Good morning Friends! Today is Pinterest Challenge Day and one of my favorite days during the month. We are decorating with all kinds of unique crates from one inspiration photo. If you’ve hopped over from Marty’s blog – A Stroll Thru Life, welcome and so glad you’re here. Are you ready for Christmas or do you need another creative idea? I hope so because I’m sharing an easy Christmas crate and Pinterest Challenge with you.
An Easy Christmas Crate and Pinterest Challenge
This month’s inspiration photo (above) comes from Jennifer over at The Grace House Interiors. It seems like you can put anything inside a crate and it will automatically look better. Crates, bins or baskets come in so handy. What I notice about Jennifer’s is that she adds wooden trees at different heights and greenery stems as filler to the box. It’s not difficult but it’s cute and a great Christmas decorating idea.
What the heck is it?
I chose a galvanized crate because I don’t have a wooden crate like Jennifer. A couple of years ago I was shopping with a few of my blogger friends and we came across several stacks of metal crates. We had no clue what they were used for but Carol from Bluesky at Home and I thought they were cool so we both got one. I tried looking online to find some sort of information on them but the only thing similar was a hardware box. There was no photo so I’m still not sure what they’re for. Cab you believe today is the first day I’ve used it?
Supplies Needed
Since this is a Pinterest Challenge and I’m adapting the inspiration photo to suit my style I gathered fresh greenery stems from the pastures, a few pinecones, books for varying the heights of the trees, vintage bed springs to hold up the pinecones and some duct tape. Duct tape isn’t necessary but I like using it to hold things in place. Instead of wooden trees I’m using the oh-so-cute DIY Fabric Christmas Trees I made. If you’d like the DIY, click here. They are super easy and can be made into whatever style you want. 😉
You can’t go wrong with duct tape.
I first do a trial run with the trees. I separate the beige colored trees and red striped trees because I think they’ll look better that way. While doing that I put the largest tree in the back and smallest tree in front. That’s a good rule if the crate is going to sit somewhere with the backside against a wall. If it’s not against a wall, make sure all sides look good and proportionate. No one wants to look at an uninteresting centerpiece. 😉
I was so excited about how it was turning out that I forgot to take a picture before I put all the greenery stems inside. Hopefully you can get the idea. If I hadn’t used the books to add different heights to the trees, they would look dumpy and short because the metal crate is about 5 inches deep. Keep that rule/suggestion in mind as well.
Look at those adorable little details.
When I started filling the gaps and holes with the pine and cedar stems I really didn’t have a plan. They were just stuffed in willy nilly. That’s one of the great things about free fresh greenery. They can be cut and stuffed wherever you need them. I always feel guilty about cutting faux stems super short even though that’s exactly what I need. My hesitation is because I find the faux stems to be expensive. Is that just me or do you feel that way too? I’m always bending the stems just in case I want to use them later for something taller.
Well that’s it. Doesn’t that look easy? Do you want to make one too? This Christmas crate idea would look so nice as a table centerpiece or as an accessory next to a lamp, on a fireplace hearth, on top of a hutch or bookcase. So many places! Now it’s time to check out how Yvonne at Stone Gable Blog interpreted Jennifer’s Christmas crate idea. Trust me, it’s gorgeous!
Happy Christmas Decorating Friends!
Your version is lovely, Cindy! I love that you used the adorable trees that you crafted earlier this month. Your crate is going to be great for decorating a table in your home this Christmas season. I am so curious about the original use of your crate. Perhaps it was used to ship something heavy? Who knows! Regardless, it makes a great base for your Christmas decor.
Author
Thanks so much Paula. I am curious too but not so much so that I’ll spend longer than 3 minutes on the internet considering I dislike sitting in front of the computer and can’t see well enough on my phone. 😉 It’s heavy that’s for sure. Anyway, I’m glad I picked it up. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy, your metal crate was a great find! I love the look of your darling trees mixed with the real greenery. The whole arrangement just makes me smile! Now that I’m thinking of it, I have a vintage zinc drawer with nothing in it right now that’s beckoning a project just like this one. Thank you for the beautiful inspiration my friend!
Author
You are so sweet Michelle, thank you! What a great idea to use a zinc drawer. That would make everything in it look adorable! Hope you use it for something.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I love your beautifully styled crate Cindy. Thanks for including me.
Author
Thanks Rachel. I think it turned out pretty cute. But I am a little partial to my fabric trees. 😉
That is such a cool find, Cindy! Smart of you to bring it home. 🙂 I absolutely love it with these adorable fabric trees. Makes me want to dust off my sewing machine. Thanks for organizing such a fun tour!
Author
You can always make those trees with hot glue, no sewing needed. 😉 But that’s if you have NOTHING else to do in your life. LOL! Hope you have a great week and holiday.
Hi Cindy,
First thank you for all the behind the scenes work for this challenge. I love that metal crate and how fun to have blogger friends in TX to go thrifting together! Love this vignette and that try! Love~ Happy Thanksgiving! Family photo today and woke up with six inches of snow! laura in Colorado
Author
A family photo in the snow would be magical! Snuggle together and have fun. It is fun to have several blogging friends around me. They are always an encouragement. Enjoy your week and Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks Laura
That galvanized bin is too cool; I’m jealous! Your adorable fabric tree collection is perfect in it, and the fresh greens coming out all around; love it! This definitely needs a place of honor in your house somewhere; can’t wait to see where you put it:) Thanks for hosting today; wow, it’s gotten big!
Author
Can you believe there’s a waiting list for the Pinterest Challenge?! I love it though. And my little fabric tree collection has a prominent space in the dining room. You have to pass it to go to the bathroom. LOL. Not kidding. Hope your week is relaxing and fun. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy, I love this metal crate! Such a cute idea! Definitely pinning this one! Thanks for the ispo!
Author
Thank you Kori! It was a fun find at this huge antique store in Dallas. Looking forward to using it more often now. Thanks for the pin too! 🙂
Adorable. I love that metal crate. I would have picked that up too. So fun. Your fabric trees are always so sweet. I’ve done two forages in our woods for fresh greens. It’s so much fun. Thanks for hosting.
Author
Thank you Katie! Isn’t it the most fun to be able to walk around and pluck and cut your own free greenery?! I love it! I know you are enjoying that new fabulous property.
What a great idea!!!! I love it Cindy!!!
Author
Thank you Stacy! It was a lot of fun putting together. Glad I got to finally use that metal crate. Hope you have a wonderful week and holiday.
Adorable and Pinned! I love your metal box.
Author
Thanks so much Miche. I love it too now that it has a purpose. Happy Thanksgiving.
Cindy, I recognized the galvanized box immediately. I’ve used it a couple of times, but right now it’s sitting upstairs. I’m going to get it down now and use it for the holidays. Love your fabric Christmas trees. All the real greenery is so pretty. Thanks so much for hosting. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.
Author
I think of you each time I walk by that crate Carol. It was a fun day shopping with everyone. I had a hard time figuring out what to do with it so this is the first time. Already looking forward to using it more though. Thanks Carol!
Duct tape for the win! This stunning arrangement will inspire thousands of people to recreate its lovely farmhouse goodness. They will be so excited they will forget to mention your amazingness from the sheer joy and ingenuity that you bring post after post. I am always so happy to follow an original, creative, and inspiring gal. Take a bow, you knocked this outta the park!
Author
Oh my goodness Laura, you always make me smile and laugh. You are so encouraging. Thank you so much for your sweet comment and I saw what you did there with the “mentionables”. 😉 We need to get together again soon! How about another FB craft video?!
Cindy, I just adore your fabric trees, and they look fantastic in your metal crate! I’m jealous you and Carol got to go shopping together. How fun!
I agree with you on cutting faux stems. They are expensive! Using real stems is always nice when you have such pretty ones to work with.
Thanks again for coordinating a great hop!
Author
Thanks bunches Crissy. There is a group of us that get together for lunch and shop and they are all such a great inspiration to me. They keep me on my toes that’s for sure! Enjoy your beautifully dressed Christmas home. I LOVE IT!
Your take on the inspiration photo is perfectly you, and perfectly lovely! Using your fabric Christmas trees and the galvanized crate… all of it looks so great! And yes… I always have to think twice about snipping my faux greens!
Author
Isn’t it ridiculous how expensive something made out of plastic can cost? Geez. We are hoping to plant some real Christmas trees soon so I can have even more real stems! Woo hoo! Thanks so much Julie. I always appreciate your kind words. Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving. Big hugs.
This is so cute and cozy, Cindy. I love that galvanized crate and the greenery and trees are the perfect way to fill it for Christmas!
Author
Thank you Angie. I love those little fat trees and enjoyed making the crate.
I love everything about what you have done, that metal crate and those cute trees, really adorable, you sure know how to make a person smile. I pray you have the bestest of a Happy Thanksgiving.
Author
Awe, thanks Marlene. That made my day. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving as well.
Cindy, first, your creation is spot on! And that square galvanized container is to die for! You really scored with that! I love your addition of the fabric trees, too!
And second, THANKS for letting me participate. I had so much fun! Can’t wait to do it again! 🙂
-Niky @ The House on Silverado
Author
Thanks so much Niky. I appreciate that. When I made those trees I never thought I’d be using them in a crate but I love it too! Maybe I should make more! 😉 Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Such a creative idea! The fresh greenery is the perfect touch. I agree with you, I hate to trim those expensive faux greenery stems. I think what makes this stand out are the fabric choices you made on your trees. Great tree tutorial, too. PINNED!!!
Author
Thank you bunches Kristi! When I purchased those fabrics I brought home way to many choices. It was like a kid in a candy store but with fabrics. I think I have enough left over to make some pj’s for my grown kids! LOL. That’s a bit much. Glad you liked the idea and for pinning. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love the cool metal crate and the way you have styled it! The fresh greens are just beautiful and your cute trees are perfect tucked inside. Great tip about using the books to add height, and the addition of the little pinecones are just right for extra winter interest and texture.
I agree with you about cutting faux stems, because as soon as you cut them short you end up needing them for a taller display. Anyway, the fresh greenery is a great choice when you have access to them.
Thank you so much for organizing another fun hop! Happy Thanksgiving!
Author
Thanks so much Amber. I am definitely grateful to have fresh greenery when I need it and I think those trees are quickly becoming little treasures. Every time I see a new fabric I think about making more. Then I slap myself and snap out of it. Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving. 😉
I absolutely love this Cindy!! I want to make some of those trees! They are the cutest and they look amazing in the galvanized tray with the greenery!!!! SOOOO fun!
Author
Thank you Kristin. I hope you really do get a chance to make some! I can see the checked patterns and plaids around your home made into little trees. They’d be so adorable! Or you could make a huge one (like 5 foot) and use that! Send a pic if you make some. Hope your Thanksgiving was amazing.
Oh I love your crate vignette. Your trees are fabulous and this is such a pretty display and idea. Thanks for the tutorial too, I always love to see how things are put together.
Author
The tutorial wasn’t glamorous but you gotta like duct tape. LOL. Thank you Marty for the sweet comment. Each time I walk by it I smile. Happy Friday!
Such a fun mixed media project!
Author
Thank you Alexandra! 😉 BTW, love the adorable hat you have on in your picture. You amaze me with your crocheting skills!
Awwww! I love the little Christmas trees you have in your metal crate, Cindy!!! Very sweet and yes it would look lovely on the hearth… I do bend my boughs so I can reuse them later on in something else. 🙂
Fun Christmas crate tour,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Author
Thank you Barbara. We miss having you join in. Maybe 2021 will be better?! Merry Christmas
I love your metal crate…what you did with it is cute but I just felt like you could have done something a little more with it. It has been on my mind since the day I first saw it. I was on Pinterest and other craft sites a few days ago and actually came across this other project that would fit this nicely. It was a cabinet that they added a galvanized bin to and put drinks in it. I think your project would look so cute in a square wooden flat top end table that has the top cut out to fit the bin. You could leave everything in it the way you have it or change it up to so many different things. Just my wheels turning…lol.
Author
I agree, there are lots of things I could do with that fabulous galvanized crate. But if I’d done something like the cut out table idea, then it wouldn’t have gone with the Pinterest Challenge which was the entire point of the post. Believe me, I’ll be using it more and more for different things once the Christmas Season has turned to the new year. Hope you have a great week Shirley and thanks for the visit! 🙂
Hi Cindy, I’m back to let you know your post is being featured this week at the Tuesday Turn About Link Party. Hugs!
Author
Really?! I am always so honored. Thank you so much!
Wow, it took forever to scroll through all the comments – you’re a popular gal! Cindy, your fabric trees are gorgeous and I love how you’ve displayed them in the rustic crate. Very pretty holiday decor!
Author
Thanks so much Marie! Popular? HA! It’s probably because people couldn’t believe I actually sewed something. I do enjoy them though. Each time I pass them (going to the bathroom, HA!) I smile. Merry Christmas.
This is so fantastic, Cindy! I love metal container, I love the greenery, I love your fantastic trees – you’ve totally outdone yourself, lady. I just love it all! Definitely pinning this for next year. You’re so creative! Hugs, CoCo
Author
You made my day CoCo. Thanks for the high praises but how in the world will I out do myself next year?! 🙂
loving the trees in the metal crate, and love looking at everyone’s versions. Everyone was so creative
Author
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I always love when the Pinterest Challenges and the Life Style of Love hops come up. I get so inspired myself. 🙂
I want to make a Large Tree how do i get a triangle that big?
Author
Hi Alice. Here is the post on how to make the fabric trees. https://www.countyroad407.com/how-to-make-super-cute-fabric-christmas-trees/
You can make a large one by placing the fabric down on a flat surface and penciling in the size you want. If you use newspaper, wrapping paper, etc., to mark off your triangle, you can get straight edges. One last thought – the larger the tree is the more stuffing you need but most importantly, the dowel rod and base has to be heavy and strong to hold the weight of the tree.
Hope that helps. Happy Monday!