Non-Slip Yarn and Cloth Covered Hanger Tutorial and a Story About Closets

Today, I'm going to show you how to create non-slip yarn or fabric covered wire hangers. They're beautiful, nearly free, and a necessity in my home. Why, you ask? Have you ever hung up a sleeveless dress or blouse only to find it on the floor of the closet the next time you were going to wear it?

Easy DIY Peter Rabbit Spring Wreath Door Decoration

This year, my spring front door wreath decoration is different from what I usually create. Instead of spring flowers, I chose faux vegetables and when I'm thinking about spring and vegetables, there's only one story that comes to mind....the one about a large vegetable garden and a pesky little bunny named Peter Rabbit. This wreath is an easy DIY that took exactly ten minutes to assemble.

Hand Made Flower Seed Paper Plantable Heart Favors

Today I'd like to show you how to make a fun and Eco-friendly way to celebrate love: Plantable flower seed heart favors made from hand made paper.  Sure, Valentine's Day is just around the corner but these recycled paper hearts would make great favors for wedding guests, bridal showers or Mother's day brunch and making hand made paper is a great kids craft too! 

DIY Valentine's Day Decor: Cupid Arrows and Quiver

As a mom of two sons, it kind of surprises me that I didn't think of this Valentine's day decoration while my boys were still young. This year, my Valentine's day decor involves weapons. Yep, you read that right. Weapons.  Specifically, DIY Cupid's Arrows complete with their very own quiver!

Easy Non-Candy Valentine {kids craft}

Today, I'm showing you how to make easy, non-candy Valentines. As simple as a single heart with a pencil "arrow" or a "pocket" for filling with gift cards, small toys, small gifts, flowers, note pads, tickets to the movies, and yes, even candy.

Clothespin Snowman {Ornament Day 11}

Happy Day 11 of the 12 days of DIY Christmas Ornaments! Is anyone still reading?!  Today we're making a  sweet clothespin snowman dressed in felt and carrying a pipe cleaner candy cane.

Mason Jar Ring Recycled Card Shadowbox {Ornament Day 10}

Today's ornament can be made from things that you probably already have on hand: a mason canning jar lid ring and an old Christmas card.  Okay, there are a couple of other items but the majority of this project is those two things.

Bleached Pinecone Woodland Gnome {Ornament Day 9}

Today we're making a cute little woodland gnome ornament using one of the pinecones that I bleached last year.  I had seen something similar on Pinterest last year ago but you know how that goes sometimes....

                                                                                                                             ...pin it... and forget it.

Easy Gold Jingle Bell Wreath {Ornament Day 2}

Today's gold jingle bell wreath ornament is a great easy ornament to make with children. All they need a little help from an adult to bend the wire. This adorable wreath would also make a cute napkin ring for your holiday table or a darling package tie-on for an extra special gift!

Super Easy Twig Place Card Holders

I'm finishing up my Thanksgiving tablescape this week. When I got to the place card holders, I had just a few criteria:  1) quick  2) easy  3) rustic...and, as an added bonus, 4) FREE!  I gathered some fallen twigs from my yard, found my pruners, a couple of sheets of card stock, some twine, hot glue, and a little seeded eucalyptus that I had left over from my Thanksgiving centerpiece (pieces of pine, spruce or juniper would also work as would fall leaves). 

Canvas and Ticking Home State Pillow

This week I've finally had the opportunity to sit down and make the prototypes for new pillow designs that have been in my mind for months.  One of them is this canvas and ticking stripe state silhouette pillow.

Easy Fall DIY Craft: Rustic Oak Leaf Wreath

The title of this post pretty much sums up the project. It's a super simple, free (if you have grapevine on hand) DIY wreath that I made from oak leaves that fell in my yard. It's a little rustic but it's perfect for the farmhouse.

How To Make New Bushel Baskets Look Old

Today I'm going to show you a fast, easy way to age new bushel baskets (and any other light colored basket made from natural materials) using  tea, white vinegar and steel wool. In about twenty minutes, you can make brand new baskets look like they've been around for years!

Embroidered Canvas Dropcloth Fall Pillows

It's a little over a week into September.  My youngest  is back at school, Labor Day is over and I've retired my white shoes and purse for another season it's feeling more like fall. It's time for me to make a few fall-themed pillows and get out some warm blankets!

DIY Giant Free Standing Paper flowers on Pipe Stems.

If you're looking for cheap and easy decor for a party or outdoor wedding or reception that will make a BIG statement...consider making some of these giant flowers! As promised when I shared the yellow black and white summer storefront window that I created at the shop last week, today I'm showing you how to  DIY  the giant free standing paper flowers on electric conduit pipe stems that I used in the display.

The process for making the flowers is pretty simple. To make the "petals",  make two stacks with 7 sheets of newspaper in each.  Accordion  fold the stacks of paper with each fold about 1 1/2 inches wide.  After folding, place the stacks side by side and  wrap two pieces  of 12 inch long floral wire around the center, twisting once. Cut the ends so that they are rounded for about 2 inches.

To make the centers, accordion fold 4 sheets of tissue paper and cut them in half (enough for two flower centers). Wrap a single piece of 12 inch floral wire around the center of the accordion then cut the ends into "strips" being careful not to cut all the way through the center (I left about an inch in the middle). After cutting the strips, either separate or "scrunch" them with your fingers until they look messy and fluffy.

Add the tissue paper piece to the center of the folded flower petals by twisting the wire around the petals once.

Carefully fan out the petals and begin to fluff them by pulling them toward the center, one piece at a time, working your way around the flower until all layers are separated.

Adjust as needed.  Next, form the stems by cutting electrical conduit pipe to different lengths (mine range in length from 3 feet to 6 feet).  Bend the top of the pipe into a gentle arch using a conduit bender or by standing on the pipe and pulling gently on the end to bend it upwardworking your way slowly down about 1/4 the pipe.  Add a bend in the center if you're adding leaves.

At the curved end of the stem, attach a 1 1/2 inch screw connector. To this, add 4 inch blank octagonal plate with the center punched out and attach it with a locknut.

In the spirit of full disclosure, Kelly's husband, Patrick is an electrician.  I explained what I wanted and he put these together for me but it IS an easy DIY. You can find all of the parts at your local home improvement center.

Last, make a base out of 2x4 wood. Cut two pieces that are 12 to 14 inches long. Form an X. add two 4 to 5 inch long blocks beneath the upper "arm" to stabilize. Glue or nail the base together. Drill a hole through the center to accept the conduit (I used 3/4").

Wire the paper flower to the plate and fasten securely. (You may also want to glue the flower to the plate, I am going to re-use the "stems" so mine are wired on).

Place the flower in the base (add leaves if desired) and wrap the plate and the stem in plastic wrap.  Tape the plastic wrap into place at the bottom where the stem meets the base.

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Stand a few in your living room...or driveway...or use them to decorate your shop...or party.  

 These giant paper flowers are an easy and  inexpensive way to decorate for a party or wedding. They can be made out of tissue paper, newsprint, fabric, or even plastic table cloths.  You'll see these giant flowers again, I promise. I've already got plans to change them for fall...and maybe winter!   Oh...and don't you think that  they'd make fabulous giant daffodils in the spring!?