** Starlight ** Starbright ** ...

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 ....

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.....

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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

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

 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!

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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.

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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.....

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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. 

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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. 

OR

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 *