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....

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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....