DIY Ideas to Beat the January Blues

We are moving in to the first part of January and if you have been timely in taking down your Christmas/holiday decorations your house probably looks well…..empty.  Here are a few ideas on filling some of that void with winter seasonal ideas.

If you haven’t taken the decoration down yet, keep the snowmen out.  They are perfect for January.  If you have already packed them away, next year give them their own box so they can hang out a little longer.

Use candles.  They are warm and cozy.  A collection of colored glass holders on a tray can make a nice centerpiece.  Or how about a lantern on your fireplace mantle or bookcase for an inviting touch? Speaking of candles, try the “electric” candles.  They make pillars that take AAA batteries and some even have a remote or timer.  These can be used where the “fire” version can’t be placed, even around kids and pets.

 Glass containers or bowls with pinecones or vases with evergreens…even in January bringing the outside in can make things, well…beautiful.  Add a bow to match your décor…or add a punch of color like turquoise (my favorite).

Think snow…when my daughter was younger I would give her a stack of coffee filters and pair of scissors and let her make all the snowflakes she wanted.  Tape them to windows or hang on string from lights or doorways.

Add a bright colored throw or fun colored throw pillows to the couch.  On the gloomy days of January a splash of color can bring a smile to your face.

I grew up in Florida so for me January in Virginia can be a real downer but I know this so I take it up a notch and make sure I put color in my life.  This goes not just for the house but me too.  I carry a bright colored purse or wear a fun colored hat and scarf.  I even break out a bright coffee mug so that I start the day in the right frame of mind.  So try to have warm thoughts and before we know it spring will be here!

Nancy Masannat

Simple Joy Designs

I just want to make things beautiful, even if nobody cares.

The world is made up of all sorts of people.  People who are have great analytical minds like scientists or mathematicians. People who can wrap their minds around how to build things or make them work like mechanics and carpenters.  People who are healers and doctors that make us feel better.  People who are care givers that know our needs and meet them.  People who are teachers that want to share knowledge.  And there are so many others.  I fall into a unique group; those want to enhance the aesthetic of everything around us.  I have always had a creative knack and now I am trying to make my passion, my profession.

In this season of life, I am trying to focus my path, so to speak.  I grew up on a farm, participating in the local 4-H club, where I learned to sew, cook and much more. As an adult I have spent my fair share of hours doing data entry and booking in number of jobs.  And before I had my beautiful children I attended floral design school, where I learned to make money being creative.  However, raising children came first and my plans were put on hold.  Now that they are older, I can put time into being creative and trying to make money at it.  So since it is my “joy”, I called my business Simple Joy by Design

I like to use things that I already have to enhance my surroundings.  We are in that time of year when I just simply get carried away - Christmas.  Being creative, I believe is a natural talent, some people got it and some people don't.  But there is nothing wrong with "copying" another person idea to improve your project.  I'm not talking about plagiarizing per se, but you don't need to re-invent the wheel to add to your home, entertaining or gift giving.  I hope to inspire others to dig deep and find their inner creativity.  I want to encourage you to put those personal touches around your home that will make you smile when you look at them.

Many of us had that spark of creativity when we were young, but if it wasn’t nurtured and can be extinguished.  I will be creating a kid’s craft each month to encourage the development of creativity.  I have worked with kids for many years and have 2 of my own.  I will tell you that no major catastrophe has occurred due to a child coloring outside the lines.  If they take the items in front of them and construct something different than what you had in mind that is not a bad thing.  Thinking outside the box is something to embrace.

So here goes…