DIY: Build a Wood Manger for a Nativity Prop or Decoration

DIY: Build a Wood Manger for a Nativity Prop or Decoration My husband built this wood manger for a church party last year.  It works as a Nativity Story play or yard decoration too.  Made of reclaimed wood and mostly hand tools for extra authenticity.  The construction of the manger uses no nails or screws, just wood dove tailing.  Great DIY for Christmas time. You will need: 4x4 posts (18-20 inches long) 3/4" pine boards (12x18 inches) Chisel rubber mallet  jig saw table saw To fit the boards together, they are cut like Lincoln Logs, 1/2 notches on both boards, right in the center.  Set the table saw at 1.75 inches tall and cut slices in the center of the posts...enough slices to fit one post. Then use a chisel and slice off all the slices. Clean up the inside of the cut with the chisel. Then use a rubber mallet to fit both posts together tightly. Repeat this with the other 2 posts. Next, use a jig saw to cut opposing dove tail groves on the pine b

Hand Lettering Merry Christmas on Kraft Paper: Creative Gift Wrapping!

 Hand Lettering Merry Christmas on Kraft Paper: Creative Gift Wrapping! Practice your hand-lettering skills and make amazing gift wrap for your Christmas gifts.  I am not the greatest gift wrapper, but I like to decorate them and make them cute with creative gift wrapping and cute gift tags.  Add a fun hand touched look to all your gifts with this quick project.  You will need: (affiliate links) Kraft Paper (I buy mine at the dollar store) Tombow Dual Brush Pens  Cut a piece of kraft paper the size to wrap your gift.  Then start in the top corner and use a black dual brush pen to write Merry Christmas (or whatever phrase you want).  Then continue writing over and over to fill the wrapping paper.  Don't worry if it is sloppy, it's the perfect way to practice.  Once you arrive at the center, switch and write the phrase in red pen.  Then continue to fill the page with black pen until finished and completely filled.  Add a holly berry on each corner of th

Creative Gift Wrapping: Washi Tape

 Creative Gift Wrapping: Washi Tape Washi tape is the BEST.  Washi tape is a paper based tape, similar to masking tape.  It's narrower and comes in an amazing assortment of sheens and colors.  I love the variety of colors, the versatility and the fun it adds to something.  Use it to dress up a plain brown package with metallic and colorful washi tape.  I love metallic washi tape, it instantly adds a high class look to any project. Get some fabulous washi tape here , affiliate link: And these tape dispensers are amazing--they hold 5 rolls of tape and tear off effortlessly...plus they stack for the ultimate storage! Wrap a gift in kraft paper...don't judge my wrapping skills!  I do not love wrapping presents and I don't take the time to do a good job...but I decorate my gifts so they look beautiful.  Just peel off long strips and cover the box top and sides.  Add as many rows of washi tape as desired. Like Pin and Share!