tree place cards

When it comes to entertaining at the holidays, I love using simple, everyday materials to create fun decorations! For our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, I thought it would be fun to make little tree place card holders for each place setting.

For this project, I gathered things that I already had around the house and the yard- hand painted paper,  twigs and tiny plastic cups.

As much as I wanted to use tiny terracotta flower pots, I just couldn't find them anywhere around town so I grabbed some tiny plastic cups and I painted them orange. 

I used the painted paper and cut out little leaves.

Next, I glued the paper leaves to the twigs

I created little flags with guest names.

I added pebbles to the cups. 

And placed the twigs into the pebbles.

The last step was to add the flags to each little flower pot.

I love how cute and colorful these little trees are. The best part is that they cost me nothing but a little time to make!

Last Minute Recycled Place Card Tutorial

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two days away?! While I am not entertaining for the weekend this does mark the beginning a month full of cooking and entertaining for me! A simple set of handmade place cards is the perfect way to personalize your holidays table!

Here is a simple, quick, easy and recycled project for creating place cards for entertaining!

Start with a recycled cereal or food box.

Cover the surface with paint (two colors) blend lightly on the surface- I picked a fall palette.

Please note I am using Claudine Hellmuth's fabulous Studio Line acrylic paint- LOVE all the colors!!!!

Once you surface is dry, use stamps to add pattern (use a contrasting color that will pop!)

Use a permanent marker to quickly outline the stamped images for more contrast and dimension.

Add one more layer of stamps in another contrasting color.

Once your cardboard is dry, cut into desired shapes and sizes.

Add a piece of paper or fabric- I am using (once again) one of my most favorite supplies- Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Line Sticky Back Canvas.

Cut out strips to fit on the folded place card.

Attach the strips to the surface of the place card- I simple peeled off the back and stuck them to the surface!

Instead of using a pen, try using watered down black paint for pretty lettering on each of the cards.

The result is personal, colorful and handmade place cards for your holiday table!