diy: Easy & Inexpensive DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas
- 12/07/18 07:43 AM
The holidays are a very busy time for everyone,
so I will keep this Christmas decor tip very short and simple...
Rather than throw away (or donate) your old Christmas decorations, sometimes you can still use them if you give them a new look.
I was visiting my parents in Florida recently and I found a sad looking old Christmas wreath and small stash of ornaments in their garage.
Dad was planning on throwing them away.
Arts and Crafts time!
The wreath had factory attached lights on it that no longer worked
so Dad's job was to remove them.
Once Dad was done with the lights, … (31 comments)
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diy: Create Your Own DIY Halloween Creature With PVC Pipe
- 10/25/18 06:06 AM
How do you create your own Halloween monster or witch using PVC pipe?
There are plenty of diy videos and tutorials online.
After viewing many of them, I decided to just wing it and come up with a creature using what I had on hand.
The only item I didn't have and had to buy was the pvc pipe. It cost less than $3.00.
I started with a 12' pvc pipe (1/2") and cut as follows:
1 piece 5 1/2' for body
1 piece 4" for neck
2 pieces 7" each for shoulders
2 pieces 2' each for arms
My husband used a hairdryer to heat and bend the arms … (40 comments)
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diy: DIY Halloween Decor - A House Just Isn't A Home Without A Ghost!
- 10/23/18 02:37 PM
Halloween is such a fun time for decorating!
My favorite form of Halloween decor is diy projects.
This year I don't really have the time to go all out and I'm keeping the
Halloween decor to a minimum.
I don't have anything Halloween inside the house, except this portrait of my dear parents.
Aren't they adorable?
Mom suffers from headaches. Dad does his best to comfort her.
Two years ago I shared my diy ghost, which ended up going to haunt my daughter's house.
I moved into a new home this year and you know what they say...
a house just isn't a home without a … (19 comments)
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diy: Refinishing Kitchen Stools - Fast & Easy & Inexpensive
- 07/21/18 07:57 AM
We found our new kitchen stools!
Last month I wrote about my new kitchen and how the last remaining piece in our transformation was finding new counter stools.
After going to many stores and not finding what I wanted, I just happened upon two stools at a yard sale.
They weren't really what I was looking for,
but they were in good condition, sturdy and only $20 for the pair.
On the way home we stopped and bought new fabric and spray paint.
My husband was quick to remove the seats and
give the stools a light sanding when we got home.
By that afternoon the painting … (23 comments)
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diy: How To Make Your Photos Pop Using Drop Shadow Borders
- 05/22/17 05:21 AM
Looking for a way to make the photos pop in your marketing materials?
Whether it's for a flyer for a listing, a page on your website, a brochure, or photos for social media it's really easy to make a photo pop out...literally, pop out.
Here's a Before & After example:
I cropped, darkened the exposure, added a colored frame and drop shadow effect.
I used Ribbet, my photo editor of choice, to create the enhanced photo:
Upload picture. (see illustration) In Basic Edits, click on Crop. (see illustration) Next to "No Restraints" click the drop down arrow and choose Square. Drag the box to position … (48 comments)
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diy: It's A Wrap! Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
- 12/09/16 06:17 AM
It's gift wrapping season once again.
For some of us....you know, the creative holiday-spirited ninja wrappers, it's a joyful time that we look forward to.
However, for many people, wrapping gifts is a time consuming and frustrating process that they put off as long as they can, and then suffer through it.
I found a tip for wrapping gifts on Pinterest that I think both the ninjas and the tortured souls will find helpful.
It will come in handy for that hard-to-wrap, odd shaped gift (think football) or that gift that needs a nice box or gift bag and you don't have one (think … (32 comments)
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diy: How To Make An Awesome Ghost For Halloween
- 10/23/16 10:55 PM
Between Youtube and Pinterest, there's no shortage of clever ideas out there to inspire diy Halloween projects....from the most basic to the most realistic.
I've created some memorable costumes and scary props over the years. Halloween really brings out my creative side. This year I decided to make my own ghost.
I wanted something more realistic than a hang a white sheet from the ceiling ghost so I headed to Youtube for ideas. I found an awesome tutorial.
All you need to make this translucent ghost is a styrofoam head, clear trash bags, and clear packing tape.
(See full tutorial below)
The head was pretty easy … (76 comments)
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diy: Easy and Inexpensive Way To Create Home Decor Using Tree Branches
- 12/06/15 09:46 PM
There is one corner of my living room that was in need of some Christmas color. I was planning on buying a Poinsettia to fill the spot.
Yesterday I decided to hunt around the house and see if I could find anything I could use instead of heading out to the store.
I decided to start with a metal vase from my dining room that was recently replaced for the season with Christmas decor.
I added some faux floral pieces, but it still needed height to fill the corner.
I walked around the yard and collected some tree branches.
I used a dark bronze spray … (56 comments)
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diy: Two Easy Ways To Make Pillow Covers - Transform Those Old Pillows!
- 11/15/15 10:43 PM
Today I'm going to share a couple of ways to give new life to your decorative pillows.
Whether your pillows are worn, stained, or you are just plain sick of them....it's easy to transform them into brand new pillows.
It's so fast and easy, and inexpensive, that you can change out your pillows for the seasons....for each holiday even!
The first transformation requires a sewing machine, but it's very easy. If you can sew a straight line, you can make these covers. (actually, a straight line isn't even required)
First step is to determine what size to cut your fabric.
Measure your pillow. Mine is … (51 comments)
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diy: Check Out Storyjumper - A Great Site For Creating Your Own Book
- 10/28/15 11:23 PM
I recently found a great place online for creating your own book. I was looking for a way to print out a story that my grandsons had written and I came across Storyjumper.
It's awesome! Storyjumper provides everything you need to write your very own book..... background scenery, characters, and tons of props. You can even upload your own photos if you want to.
You can set up an account for FREE and start your very own library.
You can share your books through social media or email them to friends and family.
You can even embed them in your blog or website.
You can … (42 comments)
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diy: Make Your Own Wine Labels For Halloween or Any Special Occasion
- 10/26/15 10:19 PM
Are you looking for a unique and creative hostess gift for an upcoming Halloween party? You certainly don't want to show up to the party empty handed. As hostess gifts go, a bottle of wine may not be creative or unique, but take a little time to personalize the bottle and your hostess gift will become much more interestng and memorable!
I made this wine label using a photo of my grandson and my photo editing site of choice Ribbet.
My husband used to make his own wine, so we have plenty on hand. You probably don't have your own wine, but that's ok.
Simply … (40 comments)
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diy: Making a Decorative Holiday Plate, Platter, or Bowl Using Candy Mints
- 12/18/14 10:30 PM
I saw this idea on The Chew.... It's a quick and inexpensive way to make a holiday serving plate, bowl or platter.
All you need is a bag or two of Starlight Mints, a baking sheet and some parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 300°
Place parchment paper on baking sheet.
Arrange the mints on paper-covered baking sheet, in whatever shape you want, with mints about 1/4" apart.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to make sure they don't burn.
Remove from oven and let sit 30 seconds to cool a bit.
You can trim edges at this point. My edges were thin, so I gently nudged them towards … (45 comments)
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diy: Beautiful and Impressive Christmas Bows Made From Wrapping Paper
- 12/12/14 12:44 AM
It's gift wrapping time again!
I found this video on YouTube for handmade gift bows last year and shared it. I think it's worth sharing again this year.
These bows are so easy to make, and they are really beautiful. The thing I like most is that they are so unique.
The bows are made from scrap pieces of wrapping paper. You can use the same paper you used for the package or you can use a different, coordinating paper.
Give it a try....you won't be disappointed!
… (49 comments)
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diy: You Can Give New Life To Old Decorative Items In Just 15 Minutes!
- 07/12/14 05:07 AM
Yesterday I posted pictures of my kitchen's new look....
but there was one small detail I left out.
I have a topiary sitting on a pedestal in one corner of the kitchen. I've had it for years....it was in the powder room in my last home. When we moved here it got placed in the kitchen, just the right size to add some detail to the space.
I've really liked it sitting there in the corner, but once I painted the cabinets white it just didn't seem to fit in anymore.
One day I decided to use the white cabinet paint to paint the … (20 comments)
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diy: How To Make A Fabulous Gift Bow Using Wrapping Paper
- 12/02/13 08:54 PM
If you would like to make beautiful, original bows for your gifts this year, I've got just the tutorial for you!
I found this video last year and made several of these bows for my Christmas gifts.
I LOVE this because the bows are so beautiful, and they are made by using leftover wrapping paper....recycling at it's best!
The bows are very easy and fun to make.
Once you see the video, you are going to want to try it yourself. Your family and friends will be very impressed!
Enjoy!
… (56 comments)
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diy: Using Paint To Change The Look Of Your Decorating Accessories
- 12/22/12 03:21 AM
Using Paint To Change The Look Of Your Decorating Accessories
Don't be afraid to use paint to give your accessories a new look. Once you decide you no longer like how something looks, try using paint before shopping for new. It's easier than you think.
Here is a mirror and some candlesticks that I've had for years.
They were much too gold and needed a makeover.
I first painted them with gray craft paint. Simple and quick, using a small brush.
Next, I dry brushed black paint over the raised areas.
Dry brushing is a technique where you dip the brush in the paint and then … (25 comments)
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diy: Two Very Fast, Easy, & Inexpensive Halloween Decorating Ideas
- 10/19/12 01:39 AM
Two Very Fast, Easy, & Inexpensive Halloween Decorating Ideas
My daughter Jaime (Zack's mom) recently did some Halloween decorating at her house. When I saw her pictures of what she created, I knew I had to share them.
First....a ghost in the mirror.
Apply Glad Press'n Seal clear wrap to your mirror. Cut into a ghostly shape using a razor blade.
I made a couple of ghosts for my house too!
Here's a great idea for making a witch's head!Zack wanted a witch in their yard. Jaime had the dress and hat, but no head. She wanted the head to be waterproof to withstand rain. … (29 comments)
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diy: Father's Day Gift Idea - Got Meat?
- 06/02/12 11:51 PM
Father's Day Gift Idea - Got Meat?
Father's Day is June 17, 2012. Only two weeks away. If you haven't decided on a gift yet, or you are having trouble thinking of one....
Here's an idea that works well for most dads.
Last year I gave my dad steaks for his birthday, and he was a very happy man!
Customize to your dad's taste....all steaks or an assortment including pork chops, ribs and burgers.
Arrange the meat in a nice box with tissue paper and add a huge bow.
Take a picture.
Freeze the meat.
Place the picture inside your Father's Day card with a note saying his gift … (22 comments)
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diy: NH Home Stager's Fast & Easy Cabinet Makeover - Dry Brush Technique
- 05/23/12 08:43 PM
I recently transformed some cabinets to give my laundry room a new look, and I was pleasantly surprised at just how easy and FAST the project was.
Those of you who follow my blog know that we just moved into a house that "didn't need a thing" and yet I keep finding things to improve and rooms to transform.
The laundry room was ok. It had wire shelves that I knew I wanted to replace "some day" but for now the only expense was going to be buying a washer and dryer. You can see where this is going. Once that washer … (36 comments)
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diy: Updating Frames...Fast, Easy and Economical!
- 12/19/11 07:47 AM
I recently needed some wall art... I had plenty of pieces to choose from...but, all the frames were dated or the wrong color. With very little time to shop and no interest in spending money if I didn't have to...
I made the best of the situation, using paint to transform what I HAD into what I NEEDED.
The only prep work I did was dusting the frames. No sanding, no primer, no taping. I painted the frames, scraped excess paint off glass with a razor blade and hung the artwork about 2 hours later.
First Example:
Two water colors that my husband's parents bought … (38 comments)
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The holidays are a very busy time for everyone,
;)
;)
;)
