe it is no sew! Wow!!
Ahhhhhh!! I just really don't want to think about Christmas yet ~ It is coming so fast!
xoxo
Lori
I love the ruffle skirt- and Christmas is my favourite time of the year
But I suppose it is a bit strange to have to come up with all these tutorials and Halloween and Christmas things when it is months in advance …..
I don't think any of us would be surprised to find out that you really don't sleep! I was happy to hear you talk about staying in your jammer's one day this week until noon. Maybe you are human after all!
I love the tree skirt and I am going to make it if all goes as planned!
Blessings to you and your family,
Barbara
The Treasured Home
Sigghhh! Dreaming of my first fall/Christmas season as a MMS reader- you rock HARD, Miss Marian!
Blog Crushin',
Suzanne in Illinois
I don't blame you not one bit. When the leaves begin to fall from the trees, I immediately begin to think about decorating for Christmas. That tree skirt is simply precious.
No sew is right up my alley! I will definitely check that out.
I just read this in the NYT and thought you might like it, too: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/pigs-and-a-blanket/?WT.mc_id=TM-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M221-ROS-1011-HDR&WT.mc;_ev=click
I haven't been to the tutorials on hgtv.com, but now I for sure will. Your xmas tree skirt is adorable. Love all your posts as I've gone all the way back to the beginning.
Yes, there definitely was some extra space in the room — so I had a feeling someone stumbled upon a few of your fabulous creations, but still an amazing space!!! You always get my creative juices flowing. Whether it's a long detailed blog full of information or something sweet and simple – I always close my laptop feeling like I took something away from it that i can use down the road
Your blog and space in that store has become my main inspiration, and has helped me follow my calling! I was there today secretly hoping to run into you! I'm coming back for the lavender, antique scale, and ohh I don't know — EVERYTHING else 
thanks for everything you do for women like me who are just starting out, and trying to find their way in this business!
What treatment is done to the gourds or is that just action on the photo that makes it look turquoise? Thanks! Leslie
I pretty much need that tree skirt! Andno sew! I am super excited!
Love the tree skirt, it's so pretty. I'm going to look at your HGTV projects right now!
hugs
Sissie
At first I was like,"Whaaat? Christmas?" But girl, you never disappoint! After looking at that gorgeous ruffled tree skirt, you just completely put me in a Christmas mood! It's stunning, really it is!(And if I can wear a ruffled shower curtain, who says you can't wear a tree skirt!)
You have made a gorgeous tree skirt and the chalkboard looks great too.
Love the tree skirt.. very similar to one I made but mine is all about the color! I used raw silk. The tree opening on mine is way to small to ever put on (me) but the thought makes me giggle!
maddie
Where do I find $5 linen online?? That's a great deal!!
Hello, gorgeous (both the tree skirt and the tree!) I say it is never too early for seasonal decorating ideas, especially if we are inspired to make something and need the time to gather and hunt for supplies.
Oh my goodness I'm in love with the ruffly tree skirt!
Christmas! yikes…. that tree skirt is FANTASTIC! I'll be checking that one out for sure
Oh you doll! My house is on a Christmas tour this year and I've been so confused as to how to decorate – I have this idea that it has to be better that my usual – just stage fright, probably. Either way, your shots are giving me a really nice direction. Thanks.
That ruffles skirt – GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why oh why can't I sew!
DREAMY!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
Really ?!!!! You inspire me so!
Ohhh-thank you, thank you! I am SO going to make that tree skirt to go with my fabric pom-poms as ornaments -tutorial on my blog if interested!
It will be a super fun project to do with my girls!
I also am interested to know where to purchase $5 linen online, that is an amazing price.
The ruffled tree skirt is adorable.
Love the tree skirt!! Where do you find $5 linen??
I feel in love with your ruffled skirt…AGAIN !! So beautiful!! Love those labels too!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Thanks for sharing these great tutorials!
I plan to create a gold leaf chalkboard for my Mom for Christmas. She will love it! Thanks for the great tip!!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Yay, I have to make that tree skirt – I've looked at several different ideas and I really like this one. Now I have to find linen!
Or do you think it would work to make it all out of drop cloth?
[email protected]
It's gorgeous! I've just been experimenting with no-sew ruffles [and sewed ones as well, but... bah] and I think this is the perfect project for getting in a lot of practice! I'll put my teen to work. And we have a nice drop cloth all ready! Gorgeous work as always! xoxxo
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful! I love them all, the tree skirt is my favorite!
Lorrie
I love the ruffled tree skirt – but I just know the cats would love the frayed edges and tear it to pieces.
I bet I could do that using some clearance ribbon. No, it wouldn't have as much charm, but hopefully it would still be adorable.
I have a huge oil painting that my husband found on the side of the road. I was going to prime and pant the oil painting with blackboard paint – but I'm thinking maybe putting in a board like you did might be a better way to go.
Thanks for the ideas!
I am going to make it, I love it.
I love that you tried on your Christmas tree skirt! (I would have too!) Now I have to go and make me one of those! I love everything you do!
Jennifer
Superbes photos!
J'adore!!!
Have a good evening!
Love the holidays — sooo pretty!
Amazing! Simply Amazing! Love it all! Ooh I am so inspired! Thanks for sharing. Be blessed.
Thank you for posting the gold leaf tutorial! I have a package and didn't know how to use it. The problem was not having sizing, so I shall have to procure some. Love that frame!
Beautiful! Since it does have "fray's", I don't know why any type of material wouldn't work. Find some Christmasy material and make it.
Help! I am in love with the tree skirt, but am stuck!! I went out and bought linen today (it was on sale at JoAnne's for $5.33/yd). Came home and started following the tutorial. How do I "nicely" cut the 2" linen strips? I gave up and tore all of mine, thinking the frayed edges would be charming… ehhhhh… Also, I am blasting through the no fray glue. Is that normal? Luckily, I got enough to make 2 skirts. Should I toss this one? Need some more tips for this non-crafty person right here!!!!
Steve & Christine C,
I cut out all of the strips with scissors instead of ripping it, so the fraying wasn't as bad. You can also use a rotary blade and cutting mat. If you look closely at mine, you will see that the edges are frayed, which I don't mind at all. I didn't use no-fray glue, but you can if the fraying bothers you.
I would suggest finishing the skirt you're working on. I bet once you finish it, the full effect will be great.
Miss Mustard Seed
pinterest lead me here. i think i am in love with your blog. it's wonderful.
Your ruffled tree skirt is beautiful! and repinned all over pinterest. The tutorial was easy to follow – no sewing yea! I finished my ruffled tree skirt this past weekend and I can't wait to put it around my tree.
Rebekah
Hi – I want to make the tree skirt and order the linen online, but there are so many linen choices. Do you think you used a lightweight or medium weight lined? And was it all linen or a blend? I like the fray-y, organic look of real linen, but it’s really expensive!