Oh white meat dark meat I just cant choose

Thanksgiving is only one week away! You know what I am thinking so I wont even type it. Right? Right? Moving on. I am doing Thanksgiving at my house (as I stated in a previous post) so I have been frantically searching the internet for (cheap) fall decorating ideas.




I found the acorn banner (link posted 2 posts down) and decided that is way easy (cheap) and super cute to make. I went to work.

I finally got my printer in working order after much frustration but way less money then it would've cost for new cartridges. Guess I am thankful for the frustration and saved money. Anyway printed out the acorn pattern Rachel provided. Used cardstock I had and Dollar store wood grain contact paper. VIOLA! Cute acorn banner done!



Then I searched high and low for a super easy way of making paper garland. I have a ton of scrap paper that I keep saying I am going to sell or I let the kids make birthday cards with. The pile keeps growing and growing. So the other day I thought eureka I have it! I will punch all those papers up and use them for paper garland. Hehehe smart smart me. I sat and watched a few shows and punched till my fingers hurt.


I found a site that said use wax paper to make the garland. I went to reach for my wax paper and wouldn't you know it...I was out! Grr what to do? I have a ton of tissue paper (super cheap) and decided it must work the same way and tried it..Indeed it does! I will say little bits of paper get stuck on the thread but they easily come off.



First I cut thin long strips from the tissue paper and spaced my punched circles out on the tissue paper. I used very little glue stick glue to keep them in place. I do mean very little! If you use to much the tissue paper will be stuck on your paper.

Ran it through my sewing machine just as if I was sewing a dress or shirt (haha yeah right never have done that before).



When I came to the end of one strip I just fed another through after it. Once I got all my strips sewn I then pulled off the tissue paper. It comes away easily and I only used about 2 sheets! I love paper garland and the best part is it cost me 0, nada, nothing to make! I had all the supplies already.



I also found some very sweet printables on MarthaStewart.com and used those throughout the living room. The squirrels are my very favorite.




I had the silver glittery pumpkin/gourds from halloween. They are perfect for thanksgiving too if I do say so myself.



The flower garland on the mirror is made from white cupcake liners I also purchased (you guessed it) the dollar store. I will show how to make those in the next post.

I really wish I could do more. I want a new mirror for that mantel and still have yet to find something to put above the mirror. I have the angel but its just there temporarily.

I must say it is hard to decorate on a non-exsistant budget, but possible. Hope I have inspired you to save a little money and gave you some ideas for your own thanksgiving celebration! More to come.

♥♥♥