* Deutscher Design * News * Tips * Tricks *

Falling in Love with Autumn all over again ....

2011-09-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

I think that most of us are soooo ready for some cool crisp Fall Weather ...

Don't you agree :)

Well, I knew you would ... so how about some pretty "DIY" Fall Decor

to get you in the mood for that colorful season to come .....

"Picture Perfect Fall"

Create a special Fall picture wall.

On your next stroll through the park

collect a bunch of pretty colorful leaves.

This can also be a great family fun project Place the pressed leaves into various picture frames and as a final touch add your favorite "Fall Poem"

"Fall Bizarre"

Only nature creates some bizarre looking things....

Candle holder made with tree stumps

"Bright Fall Glow"

Give this years Fall a bright glow

I am sure somewhere in your house you have a bunch of different vases or other pretty decor bowls sitting around.

Just place a couple of them together on i.e. your fireplace mantel and add a couple fall twigs and some candles ....

"Glitter Ball"

Place a simple wreath on a deco plate -> add a little glitter and a few tiny leaves to the wreath....

Then take a large glass ball (Christmas decor) fill it with a small string of Christmas lights and some more glitter and set it in the center of the wreath

"High on Fall"

Again on your next nature walk collect various different "Nature Treasures" - i.e Twigs, Roots, Pine Cones, Nuts etc.

Place them in a circle on a deco plate add a few shiny glass balls in the center ...

"Forrest Paths"

Take a fish bowl or a big round vase, add some leaves, pine cones, small twigs maybe a few Pecans then place a glas candle holder add a candle / tea light in the center of the bowl.....

"Fall Dawn"

Love this one ....

Take a pretty deco glass ball add a tea light and place it on a deco plate.

Then take some soft moss, a few twigs & nuts and lay them all around the glass ball......

"Matters of the Heart"

Add some extra decor to your candle sconces.

Take a couple hearts made of twigs then add some Mullberry's and a few green leaves, then tie them with a pretty ribbon to your sconces....

"Fall Glamour"

Give your fall decor some glamor....

Take a couple big vases, spray paint them with antique crackle finish paint, then simply add a few "Mulberry" branches and to top it all off hang a couple silver leaves on the branches.

"Candled Cones"

Take a wooden deco plate, add some soft green moss and maybe a little silver string place a few Pine Cone Candles .....

-> Enjoy the beautiful Fall - My favorite time of the year <-

Not every thing "Supersized" has to be BAD .....

2011-09-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Especially if it is for FREE!!

I recently came across this pretty cool web site called "Block Posters"

This site allows you to create ANY size wall posters from ANY size images
and it is totally FREE

Now if that isn't something to smile about .....

Making Block Posters is very easy ...

All you have to do is upload any image you like (jpeg)

Then "slice" your image into how ever many pages you would like your poster to be?
It will tell you that if you slice your image into lets say ...

-> 6 pages that your poster will be 4 ft x 2.5 ft ....
-> 8 pages it will be 5' ft x 3' ft ... and so on - you get the idea :)

Once that is done you simply click continue...
and the site will create a "PDF" file for you

Then all that's left to do is print your pages and yes you know it ...
Get busy hanging them up....

***

Check out some of the sample pictures below ->

I think they are pretty darn cool....

"CARS"
-Well I know a little ones that would just love this one

Or how about this one.....


You may not know who they are, but your Teen does ;)

May the Force be with you->


I believe a few of us know this one well

Bella who..? Edward ..what???

Twilight ...what's that ...

NOW IF THAT DOESN'T MELT ANY GIRLS HEART ....

^^^^^^^^

WELL DO I NEED TO SAY MORE ....

ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED VIDEO GAMES

->> GEARS OF WAR III <<-


HAVING THIS IN "LIFE SIZE" COULD HAVE A CALMING EFFECT ESPECIALLY FOR ALL EPIC FANS WHO ARE LITERALLY COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS >> SEPTEMBER 20TH - 2011 <<

So you just have fun makings posters.....

Groovy Flower Power Retro Re-Do

2011-09-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

I always loved the 70's style, I am not even sure why...well ...
minus the awful poison Green & Orange wall paper of course and some of the strange looking fashion styles ...

Then again never mind about that because those flared hip hugger jeans and little funkydelic t-shirts somehow took over my closet yet once again ;P
Anyway ...
I love how all this Retro Decor style is slowly but surely making a come back into everyone's home and I noticed that more and more of my customers are going back to that cool retro look, which I think its great because it makes me have even more fun with this business of mine :)

Of course many people believe that they absolutely have to dive into one of the modern high priced furniture stores just so they can be "groovy" with style!
Perhaps there are times that you should check in the high end shop first, especially when you are planning on purchasing a larger furniture piece but for all the other things I recommend a couple other places,
like your local flea market or your neighborhood yard sale,
because those are some of the best places to find retro stuff ...

It's just like the say -->
"One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure"

and trust me I know because that has been the truth for me several times while hunting for special treasures...


- NC State Surplus - Furniture for under $10.00 -

However several years ago I learned that our local "NC State Surplus" office (or any State Surplus office) is "the" place to go if you are looking for some nice well made retro furniture pieces - for your next flower power re-do project!

I can assure you that you will have absolutely no problem finding some real pretty but funky looking fabric. As far as I know it is on sale everywhere or at least with my favorite fabric vendors ...

Anyway long story short -

Just check out the beautiful pieces below ...

Amazing what can become of a ugly duckling piece of furniture after just a few hours of well deserved TLC ....

> Before <

> After <

Or how about this beauty ....

Now this fabric pattern is the absolute, and I mean absolute hit this year! You MUST have something in your house with this style or you are simply not "hip" ....

If you ask me - yellow never looked more beautiful ...

Estimated found at a State Surplus for $10.00 ea + 5 yard of yellow Fabric ....

Now let's say ...
You suddenly remember that you actually have an old chair hidden in that back corner room and think that with a little "Re-Do Magic"
it would make a great added furniture piece .... but you not sure about doing this yourself ... well just contact us

We are more then happy to do the Re-Upholstery job for you :)

Gorgeous Table Decor

2011-09-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Fall is right around the corner and before you know it the leaves will turn colors and everything will look just amazingly beautiful
So maybe if we create some gorgeous looking Fall Centerpieces
it will hurry up and get here quicker :)

Just perfect for someone that doesn't really like huge elaborate "Flower Power" arrangements but still would love some kind of table decor.

Well and if you ask me I think "Less is More" anyway and of course as always it is very easy to make :)

One single decor piece requires the following items:

Two 8" x 10" clear acrylic sheets. If you prefer a three-piece grouping you need six acrylic sheets. You can find those in your local hardware store i.e. Lowe's, Home Depot etc. (glass cutting area)
Leaves... a bunch of pretty color full leaves (Michael's)
Simple glass cups (one per setting)
Small candles - simple or not it's your choice

Next lay one or two or three acrylic sheets -depending on how many you are making, on your table

Place the flattened leaves and or petals on top

Then cover the leaves and or petals with the remaining acrylic sheets

Place the small candles in glass candle holders on top of the acrylic sheets

and guess what .....

Voila all done

How about some "Switchboart Art"

2011-08-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

With school back in session ... the kids are finally out of your hair for a few hours ...
I thought why not take that little extra time and create another one of your own famous wall art....

Of course you know as always it will be easy on your wallet and who doesn't like that, right!

Ok let's see, how about some sleek

"Switchboard" Art

This clean and contemporary art piece will coordinate very well with your sleek home office or any other room for that matter. The savvy style comes from screw less wall plates with black, white, and silver finishes.

Now, in order to get started you will need to go shopping first and get all your supplies.

Here is your shopping list:

1 sheet of plywood (20" x 24" - you may have to get that cut to size)
Spray primer
Paint (your choice)
6 White wall plates (without holes)
5 Black wall plates
6 Silver wall plates
Glue (i.e.Gorilla Glue)
Self-leveling picture hangers

NOW...
You are ready to get started..

First you need to sand the plywood piece and it wipe clean.

Next apply spray primer and your paint.
You can either paint the plywood the same color as your wall or you can choose any of your favorite colors it is all up to you.
Either way you have to make sure you allow each coat to dry.

Then place the wall plates at right angles on the plywood piece - alternating colors any way you like. Glue the plates to the plywood and once again make sure you allow the glue to dry completely

Finally it is time to hang your new wall art by using the self leveling picture hangers ....

Voila -> all done ....

Was that easy or what :)

Lowes creative ideas

Starlight Starbright ** ...

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am all about soft lighting, candles and whatever else can make a room cozy and comfortable.

While looking for ideas I stumbled across this really neat one which actually can be displayed not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.

I believe anyone can put this together in no time, even for a "DIY Newcomer" I estimate that this gorgeous piece of art-lighting will not take more then two hours tops.

As usual you will have to visit your local art's & craft store to get your supplies, which are...

One medium or large canvas (seen for around $10.00 on ebay)
100 Mini lights, white
One small can of latex paint (color shown - pale pink, but of course you can choose any color you like matching the decor in your room)
Craft clue

Here is how you do it:

First paint your canvas with your latex paint (let it dry)
Next plot out your design, either as it is shown in the picture above or let your creative brain run wild with your own design (i.e. Holiday message etc)
If you choose to go with the design above pencil the dots on the back, remember to keep them about a half-inch apart.
Take an awl or another pointy tool and gently press through each dot to make a hole slightly smaller then the light bulbs.
Press one bulb into each hole and secure each one with your craft clue

*** Voila - all done ***
:-)

Ready ... Set... Pillow fight ....

2011-08-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves pillows... well I do ..... the more the better :)

Here a few pillow ideas that you can very easy make yourself and have fun doing so.....

******

Die-Cut Felt Pattern Pillow

Re-create expensive designer looks on the cheap using unexpected items. Dress up plain cotton pillows by attaching die-cut felt place mats using fabric glue.

Pretty Butterfly Pillow

Rather than spend a fortune on designer pillows, make this easy-sew butterfly pillow from fabric remnants or embellishments. Here, an ordinary aqua accent pillow takes flight with pretty felt cutouts.

Iron-On Transfer Pillow

Embellish a store-bought pillow using transfer paper. (Transfer paper works best on cotton fabric.) Using your computer, design and print a letter, number, or other motif to the desired size. Scan quilt fabric and print it onto fabric transfer paper (or ask a copy shop to copy the design onto transfer paper). Trace your printed design onto the transfer paper and cut it out. Remove the pillow form, then transfer the image to the pillow following the manufacturer's instructions. Replace the pillow form

Felt Applique Pillows

Make purchased pillows look like designer originals by decorating them with felt shapes. Cut felt into interesting designs, such as blades of grass or flowers and leaves, and then attach them with fabric glue.

Ribbon Pillow

Turning a plain pillow into a piece of art is as simple as adding a few cents' worth of ribbon. Lay the ribbon in an interesting design, pin it in place, and then attach it with fusible web.

Place Mat Pillow

Making pillows is a snap when you use a patterned two-ply place mat as your fabric. Cut a slit through one layer of fabric along the top back of the mat and stuff with batting, leaving the top few inches empty. Fold over the top flap and secure it with a button and a ribbon tie.

Lace Pillow Glam up inexpensive pillows with lace ribbons and trim, available by the yard at fabrics stores. Hand-stitch the lace to pillow fronts or adhere it carefully with fabrics glue.

Neck Roll Towel Pillow

This neck roll pillow is simple to stitch. Fold a hand towel in half lengthwise and sew about 1 inch in from each corner. Pin a fabric circle into each end and sew in place. Finally, turn the towel right side out and insert a pillow form into the envelope like opening.

Compliment of Better Homes & Gardens

Summer + Sun + Fun + Friends = Party time

2011-08-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Looks like this very very hot Summer is still going strong ....

Which means you really should have a few more Summer fun party's or at least until it's all said and done....

So I thought just in case you ran out of your usual unique and outstanding decorating ideas for your next Summer Fun gathering ->

Here are a few more "cool" ones that most likely are going to be a "Named Hit" .....

Hello & Welcome from the Deep Sea's .....

Tonight we are making Memories ......

Pasta anyone....

Isn't this cute.....

For the Sushi Lovers .....

Lemony fresh.....

Ice Cold Summer Blues ....

Well and here are the things you will need for each "Summer Cool" Plate settings....

Enjoy and I mean really enjoy your "Summer Fun Party Times"

Seashell.... Plate setting:

One large Shell
Clear Tape
Pretty Plate
Napkins
Silverware

Making memories... Plate setting:

White Paper
Small Wooden Bowl
Small Rocks & Sea shore finds
Feathers
Blue Ribbon
Blue Marker

Pasta anyone... Plate setting:

Small Laboratory Glass
Colorful Pasta (uncooked)
Colored Poster board

Isn't this cute.... Plate setting:

2 Pages of natural Poster board (medium size)
Pen (Calligraphy)
Zick Zack Scissor
Needles & Silver Floral Wire
1 Bag of Doll House Silverware

For the Sushi lover... Plate setting:

Large Leaves (at the Asian market)
Chinese Sticks
Toothpicks
Permanent Marker

Lemony fresh... Plate setting:

Lemons
Yarn
Colored Paper
Black Permanent Marker
Small Wooden Clothes pins

Ice Cold Summer Blues..... Plate setting:

Clear Foil (for Gift baskets)
Silver Permanent Marker
Paper clips

Beautiful Wall Art for less.... a lot less :-)

2011-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I believe that pictures and art work are just as important as beautiful draperies on windows

Although I am sure many artists do deserve to be paid hundreds or thousands for their art, but I never was one nor was I able to spend a small or large fortune on these finer things.

But on the other hand I didn't want to go without art, so one has to be creative on budget!

*****

I my eyes anything displayed in your house should be a reflection of you and your family or a reflection of all the things you love.

As for myself, well it took me a while trying to figure out what type of art I wanted to display that best reflected me and my family.

What came to mind, ever since I've been living in this awesome country I noticed one thing about most Americans, all were so very proud of their heritage, their family history or the places they have been.

What a perfect idea to reflect on my history and where I came from, my old home and all the beautiful places I had visited and now are so far away.

*****

OK, I figured out what type of art I was going to display, next was to to find everything needed on a low budget of course!

I personally liked the picture arrangement shown to the right. This arrangement will give me the opportunity to display all the beautiful places that I lived or I have traveled to in one area.

My own history all in one spot,

because pictures will speak a thousand words.....

*****

Frames Frames Frames -where to get frames!?

Remember we are on a budget, of course we could order

them from one of the fancy on-line stores or buy them at one of the local stores, but in my opinion once it is all put together no one will care where you bought the frames!

So, why not visit the local "Dollar Store" - Yes I said it the Dollar Store! Believe it or not they have a pretty good selection of picture frames.

I found a few of wooden frames and since I preferred for my frames to be in plain black I made sure that the ones that weren't black could be painted.

*****

Now where to find our art work.....

Of course once again you can order them on-line and I can recommend www.art.com

They have a huge selection and very reasonable prices, at times you can find pictures for less then $2.00.

you can use our beloved internet and of course"google it" (i.e. Poster art/European places). If you prefer to find your art on-line it would be helpful if you are familiar with using photo shop or a similar Photo editing tool.

Once you find something you like, simply "right click" and save photo/picture to your computer. Next open it in your photo shop application to edit and re-size it (i.e. 5x7)

and last but not least print it. Preferably using thicker or aged/fancy paper. Now frame them, hang them

and voila all done!

*****

10 Picture frames: $10.00

Fancy print paper: $ 2.00

Displaying history: * Priceless *

Bringing it to live.....

2011-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have simply too many ideas floating around in my head
and I either need to bring them to live or at least start with putting them on paper
and then little by little ....step by step get started on them
Because if I don't then I think there is a possibility that my head may explode at some point!
>>>
I have always been in "LOVE" with Captain America...
Actually this love goes way back... all the way to my young years in good old Germany!

How about you?
No.... Yes ... Maybe
Not sure .... Well guess what ->
I know that this little cute boy of yours really likes Captain America ....
and something tells me that little boys all over town are just tired of the same ole' Room Decor
So how about this one for starters....

Original design by Deutscher Design

The Captain America Design will be available for purchase through our e-bay store shortly

However if you can't wait .... if you MUST have it now ....

Well, just send us an e-mail so we can get started on your little Boys custom order ....

Stay tuned ... there is much more to come :)

SUPER GAMER STATUS IS REQUIRED .....

2011-08-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

This past year I had several unusual interior design requests, all involving the mysterious and exciting "Video Gaming World".
Of course I welcome unusual requests any day, but sometimes it does require a bit of research. Simply because in my world anything Video Game related -> is me giving in to the begging and pleating of my son who is dying to buy another one of those bloody games with the promise that he will teach me how to play ...Well I think I have done so much research in the past few months I would not be be surprised over an abduction by one of those "Star Wars" ships ... as long as I remember to jump ship on "Halo" ... then just "lay low" and wait for my rescue by the rugged yet handsome "Marcus Fenix" and his "Gears of War" team ;)

Anyway during my search I found a few really cool ideas and believe it or not even I recognized some of them right away! Actually I think they are "almost" a must have for any "Super Gamer -> Gone addict" or let me rephrase that .... A "Gamers Home" should always fit their gaming status simply to sustain their pride!OK OK, enough of the chatter....

Just check out these game inspired furniture ideas, like I said the perfect fit for any gamer's home

Coffee Table ... anyone?

NES Game Controller Coffee Table,

that is one unique coffee table that's for sure ....

Wiiiiiii Cubby....

Wii-Mote Controller Cupboard anyone?Cool hide for all, or some of your video games

Remember "PAC - MAN??

>> PAC-MAN Lounge Chairs <<

Now if that doesn't make a statement

But only if you never really got tired watching them eat dots and monsters

These furniture will perfectly fit in your house

PAC-MAN Padded Seats

** Deutscher Design Custom made **

I know you really want one or two ... how about four?
Because they are a must have in your house!
Just e-mail us for a quote :) ....

PAC-MAN - Monster

AC MAN Monster inspired stool

Now we are talking....

>> TETRIS <<
That was and is still my all time favorite game and guess what,

I actually know how to play it ...

The TETRIS Shelve

Tetris inspired furniture usually have an element of efficiency,

simply because this game is all about packing shapes neatly in tight spaces without leaving gaps

Tetris inspired

Unique to say the least

TETRIS Mirror

LOVE IT - LOVE IT....

TETRIS Furniture - Space saving

OK, maybe not so much ;)

Check this out .....

SPACE INVADER Lamps

Shaped like the aliens

from this classic shooting game

MARIO

Everybody loves MARIO Mushroom Lamps

Last but not the least .....

Pyro Class Candle Holder - Team Fortress 2

Custom made TF2 Pyro Candle Holder

Not recommended for the Romantic Gamer

>>> <<<

Anyway, I thought I share my "Video Gaming Home Decor" ideas.

If you have any questions just e-mail us at Deutscher Design

But I am sure I will come up with a few more as I continue my search to find just the right

"Home Decor" for any Up and coming

Video Game Super Star.....

* New Year * New Art ***

2010-01-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well if you have been following my little blog thingy, you know that I am all about affordable Home Decor. Especially since not everyone can afford $500.00 + art pieces.
So here is something I stumbled upon which I think is pretty unique and as always most importantly it will not break the bank :)

Did you realize that a simple piece of plywood, a little paint and a couple small shelves can easily become a unexpected work of art!?

Interested? Well here is how you do it:

Find a piece of plywood > 2"x 2" (at any Lowes or Home Depot), look for one that has an interesting pattern with contrasting light and dark wood.
Sand down the most interesting side by using fine-grade sandpaper
Next take your White water-based paint, OR any other color you prefer and add water (one part water to one part paint).
Then paint the lighter grain in the wood using the water/paint solution.
Apply multiple coats to add more contrast.
Let it dry...
Next apply two coats of Minwax Polycrylic. Let that dry as well...
Now cut a 1” x 3” x 6" piece of pine wood into two pieces.
Those you will use as shelves (14" and 10")
Btw. If you don't have a saw you can just ask one of the friendly Store employees, they will cut the wood for you :)
Then from behind the plywood, take two 1.5" screws and attach the 14" shelf about 4" from the bottom and 3" from the right edge.
Next attach the 10" shelf about 7.5" from the bottom and extending 2.5" from the right edge.
Attach 2 D-Rings to the back of the artwork, place them about 2" down from the top and 2" from the side

* Hang your newly created art in a desired spot *
* Voila all done *

Shopping list:
- Plywood - 2ft x 2ft ($2.50)
- One piece of pine wood- 1” x 3” x 6" ($2.00)
- White Water based paint (or any other color)
- small can of Minwax Polycrylic
- Four 1.5" wood screws
- Two D-Rings
Lowes creative ideas

So pretty and soooo quick .....

2009-11-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here we are Thanksgiving has passed ....

Now we can go to town and start decorating for the best time of the year

So how about for starters something quick and simple

and of course super easy on the Wallet....

Here we go .... take one of those big round glass vases

Perhaps you have one hidden somewhere from that last Valentine or Birthday flower arrangement...

Next simply add a few Christmas Balls in various colors some fake snow and "ta da" you have your first Christmas decoration done.....

You will need:

1 big round Glass vase (i.e. at Walmart ~ $3.00)
Fake Snow (Michael's or Walmart)
about 30 red or green Christmas balls
1 red clothes pin (Dollar Store - if you can only find the regular wooden color just paint it red)
1 small piece of pine
Organza ribbon in light green

This is how you do it:

1. Fill the Glass with the fake snow

2. Place the Christmas balls on top of the fake snow, then sprinkle some fake snow over the Christmas balls.

3. Take the small pine twig and your organza ribbon and simply place it on the top of the Glass vase

Voila .... all done :-)

Advent, Advent ...ein Lichtlein brennt......

2009-10-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

As I said before, we are getting close to our special time of the year... Usually around now I remember many wonderful traditions from my good ole' home - Germany. Especially the ones that exited me the most when I was a little kid - the ones that still put a smile on my face to this day... one of them was the

"Advents Kalender" (Advent calendar)

Every little one ... and big one too - just loves those special calendars.

Some were store bought ... but then there were the ones where some Mommy's took time and handcrafted their own special Advents calendar.

Those were the best - 24 little surprises ... the first surprise you get to open on the first day of December ... and every morning for the next 24 days you get a new little surprise.

Well and once you open that last one you knew -

finally ... finally it was time for Santa Claus to visit.....

(btw. in Germany Santa Claus visit's on Christmas eve)

So here are a few really cool ideas to make your own "Advents calender"

** Angel wings **

For this one you will need:

24 little gift's (Dollar store, Candy etc)

Pink or Lavender tissue paper

Transparent gift wrap

Silver gift ribbon

One golden permanent marker

Transparent threat (sewing supply)

One pair of Angel wings

Tape

Scissors

Needle

How to make it:

1. Wrap all gifts in the pink/lavender tissue paper. With your permanent marker write #1 through #24 on each gift

2. Wrap those in transparent gift wrap take the silver ribbon and tie small bows on each end

3. Take your transparent threat and attach the gifts to the Angel wings

** 24 little Booties **

For this one you will need:

24 Gifts

Burlap or Craft felt fabric

Fabric marker

Small satin ribbon

Fabric clue or sewing threat

Cork pin board

How to make it:

1. Take your fabric and cut out 48 little booties. Either sew or clue two together to make one little booties each

2. Take your fabric marker and decorate each one with trees, stars, hearts and the numbers (#1 - #24)

3. Take your satin ribbon and tie small little bows around the top.

4. Also with the ribbon attach small loops so you can pin them to your cork board

5. If you prefer to hide the cork board just take some Christmas wrapping paper and wrap it up ...

** Tannenbaum - Advents Calendar **

For this one you will need:

24 little Gifts

Green Poster board

Red & White Poster board

Various Christmas gift wrap paper

Various satin gift ribbons

Double sided tape

Golden permanent marker

Scissors

How to make it:

1. Take your green Poster board and cut out a big Christmas tree

2. Wrap the gifts with the various gift wrap and decorate them with the satin gift ribbon

3. Take your double sided tape and place the Christmas tree on the wall

4. Again using your double sided tape place the gifts onto the Christmas tree

5. Take your red and white poster board and cut out small Christmas trees.

With your Golden permanent marker write the numbers on the small trees and place them on the gifts.

* Coolest ever - lights up *

*Cartoon Character / Winnie the Pooh - Advents Calendar *

For this one you will need:

24 Gifts

Small Canvas frame (12 x 12)

One Cartoon Character or Winnie the Pooh picture

Small set of Christmas lights (smallest)

Fake snow in a can
Christmas wrapping paper
Satin gift ribbon
14 small screw hooks

Clue

Glitter

Scissor

Hot glue gun

Two small wood pieces

How to make it:

1. Take your "Cartoon Character / Winnie the Pooh" picture and glue in onto your canvas frame

2. Take an awl or another pointy tool and from the back gently press through the canvas making holes slightly smaller then the light bulbs.

3. Press one bulb into each hole and secure each one with your craft clue

4. Take your "snow in a can" and spray it around the edges, if you like you can take your glitter sprinkle it on top of the still wet "fake snow"

Let it dry real well

5. Take the extra wood pieces and mount them on the back of the canvas frame. This will keep the Christmas lights in place as well as keeping the picture ventilated since the little lights do warm up some
6. Take the 12 hooks and screw them into the bottom of the canvas frame this is where you will hang your little gifts from. Also take two more hooks and screw them into the top corners of the canvas frame
7. To hang this cool Advents calendar take some of the gift ribbon string it through the top hooks of the canvas frame and tie it together
8. Take the gift paper and wrap your 24 little surprises and with the satin ribbon tie a bow around each gift

9. Use the additional satin ribbon (24 pieces various lengths) string it through each hook that you screwed into the bottom of the frame and attach your gifts

Believe me the little ones will love you to pieces with these cool

** Advent calendars **

Counting the day's already......

2009-10-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

I know - I know ....
it is still two months until "D - Day" or should I say "X - Day"
Ok Ok, two months until Christmas!

Well and although I don't really want to think about it just yet, I find that I am not given a choice in this matter, because no matter where I go I see "Christmas time"!
So we might as well get started .... which of course brings the next painful thought to mind "money"!

Lately we all just don't have enough of those green paper thingy's
Therefore in order to stay within our budget we need to get a head start so why not make a few real pretty gifts ourselves....
If you ask me - I think there is really nothing prettier then a handcrafted DIY kind of gift and it will bring so much more joy to someones heart.
Just the thought alone that someone actually took the time and handmade a gift is simply "priceless"....
Anyway....
how about giving a bottle of real yummy - good smelling bath oil

You will need:

Pretty glass bottles with cork top
Beads - in any colors your heart desires

Wire
Decorative Paper (scrap book paper)
Hole Punch
**You can find all these things at "Michael's"

Bath Oil: (easy recipe)

2 cups of Olive oil

3 tea spoon's of shampoo (the more liquid'y kind)

a few drops of your favorite perfume' or any good smelling perfume'

.... and here is how you do it:

Take your beats and string them onto some decorative wire
Take your pretty scrap book paper and either print or hand write i.e. "Relax - take a bath"!
Cut the label out. If you like your label to have a neat edge you can use one of those zick-zack scissors
Punch a hole in one side
Take your pretty beated string and wrap it around the bottle and place the label on one end. Secure everything by twisting the wire.

Bath oil:

Mix everything together real well and fill the individual bottles
Take the kork and close all bottles tightly

..... as always - "Voila, all done

Hallo Halloween......

2009-10-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Candles - Candles - Candles ....

I love candles, well who doesn't ... they just make everything so much cozier especially around the holidays and since it is almost Halloween I thought this idea would be cute little fun project

You will need:

Several small & big glass cups (check your local Dollar stores)
Orange translucent paper
White translucent paper
Black craft paper
Scissors
Glue
Tea light candles

.... and here is how you do it
Take the orange translucent paper and glue it around the small glass cups
Next take your black craft paper and cut out little Pumpkins, Ghost's or Witches then glue them on top of the now orange glass cup
Then take the white translucent paper and wrap it around the big glass cups (If you have one of those "zick-zack scissors" you can use them to cut the top of the translucent paper)
Place a tea light candle inside the small glass cup and place the small glass cup inside the big glass cup.

*** Voila - all done ***

Pretty little Pumpkin's ....

2009-10-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

How about some quick & easy fall decor for your home.....

I am sure everyone has a old vase somewhere, maybe the one that came with the last Valentines flowers ... well here is an idea where you can finally put them to good use and it won't take longer then 15 minutes...

All you need is:

variety of several different size pumpkins (you can find them at any Garden center)
Tall Vase
Decorative ribbon
variety of different colored dried Berries (check Michael's)

Here is how you do it:

Place the dried Berries in the bottom of the vase
Take your little pumpkins and place them in your vase. It looks best if you layer the pumpkins by their different colors or sizes
Take your decorative ribbon and tie a cute little bow around the top of your vase

*** Voila - all done ***

Handmade jewelry box for that someone special.....

2009-10-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

You know it is getting close ....

...the clock is ticking yet again....

...for that special time of the year

But we all know money is tight right now and everyone is trying to be wise with any kind of spending!

However at the same time most of us really like to give something nice, just so our family & friends know how special they are to us.

So how about a gorgeous handmade jewelry box.....
cute isn't it ....
and here is how you make it >>

First take a trip to your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Go to the "lumber department / picket fence section" and find a couple classic fencepost caps. You will need two caps per jewelry box, also one pair of 3/4 - by 1 inch narrow brass hinges per box for the back side, just ask one of the friendly guys where you could find them, I am sure they will point you in the right direction (see shopping list below)

Next you will need to apply primer and paint.

Allow each coat to dry.

Connect the two post caps by affixing a pair of 3/4- by 1-inch narrow brass hinges to the back side of the box (per the manufacturer’s instructions). The hinges should be spaced about 2 inches apart.

Attach a brass box catch to the front side of the box (per the manufacturer’s instructions). Secure the upper portion of the catch flush with the box surface. Install the lower portion leaving a small space between it and the box. This will compensate for the curved edge of the post caps.

Take a hot glue gun and secure a piece of fleece inside the box (bottom)

Next add your fabric. Again take your hot glue gun and secure the fabric. But be careful some fabric will show stains of the hot glue, so you may want to test it first just to make sure. Of course it is your choice if you only want to add fabric to the bottom of the box or if you prefer the entire inside to be covered.

Voila all finished, what a perfect little gift for such an affordable price!

Shopping list (per jewelry box):

- 2 Fencepost caps

- One pair of 3/4- by 1-inch narrow brass hinges

- Primer

- Paint (so many colors to choose from)

- One brass box catch

- Small piece of fleece
- Small piece of fabric, velvet or silk would look very pretty

Tools:

- Hot glue gun

- Scissors

- small hammer

- Paint brush

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Advent, Advent ...ein Lichtlein brennt......

Counting the day's already......

I know - I know ....it is still two months until "D - Day" or should I say "X - Day" Ok Ok, two months until Christmas!

Well and although I don't really want to think about it just yet, I find that I am not given a choice in this matter, because no matter where I go I see "Christmas time"! So we might as well get started .... which of course brings the next painful thought to mind "money"!

You will need:

Hallo Halloween......

Pretty little Pumpkin's ....

Handmade jewelry box for that someone special.....

Groovy Flower Power Retro Re-Do

Starlight Starbright ** ...

* New Year * New Art ***

I know - I know ....
it is still two months until "D - Day" or should I say "X - Day"
Ok Ok, two months until Christmas!

Well and although I don't really want to think about it just yet, I find that I am not given a choice in this matter, because no matter where I go I see "Christmas time"!
So we might as well get started .... which of course brings the next painful thought to mind "money"!