Welcome to Cedar Hill Farmhouse where we are doing Christmas this year with simple natural touches.
I’ve made something so simple this year that they really don’t need instructions, but I’ll show you what I did.
This year my strategy has been to not buy Christmas decor , but to use, as much as possible, what I have on hand. I created these Christmas votives with stuff from around my house.
I love the look of the vintage sheet music I used, and the simple household string.
I started with empty, clean Bonne Maman jam jars. After cleaning them and removing the paper labels, I grabbed some old vintage sheet music. It had naturally yellowed from age, but you could use new. 
I cut the sheet music to the correct height for the jars. I needed two pieces to go all the way around the jar. 
I held the paper in place, while wrapping the string around the jar. 
Then I tied the string into a bow, placed a tea light in the jar and lit it. This is my kind of project!! Free and easy. The beauty of using something like this is that you can use the votives for other events, because the sheet music is not just for Christmas. If you wanted a different look for Valentine’s Day you could use red or pink paper instead, but I think I will use the sheet music again. Another thing is that you don’t have to store these with your Christmas decor the rest of the year. You can use these votives year round, or take the paper off, and use the jars for other purposes when you are not using them for votive holders. 
I also used a similar approach to these pails I found at Home Depot for about $3.50 each. I filled them with play sand (another $3.50) and placed some candles in the sand. I also added a red and white bow to the pails. 
One more of my handmade tips from this year is my Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I added paper doilies to the tree, because I thought they looked like snow flakes. 
This tree is a cedar sapling from the farm. I needed something that would hold the tree and weigh it down so it wouldn’t fall over. My secret? 
Did you guess that I used a wine bottle under the Ikea towel to hold the sapling? I’m so glad you joined me!! If you want to see more of my Christmas decor from this year, you can here. Please join the other blogs on our Handmade Christmas tour.
Friday December 6
Saturday December 7
Sunday December 8
Monday December 9
Tuesday December 10
Nana Diana says
December 10, 2013 at 06:14I love simple Christmas things. I am not buying a single new piece of Christmas decor this year! It feels good!!! I love the use of paper with music on it and candles. Sweet idea- xo Diana
Widgy Cat says
December 10, 2013 at 07:08Oh I just love this idea! The sheet music is timeless and gives everything such an elegant look. I have been inspired!
mary@athomeonthebay says
December 10, 2013 at 08:51Everything looks so pretty, Anita. These are great ideas. I love that you used things you already had on hand.
Atta Girl Amy says
December 10, 2013 at 09:21These are so simple, yet so pretty. Thanks so much for coordinating the Scoop Handmade Christmas tour. I’ve had fun seeing everyone’s gorgeous projects and sharing my own.
Susan Hooke says
December 10, 2013 at 09:43I love the look. So calm, French & classic. I too am repurposing things around my house . Pulling white vases , jars, canisters & things that are red, gold & silver adding some greenery & a red & plaid bow and VOILA! Christmas!!!
Rachel says
December 10, 2013 at 10:50I’m with you, buy no more Christmas décor, use what you already have. It looks lovely.
Botanic Bleu says
December 10, 2013 at 12:33Anita,
I love the simplicity of your Christmas decorations this year. They certainly remind me of Country French Christmases, a look we share a love for. The candles anchored in sand in the small tin buckets may be my favorite of your decorations.
So glad to be on The Scoop tour with you,
Judith
revi says
December 10, 2013 at 12:38Anita, I love the concept of simplifying…I’m going to attempt it, too.
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
December 10, 2013 at 13:00Lovely Anita. Great that you can use them year round.
Dria says
December 10, 2013 at 14:17Anita these are gorgeous! My favorite are the set on your kitchen island! Love that you can use these all year too, beautiful job!!
Dayle says
December 10, 2013 at 15:24I believe in homespun Christmases. Love what you’ve done.
Robin says
December 10, 2013 at 16:55Love the sheet music on the candles, such a great idea.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
December 10, 2013 at 20:09Wow, those are all great ideas, Anita. The wine bottle tree holder is very clever. Thank you for allowing me to join the tour- it has been fun. 🙂
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
December 10, 2013 at 21:25So pretty and yet so simple, Anita…the perfect combination! I love yr decor this year with all of the natural greenery and candles…classic! Thanks so much for sharing with us! Hugs…Debbie
laura says
December 11, 2013 at 13:44Hi anita. I am with you on using what you have to decorate for the holidays….and always. I was thinking, I think we need to have girls night at your house , in your kitchen.
Anne says
December 11, 2013 at 14:36Absolutely beautiful Anita! Love the beauty and simplicity! I adore your candle votives…..<3
Sharing on facebook too 🙂
xx
Anne
Courtney says
December 11, 2013 at 16:24Gorgeous ideas Anita- I love that music paper on the candles – so sweet!!!