Hallo Halloween......

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 ....

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 ***

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

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

Don't you agree :)

Well, I know I am ... so how about we whip up some pretty "DIY" Fall Decor 

and 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 "Fall" a bright glow...

I am sure somewhere in your house you have a bunch of different vases or some pretty decor bowls sitting around not being used...

Just place a couple of them together on i.e. your fireplace mantel, 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....

Next 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 glass 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 Mulberry's and a few Green leaves, then tie them with a pretty ribbon to your sconces....

"Fall Glamor"

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 .....

> I hope you will enjoy the beautiful Fall... 

I know I will, it is my favorite time of the year <

Gorgeous Fall Table Decor

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 

Nothing but Pennies...

for your thoughts... 

                                 and your floor!

I would think that you have to be about as floored as I am....

 

Homesteading Self Sufficiency Survival

Homesteading Self Sufficiency Survival

Well, I came across this awesome cool idea today... 

and I couldn't help but share it with all my fellow "Home Deco Groupies"... 

Because this idea right here is way way cooler then collecting boatloads of 

Copper Pennies in big Jars & Cups all over the house... 

Now from what I understand there have been some questions and or doubts about if using "Pennies" for your flooring could be illegal... 

so I searched for info but the "Magic Google Ball" didn't really tell me anything... So I say... why the heck not!!! 

Plus - here is a "Penny for your thought" - this "flooring idea" will cost you around $2.50 - $3.50 per square foot and for that reason alone it has to go on your 

"DIY" Project list...

... as one cheap yet very clever custom flooring solution which in the end will undeniable make one luxurious statement considering that Pennies are more less one rather useless part of our American currency... 

which means we actually are giving our "Pretty Penny" a brand new "face value"

 

Well if this isn't worth something...

then I don't know what is

***** 

All you have to do is gather those forever dust collecting little "Piggy Banks"  find out from your local Home Improvement Store what kind of under lament you will need for your Copper Penny Project as well as what type of Clear Resin will work best...


Seen on & Compliments of ->
Homesteading Self Sufficiency Survival

How about giving the "Old Shady" one...

                          a brand spanking "New Look"

I am sure somewhere in your attic or basement you got one of those old and ugly lamps stashed away... and that poor ugly lamp is just waiting for you to find it so you can bring it back to live with a little paint and some beautiful fabric...

*****

All you need is.... 

• That "Old Shady Lamp"
• Your favorite Printed Cotton Fabric
• Spray Glue for Fabric
• Black Satin Paint
• Velvet Ribbon 
• Double-Sided Tape  
• Ruler, Fabric Marker, Scissors, Paint Brush, Clothespins  
• Sandpaper (for Metal)  

 >>>>><<<<<

Dress her up...

Place the fabric face down on a table... 
then take the lamp shade using your ruler as guide make several marks where the fabric needs to be cut in order to fit the lamp shade - cut the fabric to size...

Make it stick...

Next... apply your spray glue to the back of your fabric... wait a few seconds, then press the fabric firmly around the shade -
take the clothespins and temporarily secure the fabric to the shade.
Now take the double sided tape and apply it to the back of the velvet ribbon... place the ribbon to the top and bottom edge of the shade...

From Color to finish...

Take the sandpaper and slightly sand down the base of your lamp...
next apply two coats of the black sating paint... let everything dry

Voila... All done

 

Light up your Summer Night Party...

with Rainbow Glow Lights of the Deep Blue Sea....

Have you ever had a chance to experience the captivating glow of the 

mysterious jellyfish... those translucent creatures of the Deep Blue Sea...

Well how about turning your next Summer Night Dinner Party 

into one enchanting & captivating experience after dark...

by adding these stunning "Glowing Flowing Sea Lights"....

 ~~~~~~~~~

I know you can't wait to start this amazing project so here is what

You will need ->

• One round Plastic Bowl each - White or semi-transparent (approx 15" inches)
•  Textured Rice Paper in White and Pink (Arts & Craft Shop)
•  Organza ribbon in White and Pink, about 1-2" inches wide
•  Bookbinding Glue or Wallpaper Paste
•  Hot Glue Gun
•  Flat brush
•  Packing Cording - White
•  Scissors
•  Drill
•  Light kit for hanging Lanterns

Step by Step instructions ->

• First drill a larger hole in the bottom of each bowl, this is where your will string your lantern light kit through in the end

• Take Six (6) equally long pieces of the White packing cord and glue them with your hot glue gun onto the bowl. Place them so that the round surface is divided into six equal segments (see pic) 

• Now take the Pink Rice Paper and cut it into wide strips. With your brush apply the bookbinding glue and place your pink paper strips over each packing cords, it is OK for the paper strips to overlap about 4" inches at the end of the bowl. Repeat this with a second layer of Pink Rice Paper  

• Repeat step #3 with two layers of white rice paper, let everything dry completely

• Now cut your organza ribbons in three different lengths, take your hot glue gun and glue the organza ribbon strips inside the bowl - Start with the longest ribbon first and alternate colors - First White... then one Pink strip.

• Repeat this task with the second set of the organza strips and finally a third time with the shortest strips. Make sure to be very careful while working with that hot glue gun because it can easily damage the plastic bowl as well as the organza strips.

• Once all the strips are glued on take a scissor to curl your ribbons (same method as wrapping a birthday present)

• Finally, take your Lantern light kit and string it through the large whole in the center of the bowl. Also make sure you use halogen light bulbs that way your organza ribbons will NOT catch on fire

  

Look at this... simply breathtaking

There is something about a wall of 

Pictures & Memories that move....

I mean literally... a movable wall of Pictures & Memories :)

If that isn't unique or cool then I don't know what is! 

Because this is one of those "Do it Yourself'er" Projects...

which wont break the bank or require any super skills :)

----***----

Check out the step by step instructions below 

You will see how easy and fun this project is....

Step 1: 

Your Shopping list.... 

• One (1) large Particle Board (Plywood) aprx. 48" x 60"
  (thick enough to avoid bending)
• Three (3) - 4' ft Baseboard Mouldings (untreated)
• Primer Paint
• Acrylic Paint in any color of your choice (for Particle Board) 
• Small bottle of Acrylic Paint (Stencil design)
• Sandpaper
• Paint brush, Paint roller, Stencil Brush,
• Bowl for Stencil Paint
• Stencil (*Some Thing & *Nice)
• Screws

Step 2: 

Sand down the large board and the untreated baseboard moulding pieces... that way the following layer of paint goes on easier

Step 3:

Prime all wood pieces with Primer Paint... let everything dry

  

Step4:

Next paint everything with your favorite color paint (Acrylic) - like the main picture you can use two different colors - one main color for the board and another color for your shelving pieces...

 
Step 5:

Once all the paint is dried position your first Stencil (Some Thing...) 

...Secure it firmly in place with masking tape. Next pour a small amount of paint on a plate, dip only the tips of your bristles into the paint and remove any excess paint on a paper towel until the brush is "dry"... too much paint on the brush causes blotchy designs

Step 5: 

Screw the three wood moulding pieces onto the Particle Board about 15" inches apart...

Step 6: 

Finally decorate your new Picture Wall with your all time favorite   Photos and Memorabilia's

Voila - all done....

Happiness is a summer breeze...

with sand between your toes...

& Friends by your side...

I think I can say that many of us are so very ready for our summer fun at the beach to finally get here... and I guess depending on where you live for some the summer has already started while a few others anxiously awaiting for Miss Sunshine to finally arrive...


Either way I figured no matter where you are we all love beautiful Beach Decor... especially if it helps to ease that long wait until we finally get to feel the sand between our toes....

----***----

Gorgeous Beach Candlelight Decor....

Things you need:

• Large Glass Vase
• Sand (Michael's)
• Decorative Seashells 
• Medium Candle (size depends on glass vase) 

 Super simple....

Just fill the bottom of your glass vase with sand... 

next place your candle in the center of the vase...

then place your decorative shells around the candle...

Voila - All done... 

 

 

 

For that someone special ....

You know it's almost someone's Super Special Day... 

Well and everyone knows there is NO excuse...

not in this world or any other world...

to not have something special to give on that day!

Sooo, 
here is another neat idea that wont rip a gigantic whole into your wallet!

Check out this gorgeous "Handmade Jewelry Box", isn't it just too cute... 

***

Well and here is how you make it:

• First you have to take a trip to your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Go to the "Lumber department / Picket fence section" to find a couple classic Fence post caps - You will need two Fence post caps per jewelry box.... 
• Next apply the primer to the wooden pieces - let it dry 
• Once the primer has dried take your pain and apply one coat of paint - let that dry as well
• Now take the brass hinges and connect the two post caps by affixing one  pair of hinges to the back side of the box - make sure they are about two (2") inches apart (per the manufacturer’s instructions)
• Next attach the brass box catch to the front side of the box - Make sure you secure the upper portion of the catch flush with the box surface and 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 only) 
• Next add your fabric - Again take the hot glue gun and secure the fabric... But be careful some fabric may show stains of the hot glue, so I recommend that you test the fabric first just to be sure. Of course it is your choice to only add fabric to the bottom of the box or if you like to cover the entire inside.... 

                      Voila all finished, 

what a perfect little gift...

________________________________

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

Giving you a reason to hang it up.....

Check out this awesome little hang out up spot ...
You know we all could use one of those neat corners, 
if anything at least we would never have to search for our key's again because they finally have a place where they belong...

Of course as far as I'm concerned with all of our cool DIY projects there are no rules as far as what colors or theme's you prefer this or any project to be .... 
Our general rule of thumb is "whatever floats your boat" 
However just to give you some ideas I figured why not list a few really unique fabrics and hooks that I found on Etsy and I think would work really well with this project....

Fabric - Landmarks in Europe on Linen (Etsy)

Fabric - Vintage Paris Cotton Blend (Etsy)

Toile Fabric Antique Landmarks (Etsy)

Antique Pink Paris (Etsy)

Toile Fabric Blue European Landmarks (Etsy)

***

While searching up and down the "Etsy coast"...

I also happened to come across some really cool hooks 

that would work perfect with our little project...

So what do you think...

You ready to rock n' roll with this awesome project???

If so then here is everything you will need:

- Three (3) Natural Wood Particle Board (12" x 4' - Lowes/Home Depot)
- Decorative Fabric preferable with a Theme of your choice (1.5 yards)
- Solid Fabric (1/2 yard - preferable matching the background of your other fabric)
- Printable Iron on Fabric sheeting (JoAnn's or Michaels)
- Batting
- Three (3) Decorative Hooks
- Scissors
- Screws & Screw Driver
- Staple Gun
- Iron
***

This is how you do it:

• From your decorative fabric cut out one of your most favorite scene or building 
• Take it to your closet Kinko's/Copy shop and ask them to copy the design of the small fabric piece onto the larger printable fabric sheet (8" x 11")
• Now take one of the wooden particle boards and cover it with a thin layer of  batting material
• Next take your decorative fabric and place it on top of the board (&batting) 
• Fold the fabric neatly over the edges of the board and staple it in the back When pulling the fabric over the edges make sure you keep the design straight and without wrinkles...
• Repeat the same process with the second wooden board...
• Take the third board and cover it the same way as the first two except this time use the solid fabric
• Next take your previously printed iron on fabric sheet and place it close to the bottom center of the board - then take your pre-heated Iron and carefully go over the sheet several times until it completely sticks to the solid fabric 
• Finally screw the decorative hooks into the board (center/top) 
• Now find a good spot in your house for this awesome creation...

          Voila... all done
Happy hanging....