Super Quick Christmas Decor Idea

Big Impact, Little Effort

First, let me apologize for the long gap in posting.  Like everyone at this time of year, I'm swamped with a list of "things to do".  Add to my normal hectic life, I've been working an average of 32 hours at the closest JoAnn Fabrics store (an hour away!!!)  I'm frantically trying to do my part to support the animals here at the ranch.  Anyway, I made these plates last week, but just haven't had one free minute to take pictures or write this post.  Thankfully, I have a couple days off from work, and I'm sick as a dog with a terrible head cold, so I'm taking the opportunity to write this post.

I few months ago, I went to Goodwill to pick up a large selection of white plates and platters for an idea I had for my garden fence.  Since I didn't get that project finished for "Gardening season", surprise, surprise, I decided to make some of them up for a quick Christmas Decoration.  The plates averaged .49 cents, and the platters were 1.49 each.  I bought up stacks of them!

I used Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges to write the phrase components with the exception of the Happy New Year plate.  For that plate, I used an image from my subscription for the Cricut Explore Design Space.  Working with vinyl is a lot of fun, and SUPER easy!  The primary goal is to do a "kiss cut", so you are not cutting all the way through the backing material.  I will happily do a tutorial on the process at a later date, but sadly, the next week or so is going to be completely absorbed with finishing (or more honestly, starting) Christmas gifts, and just won't have a chance to do all the necessary photos for the tutorial.  If you are chomping at the bit to get started, I promise, there are LOTS of video tutorials all over Youtube.

For the "Walking in a Winter Wonderland set of plates, I used Art Philosophy again for the snowflake and lettering, except for Winter Wonderland.  For that, I actually used a font from my computer.  That is one of the real beauties of the new Cricut Explore machine.  I am not affiliated with ProvoCraft, or Cricut, but I am a huge fan of this machine! 

For my last set of plates, I used images from my design space subscription.  The only exception is the Deer with the bird in its antlers.  That image is from the new Artfully Sent cartridge.  I really love this little guy!

Anyway, I'm really sorry this is such a lack luster post, but I wanted to share this idea with you.  I think it could very easily translate to any season, or design idea.  The best part is that the vinyl is removable, so you aren't stuck storing the plates til next year.  You can scrape the vinyl off and design something for the next season.  In a really tiny home like mine, storage can be a bit of a problem.  Luckily for me, I have a barn, but to be completely honest, I have way too much stuff out there!

Here's one last look.  I hope you like it!