Category Archives: DIY

Christmas Buntings

December 10, 2014

I’ve been having a lot of fun with my Cricut Explore machine lately. I’ve made a bunch of fun stuff for the Christmas with it. I’ve got Christmas buntings coming out of my ears actually. I love that this machine can cut through thick glittered card stock with precision. If you like these buntings, I’m having a little Instagram sale, check out this post if you’d like to order one.

I also wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the last day of our 14 Days of Love Giveaway and I’m giving away a Cricut Explore Machine!!!! So be sure to come back tomorrow and enter.

DIY / etc.

Colorado Blue Spruce Potted Christmas Tree

December 8, 2014

If I have the choice, it’s always for a live Christmas tree. Nothing beats the smell and look of a real one. But, when we lived in Papua New Guinea and Yemen, a little fake one had to make do, but honestly, it’s just not the same.

Since we hope this little guy will be apart of our family Christmas’s for many years to come, we decided to name him. Please meet ‘Bruce the Spruce’. I told you last week that I’d share a little more about our Christmas tree this year and how we are caring for it. We decided to try a potted Christmas tree. The hope is that we will get to use the same tree for a few years in a row. Each Christmas we will bring the tree inside, but the rest of the year, it will live outside in a shady part of our yard. It was not easy to find a live evergreen here in Bakersfield. But, the only nursery in town to carry some had a couple varieties of Colorado Blue Spruce. I love the color of it’s needles. They are a gorgeous silvery, muted green.

I bought the tree in what they call “Ball and Burlap”, which just means the root ball in contained in burlap. This tree is a 4-5 ft. tree and cost about $70, which isn’t much more then a cut tree in Southern California.

I found a large enough pot and Home Depot for just $14.99, it’s black plastic, but the price was right and I think it looks pretty sharp. I really didn’t want a ceramic pot that would just add more weight to this already VERY heavy tree. With both Lon and I and the help of a skateboard, we barely got it in the house. That root ball is like solid cement.

Keep reading for potting and care instructions.

Ok, so here’s a little instruction on potting and caring. First, find a large enough pot for the tree. Peel back the burlap around the base of the trunk to expose the soil, but don’t remove the burlap from the sides and base of the ball. Place the root ball in the pot and fill in the pot with good potting soil. Water the tree with ice, this will help keep the tree cooler while it’s inside and allow it to be watered over time. I’ve found that the first couple of days the tree took about 4 cups ice everyday, and now that the tree is 3 1/2 weeks in the hour, it seems to only be needing about 4 cups of ice every other day. The folks at my local nursery said to just watch if the tree starting dropping a lot of needles. Sometimes this can mean that the tree is too warm or needs more water. So far, Bruce is happy. Fingers crossed that we can keep him alive.

I decorated the tree with some of my old favorites and added the mini pendant ornaments and a few new pieces from The Land of Nod.

What kind of tree do you have this year? Are you a live or fake tree family?

DIY / etc.

Mini Pendant Christmas Ornaments

December 2, 2014

I’m over on Honest to Nod, The Land of Nod’s blog, sharing these cute Mini Pendant Ornaments. I made quite a few of these for our Christmas tree this year. I can’t get enough of hanging things, whether it’s yarn or felt, I love the versatility and cost effectiveness of these materials.

I’ll share more about our potted blue spruce Christmas tree soon, but I decorated Bruce (yes, we named him) with metallics and black and whites. It’s simple and sparkly, but just the way I like it.

Have you made anything for Christmas decor this year? Do you put up the same decorations year after year, or do you change it up from time to time?

DIY

DIY Gold Dipped Yarn Hanging

November 25, 2014

Well, I did it again, yes another yarn hanging. They are just so much fun to make and this might be my all time favorite. I’ve hung yarn from branches and from dowels, but this large metal ring is so pretty.

This time I used natural off white wool yarn and added color with painted wooden beads. Then to give it a little sparkle, I painted the bottom few inches metallic gold for a dip dyed effect.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Design Master Spray Paint (24 KT Gold, Praire Grass and Basil)
12 large wooden beads (about 1″ in diameter)
1 ball of natural, off white yarn
18″ metal ring (found in the jewelry section at Hobby Lobby)
Scissors
Masking Tape
Drop cloth or newspaper for spray painting

I thought about hanging this piece from an embroidery hoop or making some sort of wire circle or triangle. But, then I decided to wonder the aisles of the craft store looking for a solution. And to my surprise, you can buy metal hoops in all kinds of sizes. I found this ring at Hobby Lobby for just $3.47.

Start by spray painting the metal ring gold. Make sure to paint both sides. When it is dry, you can begin attaching the yarn to the ring. Cut pieces of yarn that are 2 yards long. Loop the yarn onto the ring and pull tight.

Don’t worry about all the yarn being exactly the same lengths, you will trim the bottom once all the yarn is on.

Using masking tape as a guide. Trim the bottom of the yarn in the desired shape. I like this V shape with the the curve of the ring at the top.

Paint the wooden beads in a few colors. I chose to use 2 shades of green and the gold.

When the beads are completely dry, which will only take 5 mins with Design Master spray paints, thread the beads onto a few strands of yarn. I placed mine very randomly, sometimes threading 2 or 3 on the same piece of yarn. Secure the beads buy knotting the yarn just below the bead.

Finally, lay the yarn hanging as flat as possible and spray the bottom few inches of the yarn with metallic gold spay paint. Let it dry and then turn it over and do the same to the back.

I love the versatility of Design Master paints, they adhere to practically any surface. And it you have ever tried dip dying, you’ll know how much easier this is. Plus, with metallic paint, there is the addition of a little sparkle.

I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam to sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas. Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

DIY / etc.

DIY Glittered Deer Napkin Rings

November 21, 2014

As a kid, it was usually my job to set the table when we had parties and guests over. I loved taking my mom’s china and silver out and folding the napkins in fancy ways. It’s still one of my favorite parts of hosting and the holidays. With the help of my trusty Cricut Explore machine, I made these glittered deer napkin rings in short order. (And fear not my non Cricut owners, I’m working on a printable PDF for you, so you can make these with some card stock and a pair of scissors.)

Using the Tablescapes Fall and Winter cartridge, I cut out these deer napkin rings in charcoal grey, white and mint card stock. Then I simply applied some white glue to just the antlers of the deer with a small paint brush and sprinkled some fine gold glitter on them. Let them dry completely and then wrapped them around napkins (I’m saving some laundry this year and using these IKEA wood grain paper ones).

I am a member of the Cricut Blogger Network. I may receive prizes in exchange for my winning projects. Even though I am not being directly compensated for these posts, I am under consideration for a prize with Cricut Design Space Star. All opinions are 100% my own.

DIY / etc.

DIY Metallic Dipped Taper Candles

November 20, 2014

Can I just coat, dip and cover everything in metallics? Is that acceptable? I’m thinking with the holidays, I can make everything just a little shiny and metallic.

These DIY Metallic Dipped Candles take just five minutes to make. As the holidays approach I’m looking for unique hostess, teacher and neighbor gifts that I can make and give. So, if you invite me over for a party or meal, I’ll bring your a pair of this tapers.

I bought inexpensive white taper candles at the dollar store. The using my favorite Design Master (Metallic Taupe, Brilliant Gold and Rose Gold) spray paints, I simply held the wick end of the candle and applied a very light coat of paint to the bottom 3-4 inches of the candle. Then I placed the candle in a glass upside down to dry. I like how the spray paint gives a nice ombre-ish effect, with no harsh lines or stripes.

With a little natural twine tied around a pair of these candles, I think they make a lovely gift.

DIY / etc.

DIY Holiday Floral Arrangement

November 17, 2014

I am so excited to be a part of the amazing Merry Magazine, a handmade holiday guide! If you are in need of inspiration and ideas to give your home, parties, and self some handmade holiday touches, look no further. Every page is truly captivating and beautifully put together. So, grab a cup of coffee and soak up all these lovely ideas. Melissa of The Sweet Escape is the master mind behind this amazing online holiday magazine. I was flattered to be included with all these top notch bloggers. You are in for a treat friends.

Fresh florals for the holidays can be easy and inexpensive. I filled my new favorite head vase with grocery store florals to create a festive and playful centerpiece. Freesia is probably the best smelling flower out there, it’s perfume fills the room. Freesia, evergreen branches, red berries, a pinecone and pom pom flowers painted metallic gold make up this simple DIY arrangement.

Start with the evergreen branches. These were gathered from my yard. Place the majority of them on one side of the vase and just one branch on the opposite side.

Next, wire a pinecone or two to the branches.

Add the freesia, cutting them at different heights and arranging them somewhat sporadically throughout the vase.

Finally, add the red berries to fill in all the wholes and empty spots.

I sprayed 3 of the yellow pom pom flowers with Design Master metallic gold paint. My local florist told me that this would also preserve these and I would be able to use them forever. They look pretty great painted gold. Place two on one side of the arrangement and the third on the other side.

DIY

Air Plant Christmas Ornaments

November 13, 2014

Ok, I’m finally recovered from the Rose Bowl Flea Market. With over 24 hours without sleep, loading and unloading furniture four times, and then getting to drive Riley through LA traffic, it just about took me out. It was a good experience and I’m really glad we did it. It was a group effort and I’m really grateful for my family and all the work they put into this adventure. And I even got to hang out with The Girls with Glasses for a few minutes.

I know this might be a no no, but I’m ready for Christmas. Yes, Thanksgiving is lovely, but Christmas is everyone’s favorite. Am I right? So, let’s just dive in with a DIY Christmas Ornament.

I love air plants, I have a couple beaded glass bubbles hanging in my dining room and I used them to as center pieces for my mom’s 60th birthday party. Because all our family lives far away, we spend our Christmas’s away from home. I love a live tree, but for the years when we are gone for long periods of time, I got a cute little tinsel tree to stand in. This year I’m hanging live ornaments on the tree in mini glass bubbles.

Supplies:

Glass Bubbles (Amazon is a good source for the round and for the tear drop shaped ones)

Round and Geometric Beads (this post lists good sources for these beads)

Natural Twine

Air Plants

I painted some of the beads metallic gold and paired them with dark stained ones. Then I simply strung them on the some natural twine and attached them to the glass bubbles.

The tree might not be live, but the ornaments are.

DIY / etc.

DIY Ombre Give Thanks Banner

November 6, 2014

Good bye Halloween, hello Thanksgiving. Oh boy you guys, I had fun with my favorite spray paint (Design Master) making this DIY. This turned out just how I had imagined it (which is not always the case). And even though it has a simple Thanksgiving message on it, I may keep it up all year. This has the look and feel of popular dip-dye effects, but without the mess and hassle of dying fabric.

Here’s what you’ll need:

a cotton fabric banner
wooden dowel
Design Master colortool spray paint in 3 shades of one color (I used Moss Green, Basil and Praire Grass) and gold for painting the dowel.
Large letter stickers (I bought these at Hobby Lobby)
String or yarn for hanging the banner

Start by picking a color that you are going to work with, then find 3 shades of that color to create your ombre effect.

For the banner I cut two 22 inch squares of unbleached muslin fabric. Then I measured from the bottom up 5 inches, and drew a line from the center to the 5 inch mark for the angled edges on the bottom of the banner. Then I simply sewed the two pieces together and then turned it right side out. Iron the banner nice and flat. Then turn the top edge down an inch and iron that in place. Sew a single line along the top to make a tube for the dowel to fit into. (If you don’t sew, you could definitely just leave the edges raw and hot glue the dowel sleeve down. It would be a more rustic look, but still very pretty.)

Now apply your letter stickers to the front of the banner where you’d like the ‘give thanks’ to appear.

Working outside on a drop cloth on cardboard, play with you colors a bit and practice layering the colors. Design Master paint works so well for this technique because it sprays a light, even coat that can be layered to create less opacity.

Start with the darkest color first. Spray about 1/3 of the way up the banner. Spray horizontally from left to right. Layer more paint towards the bottom of the banner.

Now add the middle shade. Be sure to overlap the darkest color just a bit. Again, layer the paint so that the color is darkest at the bottom and you leave the top very faint.

Apply the lightest color last. As before, be sure to overlap the lightest color with the middle shade to achieve a nice blending affect.

Here’s the cool part, Design Master paint takes only 5 minutes to dry between coats. So, you don’t have to wait too long before you can remove the letter stickers and reveal your Give Thanks message. I’m so pleased with how crisp and clear the letter turned out.

Paint your dowel ends metallic gold or an unexpected splash of color and side it into the tube you made at the top.

Be sure to check out the DIY Faux Copper Vase I made with Design Master Copper paint as well.

I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam TO the sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas. Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

DIY / etc.

Famous Paintings Halloween Costumes

November 5, 2014

Oh man, I’m so pleased with this year’s Halloween costumes. Every year, I HAVE to dress my kids in costumes that go together. Folks always ask, “How do you get your kids to agree to this every year?”. The truth is, they don’t have a choice. It’s a given that their costume have to go together. I’m a mean mom, but I’m also the one making their costumes every year. The truth is, they love it and I think it will be fun thing for them to look back on.

We start talking about Halloween costumes months in advance. I’m not sure who came up with this idea, but it was a good one. It didn’t require a lot of sewing, just gathering and hunting down bits and pieces to make each painting. Surprisingly, the frames were the hardest part of the costume. But, after hitting a few thrift stores and an antique mall, I found 3 that would work. I gave them a quick coat of gold spray paint and Lonnie made little labels for each of the frames (that was his contribution to the costumes).

Olivia kind of stole the show as Frida Kahlo. Going from her super blond hair to black was very dramatic. She took Halloween very serious this year and was all about holding her frame up every time she said trick or treat. The dress we had already, it was Denali’s when she was a toddler, we bought it in Baja Mexico. I put one of my scarves around her shoulders and glued and wired a bunch of huge felt flowers to a head band.

Denali’s Mona Lisa costume was the easiest. We found a beautiful vintage gown at a store downtown for $20 and she wore one of my black scarves around her shoulders. We sprayed some black hair spray into her hair as well to match the original look as close as possible.

Dylan played an excellent Vincent Van Gogh, he kept the pose just right all evening. I painted his face in small strokes to give the effect of an impressionist painting. We wrapped his ear with gauze, and he wore my wool coat and his grandpa’s hat. The pipe I found at Party City.

I hope you had a fun Halloween. We sure did.