The Hansen Family

It has been a year since I started blogging. What started out as a family blog turned into more of a DIY/tutorial/decorating blog. I love sharing my brainstorming/creations with you! Thank you for reading. Hansen Family Chaos top 10 posts of 2012. 1. My Burlap Christmas I knew that burlap was trending on Pinterest. I had no idea that a burlap Christmas tree would be so popular. We really do love how this tree turned out and hopefully it inspired others to use burlap during Christmas as well.   2. How to build a patio: Laying pavers Our major project of the year was our patio. This was basically how my little blog was born, through the tutorials of our patio building. Right now out patio is covered in snow, I'm craving a juicy burger and fresh fruit salad right now.   3. How to build a pergola The pergola is probably the best part of our patio.  It provides the perfect amount of shade in the summer evenings. I have some plans ...

Most of the Midwest had a blizzard this past Thursday. In the picture above you can't even see our fire pit . Central Iowa had around 11" of snow which turned into blowing, blizzard conditions, with travel not advised and schools cancelled throughout the area. The kids bundled up at 8:00 a.m. ready to sled and build snowman's, but it was still too windy. I, on the other hand, didn't step foot outside. Which is very unlike me, I'm usually with the kids sledding and making forts. I had stuff to get done right before the Christmas season, cleaning the house. But, cleaning took second place when I saw this mess in the basement.   As you can see in the photo our basement isn't finished. Which basically means, out of site, out of mind. The kids play down here occasionally and obviously don't pick up after themselves. I don't mind, because I rarely see it. This was just a little out of control, the picture doesn't really do it justice bec...

How is Christmas just around the corner? With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I always seem to forget a gift for one person. Why does this happen? Every year I make a list of all the people I need to buy gifts for including family, teachers, Sunday school teachers, bus driver, etc. Some how there is always someone on the list missing and I need a gift, quick! This gift is so easy to make and will only take you about an hour or less. The total cost: $10 max and you will get multiple monograms out of one 1 x 8 board. What you need: (1) 1 x 8 board (length depends on how many you want to make) Background paint of your choice Monogram paint of your choice Paint brush Cardstock paper Saw Sandpaper Sawtooth hanger Hammer I gave this gift to four of my coworkers. They thought I purchased them!   Start with a 1 x 8 wood board, or any sized board of your choice.  You may have some scrap wood laying around.  The rougher the better.  A 1 x 8 b...

NOTE: I am deeply saddened by the horrific events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families that lost loved ones. Hold your kids close, tell them you love them and hug a teacher. If you would like to help here is a link . Yesterday I posted a holiday wish-list and it turned out to have a color theme that was completely unintentional.  I had so much fun with this that I came up with, what I am calling, a color inspired wish-list board. 2012 must be my year of themes, because our Christmas decorating theme this year is burlap, check it out here . Today's feature is a red and yellow wish-list. As most of you know we are HUGE Iowa State University fans, so this color scheme is fitting. And the timing is perfect since we are going bowling. Not bowling with pins and a wood lane, ISU is headed to the Liberty Bowl this December in Memphis! Way to go Cyclones! Although this is a little tomato red in color, this cardi...

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here?  We have been decorating our house and it looks so festive. My burlap themed Christmas has been a success. Now we just have to complete our Christmas shopping, I really hope to be done with that soon. Speaking of lists, doesn't everyone in your family ask, "what do you want for Christmas?" Lately I feel I have struggled with the answers for a Christmas list. It seems, nowadays, we buy what we need, when we need it. I've seen a couple other holiday lists on other blogs and I thought, I should do that. Too late for family to utilize it, but fun none the less. Yes, I am totally being a copy cat with this idea.  But it got my sparks flying and below is what I came up with. I can't say these are budget items, or necessities, just things that I would like someday. Are you seeing a theme here? Me too, and it was completely unintentional! I should call this my silver and pink wish list. That sounds fun! I should come...

'Tis the holiday season and what would that be without...burlap? Yup, I've been on a burlap kick, and so have many others on Pinterest. Burlap seems to be the hot fabric in 2012. Tons of cute ideas out there folks! Check out my burlap Christmas tree ! Here is a quick tutorial on how to make a burlap banner. You can use it for the holidays or even a birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, wedding decoration, you get it. Start with 2 yards burlap Cut into 6" strips Make a template for your pennants - can do triangle, square, rectangles, I did the below. Cut out as many as you need for your "word" my word is BELIEVE. Pick out paint for your letters and for a background. After you cut the burlap you can start to paint. I decided to paint the burlap with a background white. I did this so the letters would POP more, and because it is winter, and kind of looks like snow or frost.   I used a dry brush and just painted white all over the burlap. ...