In past years, I’ve decorated for Christmas just on the main level, where the most impact for the effort occurs. But this year the kids are SO excited for the holiday and all of the wonder that comes with it, that I wanted to do a little more. I set off to think of something fitting for their bedrooms so the decoration seem personal and therefore extra special. Ella loves leafing through my childhood books, and has taken a special interest in the old Christmas stories. My mom found a Santa themed book at a local antique store, which had softer pastel tones as opposed to the usual bright reds and vibrant greens. I purchased inexpensive frames at Ikea and hung them tight together for an interesting, unique look (steps included below). Ella loves having some special Christmas decoration all her very own. 
Find a book that you don’t mind “ruining,” so that you can tear out the pictures and have them loose – it will be easier to compare and determine a grouping that works well together visually. 
Materials needed include frames (take one of the pictures with you to the store, so you can choose from the many frame options and know for certain which style will work best), a level, pencil, painters’ tape (not shown above…that idea came after I took this picture) and a measuring tape. You’ll also need hanging hardware. I chose to use 3M Velcro hanging strips, because I’m not certain the frames will remain after the holiday. Plus, I love how they allow you to reposition if necessary. I do that with nails too, but that’s not as good for the walls. 
Measure and mark on a piece of painters’ tape the total length of the frames, as well as where the hanging hardware (or Velcro) will be placed. I put a hash mark for the start and the end of the three frames, and numbered the placement for the 6 Velcro strips. You can transfer the piece of painters’ tape to the wall where you intend to hang the frames. Shown below, place the painters’ tape on the wall and double check the placement with a level before placing the 3M strips according to the directions. 
Hang and enjoy! We purchased another copy of the book for the kids to read. Taylor is at the perfect age to try out his reading on his very attentive sister. 
Reality Check. I talk a big game when suggesting that you bring the pictures along to the store to ensure you buy the perfect frame. The picture below shows MY efficient approach to shopping for the frame style and size I wanted to use for this project. I’m sure it won’t be any hassle at all to return all of these unused alternatives at Ikea during the next two weeks. 
Find a book that you don’t mind “ruining,” so that you can tear out the pictures and have them loose – it will be easier to compare and determine a grouping that works well together visually. Materials needed include frames (take one of the pictures with you to the store, so you can choose from the many frame options and know for certain which style will work best), a level, pencil, painters’ tape (not shown above…that idea came after I took this picture) and a measuring tape. You’ll also need hanging hardware. I chose to use 3M Velcro hanging strips, because I’m not certain the frames will remain after the holiday. Plus, I love how they allow you to reposition if necessary. I do that with nails too, but that’s not as good for the walls. Measure and mark on a piece of painters’ tape the total length of the frames, as well as where the hanging hardware (or Velcro) will be placed. I put a hash mark for the start and the end of the three frames, and numbered the placement for the 6 Velcro strips. You can transfer the piece of painters’ tape to the wall where you intend to hang the frames. Shown below, place the painters’ tape on the wall and double check the placement with a level before placing the 3M strips according to the directions. Hang and enjoy! We purchased another copy of the book for the kids to read. Taylor is at the perfect age to try out his reading on his very attentive sister. Reality Check. I talk a big game when suggesting that you bring the pictures along to the store to ensure you buy the perfect frame. The picture below shows MY efficient approach to shopping for the frame style and size I wanted to use for this project. I’m sure it won’t be any hassle at all to return all of these unused alternatives at Ikea during the next two weeks.
