Holiday Monogrammed Canvas

When I started thinking on how I’d decorate our new porch space for the holidays, I just knew it would be the perfect place for a second DIY monogrammed canvas.  (See the original here.) 

November 2012 258 copy

The first thing I did was purchase a 20×24” canvas from Michael’s when they were on sale for 50% off.  I used a staple gun to cover it in burlap I already had.  Be sure to pull it VERY tight if you do the same.

Next, I went right back to Scrappin Plus on etsy to order the monogram, since I knew they had the best prices and I had such a good experience with them the last time.  I ordered a 16” script cursive “W” out of wood this time and Tamera knocked my socks off when she generously sent it free of charge!!  (I’m guessing this size would cost about $10 plus shipping.)

I already had a container of Martha Stewart Glittering Glue from a project a few years back (though I suppose elmer’s would work just fine), and I used 40% off coupons to buy two jars of Martha Stewart’s glitter in White Gold from Michael’s.  Over the course of a day, Mother and I  spent time spreading on the glue, pouring on glitter and then repeating the process many times to get all the nooks and crannies.  I let it dry over night and used super glue to attach the glittered monogram to the covered canvas. 
November 2012 248

The pictures hardly do the glitter justice – it is so fine and sparkly and gorgeous!!  Sister was a doll to do my garlands on the mantle.  I mean, her attention to detail is just outstanding and she spent waaaay more time on it than I ever would have.  She started with two swags, weaved in a string if mini lights and a string of large white lights, layered in large pinecones and then tucked in burlap ribbon (all purchased half off from Hobby Lobby.)  And isn’t her belly just the cutest thing??  The burlap stockings were purchased on our New Orleans trip and are made by Mud Pie.  (I really need Honey to put those logs in that fireplace!)
photo 4 (3) November 2012 254 copy November 2012 255 copy November 2012 256 copy

November 2012 257 copy

So, I know some of yall are wondering “why is she decorating for Christmas so early???” and others are saying “one holiday at a time, pretty please.”  Five years ago on Thanksgiving day I had a stillborn son.  It was devastating and has forever changed my view of the holiday.  Don’t get me wrong, I am immensely thankful for so many blessings, I still cook the requisite Thanksgiving bird and I try my best to compose myself for the sake of the two sons that I am so grateful to have here on earth.  But, for some reason five years ago, I decorated early for Christmas.  When I came home from the hospital without my baby, I lit up the trees and garlands and wreaths and it brought so much joy to me in such a dark time.   Since then, my Christmas has gone up in November but I wait until Thanksgiving day to turn it all on.  It’s just something I do and it’s something I’ll probably always do.  I realize y’all probably came here for a craft project and not to hear that sad narrative :-)

So, with that, I’m delighted to say that the whole house is decorated (I don’t do the outside until next Friday) and there’s much more Christmas to come (though I’ll wait to take pictures until I light it all up on Thanksgiving)!!
xoxo

Flattered for the features at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia and Uncommon Designs!

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61 thoughts on “Holiday Monogrammed Canvas

  1. Your porch looks lovely and I cannot wait to see the rest of your house Amanda. My heart goes out to you and I admire your strength as you make a sweet home for your husband and sons.

  2. It's beautiful! I might have to make a monogramed canvas to fit in with my Chanukah decorations. I need to be on your schedule as it starts December 8th this year.

  3. Such a cute project! Love your blog and all the inspiration I get from your posts. I also started decorating inside for Christmas this week and forbid my boys to tell anyone! Only my family should know that I am a bit crazy. Outside lights and decor go up next week. So glad to hear that the lights and sights of the upcoming season bring you joy during a difficult time. God Bless! Angela

  4. It looks so beautiful. I was hoping to decorate with burlap and pine cones this year, so you have inspired me to get started. I am so sorry about your son, I can't imagine the heart break and the strength it takes to hold it together. I know I don't know you personally, but you seems like such an amazing mom and always make things so special for your boys.

  5. Such a cute project! Love your blog and all the inspiration I get from your posts. I also started decorating inside for Christmas this week and forbid my boys to tell anyone! Only my family should know that I am a bit crazy. Outside lights and decor go up next week. So glad to hear that the lights and sights of the upcoming season bring you joy during a difficult time. God Bless! Angela

  6. I love the monogram on the burlap! It's a great contrast! I completely understand your decorating dilemma. Having lost my sister to domestic violence just after Christmas a few years ago, I have to dig deep when I pull out the decorations that she gifted me that year. I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas!
    Pat

  7. Amanda,
    I love this idea! What a beautiful project for Christmas. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. My heart breaks for you. I admire your strengh and courage to get through this difficult time of year.
    And in my opinion it is never to early to decorate for Christmas :)

  8. The mantel is beautiful and the decorations blend so perfectly with your lovely porch. Your tradition of decorating early and turning on the lights on Thanksgiving is a sweet tribute to your son. I know this is a hard time of the year for you but you always seem to stay strong.
    Take care, Shelley

  9. I am so sorry for your loss, as a Mother, I cannot imagine that heartache. I love your positive attitude towards the lights all bringing joy…. I'd of crawled in bed and hidden. The mantle looks lovely as does the canvas- great gift idea too :)

  10. Your decorations look beautiful and I wiped a tear as I read your reasoning behind decorating early. I had a very scary blot clot in my placenta when I was pregnant with my son. I was in the hospital on Christmas Eve, assuming that I had miscarried. By a miracle I did not. It was over 7 years ago but I always remember and say a special prayer of thanks every Christmas Eve. Thank you for sharing your story.

  11. Amanda,

    While I adore your decorating and the fabulous ideas….I also love your postive approach to life. I am so sorry you lost your little boy. I know life deals is blows. But it's what makes a person so special when they go forward with strength and dignity. Thank you for sharing.

  12. Thanks for the lovely idea with your monogram. Lovely. Thank you also for sharing your personal story. The heartache of losing a child is something most of us never experience, but speaking about it gives a perspective that everyone needs. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

  13. i thought i was through buying for my daughter for christmas but she's been dying for one of these monograms so i'm heading over to pick one up for her.

    your porch is gorgeous amanda and your sister (and you) did an amazing job decoring it.

    i didn't know about your miscarriage…i have a niece that lost a child in her 5th month and she's expecting again in june but is facing some problems already…we're praying things go well for her this time.

    hope your thanksgiving plans are coming together…i've got to go food shopping soon!

  14. How absolutely beautiful.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your son, your story brought tears to my eyes, such an unbelievable heartache for a Momma, I can't even imagine. What a testament to your strength that you chose to find light in the darkness, and bless your family with that hope. Hope you and your boys are blessed this season.

  15. This is such a wonderful idea! Your mantel looks gorgeous too! I completely understand decorating early when times are dark. I'm sorry for your loss and admire your strength! One can certainly tell, from looking at your blog, you acknowledge and appreciate your blessings! Thanks for sharing your personal story! Blessings!

  16. I love the mantle. Melanie, the perfectionist:) I cannot wait to start mine. I love the simplicity of it. xoxoxoxo

  17. What an incredibly strong woman you are Amanda! My heart broke as I ready your story, however, I understand why you would decorate early. You always seem to make the best out of every moment and I love what you have done with the porch! You sister did a great job also! I look forward to seeing all the other rooms soon! Sending hugs your way from Orlando!

  18. Everything is beautiful as usual. As another woman who lost a child on Thanksgiving, I understand your feelings. It helps to focus on the joys of Chistmas. Dotty

  19. I also lost a child during Thanksgiving. I understand how hard it can be to go on as if it is just another day.
    The porch looks fantastic.
    Dotty Ivey

  20. Thanks for sharing your personal stories. It makes your blog seem more like a story..not just pretty pictures. Sorry for your loss. I know how painful life can be too. And how joyful! Just look at that sweet sis helping you.

    Another monogram I love!! Maybe my sweet Ericka needs one above her bed. Those turquoise plates are lovely. Are they Alison Evans or another potter?

  21. When I was five, my father was killed, on Christmas Eve, no less. Every year I have a great time decorating. I put up lights and trees (one in the living room and one in the basement). We bake cookies and send out cards. I will always remember that dark time; all the more reason to celebrate the light. I came home from work today and clicked on your blog. I am praying for you and for your beautiful sister and her family. Thanks for your grace and candor.

  22. Amanda, I cannot imagine the heartache you and your family must relive every year at this time. Thank you for sharing your stories with all of us everyday, you are such a sweetheart and so inspiring. I am always in awe of all that you do to make everything so special for your precious family! Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season :)

  23. I so admire your strength amd positive attitude! The Holidays are hard for my family too. My husband is currently incarcerated out of state and it is hard for me and our children knowing we will not get to see him to share in these special days. Thank you for reminding me there are points of light in a dark world, amd we should choose to enjoy them to their fullest extent!

  24. I just want to second everyone's thoughts by saying that you are truly inspirational, not only for your excellent design sense, but for your wonderfully joyful approach to life. I got quite choked up reading your post this morning, and think your Thanksgiving tradition is wonderful for you and your family. I'll be thinking of you this Thanksgiving.

  25. Thank you for having the strength to share your loss. I'm certain you give hope to others who who are dealing with difficult times. I'm sorry you had to experience that deep pain, but glad to see you are choosing to have it make you a stronger, more grateful and loving person. Your angel Matthew is smiling down on you.

    Wishing you all God's blessings this Holiday Season.
    Amelia

  26. Amanda,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful decor with us, and thank you for your bravery and honesty. It is rare, and I really admire you :) Blessing to you

    xoxo, Tanya

  27. my heart goes out to you. i will keep you in my thoughts this thanksgiving! you are so strong and i admire your strength- just know as a loyal follower of your blog, we are always here for you if you ever need to talk or need someone to lift you up!

    on another note, your decor looks GORGEOUS and i LOVE the glitter monogram! *swoon* your decor inspires me… if only i can make my house as beautiful as yours! hehe

    oh and PS, i put my christmas decor up last weekend.. you're not alone ;)

    sending you light, love, happiness and hugs!

  28. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You have created a beautiful ritual that honors your loss and celebrates your family. It is apparent that you love your family dearly and try to make their everyday experiences meaningful and joyful. Take care.

  29. It's gorgeous and I think you should be able to decorate whenever you want to…it's your home, after all! Your story touched my heart and I hope you have a joyous holiday with your family. Beautiful monogram art!!!

  30. This is absolutely gorgeous! I love it and ám most definitely going to do this in my home. Thank you so much for sharing, your blog is such an inspiration for me.

    I understand about your son, and am so sorry for your loss. I know it is a sadness that never goes away but makes us appreciate even more the healthy children still alive.

  31. You know what I love? I love that women like you, Amanda, and Daffodil Hill, can celebrate with love, sincere joy and thankfulness, through a time that could be so dark for you. Such a strong testimony for the rest of us. Much love to you….

  32. My daughter also lost a baby boy at Thanksgiving several years ago. I know how difficult this is and am grateful to you for sharing. Your blog is my favorite. Blessings to you especially at this time of year.

  33. Thank you so much for sharing your home and your family. I am new to reading your blog and love your southern touches and decoratinig style. I wanted to try something like your mantle – is that one or two swags from Hobby Lobby? The one I have doesnt look quite as full. Also love the monogram. You are so talented and I am not quite sure how you do everything with young children too. You are making precious memories for them. Praying for your family and for others knowing that the holiday can be a difficult time. Thanks again for your wonderful ideas!

  34. Love your blog – as I am new to reading it. Love your decorating style and all that you do for the holidays! I wanted to try a mantle similar and wondered if that is one or two swags from Hobby Lobby – my one doesnt seem as full. It is beatuiful as is the monogram. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your family. Praying for you and for others that the holidays can bring sadness even in the midst of gratefulness. Thank you again for sharing!

  35. So sorry about your stillborn son. You keep on decorating in November – it gets you through the difficult memories. Have a wonderful day with your family and your mantel and that monogram are fabulous!
    Kelly

  36. This looks great. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! I would love for you to visit me and see the centerpiece at my Thanksgiving table I am visiting you from Savvy Southern Style!

  37. I decorate early and I will get comments from certain people but I don't care. I love Christmas and like to get at least months of the beautiful decorations. But the day after Christmas everything comes down. Your mantle is beautiful, I love the plates and the monogram picture is great.

  38. Love it! It looks beautiful! I love the monogram. My daughter and her husband are getting a fireplace in the next couple of weeks and this might be a good gift to make for them to hang over it. I am sorry to hear the story of your loss; I'm sure the holidays were very difficult for you that year. It sounds like you have found a way to cope with it and, if you had to decorate in August, I'd say go for it! : )

  39. I just found your blog and I am hooked! I can't wait to look around and see more of your wonderful projects. The monogram canvas is amazing! I have to do something similar soon! I, too, am a southern girl and yes, we love our monograms!!

    I am also so sorry for your loss. I truly am…..

  40. Beautiful crafts and decor-more beautiful story of your life and how you overcome, a little each year! God bless.

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