DIY & Crafts Archives - Page 31 of 33

Make Your Own Household Cleaners

This time of year really encourages me to keep up with my house cleaning with the holidays and people visiting which is why I am sharing a couple of recipes to make your own homemade cleaning products. They are quick and easy to mix up and are so much cheaper than buying the store bought stuff that has who knows what in it. I am all about saving money when I can. Plus I love the idea of knowing exactly what is in my cleaner and knowing it is also safe for my pets too.

There is nothing worse than having the motivation to clean your house and getting in a cleaning mood, to find that you are out of a particular type of cleaner or do not have enough to complete the whole house. If I am in a cleaning mood, I definitely want to take advantage of it and not let the lack of cleaner keep me from getting things done.

My homemade dust cleaner and all-purpose floor cleaner are the two that I go to most. Dust seems to appear magically and drives me crazy. I am constantly trying to keep my floors clean due to having dogs in my house. Therefore these are the best cleaning products for me to have around.

Both of these cleaners include white vinegar. Who doesn’t love vinegar? I remember my grandmother using vinegar when I was younger and still to this day she claims it is good for everything. I used to think that vinegar was so gross and how she must be crazy but now that I have a house to clean and keep up, I see just how smart she really is. I have actually come to enjoy the smell of vinegar now which would have seemed so bizarre to me as a child. Vinegar is also extremely inexpensive and goes such a long ways.

Furniture Polish:

Ingredients:

2 cups water
¾ cups white vinegar
2 tsp olive oil

Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle using a funnel to pour them more easily. Screw the spray nozzle back on and shake well to combine the oil with the liquid. You are now ready to spray your furniture and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

This is also a great homemade leather cleaner. It gives a gorgeous shine to what appears to be such dull leather before.

All-Purpose Floor Cleaner

Ingredients:

1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dawn original dish liquid
A little less than one gallon of warm water

I use a gallon plastic jug to combine and mix my cleaner in. That way I have some made up in advance to use in the future instead of having to make it so often.

Using a funnel to make it easier, pour in the warm water but not all the way to the top being careful to leave enough room for the vinegar and dish liquid and also some room to shake to combine.

*If you put the vinegar and dish liquid in first, when you add the water it will start bubbling and will be a big soapy mess making it hard to get the jug filled completely with water. It would make it easier to measure the ingredients and pour them in, but trust me I learnt from experience.

Add the white vinegar and Dawn dish liquid. Shake the jug to combine ingredients. Once the bubbles settle some, I then use a funnel to pour into a spray bottle.

Spray the floor in small sections at a time and then use a mop with a dusting cloth attached to it to wipe over the floors. I have an old Bona floor cleaner mop that I use, but it is much cheaper this way to make my own cleaner than buying the Bona refills.

This can also be a hardwood floor cleaner even though you are using water. Many people are hesitant with putting water on hardwood floors, and they should be because too much water can soak into the floors and damage the hardwood. But by using the spray bottle, you are only applying a minimal amount of water making it completely okay. You would never want to use a regular mop with the hardwood floors and this cleaner like you would do on tile floors.

Now get up from your couch and get some cleaning motivation. Most people talk about spring cleaning, but I think this time of year is a great way to motivate us to do the same thorough cleaning. We are pulling out boxes from out attics or basements with Christmas decorations which stirs up more dust and always those annoying little green pieces that come off the branches of the artificial trees.

Most of us either have Christmas parties or company coming over for dinners so this is also a great motivation to get cleaning. Just don’t break the bank while also saving money for Christmas gifts by buying expensive cleaners. Make your own and save some money at the same time.

Most of us don’t enjoy cleaning, but find joy in even cleaning and the little things because it means you are blessed to have a house to clean and a family to clean for even though they make messes.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

November 18, 2014/16 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Burlap and Vintage Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape

I have always wanted to decorate and have a beautiful tablescape for Thanksgiving and now I have and you can too with these Thanksgiving decorating ideas. This burlap and vintage inspired Thanksgiving tablescape has to be my favorite thus far. I don’t have Thanksgiving dishes and always thought I couldn’t because of that. Well I was wrong and I am so glad that I figured that out now before too many more years pass with me missing out on such a fun tradition. While recently at the Country Living Fair, I gained so much inspiration for all sorts of decoration for my home. Check out more pictures from the Country Living Fair on my Instagram if you aren’t already following me there.

One idea that I used for inspiration but made it my own was for a general tablescape. I am so glad that I was able to make it my own for Thanksgiving. As I mentioned before, I do not have a complete set of Thanksgiving dishes with the matching tablecloth, napkins, napkin rings, and so forth. Neither did I want to invest at this time in such especially with Christmas being just around the corner. I do have some Christmas fine china that I will pull out but I really wanted something different and unique for this holiday.

For each place setting, I used bright green placemats that were sitting in a closet waiting to be used for the perfect opportunity. I actually found them at Target on clearance one day for $0.58 each. The colors didn’t match my normal kitchen and dining area décor, but I couldn’t pass up such a good deal. For each place setting, instead of using a charger with the all the different sized plates, I used vintage books and just laid them open in the middle. I have a love for old books and several were already in my own collection. I also used a Bible and another was a dictionary that was my great-grandmothers.

*If you missed last week’s post, Decorating with Vintage Pieces, check out where I used these same books and other vintage pieces to add some much needed flair to my upstairs landing.

Sitting on top of the books, is a miniature grapevine wreath I purchased at Joann craft stores for only $0.99 each. Plus I had a coupon making them even cheaper. I placed a small pumpkin that I already had from past years of collecting Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations in the middle of the wreath. I had some artificial moss from the dollar store and wrapped it around the pumpkin to appear as a bird’s nest. Beside each pumpkin in the bird’s nest, I placed an artificial leaf that also came in a large pack from the dollar store.

Sitting at each place setting is a clear wine glass. I do not actually drink alcohol, but I love how wine glasses just look so elegant and classy. Inside each one I placed an artificial grouping of berries and a pine cone. I had all of these already too that I had bought in past years and just collected. You may even be able to find some pine cones outside and use them which would be absolutely free.

For the centerpiece, I found this brown wire basket at Ross recently actually while I was at the Country Living Fair, for $4.99. I didn’t know exactly how I wanted to use it, but I am so glad now that I got it and didn’t pass it up. The burlap covered pumpkin sitting inside it is one that I already had that my Mom found one year on clearance. The assortment of leaves and pine cones were also pieces that I already had as well. The basket is also sitting on a wooden bowl to sit it up higher that my uncle made for me and my husband when we got married. You will be surprised what pieces of décor you already have that you can use and save so much money.

On each end of the table, it just felt blank to not have something extra. I was in Michaels shopping recently and couldn’t resist the most beautiful artificial fall flowers. They were having their lowest prices of the season sale with discount craft supplies and each grouping was only $0.99 each. Plus you can always use a coupon at Michaels saving you even more money. I places the flowers in mason jars that I had kept from different grocery items including spaghetti sauce and salsa. This is a great way to repurpose your glass jars. Mason jars can be expensive if buying them brand new in the store. I wrapped a piece of burlap ribbon around the taller jars. The burlap ribbon was a supply that I already had in my craft supplies. For the smaller jars, I placed different colored artificial acorns which I already had as well but found a new use for them this year. To add something to the smaller jars, you could put some burlap ribbons and bows as well.

I must say these flowers are one of my favorite parts of this tablescape adding so much color.

Laying on the table in the middle is a burlap table runner that I made myself. I bought burlap by the yard at Joann in the home decor fabric section. This particular burlap has a gold shiny finish over it which I love and couldn’t resist. It is more expensive than just the plain but be sure to use a coupon. This was $12.99 a yard and I used a 60% off coupon. Plus I didn’t use it all and have more to use for another project.

If you just buy a yard, you will have to piece two different sections together. I just measured and cut two sections and then used a fabric adhesive to stick them together. I really didn’t want to have to sew them together and then the stitching show. This gold finish will also be something that I can use for Christmas as well.

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year or just want something beautiful to decorate your home, a tablescape is never a bad option or waste of time. Now when I open the door and enter the kitchen at my house, I can’t help but smile at the gorgeous flowers and be reminded of all that I have to be thankful for. Using my great-grandmother’s books also brings back sweet memories of her and her precious Bible that is falling apart because she was always so devoted.

Hopefully you will feel inspired to decorate your Thanksgiving table this year with these table setting ideas and not feel pressured to have to have expensive dishes. Also don’t forget to be thankful for all you have this time of year and not take it for granted. Enjoy the little things in life too!!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

November 11, 2014/32 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Home Decor

Decorating with Vintage Pieces

I am loving decorating with vintage pieces lately and especially decorating small spaces like the one at the top of my stairs. Vintage decorating is one of my favorite interior design styles. When we moved into our house, there were lots of building supplies and material that were left in the outdoor work building. I have been able to use many of them for different projects and DIY ideas around the house. There was some spare wood pieces that I used when making my wooden flag for 4^th of July. But one of my favorite finds that was left behind is this old window. It was actually sitting behind our building and had been through a lot of weather. So the window itself is probably not that old, but because of what it has been through, I am calling it vintage. The wear and tear it had been through only made it better to me.

This window has been sitting on my back porch for a while as I have procrastinated with using it. I am not sure why I have for so long because I absolutely love how it looks. One thing that put a fire under my behind to get it done was going to the Country Living Fair this past weekend. There were so many beautiful vintage décor pieces everywhere that you just possibly couldn’t see them all. I got to thinking and decided it is past time for me to display this window in all its beauty.

Of course you will need a window. I had mine at home in our outdoor work building, but I am constantly seeing these at flea markets, antique shops, fairs and festivals, etc.

Start by cleaning your window as much as you would like. I didn’t want mine to seem dirty, but I also liked the worn look as well.

You will need screws, a drill, and a hammer to hang your picture.

Measure on the wall where you want to hang the window. Drill two holes with the screws and leave them sticking out of the wall some.

I just hung the window on those screws and it was secure enough. Depending on where you will be hanging your window, you may want to put hooks in the back of the window and then hang on the wall. My window is hanging in a place where no one will be walking by it or possibly hitting it so I did not have to worry about it.

I hung mine on the landing at the top of my stairs. There is just the perfect spot like a little nook. The wall beside it has been needing something, and this is perfect.

There are also a few other options that you could do to jazz up the window some if you would like.

First you could use chalkboard paint and paint the glass part or at least some of them and then use it as a message board. Also a cute idea would be to place pictures on the back side of the glass to show through. Another idea would even be to hang some small, shorter curtains above the window to make the look more realistic. I love how it looks without them and more simple but the choice is truly yours and what you like.

These are also great for dorm and wall decorating ideas especially if you are needing a home feel and do not have an actual window. Adding the pictures and chalkboard paint gives you an organization station for class.

Also on the landing is a telephone table that was my great-grandparents. You definitely do not see these anymore. At first I was not crazy about the fabric or pattern on it, but with time I have grown to love. Mostly because it was my great-grandparents and second because of how unique it is. You truly do not see something like this anymore and that gives this space so much more character.

Also sitting on the telephone table is of course a telephone, but this is not just any ordinary telephone. It is also my great-grandparents and still has the label on it that my Maw Maw hand wrote with their phone number. Everything now is digital or touch screen which makes this phone unique. Who knew we would be saying that now?

Hanging on the telephone is a keychain that they had as well with the model of their car written on it.

Also sitting on my telephone table are several old books that weren’t theirs, but I have a love for vintage books. On top of those two books is a Bible that is worn so much and really falling apart, but it was my great-grandmothers. It is a reminder of her love for our Savior and how important reading her Bible was to her.

I have so many things that were my grandparents that I love to use all through my house. I have thought of many mantle decorating ideas as well to incorporate vintage pieces. The options are truly endless. My great-grandfather passed away when I was pretty young. I had the privilege though of becoming really close with my great Maw Maw. She unfortunately passed away several years ago after suffering with Alzheimer’s but is in a much better place now. After she passed away, her family had the privilege of walking through their home and being able to keep things of theirs that we loved and could still enjoy. Now as I walk through my home, it brings a smile to my face to be able to see their things and think of them.

I find joy in decorating with vintage items especially when they have sentimental value. I hope you will be able to find that same joy but also just enjoy the little things in life.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

November 4, 2014/34 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Fall Burlap Covered Pumpkin Topiary

Fall is definitely in the air which got me in the mood for fall crafting, pumpkins, and fall decor. My mom and sister found some burlap covered pumpkins last year that were gorgeous and very unique. Who doesn’t love burlap these days? My mom bought me some and I absolutely love decorating with them. They gave me some inspiration to try my own burlap covered pumpkins for cheap fall decorations but still have the beauty and elegance of the expensive store bought items. Doing these myself was much less expensive and still with the great quality of buying something that was made professionally if not better.

I love the idea of stacking them as well. I made an Easter egg topiary that turned out great and love using the same concept for Thanksgiving and fall. The way it is stacked would be great on a mantle or on the front porch by the front door. I also thought of using it as one of my center pieces on my dining room table. The possibilities are endless.

Let’s get started with What You will Need:

Artificial decorative pumpkins– I chose three different sizes that would be perfect when stacked together. I actually had found some on clearance last year that I used which saved me some money too.You can also find foam pumpkins that are lightweight making it easier to work with as well.

Burlap ribbon

Brown pipe cleaners

Wired brown floral wire– I honestly can’t remember exactly what this is called but I do know that I found it in the floral department at Michaels

Jute

Artificial fall leaves– I found a pack at the Dollar Tree with green and red leaves.

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Wooden bowl or planter for display- I love this handmade bowl that my uncle made for me and Mark when we got married. It matches perfectly with the burlap.

First remove the stem from the bottom and middle pumpkins so that you will be able to stack them easily. You should be able to just pull it off with some good effort. Don’t worry how it looks once you remove it because it will not be showing anyways.

Next lay out your burlap ribbon and start wrapping it around the largest pumpkin to measure about how much you will need for the first piece to cover it and then trim where needed.

Glue the burlap in place as you go.

There really is no method or rhyme to wrapping it and gluing it. I just kept working with the burlap and wrapping it around the best I could. Glue any excess loose ribbon to the bottom to keep it from being seen.

Be very careful using the hot glue gun with the burlap ribbon due to the hot glue seeping through the burlap and burning your fingers easily. I find that using a separate glue stick to press down on the burlap once it has been glued to keep it in place works best to keep from always burning my fingertips.

You will see that the orange of the original pumpkin will show through the burlap some so be aware of this when picking your pumpkins or either spray paint them before getting started. I love how the orange shows through some adding that extra pop of color.

Now glue the brown pipe cleaners in the center of the bottom of the pumpkin as pictured below.

I then wrapped them around the pumpkin placing them where I wanted them and gluing in place on the sides of the pumpkin if needed. You can easily wrap the pipe cleaners around it each other at the top to keep from having to use more hot glue.

Complete the above steps for your other two pumpkins or however many you choose for your topiary.

Once all your pumpkins are covered, start gluing them together by placing hot glue in the middle of the bottom pumpkin and placing the next one on top being sure to hold in place until glue has dried and hardened completely.

Continue gluing and stacking your pumpkins together.

Now for the fun part that will add the extra details to pull this whole project together. I glued some of the fall leaves on to the top of the pumpkins.

Using the wired brown floral wire, curl it and then place around the pipe cleaners at the top of the pumpkins to hold it in place for the stem of the pumpkins.

I also decided on wrapping the jute in between the pumpkins and tying a bow.

Once you are happy with your extra little decorations, you can now place it where you would like. I love the way mine looked sitting on this wooden bowl. Almost reminds me of a fall themed Christmas tree.

There are so many different things you can do with pumpkins now and this is just one more to add to my Autumn decorations. I hope you will enjoy it too. Enjoy the little things in life even if it is a new pumpkin idea.

If you enjoyed this pumpkin idea, then you will also enjoy these candy corn yarn cones that are perfect not only for Halloween but even through Thanksgiving.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

October 10, 2014/28 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Halloween Decoration Ideas

Frightening Friday Series Week 4

I have some awesome Halloween decoration ideas for y’all today. You just can’t decorate for Halloween and not include your front porch and mantle. These are definitely two of the most exciting places for Halloween home decor. The front porch is always a lot more fun for trick-or-treaters when it’s decorated with something fun or even maybe a little scary Halloween decorations. I love decorating my mantle and changing the decorations for each season. It can be sort of tricky though because my husband loves having our television hanging over the mantle. It does look very nice and is great when watching TV but also gets in the way with my decorating. You will also notice in the pictures that there are also some surround sound speakers that my husband feels are absolutely necessary when watching a movie so I also have to work around those too. But marriage is about compromise. I just do the best I can and so should you.

If you have been following along with the Frightening Friday series which included a framed spider web, upcycled oats container into a Halloween candy canister, and also a spooky Halloween wreath with spiders and spider webs, then you will know that I decided to keep a black and white theme mostly for my Halloween décor this year. I have usually used bright orange and lime green pumpkins with other fun and brightly colored décor. I just was ready for a change this year and thought the black and white theme would be spooky but yet simple and classy.

Many of the pieces I used for my decorations on both my front porch and mantle were things that I made and shared during the Frightening Friday series. All of those projects were simple and also inexpensive to make as well.

For my decorations this year, I used items that I already had or found at the Dollar Tree mostly. I wanted to keep the decorations within budget but also look like they cost a lot more. I am always searching the clearance racks or shopping within my house for anything that would match my theme.

Let’s start outside for the tour so you will see exactly what the cute little trick-or-treaters will see when they visit.

First my steps always have to have pumpkins on each side. I added some rubber spiders that I also got at the Dollar Tree with two in a pack. This year I made some mason jar luminaries to also give some extra light and sparkle to the steps. With some spray paint and painter’s tape, you are ready to go. I kept them with the black and white theme but wanted to add a little extra pop of color which is why I wrapped the orange yarn around the tops which ended up matching perfect with the pumpkins anyways.

You can always use your old spaghetti sauce jars and paint them which is recycling those and not having to buy some. The black and white spray paint was also only $1 each. I had the orange yarn already from making my Candy Corn Yarn Cones.

Along with the black and white theme, I wanted to keep everything more spooky and realistic of Halloween. My front door wreath gives the perfect spooky feeling with the spider web, spiders, and black crows. I also adore the ribbon that is holding the wreath up with the black lace look. This wreath was also very quick and easy to make if you are looking for something that doesn’t take a lot of effort.

The wreath I found at a yard sale that I am able to reuse for different seasons by just changing out the decorations on it. The spider web, plastic spiders, and crows all came from the Dollar Tree. The ribbon I bought at Joann craft stores with a coupon.

To keep with the crows, I placed this large twig or small branch I guess you would call it beside the front door and placed black crows that I found at the Dollar Tree using black pipe cleaners. The branch came from my back yard which was free and the crows were only $1 each. Place some pumpkins around the bottom to really complete the look. Another idea would be to paint the branch black if you wanted.

Hanging above the tree branch is a sign that came from the Dollar Tree as well. I love the saying to go with my theme perfectly.

Beside the tree branch is just a black chair that I already had on my porch that came from Ikea with an outdoor pillow I bought at a home consignment shop and had on the porch as well. I bought the black cauldron on clearance one year after Halloween and placed a flameless candle that I already had down it. I used newspapers to stand the candle up more and then placed some moss from the dollar store around it to hide the newspaper.

I kept the black and white theme as well for the inside of my home and especially for my mantle.

I placed white stringed Christmas lights on the top of the mantle and just spread them out. Then on top of the lights, I placed a white feather boa to hide the stringed lights somewhat so they wouldn’t be noticeable and only show when lit up. I already had the white lights and the feather boa came from the Dollar Tree.

On the actual mantle I hung this banner saying “BOO” that I made using the black lace ribbon I already had and also hung some plastic bats from the Dollar Tree on it.

Throughout the mantle I placed several different Halloween related items and just kept placing them and then rearranging them again until I was finally happy with where they were placed.

I included the framed spider web that I have already shown the tutorial for. This project was used with an old picture frame I had bought at a yard sale, spray paint for $1 and white yarn which I already had that wasn’t expensive to begin with that I used for another project.

After making the spooky spider web wreath for my front door, I also had a smaller sized grapevine wreath that I had found at the Dollar Tree several months ago and held onto it until I found the right project for it. I spread the fake web over it and then placed fake spiders in the web. I then glued the same black lace ribbon looped through the top to hang it. I went shopping around the house and found a stand that my mother had given me several years ago that is used for umbrellas or jackets at the front door. It was perfect to hang this wreath. Plus you can remove parts of the stand to adjust it to the height that works best for you.

Now what’s a Halloween mantle without some sort of pumpkins? I bought these small ones at the Dollar Tree and spray painted them white which again the spray paint was only $1. The spray paint also went a long ways and covered more than I actually expected one can to. I had the tall candle holders already in another part of my house and just placed the pumpkins on them.

The black houses are originally made for a Christmas village and were found at the Dollar Tree. Can you see the pattern yet? I really do have an awesome Dollar Tree near my house. I spray painted them black with some spots showing through giving it a worn look somewhat.

For the small bucket with the sticks in it, I used the same concept as the small branch on my front porch. Just spray paint it black and spread some fake web on it and there you have it. The silver bucket was also found at the Dollar Tree.

Beside the small bucket is a candy canister made from an upcycled oats container that I decided to use on the mantle as well. It was also very easy to make and inexpensive. In front of them both is an owl that I bought at the Dollar Tree too.

The white branches with white lights I had bought last year at Christmas, and I placed them in a huge vase or whatever you want to call it that I once again already had. The black and white colors just fit right in.

So as you can tell, your Halloween front porch and mantle can be creative and gorgeous without spending the high dollar to do it. Check out your local dollar store for cheap Halloween decorations and then shop around your house for items you already have that will work perfect. You never know what you may already have to use without going over your budget.

This year’s outdoor Halloween decorations have been so much fun for me to make and decorate with. I hope you will enjoy making your own too as much as I have. Enjoy the little things this Halloween!

Also share your Halloween front porch or mantle pictures with me too. I would love to see them.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

October 4, 2014/24 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Halloween DIY Candy Corn Yarn Cones

I love anything sweet just about so being able to incorporate a sweet treat into a craft is even better with these Candy Corn Yarn Cones. They are both easy and inexpensive to make. Plus the options are also endless. These cones would be perfect on your fall mantle or a centerpiece on your dining room table. Maybe you are throwing a Halloween party. Candy corn cones would be cute sitting on a candy table for your guests. Wherever you choose to place them will be perfect.

Once you start making them, your sweet tooth will be calling for candy corn like mine did. Just don’t be tempted to eat these. I do not think the styrofoam would be too tasty. Let’s get started.

Supplies:

Foam cones– I used two 6” and one 9” cone.

Yarn- yellow, orange, and white

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Ruler

Pen

Scissors

Cake plate and candy corn- optional for displaying

Let’s get started:

First measure each cone and divide it into 3 parts so that the colors of your candy corn are equal. I used an ink pen to place a small hole to divide the sections that would make it easier to know when to change yarn colors.

Start with the yellow yarn and place hot glue around the bottom edge of the cone.

Place the yellow yarn on the glue around the entire bottom to hold it in place before you start wrapping the yarn.

*Be careful with the hot glue gun and yarn. It is very easy to burn the tips of your fingers when placing the yarn.

Continue wrapping the yellow yarn around the cone until you reach the first hole that you made that shows where to start the next color. I overlapped the yarn as I wrapped it to give some texture and detail. It also helps to cover the cone completely without any of the styrofoam showing through.

Place a small dot of glue where the yellow yarn ends to keep it in place.

*Be sure to glue the yarn down on the same side where you started the glue before in order to keep all the glue on the same side so when displaying the glue is not showing all around the cone. This just keeps the cones with a cleaner look.

Place another small dot of hot glue and start with the orange yarn by gluing it to the cone.

Wrap the orange yarn around the cone in the same way as with the yellow yarn until reaching the top dot that marks where to stop.

Place another small dot of glue to glue the orange yarn to the cone.

Do the same for the white yarn by gluing it down at the beginning and wrapping around the cone all the way to the top until the cone is completely covered.

Place glue on the top of the cone to help the yarn stay in place.

*I found that the top of the cone was the hardest place to cover and keep the yarn from coming up and unraveling. I had to work with it several times to get it to lay like I wanted it to while also not trying to burn my fingers in the hot glue.

Do the same for any additional cones you would like for your Halloween or fall display.

A great way to display these candy corn yarn cones would be in the kitchen on a cake plate with edible candy corn lying around them. Plus a sweet treat lying around in the kitchen is never a bad thing when walking through and grabbing a handful of candy corn.

I hope you have enjoyed this fun fall craft as much as I have as my favorite season approaches. But most importantly enjoy the little things in life.

Please check out our Frightening Friday series for more Halloween inspiration where we share a new idea every Friday.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

This post was originally published on By Dawn Nicole on September 11, 2014.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

September 29, 2014/10 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Creepy Cobweb Halloween Wreath

Frightening Friday Series Week 3

Halloween is just not the same for trick-or-treaters without decorating the front porch which means you must have a creepy cobweb Halloween wreath to make it just right. I am usually not one to decorate with fake spider webs, plastic spiders, plastic bats, or anything else that is spooky looking, but this year I decided to get out of my comfort zone and try something different. Usually I end up skipping over Halloween when it comes to decorations because I immediately pull out all the orange and bright colored pumpkins and leaves and forget that some of the pumpkins can wait until Thanksgiving.

If you missed week 1 of this Frightening Friday series, I made a framed Halloween spider web but was too chicken to actually buy some fake spiders to put on it. I am happy to say that little by little I am overcoming my fears of spiders and other bugs and actually bought some at the Dollar Tree to add to this wreath. I went back and added some fake spiders to that framed spider web and it looks so much better.

Next week I will be showing my front porch and mantle complete with all my Halloween decorations so don’t forget to come back and check it out. I will also be giving pointers on how to decorate your front porch for Halloween or really any holiday for that matter. This creepy cobweb wreath is just a glimpse of my front porch for now.

Supplies:

Grapevine wreath

Fake spider web

Plastic spiders

Fake crows– I found these at the Dollar Tree and knew I had to pick them up especially because I am keeping the Halloween decorations this year with a black and white theme.

Black pipe cleaners– You could also use floral wire as well.

Black spray paint

Small sticks/branches

Halloween ribbon– My ribbon I found at Michael’s was perfect for my black and white theme decorations this year. It almost looks like a black lace.

Scissors

Hot glue gun and glue sticks– optional

Start by spray painting your sticks or small tree branches black and let them dry while you work on the rest of the wreath.

To begin with, take your fake spider web and start stretching it out. The more you pull it the better and more realistic it will look. The picture below shows mine as I had started but still needing more stretching.

Once you start stretching it out, you will have a better idea of how much you will need and can then cut a section off to use. Place the spider web on the grapevine wreath. It will hook onto the vines very easily without having to add any extra glue or anything. Once you have it in place in one spot, you can then start stretching it even more across the wreath and placing it where you would like.

I have to admit, I had never used the artificial spider web before but was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to use. I always thought it would be messy and difficult to deal with, but it wasn’t at all.

When I decorate wreaths for holidays, I Iike to find ways to place the objects I am using to decorate with on the wreath without having to glue them in place. If I can use something else like pipe cleaners or floral wire, then I can easily remove them at the end of the season and use them again for the next year. The wreath can then be reused for the next holiday season. Not all wreaths are meant to do that though. I made a flag wreath for Fourth of July that was wrapped in yarn. Obviously I would not want to remove all the yarn to just reuse the wreath. Grapevine wreaths though are perfect for reusing. I find that I use the grapevine wreath mostly in the spring and summer and now for Halloween.

Now for the fun part of having those extra decorations that will really put the creepy into this cobweb wreath. This fake crow would be hard to glue on the wreath anyways and plus I wanted to reuse the wreath which is why pipe cleaners are always a great item to have around. The black pipe cleaners were perfect to blend in with the crow and not so noticeable. I placed the pipe cleaner and bent it around the legs of the crow.

Then just place the crow on the wreath and wrap the pipe cleaners around the branches. Twisting the ends together tightly helps to hold it securely in place.

Next add the fake spiders by pushing the spider legs into the fake web. Again this web is great at holding objects in place which is why you don’t need to use any hot glue. If you want to keep it in place for next year and do not want to reuse the wreath, then I would definitely use hot glue to keep things in place so you do not take the risk of the decorations falling off and losing them before next year.

Once your sticks or small tree branch is dry, stick the end into the wreath and place them as you like. I really feel like the black stick really adds that extra dimension from just having a round wreath.

Now measure how much ribbon you need to hang it on your front door and cut accordingly. I wrapped the ribbon around the wreath and then just tied it in a simple knot.

Your wreath is now ready to hang on your front door and welcome those trick-or-treaters to your creepy front porch.

But I wasn’t finished with just one wreath. I loved how it turned out so much. I found this smaller size grapevine wreath at the Dollar Tree several months ago, and I knew I couldn’t pass it up at the time. I had no use for it then but held on to it. The smaller size made it perfect for using to decorate my mantel which I will showing next week.

Stretch the fake spider web as before and place it on the wreath. Then add the fake spiders and that is all you have to do. I did not add the fake crow due to the smaller size of the wreath.

I cut a smaller piece of ribbon than before and used hot glue to glue it together around the wreath.

I am using something to hang this smaller wreath on my mantel that I found by shopping around my house for other décor items to save money. You will not want to miss what it is. Plus feel free to shop around your house for decorations that you already have that will work great.

I am so happy with the way this wreath turned out and can’t wait to show the entire front porch and mantel with you. It has been so much fun to see it all come together.

If you missed week 1 and week 2 of the Frightening Friday series, please go back and check them out too.

Enjoy this creepy cobweb wreath but always enjoy the little things in life!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

September 26, 2014/19 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Halloween Mason Jar Luminaries

I have always loved anything that glows which makes these Halloween Mason Jar Luminaries a favorite for me. As a child I was obsessed with anything that was glow in the dark or lit up especially glow sticks. Jack-o-lanterns were a favorite of mine as well because of seeing the transformation when that tea light is lit and the pumpkin is transformed.

Along with glowing pumpkins, I have always loved mason jars. A traditional mason jar is hard to beat as well so why not combine the two. I couldn’t resist.

Then the polka dots are also adorable! So that is just the icing on the cake for me.

These luminaries are great to line your front porch steps with or just sitting inside with decorative pumpkins. The possibilities are truly endless. I made mine white and black due to choosing a black and white theme for my Halloween décor this year. I added the orange yarn on top to add a little pop of color.

The luminaries would be perfect with my framed spider web and Halloween candy canister that can both be found as part of my Frightening Friday series. Check these out too if you missed them and be sure to pin them for later.

Supplies:

Mason jars– I used quart size because I wanted the larger size to show up better on my front porch.

Painter’s tape

Circle stickers

Spray paint– I choose black and white for my theme but any colors would be perfect. The picture below shows silver as well but ended up changing my mind after all and didn’t use the silver.

First place the painter’s tape and stickers on the mason jars in whatever design you choose. I did several jars with the circle stickers to make polka dots. I wrapped the painter’s tape in horizontal stripes around the jars. Whatever design you choose would be great. I also thought another idea would be to stencil the letters “B” and “O” on a jar and spell “BOO.”

Spray paint the jars next. I did the same amount of black and white jars. I started to use silver as well but was not happy with the way the silver turned out and decided to not use them. The fun thing with spray paint is that if you paint and mess up and are not happy with the way it turns out, then you can always spray paint over it.

Let the paint completely dry so that the paint does not run at all when trying to peel the stickers or painter’s tape off. Once the paint is dry, remove the stickers and painter’s tape. To me this is the most fun because you can see what design you have made. Well almost as much fun as lighting the tea light candle at the end.

Wrap the orange yarn around the top rim of the mason jar and tie it in a knot to keep it in place.

Continue wrapping the yarn around the rim until it is completely covered. Once you are finished wrapping it, tie the end in a knot with the yarn that is hanging from the first knot to secure it in place and keep it from unraveling. Trim the extra ends of the yarn off once securely tied.

Place your tea light candle inside the mason jar and place wherever you choose. I am using mine on my front porch steps to line both sides with my pumpkins. I also thought it would be cute to use on my mantle since my Halloween décor this year is a black and white theme as I mentioned before. These would also be perfect for a centerpiece on your table at your Halloween dinner or party.

Have your mason jars luminaries placed where you want to display them before lighting the tea light candles to keep from burning yourself as the jars will get hot pretty quickly.

Once you are happy with where they are placed, light those bad boys up! You now have yourself some glowing Halloween luminaries. I just love the glow and that extra pop of orange yarn that gives that extra color.

Enjoy another fun Halloween craft but do not forget to check out the other great Halloween crafts from week 1 and week 2 of the Frightening Friday series. I share how to make a framed spider web that you could use for your mantle or hang as a wreath. Plus there is a candy canister for your trick-or-treaters that is made from an old oats container. It is a great way to upcycle those containers and not just use the same old ordinary plastic bowl.

As always though, don’t forget to enjoy the little things in life!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

September 24, 2014/5 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Holiday

Upcycled Halloween Candy Canister from an Oats Container

Frightening Friday Series Week 2

Halloween is just not the same without candy right? So this year I decided to create something new for a candy dish for the trick-or-treaters and plus would be cute with my Halloween décor. I upcycled an old oats container into a Halloween candy canister. I love the way it turned out instead of just grabbing a big bowl in the cabinet and dumping all the bags of candy in it.

My Halloween décor this year is focused on using black and white as the main color theme. I have typically chosen to use bright orange, green, and purple but decided to change it up a little bit. I’m loving the way it is turning out so far and cannot wait to show the end results with everything pulled together. If you missed week 1, do not forget to check it out where I made a framed spider web by upcycling an old picture frame and used white yarn.

This candy canister would also be cute sitting on a kitchen table as a centerpiece. If you are having a Halloween party and plan to have a candy car, then this would be perfect. Maybe you are a teacher and wanting something different to hand out candy to your students. They would love this project.

I chose to place a label on the front that reads “human eyeballs.” I thought that would add a little extra fun to the Halloween theme besides just something cutesy.

What you will need:

Oats container

Scrapbook paper– I chose a paper that was a blackish gray to go along with the theme for the rest of my decorations.

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Ruler

To get started remove the label off of the oats container. Because it has been glued down before, I found the easiest way to remove it is by taking the end of one of the blades of the scissors and running it down one entire side. You can then just peel it directly off.

Do not wad up or throw away the wrapper though. Use it to measure your scrapbook paper for the height and length. Most scrapbook paper will not be long enough. My sheets were 12” x 12”. I had to cut another small piece, but don’t worry about having to piece it together. You can always place that part in the back where it will not be seen as much.

Before going any further, spray paint the lid of the oats container black and let it sit to dry completely. While it is drying, you can save time by going ahead and finishing the rest of the oats container with the scrapbook paper.

Using a foam paintbrush, paint the mod podge on the oats container for a large portion. But be sure to move quickly as the mod podge will begin to dry quickly.

Place the scrapbook paper on the container in the mod podge and start brushing more mod podge on top of the scrapbook paper and oats container to help it adhere better.

The easiest way for me to continue adding mod podge was to little by little lift the scrapbook paper and brush some mod podge on the oats container. Then rub another section of the paper down and brush on a layer of mod podge. Continue until the first piece has completely adhered.

If you have never used mod podge before, it can be sort of scary seeing the white coating on top of your paper. No worries though. It will dry completely clear and leave no blemishes.

For the second piece of scrapbook paper, I used the same technique of brushing mod podge on the oats container first and then placing the paper.

Brush on more mod podge on the paper until the oats container is completely covered.

For my label, I went online and googled for Halloween canister labels and found one that was perfect and cut it out. Again I didn’t want anything cutesy and chose something more spooky looking. Why not have some human eyeballs this Halloween? NOT!!!

I used foam dots and placed them on the back of the printout. I had thought about just applying it directly onto the container with more mod podge but thought it would look neat being raised off with the foam dots.

Once the lid is completely dried, glue your drawer knob on the top in the center with a hot glue gun.

Some of the hot glue may show which is why I spray painted the hot glue black to help it blend in better.

Next place hot glue on the top rim of the glass candlestick holder and place on to the bottom of the oats container.

I do want to mention that the drawer knob is only for looks. Warn those trick-or-treaters before they pull the top and break it off.

Once glue has hardened, turn the container over and place your candy inside. You are now prepared and ready for all those cute trick-or-treaters to ring your doorbell. I love being able to see all the cute Halloween costumes every year and seeing children’s faces light up when they look inside their bag to see what candy they just got. So much fun!!

Enjoy your Halloween night or party and enjoy some candy for yourself too with this adorable candy container. Just enjoy the little things too!!

Again if you missed week 1 of Frightening Friday where I will be sharing new Halloween projects, crafts, recipes, etc., don’t forget to check out this unique framed spider web. It is perfect for your front porch décor, as a wreath, or even sitting on your mantle.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

September 19, 2014/24 Comments/by Bethany

DIY & Crafts, Home Decor

Glass Milk Bottle Vase

I have absolutely fell in love with glass milk bottles and knew I just had to do something with them which is why I painted them and made a vase. Mason jars are so popular, and I still adore them too. But glass milk bottles are becoming a new love for me as I think of different ways to use them.

I first got the idea to turn them into a vase after having cuts of my Paw Paw’s money tree still sitting around the house trying to figure out where I wanted to put them and what I wanted to do with them. The money tree is so beautiful with the iridescent and pearl colored leaves. Their beauty is very different from just any ordinary plant and love the different look of it.

I placed mine on one of my desk for a little extra something and love looking at it when I’m working. All the memories of my Paw Paw come flooding my mind with every glimpse of it. He is now in Heaven with our Savior, and I am looking forward to that day when I can see him again. The box in the picture below is one that I found at Target on clearance several years ago. I have loved keeping sentimental notes, cards, etc. in it from my lovely husband. Also love the quote on top.

This craft is also something that is simple to make and inexpensive. I literally made it in one afternoon in less than an hour. If you are looking for a simple and quick gift, then this is perfect. Maybe you just want something fun to make and do, then you have come to the right place.

Before we get started, I want to say one more quick thing about these glass milk bottles compared to the mason jar. Because my money tree branches are dainty and not a full plant, I would need many more cuts of the money tree to really fill up a mason jar and make it look full and not sparse. The glass milk bottles are taller and skinnier and worked great for this type of plant.

Supplies:

Glass milk bottles

Jute– I like to call it “burlap twine.”

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Flowers for decoration

First start with your hot glue gun being heated and ready to go. Place a small dot of glue on the back side or the rim of the glass bottle. You do not want the glue to possibly show if placing it on the front. Place the end of the jute in the glue and allow to harden.

Start wrapping the jute around the rim of the glass bottle until completely covered.

Cut the end of the jute at the back side of the bottle again in order to keep the glue from showing. Place a dot of glue on the back side and glue the end of the jute down.

I chose to do three vase to add a little more to my desk. If just using one then it will still turn out perfect. But if you are using multiples, I suggest using an odd number if grouping them together. Be sure to glue the jute on the rest of your glass milk bottles as well.

Now start painting your glass bottles. One of my desk is in my bedroom which is decorated with gray and turquoise which is why I chose those colors. I also did varying heights of color but other designs with polka dots or stripes for example would be cute too.

Use a foam paintbrush to paint the bottles. You will see some of the actual glass bottle showing through at first with streaks but just keep going. Let that coat dry completely and paint any additional coats after that.

The gray covered better and only needed 2 coats. I ended up doing 3 coats with the turquoise to cover it completely. I also tried using the foam brushes with the round flat bottom but did not like the sponge look of the paint on the bottle.

The picture below shows the paint after the second coat.

The picture below is after the third coat.

Once the paint has completely dried, place your flowers how you would like and then display somewhere in a beautiful place in your home.

I do want to show this money tree before its beautiful leaves are exposed. First there is a brown and dirty “coating” that covers what is hidden below and appears quite ugly at first.

All I had to do is rub that coating off gently which was very easy and small flat seeds would fall out and leave this beautiful pearl-like leaf. If you know anyone with a money tree, it is definitely worth getting some. They are so different than anything I have ever seen or bought. Plus they last for a long time. Not like your typical store bought bouquets. And they are also much cheaper.

Enjoy your new vase and maybe a special someone will just buy you some flowers to place in it. Enjoy the little things as always!

If you enjoyed the post, you will also enjoy this Ocean View Shadow Box, School Year Memory Jar, and Photo Coasters.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

September 17, 2014/5 Comments/by Bethany