I have been hard at work bringing a little bit of Christmas to our front porch – and as usual, I like to bring in a bunch of vintage and sentimental “junk” to make it perfectly us. Oh, and if you are joining me for the first time as part of the Christmas Junkers United, welcome and thank you so much for your stopping by. Welcome to our vintage Christmas front porch.
And the best part is, it is not just me sharing fantastic “junk” ideas, there is a whole crew sharing ideas today.
It all started with this awesomely-really-long-vintage-stocking stretcher I found this summer. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would become a Christmas sign and I am so happy that it ended up on our front porch.
As I mentioned, I found my stocking stretcher vintage this summer. However, the shape is simple enough that it could be cut out of scrap wood or reclaimed wood with a jig saw. And of course, it could also be cut out of new wood and stained as the first step.
When I first set out, I followed a tutorial that instructed you to print your letters in reverse and use water and pressure to transfer it to the wood. I am not sure what I did wrong, but it really didn’t work out for me. But not to worry, I went back to my favorite and easy transfer method.
Simply start by printing out your letters to the right size, facing the correct direction. On the backside of the paper, color in the back of the letters with pencil. Then, turn it over (taping it in place) and trace all of the letters. You are left with the lead transferring from the back of the paper and onto your wood.
Then, simply fill it in with a white paint pen. I found that my wood was very absorbent, so I did go back over a few of the letters a second time.
And that is really all it took!
Then I gathered some greenery and ribbon and hung it from the chalkboard I keep by my front door.
And then, I started getting all sentimental. These snowshoes are the real deal. And although they are “vintage”, they are still very much in use. As soon as it is “sugaring time” (when we tap the trees to make our maple syrup), my husband is out in the woods still using the same snowshoes he used growing up.
And just in case you weren’t sure that they are his, he wrote his name on it many years ago.
Hopefully, he won’t mind if they are stored this Christmas on our front porch. And so they don’t feel lonely, I used an old maple bucket filled with greenery pulled from our back yard. In fact, it is the one and only evergreen and these are the only branches that were in reach.
And because Christmas always needs a little bit of red, I brought in some of my favorite vintage ornaments.
I just tucked them in here and there and hung some “ala Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” on the greenery.
And when it all came together, it is a perfectly “us” vintage Christmas corner on our porch.
Now I need to get to work on the rest of the porch. While I do that, you can find these other Christmas porch ideas.
And for a really simple idea for decorating your front door…
And now you can find fantastic holiday ideas from this amazing group of bloggers.
Becky – Beyond the Picket Fence
Thank you so much for reading!
Great design! I really like the long slender sock shape. I use the same method for lettering. It’s more tedious but I find it therapeutic sometimes. Ha! Great looking snowshoes too. The reclaimed wood reindeer is a showstopper. So glad to be part of the Christmas Junkers United this year with y’all. #christmasjunkersunited
I always love your Christmas porch decor, Laura! Beautiful vignettes.
Your porch looks so festive, and I love the vintage touches, Laura – especially the adorable sock stretcher sporting its new sign!
I always look forward to you Christmas Porch each year….and each year you never cease to amaze me with your beautiful and creative projects….love, love everything and every detail….and gotta love those reindeer spindle legs!!!
As per your usual beautiful style, the porch is a winner. And I have a serious case of deer envy going on.
Just beautiful!! I love the contrast of the fun stocking on the chalkboard…and the pretty pops of red 🙂
So many lovely and fantastic touches–rustic elegance, perfect!
We’re in the process of a vintage porch vignette, too! My husband pulled out his rusty pedal “fire chief” car, my sled, and my mom’s metal doll house, a little greenery, and some lights, and viola! It looks really cute!! I told him I hoped no “pickers” came by and snatched up our “rusty gold!” LOL!
Ahh!! What’s not to love here?! Upon first glance, I thought you made the ‘stocking’… so cool that’s an authentic piece! It’s so perfect for how you used it! And layered on the chalkboard, teamed up with the greens and the snow shoes… perfection. So gorgeous Laura!
Hi Laura! Great project! I love the stocking 🙂 Susan
Looks lovely!
This is beautiful! All of it. I love that sock stretcher, and I love how you roll with the punches on the transfer. It all turned out awesome. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
Simply beautiful!
Laura, the front porch looks great I love the stocking sign, you’re always thinking ahead! Wonderful idea.
Susan
I’m loving all these great ideas. I’ll be joining your email list so that I can keep up.
Love it all.