We’re slipping in one last December roundup to catch anything you might have missed and to remind ourselves we didn’t spend the whole month in a cookie-induced haze. Taking a moment to celebrate what we actually finished each month gives us a boost to tackle the projects that remain. It’s that nice “you did it — now keep going” momentum that keeps our DIY energy flowing. If you want more monthly recaps from past years, we’ve summarized each month in an archive of posts.
First up: a photo we haven’t shared before — our New Year’s Eve photobooth shot as a family. The photobooth had a vintage processing effect, which obscures the fact that I was making a two-zero-one-three with my hands in every frame (get it? 2013?). Still, Clara steals the show with an impressive range of photobooth expressions.
Most Undone: Our gradient Christmas tree, which was a blast to assemble (we even filmed a time lapse), but it got taken down a few days later. We’re already planning how to dress it again next year.
Most Improved: The hallway bathroom mirror — we framed it out with simple wood trim to give it a cleaner, more finished appearance.
Most Linked: We hosted a link-up for projects inspired by our book, and nearly 200 reader projects were shared — a great place to browse ideas and see how people put their own spin on things.
Most Overdue: Meeting Nicole of Making It Lovely in person during our Chicago stop — we finally shared the photos of crashing her lovely home.
ORB Victim of the Month: Every doorknob in the house got a quick refresh with our favorite spray paint (oil-rubbed bronze). It was an easy way to unify mismatched hardware without replacing anything.
Most MacGyver-y: While painting our extra-tall sunroom, we fashioned an edging tool by taping a paintbrush to a pole to reach areas the ladder couldn’t. Fancy? Not exactly. Effective? Absolutely.
Most Magnetic: Ornament magnets we made years ago resurfaced this season and became perfect holders for holiday cards and small decorations.
Most Graphic: A detailed, single-image tutorial on changing outlets — everything laid out in a tall, easy-to-follow infographic with captions for quick reference.
Most Likely To Want World Peace: Me, after a brief turn as acting Miss District of Columbia when I wore her crown during one of our book signings in the Virginia/DC area. That event also included a holiday crafting session we led at Living Social.
Most Unimpressed: Burger, who remained completely nonplussed when we painted the sunroom brick to match the rest of the room. The paint unified the space beautifully — Burger, not so much.
Most Back-To-The-Future-ish: Sherry imagining how she would redesign our first house today — a fun look back at what she’d redo and what she’d repeat, showing how our style has evolved.
Most Giftable: Three holiday gift guides we curated — for kids, for ladies, and for guys — full of ideas that were practical and thoughtful for the season.
Coolest: A homemade play fridge we built for Clara as a Christmas surprise, paired with a thrifted cart and play food to complement her beloved play kitchen.
Most Gifted: We were glad to reuse existing wrapping paper, bags, and tissue instead of buying new supplies this year. We also finished the season by stringing up our outdoor lights.
Most Vertically Challenged (Plant Edition): Our tabletop tree, decorated with a mismatched collection of ornaments — including a few made by Clara — plus a DIY felt garland added this year.
Most Vertically Challenged (Human Edition): Sherry, who received a cleverly hidden box behind the desk to help with height during one of our local live TV appearances.
Most Dedicated To Their Craft: Clara and Burger, who easily played the role of children sneaking Santa’s treats for our 2012 Christmas card photoshoot.
Most Nervewracking: Hosting Christmas dinner for the first time. We were nervous, but it turned out well — Sherry used cloth napkins and magnolia leaves from the yard for place settings, which felt special.
Most Handsy: The talented crafters at Richmond’s Handmade Holiday craft show. We came home with a few great pieces, including wisdom cards that Sherry enjoys reading while she works.
How about you? What did you accomplish last month, or what got put on hold during the holiday rush that you’re eager to tackle now? We’re itching to start a big girl room makeover and to move forward on our unfinished basement and sunroom projects.