I finally settled on my word for the year…

 

Joy...My word for the year 2013

 

 Joy.

 

If you read my previous Joy Day! post you already know that.

And so I thought it would be fun to show you how I put together this little Wintry Wall Vignette over my sideboard and share a little more of the behind the scenes meaning.  Plus, a brief tutorial! Ready?!

 

Handmade JOY art from pine cones and burlap in a basket

 

The JOY Basket.

Last year during the Christmas season I created this basket of joy.  This year I didn’t have a place for it.   After all the gold and glitz of Christmas got put away, I came across the joy basket again and propped it up on my piano, leaning it against the Christmas picture that I had not yet moved.  Joy.  It was there, right in front of me, day after day, while I was trying to discover what my word for the year should be.  Isn’t it funny how some things are right in front of us and we don’t see them?

 

The Joy Basket tutorial in 11 EASY steps:  

  1. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the bottom of your basket.
  2. Cut a piece of burlap just a wee bit wider and 6 inches longer than the cardboard.
  3. Make sure the edges of the burlap are nice and even before removing a few strands for the fray.
  4. Glue the burlap to the cardboard, wrapping it around the ends securely.
  5. Glue string or fish line to the back of the board so that you can secure the burlap board to the basket securely by stringing it through the weaves and tying it tightly.  If you have a more disposable basket, you could glue the board to the basket directly.  However, do NOT secure it in place just yet.
  6. Trace your letters…in this case… J O Y on the burlap, spaced as you wish.
  7. Glue tiny pine cones to the traced letters with a glue gun.
  8. Secure your pine cone embellished graphic art to your basket.
  9. If you like you can attach another hanger to the basket with fish line if needed.
  10. Hang your beautiful work of art.
  11. Stand back and admire your handiwork.

Project Supplies: basket, burlap, glue gun, tiny pine cones, string or fish line, pencil.

Note: the basket I used was a retired Longaberger Long Serving Basket.  I picked my tiny pine cones from under Hemlock trees, but you can order them online inexpensively.

 

Whitewashed Rustic Wall Vignette : AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Here’s how the Joy Vignette came together.

Once I decided n JOY for my word I wanted to find a better place for my basket of joy.
Last summer we collected a few wood pallets.  Most had been cut in half to put under our basement shelves so that we didn’t have cardboard boxes sitting directly on the floor in our storage area.  There was a nice one left over and I asked my husband to take it apart so that I could make some signs for my back porch to go with that fun floor cloth I painted for the porch.  Well, I never got around to it. Of course, when it’s freezing cold, I get an inspiration that maybe we could put the slats together to make a slat board to hang on the wall.  Mr. Extraordinary said he would be happy to make a slat board for me, in the unheated garage, when it was all of 14 degrees outside.  I know…I’m blessed.

 

Rustic Whitewashed Snowflake Wall Art | AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

How to make a small slat board for decorative purposes.

The number of pallet boards you use will determine the height of your slat board, then trim them the desired length.  Cut two more pieces just a wee bit less than the height of the to-be-completed slat board.  Cut one more piece (this is optional) so that it will fit on the diagonal between the two boards.  You’ll need to cut these on an angle so they butt together…like the cross buck on a barn door.  Then nail or screw the slats to the criss-cross pieces.   That’s it. I took the project to the basement where I used a metal (powerless) hand sander and smoothed down the rough areas, and then I dry brushed some white trim paint on the boards.   After the paint dried thoroughly, we hung picture hanging hooks and wire on the back and then I was ready to decorate the front.

 

Wintry Rustic Sideboard Vignette - AnExtraordiinaryDay.net

 

Embrace Winter.

Since it still is winter and will be for 2 more months, I decided to go with a winter theme for my slat board.  Snowflakes and pinecones.  Whites and browns.  A new combo for me, but I’m loving it. Some time ago I attended a small private craft show and picked up a few dark rusty-looking metal snowflakes and some twisted white-wire ones too.  After carefully arranging the snowflakes and my basket of joy, they needed to be attached to the slat board.  Since I had the little picture hanging kit out I decided that the tiny little brass nails would be perfect.  After hammering them in, I hung the completed ‘moment’ up on the wall over my sideboard.   Those cute little brass nail heads were showing, so I took my tiny paint brush and touched them up with white paint.  You’ll have to look hard to see.

 

Winter Sideboard or Mantel Vignette - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Dressing up the sideboard.

Feeling pretty good about my burst of creativity, I decided to complete the look with the repetition of baskets and pine cones, and silver and pewter for contrast.  And yes, the candlesticks came out to make handy pine cone stands.   I went to bed that night happy that my idea came together.

 

Pine Cones - Winter Joy Vignette - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Beauty in the details.

The next morning it was bright early and I noticed that my sweet little wire snowflakes did not show up against the white.  Duh.  White on white.  So I flew to my stash of dried up craft paint and dry brushed some brown on the white flakes and voila! they looked terrific against the white.  Such a little thing, but a big difference. The wood snowflake was a late addition.  I’m glad I remembered I had it in my stash.  It provides just the right amount of additional textural interest. If you look closely, the picture hanging wire was not heavy enough and it stretched.  But, as I am in a spending freeze, it will have to do.  I just need to remember what The Nester says, “It doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.”

 

Longaberger Baskets & Pine Cone Winter Vignette - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Choose joy.

“Joy does not simply happen to us.
We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

 

With my little vignette gracing my sideboard I am reminded that joy is always waiting for me.

I just need to choose it.

If you’d like more joy in your life, I invite you to take the Joy Dare with me.  It’s a wonderful exercise that can be both fun and reflective.  And most of all…life-changing.  Here’s a link to learn more.  Download the PDF for all the Joy Dare prompts here.  Join me in counting 3 gifts a day. The first day of each week I have a Joy Day! feature here at An Extraordinary Day.  It’s an inspirational post that ends with each of us counting seven gifts/blessings from the week.  You can choose to do both the Joy Dare and join me for Joy Day!

Whatever you choose…

 

Choose JOY!

 

Joyfully,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Your sideboard is so pretty! Very wise of you to keep things off your basement floor. We just had to throw out a BUNCH of stuff that was ruined during our recent basement flooding. Grrrr!

    • Diane says

      Oh Susan, I am sooo sorry. There is nothing good about flooding in the basement. We had some this summer…which turned out okay if you remember the blog post. But, we have had moisture issues in a dry basement…surprise! And had stacks of things at the curb for the trash man. I know your frustration. [hugs]
      Thanks for enjoying my vignette with me.

  2. I just love this piece! Those snowflakes are gorgeous against the whitewash boards. I’m off to explore your joy post. For me, joy comes from the Lord! I’d love it if you linked this to my new linky party, “What We’ve Accomplished Wednesdays.” It is live right now.

    Have a great week!
    Deborah

    • Diane says

      Hi Deborah! Thank you for your kind words and sweet invitation!

  3. Mel says

    Seriously….out in the 14 degree weather to construct the board for you?!
    Okay……that fella’s a keeper for sure!

    I do adore the board and all the pretties spread about. It really is adorable. And perfect in the browns and whites. Isn’t that amazing.
    And isn’t that true that Joy’s there just staring you in the face the whole time?!

    It’s very very cute.
    Makes me wanna find out what’s ON that old pallet in the basement. Maybe it could be moved to a shelf and I could……re-purpose! 😀 What are the odds of that?! LOL

    • Diane says

      Hmmm…what are those odds? 😀 It was a labor of love both taking it apart and then creating the new board. Yes…I am blessed. 😀
      I’m so glad you like my ‘board’ — it is a bit different than my usual style. But, it is fun getting out of the rut too.
      How’s the leg???

  4. I LOVE your Joy basket. What a wonderful project and such a beautiful word for your year. Stopping by from Studio JRU.

  5. Bev says

    Love your JOY creation! Perfect for winter and your word of the year.
    Joy is my word as well. Love the quote you posted as well. So very true!

    • Diane says

      How special to meet another joyful spirit! 🙂
      Thanks for coming by Bev and leaving your kind words.
      May your weekend be filled with joys!

  6. Renee says

    I really like how the small pine cones give the basket such a natural and rustic look! It’s beautiful! Coming from StudioJRU.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Renee. I have had those pine cones for quite a while…collecting them from the backyard of a house we built but had to leave to follow God’s call.
      Hope your days are filled with JOY!

  7. So beautiful! I like uncluttered and clean art and this definitely is that! Thanks for sharing how you made it

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Alecia! 🙂
      Wishing you an Extraordinary weekend!

  8. So beautiful! Love the pinecone theme and your choice of colours and tones… swoon!!

    • Diane says

      Awwww…Donna…you just made my day. I so admire your touch and style.
      Thanks!!!

  9. Beautiful…love it all. For the first time, I am thinking (since I love pallet board signs) of making one like yours that can act like a sort of bulletin board, and change it out as often as I want…hmmmmm – coming from StudioJRU…

    • Diane says

      Thank you Cindy!! I hope you do one too. 😀 I’ve already got a few thoughts on changing mine up as the seasons change, too.

  10. First of all, I love that you have a word to live by for 2013. And what a glorious choice, JOY! I have been trying to focus on the good and positive in the world and I guess my word is Happiness. I need to choose happiness every chance I get! AND this piece of art is just a lovely way to celebrate winter. Love the natural outdoorsey elements:) If you get a chance this weekend I would love for you to share at Get Schooled Saturday!
    xxx
    Kim
    http://too-much-time.com/2013/02/get-schooled-saturday-60.html

    • Diane says

      Hi Kim!
      Joy…Happiness…attitudes and outlooks we choose that hopefully make a positive impact on our world. I think we’ll see what it did for both of us as the years goes by. I’m sure it will be good! 🙂
      Thanks for your kind words about my ‘art.’ It makes me happy every time I was past it. And that makes it worth doing.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!
      P.S. I did link up…#42! 🙂

  11. Happier Than A Pig in Mud says

    Your winter vignette looks great! I love the metal snowflakes:@)

  12. This is absolutely beautiful…thank you for sharing.

  13. Your winter arrangement looks beautiful! I love the rustic, natural feel. Life to the full, Melissa

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Melissa!
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  14. What a beautiful winter display. love the JOY spelled out in the little pinecones. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Monday Funday. have a wonderful day! 😉

    • Diane says

      Awwww…that means so much coming for two uncommonly talented ladies!
      Thank you!
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!

  15. Ashley S says

    I absolutely love this! I never would’ve thought to put the Joy down the side. It really adds some dimension to this. We have been working with loads of slat art lately, and this is truly inspiring!

    • Diane says

      And your words are truly encouraging, Ashley!! 😀 Thank you!!
      Joy to you!

  16. Ruth says

    I love this winter vignette. Everything looks lovely. I really need to get some pallets. I love the pinecones used in a variety of ways, especially to spell joy.
    Ruth

    • Diane says

      My husband is happy to see me finally using the pine cones that I’ve dragged all over the country! {laughing}
      Thanks Ruth! Hope your week is Extraordinary!

  17. This is really beautiful. I just love it. 🙂

  18. Love the pine cone word! It all pulls together nicely with the pewter.

    • Diane says

      Thanks JoAnn! It puts a smile on my face, too!
      Hope your week is extraordinarily JOY filled!!

  19. What a lovely way to share your word of the year and what a wonderful word!

    Thanks for linking up to Project Inspire{d} and have a joy-filled week!

    ~hugs, Mary Beth~

    • Diane says

      Thank you Mary Beth!!
      Wishing you a week extraordinarily filled with JOY!

  20. emily says

    I love that you are embracing winter :o) I also adore those snowflakes on your board! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays at Nap-Time Creations. I have a new button that I would LOVE for you to put somewhere on your blog if you get a chance… oh and I am hosting a week of giveaways in honor of my blog birthday. A new one up every day. http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/02/blog-birthday-week-custom-fabric-abc.html

    • Diane says

      You are so kind Emily!
      Best wishes for a lovely Valentine’s Day!

  21. Hi Diane, my joyful friend! Thank you for sharing this lovely display at my Monday Makeover party. Your choice of JOY is fabulous and the design of it all is so inviting and cozy! Thank you for the tutorial as well. To answer your question on my post, I give presentationsl 1-2 times per month to address health care professionals with information on the importance of vaccinating in the adult population. That was the “speaking” to which I referred. It’s a great way to stay in my profession of pharmacy without working full time, so I can be with my children more!

    • Diane says

      You are too kind Jessica! Thank you.
      What a great opportunity for you. That is truly a blessing for you and your family.

  22. This is quite lovely! The display as well as your attitude and spirit! 🙂

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet and encouraging Debra! Thank you!! 🙂
      Wishing you joy…overflowing!

  23. I love how you displayed your word! What a great reminder. The snowflake board is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party!

    • Diane says

      Awwww thanks Lauren!! 😀 It’s always a treat to stop by.
      Happy Valentine’s Day!

  24. Kathy says

    How marvelous and creative! The joy basket looks lovely. I do appreciate you sharing your tutorial with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      Thank you Kathy! That means a lot!
      Happy Valentine’s Day!

  25. Perfect word for the year! I love that whole board. what a cute idea. Your vignette looks so fun!

    • Diane says

      It was a ton of fun to do!! Thanks for your encouraging words!

  26. JOY is my word of the year also. I love you basket with Joy in it!

    • Diane says

      Kindred spirits!!
      Hope your Valentine’s Day was joyful!

  27. Kim says

    I love this.. especially the neutral/natural color palette. It is so beautiful. Would be perfect for any decor style.

  28. I love this Vignette! I love how you used the basket!

    • Diane says

      You are so kind…thank you!!
      Hope your weekend is filled with JOY!

  29. Tammy says

    What a great vignette! Thanks for sharing in this week’s Rustic Restoration Weekend!

  30. a joyful post! thank you for adding your wonderful blog to the Thursday Favorite Things hop. xo

    • Diane says

      I look forward to your ‘hop’ each week, Katie…meeting new friends and being inspired. 🙂

  31. I am in awe of everything you do!! Your vignette is gorgeous and so creative!. Thank you so much for the inspiration each week and for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
    Hugs
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      You are tooo kind, Kathy! I love popping over every week and seeing all the beautiful things you’ve put together. And from the dollar store, no less. You’re really inspiring.
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  32. Oh WOW Diane! This is GORGEOUS!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!

    • Diane says

      You are too kind, Christine.
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!

  33. This turned out so eye-catching! I love it! Just featured it in my DIY project from Monday Funday! Thanks for linking it up!
    –Kaite

    • Diane says

      That is so nice of you to say that Katie! 😀 I LOVE Monday Funday! I’m humbled and blessed that you would feature it. Thank you sooo much!!

  34. Love it! Found you on Thursday Favorite Things and I would love to invite you over to The Creative HomeAcre Hop today!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-creative-homeacre-hop-3.html

    • Diane says

      Thanks for the invite Lisa! How kind of you! 🙂

  35. Since I love snowflakes (the fake ones) I was automatically drawn to your wall decor! I also love the idea of creating a sign from the inside of a basket! They all look so perfect together. Love it!!

    • Diane says

      Haha! Don’t we all love the “fake ones” best?!!
      Thank you for your kind words, Beth! You just put a huge smile across my face.
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!!

  36. Jody says

    I love your “Joy” basket. It’s a perfect vignette using your slat boards as the background. Thank you so much for sharing at Simple & Sweet Fridays.

    Jody

    • Diane says

      Thank you sooo much, Jody!! You are so sweet to say that.
      Wishing you JOY all week long!

  37. Emily says

    So pretty!!! And, I love your word of the year 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thanks Emily! 🙂
      Wishing you a day filled with JOY!

  38. Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  1. Fabulous Feature Friday says:

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  2. […] Winter Board Vignette by An Extraordinary Day […]

  3. […] special. Last winter I had fun using both pine cones and snowflakes in my decor.  Click here and here to see more and maybe even pick up a little inspiration for your winter […]

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