Category: Arts & Crafts

DIY: Embellished Valentine’s Day Cards

This Valentine’s Day why not get a little crafty and make a card for your loved one? With our two templates, creating the perfect Valentine’s Day card is as easy as printing and pasting.

Valentines Cards Template

DSC_0273LOVE Card

What You’ll Need:

LOVE Card Template

3mm Imported Rayon Twist Cord

Scissors

E6000 or Hot GlueDSC_02761. Trace the word “LOVE” using your glue.

DSC_02792. Place the cord in the script shape. cord3. You will have to cut the cord when getting to the “O” and “V” to avoid the overlapping cord..

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE Card

What You’ll Need:

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE Card Template

5mm Brass Figure Eight Chain

Scissors

E6000 or Hot GlueDSC_1291

1. Trace the heart-shaped filament inside of the light bulb using glue.DSC_1296

2. Place the chain over the glue path.DSC_1323

Favorite DIYs of January 2015

We think staying inside to escape the cold has made some bloggers super creative because the DIYs we were introduced to this month are nothing short of incredible!
DSC_0031These adorable bee cloches are the perfect way to add a little bit of sunshine and warmth to the dreary winter day!

6a00d8358081ff69e201b8d0c7aebb970c-800wiFor the book lovers in your life, these quotation mark bookends are the perfect present!

DIY-Travel-Mug7-600x900Keep your beverages hot and sassy with these DIY travel mugs!

dip-dyed-diy-blue-green-stationery-set-10Make your letters and notes pastel and personalized with this dip-dyed watercolor stationery.

Fall-For-DIY-Watercolour-TablewearThis watercolor tableware is almost too pretty to eat off of, even with the use of non-toxic porcelain paint!

Easy Autumn Decor DIYs

When it comes to DIY decorating for the holidays, some of us are already too overwhelmed with food and party prep that we can’t even wrap our heads around making elaborate DIY creations. No need to worry! These DIYs are easy to make, and stylish to boot! So if you have an hour to spare, you can probably knock out all of these projects, and make your home ready for fall hosting.DIY Autumn Leaves GarlandThis autumn garland from Decor Envy is a stunner, and takes about 10 minutes to make! Quick, simple, and sparkly!

Who knew popcorn could look so festive? This simple and inexpensive DIY from Passionate Penny Pincher celebrates the harvest season with the ultimate movie snack as the main “ingredient”.

Painted Wood Slice Pumpkins | anightowlblog.comAll this DIY from A Night Owl calls for is a few wood slices, some paint, and a few extras to really make your “pumpkin” pop!

DIY with the Sweetest Occasion

This pinecone garland from The Sweetest Occasion is not only simple and sweet, it will take you right through  the winter holidays too!

Embroidered Art by Ana Teresa Barboza

Embroidery artist, Ana Teresa Barboza isn’t your average needlepoint star. She takes a medium that has often been relegated to high-society women in history books, and breathed life into this forgotten art form by thinking outside the box, or in this case, the hoop. landscape-3landscape-5Barboza created a collection of landscapes that appear to be growing out of the embroidery hoop, and take on a life of their own with wide knits and knots crawling out of the frame.

plantsBut she doesn’t stop at landscapes. Barboza also recreates plants and uses the natural likeness of thread to roots to create a multi-dimensional piece that straddles reality and art.

landscape-7Embroidered Landscapes and Plants by Ana Teresa Barboza textiles landscapes embroidery While florals have always been a popular theme for embroidered art, this ain’t your average throw pillow art. The bold colors and unique outline of the female figure make this piece a standout.

 

 

Cute Kids Costumes

For kids, Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year. They get to dress as their favorite characters, and walk from house to house retrieving candy. Who wouldn’t love that? But there are perks for adults too, like seeing all of the adorable costumes that the little ones don each year! If you’re looking for some cute costume ideas for your tiny tot, look no further. Here are some of our favorite costumes for kids!
il_570xN.191246178Dress up your little wild thing in a costume inspired by Maurice Sendak’s famous book, Where the Wild Things Are!

1b23411b7af10312b090988dd5b3ab84Everyone thinks their child is sweet, but with a cotton candy costume you can let the entire world know!

 

8f38828d1a946546af99c5d9b8f3b70cYour child can be the coolest bird on the block in a flamingo costume with matching hot pink shades.

 

This Frida Kahlo costume is perfect for cultured kids, and parents who love seeing their kids with drawn on facial hair.

 

slide_372210_4316436_freeWhy not aim high on Halloween, and set the bar to scientist? In a few years they’ll attribute their Nobel Prize to this very costume.

Mirror Mirror Inspiration

When it comes to decorating, mirrors are the ultimate element to add impact to a space. Not only are they practical and purposeful, they also help to give the illusion of more space with their reflective surfaces. If you’re looking for a way to add more light to your room without cluttering up your space, get a mirror! They reflect your other lights, automatically adding brightness!a97b762cc4a2254c4a4b222c7d56e88bBasic mirrors are easy to upgrade with elements like reclaimed wood, or even just a can of spray paint!

fd576f65a1a927115d212e6ef355933eGot a lot of space? Double up on the mirrors, and make your room seem that much bigger!

9593eb77cc3c18582bc92ec7403f1f26What about an entire wall of mirrors? This mirrored bathroom wall makes for an dramatic statement in an otherwise tiny space.

e1349236111918a732b82789866d106cGo with the grain, and add earthy elements to your mirror. The outline of of the wood grain creates the illusion of a river.

 

Outdoor DIYs for Fall

Fall is one of our favorite times of year because of the gorgeous colors of the seasons. One of our favorite ways to display the shades of autumn is with outdoor decor. Check out some of our favorite ways to decorate your doors!
simple-burlap-wrapped-mums-for-fall-0_zpseca4e715

Wrap fall flowers and shrubs in burlap for a rustic feel that’s perfect for the season!

c2340ef297fbec103bf842e52809a841Fill lanterns with tiny pumpkins and pinecones!

antique-autumn-lightingAdd a little interest to outdoor lighting with festive leaves.

3938a97041858f7de746285e856f9811Go for the gourd with a wreath made of pumpkins and leaves!

Burlap-Stenciled-Outdoor-PillowGet comfy in the great outdoors with a printed burlap pillow.

Man’s Best Friend DIY Roundup

We feature a lot of DIYs for your home and your outfits, but what about your non-human other half? If your pup needs some pampering, create a DIY that you know they’ll love!ropeball2Does your dog chew up toys almost as fast as you can buy them? Make this rope ball to give them hours of enjoyment.diy-modern-pet-bedWith this modern pet bed will have your puppy saying sayonara to your bed for those nights when you want to have some extra room to stretch.

07_bowtie If your pup is a prince, don’t forget to deck him out in this adorable bow tie!

Screen-Shot-2012-01-13-at-11.07.00-AM-700x712Class up your daily walks with a leash that will make all of the park avenue puppies green with envy.

dog fenceKeep your space separate without the eyesore of the usual white dog gates.

DIY: Party Hats

With our 78th Anniversary coming up we have parties on the brain. From cake to candles, all we can think about is fun celebrations! Our next DIY highlights our recent obsession, and aims to create an upgraded party staple using trims, crystals and colorful card stock!

DSC_0073What You’ll Need:

Card Stock Paper

Citrine Flatback Rhinestones in SS20 and SS34

Capri Blue Flatback Rhinestones in SS20 and SS34

Light Siam Flatback Rhinestones in SS30

Emerald Flatback Rhinestones in SS30 and SS34

15MM  Mini Pom Pom Loop Fringe

23MM Box Pleated Chromspun Edging 

Scissors

E6000

Hot Glue Gun

Hole Puncher

Thick String

Tweezers

 

Pompom Party Hat
DSC_00791. Cut a circle out of your card stock.

DSC_00812. Cut a line into the center of the circle.

DSC_00843. Start to curve the paper to form a cone, and glue in place.

DSC_00904.  Glue your 15MM Mini Pom Pom Loop Fringe around the rim of the hat.

DSC_00975. Punch a hole on each side and put through the thick string on each side.

DSC_0102Make a knot on the inside. Cut string to appropriate length to tie around your face.

 

 

 

Ruffled Trim Hat

 


 DSC_01091. Create the cone from card stock as shown with the first hat.

DSC_01172. Take your 23MM Box Pleated Chromspun Edging and starting from the top, glue down going around the cone in a spiral.

 

DSC_0115

 

 

 

Crystal Party Hat
DSC_0119
1. Create the cone from card stock as shown with the first hat.

 

DSC_01262. Glue crystals onto the cone with E6000

DSC_0134