Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

Popcorn Candle DIY

Fall is on the way and I am itching to decorate, bake and savor the cooler weather and the bounty of last of the season produce that I will scout out in the coming weeks! This year I want to keep my decorations for autumn simple and my costs at a minimum. I am gathering inspiration from nature to make my home feel warm, inviting and seasonal.

I have been experimenting with natural supplies to create stunning additions to my decor. This super simple candle holder is perfect for adding something naturally lovely to your home this fall on even the tightest budget!

All you need is a bag of popcorn kernels and a LED tealight and a clear glass candle holder.

Simply fill the candleholder with popcorn kernels then add a battery operated tea light!

I made a short facebook video to show you how lovely this is. I love the simple touch of natural beauty this easy project offers. You could also wrap a simple burlap ribbon around the candleholder also to add another sweet touch to the finished product.




Queen of Hearts Bookmark

These easy no sew queen of hearts bookmarks are perfect for making and sharing! Give a few as a gift, or keep a few near your bookcase.



Summer is here and I am loving the lazy mornings by the pool. As soon as the kids get up they are want to jump in and spend the day there. We often joke they are going to grow fins if they don't come out and dry off for a little while. I don't mind sitting pool side, observing the kids and reading a book.  So, in the warm months, book marks are essential to my life.



I wanted to make something a little bit fancier than a paper bookmark so I checked out my craft supplies and decided to make a few of these. They were so easy and required no sewing, but are substantial enough to not fly away on a windy day.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn an advertisers fee.



Supplies:

Wide Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun



Directions:


Cut a section of ribbon that is twice as long as the average book.



Fold the ribbon in half and liberally add hot glue.
Fold the ribbon over on to the hot glue and press.
At the end of the ribbon, insert a necklace clasp so that it just  barely hangs out of the ribbon.



Secure with hot glue.
Attach a jump ring to the clasp.
Attach the charm to the jump ring.
Secure with hot glue.



These are great for stashing around the house, where ever you like to relax and read.



These no sew bookmarks are also awesome to share. My husband is a school librarian and we love to make bookmarks to share with the kids, so I have a stockpile started for the day our kids can return to school and enjoy a visit to the school library.





You can find more craft ideas here
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Homemade Lilac Perfume


Homemade Lilac Perfume is the perfect easy gift. It is made with the most unlikely ingredient that you may already have at home, vodka.



Lilacs are one of my favorite parts of spring. I love to pick them and fill small vases and bowls with them. The fragrance is almost intoxicating. I have been known to carry scissors on my walks in the spring so that if I run across a bush I can snip a bunch of delicate flowers. How I wish I could preserve that fragrance and enjoy it on winter days!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I earn a small fee from the seller.



The next best thing is this easy to make and super economical perfume. It uses vodka and lilac oil to make a simple and elegant fragrance that is perfect for daily wear. It doesn't smell like alcohol. The jojoba and lilac will blend with it.


I like to make two bottles at a time, one to keep and one to share with a sweet friend.

Homemade Lilac Perfume Supplies for 2 bottles.


20 drops of Lilac Fragrance Oil
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
1 tablespoon of distilled water
2 tablespoons of vodka

2 smaller roller ball perfume bottles
A small funnel

Directions:


Mix all liquid ingredients in a small glass bowl.
With a micro funnel pour the perfume into the 2 small roller ball bottles.
Shake well and wear.



You can find all of my DIY posts here.




Glow in the Dark Galaxy Slime


My kids have been begging to make slime for a while now. I finally caved and made a really pretty glow in the dark galaxy slime. This was easy and fun to make. My kids loved it in the daytime, and at night too!



























We loved this slime because it can technically be made with stuff you already have. I happened to have glow in the dark powder at home, so I added it. Use whatever glitter or confetti you have to make this easy slime. 

I am including affiliate links below. If you make a purchase it helps to my site up and running via commission paid via advertisers.

Supplies:
1 cup of cornstarch
3/4 cup of water
A craft stick



Directions:

Mix the glow in the dark powder with the cornstarch.



Slowly add the water to the blue cornstarch.



Add a generous amount of extra fine black glitter and silver star confetti.



Begin to mix the slime with the craft stick.




As it begins to clump together begin kneading by hand.



Your slime is ready when it is dry to touch but squishy!




If your slime is too runny add a pinch more cornstarch.




This will glow in the dark if left to 'charge' in the sun. You can also use a black light to really bring out the glow in the dark properties.






You can find all of my kid crafts here.
Reader favorites include:
Green Button Trees

Straw Necklaces


















Reclaimed Farmhouse Joy Sign

This farmhouse joy sign was made entirely from reclaimed materials to add a festive touch to your home.


I have been making a ton of things with pallets. From creepy Halloween signs, wooden black cats and even some fun pallet Christmas trees that I am going to share with you soon. I knew exactly what I wanted to make the last time I tore apart some pallets. Rustic and charming farmhouse holiday signs.




These reclaimed farmhouse joy signs are so easy to make.  They add a festive touch to your space or are perfect for gifting. Plus, they are so budget friendly you can make dozens for a dollar!



This is a really easy project. Gather some supplies, finding inspiration in trash.

Supplies for one sign

One pallet board section
One pop tab
One screw
One penny nail
Glue
One Christmas Bauble
Paint
Paint Brush
Screwdriver
Hammer

I cut one pallet board into 4 smaller boards, just big enough to proclaim my message, Joy.
I pulled tabs off of empty soda cans for my method of hanging.



Line up the soda tab so that it is even with the board. 
Place the screw in the small hole and tighten.



In the center of the other side of the board, place the penny nail. Drive it in half way.

Paint the board in the color of your choice. 

After the board is dry, place a Christmas bauble over the nail. Add a bead of glue to secure and allow to dry.

Use stencils, or with another color of paint, freehand  your letters J and Y. Allow to dry.

Now you can display your Joy sign, or share it with a friend this holiday season.



In the mood for more creative projects?
Check out some of my favorites here:
Ribbon Tree OrnamentsBarbie Serving TrayButton Tree Ornaments





Nail Polish Ornaments

Nail Polish Painted Ornaments are a great way for tweens and teens to craft up something pretty for the Christmas tree! These are easy and economical with supplies from the dollar tree for a fun decoration to share this holiday season.



I have a tendency to hoard nail polish. I can't buy just one color. I am compelled to buy them all. As I was browsing my collection, I realized I could be doing so many things with my nail polish, and I wanted to try using it for decorations!


I picked 2 pretty shades, specifically one with confetti, and grabbed a 2 pack of ornaments from the dollar store.


First, I carefully removed the top.
Then I poured in a touch of each nail polish.

Nail Polish Ornaments

The first attempt at this craft, taught me an important lesson.
You must allow this to dry before replacing the cap, or the nail polish will remain liquid.
To dry the polish, I recommend blow drying on the cool setting for about 2 minutes, but be careful to not place the dryer right up against the ornament!


This is such a great and easy craft. The ornaments turned out lovely and were so much fun to share! We made red and blue ones!


You can find all of our ornament craft ideas here

You might also want to check out these Christmas tree inspired snacks.




Spooky Pallet Sign

Need a last minute Halloween decoration? These spooky pallet signs are perfect for a quick craft that adds a lot of character to your space.


I have been making lots of stuff with pallets. From my cute reclaimed black cats, to some sweet serving trays to share with friends. I also made a slew of these spooky signs and shared them with a few neighbors.


These are so easy to make.  You need no skills and no special tools.  You can truly create them completely from scrap materials. If you are able to find scrap wood in a 12-18" size, that would ideal. If not, a hand saw or circular saw will be useful  in cutting down a pallet to the size you want to use.

Supplies:
An MFD board
Paint in several colors
A small paint brush
A soda tab
A screw
A screwdriver.



Directions:
Place a soda tab in the center of the board, line it up so it is even with the board at the top.
Screw it in.
Flip the board over and paint it the color you desire. I went with a light orange.
Allow to dry.
When the base coat is dry, paint Spooky on the board. I did this by hand, but you can use a stencil to get perfect letters. I was going for a creepy look, and perfection wasn't needed.
When the spooky letters have dried, dip a paint brush in another color, like green, or purple.
Extending an index finger, tap the paint brush against the finger to create splatters on the sign below.
Repeat as desired.
Allow to dry before displaying.
If you are displaying outside, spray with a sealant.



Make a few in a variety of creepy phrases and decorate your space in spooktacular, splendor without spending a cent! You can make this sign in only about 15 minutes, asides from the waiting for the paint to dry. 


If you liked this easy pallet project you might want to check out more of my favorite DIYS!

Reader favorites include:


Easy Ghost Window Cling

Halloween is near, and this cute little ghost will add a touch of fun to your windows without spooking your wallet! This is economical, adorable and easy to make!



We can't get enough Halloween crafts. Both of the kids and I enjoy creating frighteningly fun projects to get us even more excited about any holiday!

We were short on time one afternoon and wanted to make a cute and easy craft. This is what we came up with, a fun ghost for the window! This only took a few moments to complete and we loved it for a few reasons. The kids got to practice their scissor skills, which is an important skill for all kids, and they got to experiment with textures.



You will need {per 1 ghost}
 one square of white paper
4 small circles of black paper
2 slightly larger circles of black paper
A section of contact paper, transparent, to accommodate the size of the ghost you wish to make
Scissors
3 glue dots, school glue etc



Begin by placing your contact paper sticky side up
Add 2 black dots to the contact paper for eyes
Add one larger black circle of paper for a mouth
Cut the white paper to look like a ghost
Add the ghost shape over top of the eyes
Add 2 remaining eyes and mouth to the ghost
Stick it on a window for a spooky fun addition!

And there you have a super economical, fun and easy ghost craft for kids!

Find more Halloween DIYS here
Reader favorites include:
Glam Pumpkin Make Over

11 Apple Crafts to Make with the Kids

I can't help but get excited about the end of summer, because it means that fall is near! Trips to the orchard with the family; lots of action in the kitchen, the temps are finally cool enough for baking! And of course, the crafting with the kids! How could I not get excited for fall!? 

This year I have 11 apple craft to make with the kids to share with you that I know you will have fun making with your little ones!

 Apple Crafts to Make with the Kids


Toilet Paper Roll Apple Stamp
Paper Plate Apple Craft
Caramel Apple Fall Craft
Apple Suncatchers
Take a Bite Out of Fall Craft
Apple Playdough
Button Apple Trees
Fruit Loop Fall Tree
Apple Tree Craft
Toilet Roll Apples
Stuffed Paper Apples


I love all of these ideas! I am hoping to make them all with the kids! We are planning to make these Apple Tree Window Clings again this year but we might make it a crafting marathon with these great ideas!

You can find my Halloween posts here

You might also like this easy homemade play dough recipe

How to be a Boss at Renovating Your Own Home


Renovating your own home can seem like a daunting task. Learning how to do some basic DIY, woodwork, and interior decorating is no mean feat, particularly when you’re completing it on your own. While many of us would love to have the budget to hire someone else to do our renovation for us, we don’t always have the budget to do so.

Get creative with paint
It’s no secret that a brand new lick of paint can do wonders for any room. If you’re worried that your bedroom, living room or kitchen is looking a little tired, then it could be time to get out the rollers and drop cloths. If you really want to paint in style, it’s time to get creative. Taking your time to look through swatches and experiment with color could see you creating something truly unique. Pairing deep slate greys with pale yellows or bright creams with vibrant furniture could give you a home that looks as if it belongs in a brochure.

Make the most of small rooms
Small rooms often feel like the most difficult to renovate in many ways. While there’s less space to conquer, you often run the risk of accidentally cluttering the room. There are a few gospel rules when it comes to smaller rooms, and those include:

No dark paint
No busy patterns
No dark curtains

These focus on getting as much light into the room as possible, which is always a wise approach. You can also use clever tricks of the light to make it feel like a much bigger room. Adding mirrors is just one way of doing this, as they give a slight illusion of extra space, as well as bouncing light around the room.

Don’t be afraid of cosmetic changes
Cosmetic changes to a home can include changing the tiles in a room, re-painting a room, or adding wallpaper. While these jobs might require a bit of elbow grease, they are well within most people’s capabilities. There also some unique hacks you can try to spruce up some features in your home. Did you know, for example, that if you unscrew the doorknobs in your house and boil them with baking soda you’ll be able to get rid of any accidental paint spills? Don’t be afraid, either, to switch up some of those smaller features. Purchasing quirky and artistic doorknobs to fit in your home will give it a stylish boutique feel.

Be bold with your front door
It’s surprising how small aspects of a renovation can make it feel like a much bigger one. For example, changing your front door can have a surprisingly large effect on the overall appearance of your abode. If you can’t afford an entirely new front door, then why not paint it? Opting for a bold and vibrant color such as yellow will give your home an immediate sense of character.

Go bargain hunting
As you may have already surmised, renovating can be an expensive project. Cans of paint, new artwork, and new furniture can all come to quite an expensive price. This is where sales become your friend. Bargain hunting for materials way in advance could save you plenty of money. Take trips out to DIY stories and browse through online retailers’ stock until you find the best possible bargain. While there are some features that shouldn’t be scrimped on, items such as paint can be affordably purchased at a much cheaper price with very little consequence.
Leave the tough work to the professionals
If you find yourself wondering if it’s possible to fit a toilet by yourself or maybe do the re-wiring in your kitchen – don’t risk it. Some jobs are best left to professionals, particularly when the condition of your home is at stake. It might end up costing you a fortune to repair the damage caused. By searching “plumbers in my area” online you can find tradespeople to get the big jobs executed successfully.


The easiest way to be a boss at home renovation is to be brave. Get creative with your color use and accept the challenges that learning DIY can bring. While some bigger tasks are best left to professionals (plumbing and wiring, for example) there are still plenty of home improvements you can complete yourself. Start hunting around for inspiration and DIY sales; you never know what you might come up with.

12 Dog Beds to DIY

Charles Schulz said "Happiness is a warm puppy." And he couldn't have been more spot on. Dogs bring so much joy to our lives and make such wonderful additions to the family!



At our house, the dogs have added a layer to family life. Wagging tails, long walks, enthusiastic friendship are a few of the perks. But there is a downside, the dogs are couch, bed and chair hogs! They are happiest curled up someplace cushy for a nap.


Yea, we need a big doggy bed! So I rounded up 12 of my favorite ideas to share with you for dog beds to diy! I love how simple yet stunning these are!






Elegant Upcycled Small Breed Bed by Diva of DIY
Princess Pet Bed by Morena's Corner
Pillow Pet Bed by Designers Sweet Spot
End Table Dog Bed by Domestic Imperfection
Packing Fabric Dog Bed by DIY Danielle
Recycled Tire Dog Bed by Practically Functional
Doll Dog Bed by My Repurposed Life
Basket Bed by My Pinterventures
Crate Bed for Small Dogs by The Inspired Hive
Drawer Dog Bed by My Repurposed Life
Envelope Pet Bed by Susy's Sitcom
Table Dog Bed by Diva of DIY

If you have an idea for a DIY dog bed, I would love to hear about it in a comment!

Find more DIY Ideas Here