I had a special reason to decorate my front porch for winter this year!
It’s because my sweet friend Nancy gave me a tin snowman that I’ve been wanting for Christmas and I knew just what I wanted to do with it!
I put together a simple burlap wreath, wired Mr. Snowman on and added some Dollar Tree snowflakes to make a winter themed wreath for my front door.
I found a couple of other things that I’ve been longing for too – a vintage sled and some vintage ice skates.
Oops! You’ll just have to pretend that you can see the grouping of white candles that somebody forgot to add to the lantern. 😉
We all know that Craigslist is a great place to sell things, but did you know that you can also post there when you’re looking for something specific? That’s what I did when I was on the hunt for a vintage sled.
Want white ice skates and can’t find them? That was me.
No worries – I found some black ones at a flea market so I just painted them with white chalkpaint.
If you do this, make sure to completely wipe down the surface of the skates with mineral spirits before painting. It gets rid of any oily residue that may be on them.
So there you have it – my very first ever Winter Front Porch.
Oh – I’ll admit that I felt a little silly putting this porch together during the unseasonably warm weather we were having, but thankfully it wasn’t just wishful thinking!
Looking for some indoor winter inspiration? Check out the Winter Vignette that I put together in my foyer.
Sherry says
January 22, 2013 at 11:08 AMOh Suzy! Your porch is perfect! Burlap, metal, old wood, chalkpaint, and dollar tree! All the things that I love. You got it done just in time. We didn’t get any snow. Maybe next time.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
January 22, 2013 at 1:29 PMHow cute and perfect timing.
SavannahGranny says
January 22, 2013 at 1:52 PMLove you front porch and how great that you ordered the snow, just in time. I have been away from the computer, again. Lots of changes going on here. I will email you.
Love to you Suzy, Ginger
SavannahGranny says
January 22, 2013 at 1:55 PMOh, BTW have you ever ice skated? I understand it is easy if you have good ankles. I meant to tell you that was a clever idea to paint what you can find. When you said the sled appeared on your porch, did they give it to you or was that “tongue in cheek”?
xo
Barbara F. says
January 22, 2013 at 3:48 PMSuzy, I love your first ever winter porch! I also can’t believe how much snow you have down there!! I’m freaking out!! lol xo
Cynthia says
January 22, 2013 at 4:47 PMLove the porch, that wreath is fantastic.
Cynthia
Sassy Southern Lady says
January 22, 2013 at 12:23 PMLooks Great! I love the burlap wreath. What is your base for the wreath?
Suzy Handgraaf says
January 22, 2013 at 7:54 PMThe base for the wreath is just a plain wire wreath form that you can pick up at any craft store. I think that I only paid about $3 for mine.
Laurie Ritchey says
January 22, 2013 at 12:44 PMSuzy, that wreath turned out so cute. I love it! What a great sled and skates. Your porch looks so inviting. laurie
Atta Girl Amy says
January 22, 2013 at 6:01 PMI’m blaming you for the snow!
Love your porch though. And I was wondering where you found those white skates. Now I know. Very clever, friend.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
January 22, 2013 at 1:18 PMLooks so pretty Suzi…wow, you did get lots of snow….I think we got about an inch and it was pretty much gone by mid-day….love the wreath … great gift from Nancy…I was wondering what you were doing with your skates…great Craiglist find…I had no idea you can put out a call for an item!!
Wordy Woman says
January 22, 2013 at 4:55 PMTruly adorable — and relatively simple. I’m pretty sure that even I could do this!!!! (Trust me, that’s saying a lot about the ease. The wreath is adorable, yet LOOKS to be relatively simply. It’s sooo original. You are incredibly creative. I just don’t know how you find the time with all you do with the girls.
Someday, on a separate note, maybe you can outline a typical week – how you balance house cleaning (you keep a perfect home in spite of its large size); shopping, crafting, day care, cooking, laundry, etc. I have always struggled with time management. You could teach a class on this!
Shanee @ LivingLifeSouthernStyle says
January 22, 2013 at 5:10 PMLove,love,love the wreath, your gifted snowman was just perfect for this! How smart you are painting the skates. Thanks for sharing.
Ginger Zuck says
January 22, 2013 at 6:45 PMLove, love, love your winter porch. It is so cute and cozy. That is the cutest wreath I’ve seen in a long time. I love it!
Kathy Wallace says
January 22, 2013 at 7:31 PMYour porch is wonderful! Would you consider showing how you made your adorable wreath?
Suzy Handgraaf says
January 22, 2013 at 7:53 PMAck! I knew I should have taken pics! I just used a wire wreath form that you can get at any craft store, bunched up handfuls of burlap and used floral wire to attach it to the wreath form every few inches. Trust
me – it was super easy! If you’d like more info, please shoot me an email so that I can reply directly back to you.
Designs By Pinky says
January 23, 2013 at 1:44 AMI had no idea that you could ASK for something on Craig’s list!!! I have been searching for skates too!!! Now I want to make a snowman wreath!!!! You have inspired me. Your porch looks GREAT!!! We could be getting snow on Fri. Got a coating last night but that’s all. XO, pinky
Olga StarDec says
January 22, 2013 at 9:53 PMThis is so lovely!
Debbie@Debbie-Dabble and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas says
January 22, 2013 at 11:20 PMLove your Winter Porch!! I decorate the outside of my home for Winter too….
Hugs,
Debbie
Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
January 23, 2013 at 4:20 AMI absolutely adore your pretty snowman wreath! So cute! And the vintage sled and skates are the perfect additions to your winter porch!
Carol says
January 23, 2013 at 12:29 PMThat is so adorable, Suzy! Did you order that snow for special effects? LOL!
Tina says
January 23, 2013 at 1:58 PMI love it, especially the wreath. I just looks so warm and welcoming!
Denyse @ Crazy Beautiful Life says
January 23, 2013 at 9:40 PMI love your winter decor, Suzy! It’s so inviting. I miss having a big front porch to decorate.
Jen says
January 24, 2013 at 3:31 PMSuzy, I love your winter front porch! It is just perfect for the snow day you enjoyed! The sled and ice skates just make the whole scene! The burlap wreath is too cute … also inspiring as it gives me an idea of something to do with the scrap burlap I have stored away. =)
Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says
January 24, 2013 at 5:33 PMSuzy, Your porch is adorable! I am loving all the skates I’m seeing on blogs. If you all knew how many there are up here in goodwill and thrift shops–oh dear! I could have sent some to all my blogging buddies! We used to wear pompoms and bells on ours! Hope you enjoyed your little touch of snow. I have just been looking over your beach condo posts. You have vision!!! The result was worth those first few nasty nights there! Linda
Savvy Seasons says
January 25, 2013 at 5:38 AMHi Suzy,
Your burlap wreath is adorable, I may have to copy this if I find some time soon! I love the sled and skates, too! Beautiful, welcoming *winter* entrance! XO ~Liz
Becolorful says
January 28, 2013 at 5:49 PMSuch a fun post. Nobody ever knows what to do with their front doors this time of year. It all looks fun but I am especially drawn to the sled and skates. Looks like you have had quite a bit of snow this year. We have nothing here in Iowa and they are talking drought again. I sure hope not. Thanks for participating. I’m always glad to have you here.
p
bj says
January 28, 2013 at 1:40 PMI really love your wreath…will you show us how you did it…?
I have the skates…would love a vintage sled, too.
Your porch is precious….even with OUT candles. :))
gena says
January 29, 2013 at 1:44 AMOh my goodness, what a happy, winter welcome you’ve created!
thanks for sharing,
gena
Style Sisters says
January 30, 2013 at 3:35 PMDarling wreath and I love the old sled with the ice skates! Come link up to centerpiece Wed….this is the centerpiece of your porch! Karin
Designed Decor says
February 1, 2013 at 5:09 PMI so want a sled on my front step! I love the poofy wreath! I just started a new link party and would love for you to come over and share your post or any social media sites. Talkin’ About Thursday – http://designeddecor.com/talkin-about-thursday-link-party-5/
DeDe@DesignedDecor