What better way to celebrate the fall season than with a festive DIY garland! And have I got the perfect one to share with you all today… Gold Leaf Garland. Spray painted gold leaves hung with adorable mini clothespins on rustic jute cord is sure to add that seasonal flare. I plan on setting it around my thanksgiving table and having everyone write what they are thankful for this year in the leaves. Have a lovely Thursday and keep reading for the instructions…

Supplies

• artificial leaves
• mini clothespins
• jute cord
• gold spray paint

Instructions

1. In a well ventilated area spray the front and back of your leaves with the gold spray paint.
2. Once dry, use the mini clothespins to attach leaves to jute cord. (I made mine about 4 feet long)
3. Hang in desired area or lay around your thanksgiving table.

Bonjour lovelies! Hope you all are enjoying your week so far… is it just me or is the week flying by? And since the weekend will be upon us in a couple of days, thought I’d pop in with a fun and festive holiday décor DIY that I created for West Elm. With a winter wonderland theme, I opted for yarn in winter whites with a little sparkle, but any color yarn will do. And to make it even a tad more merry I’m adding little poms on top! Cute non?! It’s the perfect Saturday afternoon craft, just make sure the Christmas music is playing and a nice cup of hot coco is near. Have fun and keep reading for the instructions…

Materials

• assorted yarn
• scissors
• glue (I used E6000)
• styrofoam cones

Instructions

1. Start by adding a drop of glue on the top of the cone, in the center.
2. Then place yarn on the glue dot.
3. In a circular motion start wrapping yarn around the top.
4. Continue on wrapping the yarn, on the entire cone until you’ve reached the bottom.
5. Once you’ve reached the bottom, place another dot of glue to secure the end of yarn and cut of extra.

Valentine’s Day is coming and have I got the perfect DIY big heart day cards to make and pass out! With three designs to choose you’ll be sure to win hearts over whether it be passing them out at the office or to your favorite gal pals. After all who could resist a heart felt Valentine’s Day card! Keep reading for instructions for all three…

Supplies

• felt (red, pink, and light pink)
• scissors
• blank folded cards
• glue or hot glue gun
• assorted ribbon and yarn

Start by cutting out all hearts big and small. To make all three of these cards you will need to cut out 5 red small hearts, 4 pink small hearts, 5 light pink small hearts, and 1 big red heart.

Ombre Hearts

Instructions

1. On a blank card, glue down three of the small red hearts in a row.
2. Then using the pink small hearts, glue in a row below the red hearts.
3. Repeat process with the light pink hearts under the pink hearts.
4. Allow card to dry for about 5 minutes before use.

Pulling On My Heart Strings

Instructions

1. On a blank card, in the center glue a pink small heart toward the top.
2. With two small light pink hearts, glue one on each side of the pink heart toward the bottom.
3. Then glue a piece of yarn or ribbon in the center of each heart, pulling to the top end of the card.
4. Cut off extra yarn and ribbon and allow card to dry for 5 minutes before use.

Big Love

Instructions

1. On a blank card glue down ribbon across the bottom of the card.
2. Then glue a big heart in the center of the card.
3. On each side of the big heart finish the card by gluing two small hearts.
4. Allow card to dry for about five minutes before use.

Happy Thursday lovelies! Ever since coming across origami hearts on Pinterest I’ve become slightly obsessed! So much in fact I had to do a DIY with them… And the timing couldn’t possibly be more perfect with Valentine’s Day next week! For this project I decided to turn these paper hearts into one of my beloved ways of holiday décor… Why a garland of course! Keep reading for the instructions…

Origami Heart Garland

Materials

• assorted paper (cut into 7 by 2.5)
• hole punch
• string

Instructions

1. Fold paper in half (length wise).
2. Then fold both sides to the center, creating the bottom point for the heart.
3. Flip heart over and fold top corners inward on both sides.
4. Fold in the two points on both sides (this will act as a guide to hole punch), and repeat with remaining hearts.
5. With the heart flipped over, punch holes on each side right next to the point that was last folded. Continue punching holes on all hearts.
6. Start stringing your hearts away until it’s your desired length! (I started my stringing  from the back to front).

Bonjour lovelies! Looking to add a little fun and festive spring home décor? Well, I have a simple DIY of spring butterflies perfect for the upcoming weekend to flutter a dose of the new season around. For this project I cut out pages of old Vogue issues with some of the most gorgeous images. You definitely could use any type of paper (just not too thick) but I find that colorful magazine clippings make beautiful butterflies and little conversation pieces. Just add a little mounting putty on the back of each butterfly to hang up anywhere. Keep reading for the instructions…

Templates

• spring butterfly top template
• spring butterfly bottom template

Materials

• cut-out templates
• black pipe cleaners
• black sharpie
• magazine clippings
• scissors

Instructions

1. With sharpie trace template out on magazine template.
2. Cutout template.
3. Start folding the top portion of the butterfly.
4. Continue folding accordion style.
5. Then with the smaller side of the bottom portion of the butterfly, fold over.
6. Using that first fold as a guide, continue folding accordion style.
7. Lay out top and bottom “wings” of the butterfly with the smallest side of the bottom facing down.
8. Pinch both together in the center.
9. Take a pipe cleaner and wrap around the center (where you pinched together).
10. Twist to secure pipe cleaner and curl the top of the antenna.

Ever since I gold leafed some pumpkins last fall, I’ve been on a gold rush and itching to do the process all over again. It’s a simple and easy technique to add some gold flare to just about anything. And when I came across these beautiful wooden eggs on Etsy, I knew they just had to have a touch of gold and be a part of my spring décor. If you can’t find some wooden eggs, don’t fret, as this process can be done with hallowed-out eggs as well. For a little added glam I painted them with metallic paint first then applied gold leaf. I must admit they turned out beautiful and making my spring table look classic and elegant. Keep reading for the instructions…

Materials

• acrylic paint
• eggs
• gilding glue
• brush
• gold leaf sheets

Instructions

1. Start by painting eggs desired color with acrylic paint. ( if using real eggs this process may need to be repeated for even coverage)
2. For a mottled finish, brush a very small amount of gilding glue sparingly onto shell. Let dry for 15 minutes.
3. Press and wrap metallic leaf against egg, and burnish with fingertips. Peel away paper backing.
4. For a mottled finish, go over foiled egg with a dry brush to remove any bit of access leaf.

Whether it be birthday or holiday gifts nothing gives me greater pleasure than making one rather than purchasing a gift. And when it comes to receiving gifts, I think most would agree that the best ones are handmade. So for this Mother’s Day I’m doing just that with a chic DIY painted wooden bead necklace. After my gold leafed wooden eggs for Easter, I’ve been obsessed with wood, and itching to do another craft with this material. I came across many beautiful necklaces on Pinterest and after a few hours of gathering inspiration, of course a stripe pattern was my choice to make. A simple afternoon project, that even the little ones can partake in, made just for that special mom. Keep reading for the instructions…
Painted Wooden Bead Necklace
Materials

• acrylic paints
• painter’s tape
• paint brushes
• 10 wooden beads (about 1inch diameter)
• suede lace (36 inches long)

Instructions

1. Determine the center of your bead and using the painter’s tape, wrap the bead horizontally. Make sure the ends of the tape meet and allow half of the bead to be exposed for painting.

2. With your brush, paint the exposed part of the beads with desired paint colors. I did two coats to ensure coverage, allowing 10 minutes dry time in between.

3. Once dry, peel of painter’s tape and line them up in order you wish to string them.

4. Start stringing away! For this stripe pattern make sure the two colored ends meet.

5. After all the beads have been strung, take the two ends of the suede lace and tie a simple knot.

Happy Thursday! I’m sharing a perfect summer DIY! I don’t know about you, but we’ve had a mild summer which means temperatures will soon be on the rise. So I’m getting ahead of the heat and trying to find all sorts of ways to keep cool. The usual suspects of  gelato, iced teas and coffees I’ve already got covered. And the latest addition to throw into the mix are these accordion paper fans. Whether you’re heading out to the beach, picnicking in the park or an evening out on the porch cool down with these beauties. Color coordinate with different paper for any summer soiree. I already have plans to place in vases and use as centerpieces instead of flowers and throughout the day guests can use to cool off. Keep reading for the instructions…

Accordion Paper Fans

*makes 3

Materials

1. hot glue gun
2. 6 14×4 inch strips of paper
3. 3 12 inch wood dowels
4. double sided tape
5. 3 pieces of cardboard, 3×3 inches
6. bone folder

Instructions

1. Fold strips of paper in an accordion style about a 1/2 inch apart.
2. Once strips are folded, tape ends of the strips together.
3. Tape the other end of the strip to form a circle.
4. Start pushing the top end of the paper together.
5. Push down until it lays flat.
6. Turn paper accordion over and dab glue on cardboard.
7. Press cardboard on the backside of the paper circle until glue cools.
8. Glue on wood dowel to the cardboard and hold until cool. Repeat steps for other fans.

Even though school may be in session for most, this weekend we officially bid farewell to summer. Sure technically the first day of fall isn’t till September 23, but for me I always associate kissing the summer goodbye with the last weekend of august. It’s bittersweet parting ways with the current season but oh so exciting for the next one to roll in. With Labor Day this weekend, I thought it be fun to share one last soak up the sun DIY for kids and adults alike with this paper kite. Spend the morning making it and the afternoon flying high! Keep reading for the instructions…

Paper Kite

Materials

• string
• paper
• wooden dowels
• scissors
• ribbon
• tape (not pictured)

Instructions

1. Cut notches into ends of dowels.
2. Place smaller dowel on top of larger dowel and tie together with string.
3. Thread string through notches creating a diamond shape.
4. Cut paper slightly larger than kite frame.
5. Fold paper over string and tape down.
6. Tie a piece of string from top to bottom.
7. Then attach a flying string about a quarter of the way down, to previously tied string.
8. Attach tail with ribbons and bows!

As promised I’m sharing the DIY for those spooky stir sticks that made an appearance in my poisoned pumpkin spice cocktail. It’s easy to make and the perfect accessory to spook up guests and beverages being served at your monster bash this Halloween. I found these sparkle pom-poms and knew they would create a festive look for the stirrers. If drinks are not your thing, they would make a great cake topper too! Keep reading for the tutorial…

Spooky Stir Sticks

Materials

• pom-poms
• plastic spiders
• hot glue gun
• bamboo lollipop sticks

Instructions

1. Dab hot glue at the rounded end of the stick.
2. Attach pom-pom and let it sit to dry for about 2 minutes.
3. On the side of pom-pom, place a dab of hot glue.
4. Attach plastic spider, let it sit to dry for about 2 minutes and add to cocktail.

With Thanksgiving just a week away, I’m so excited to share today’s festive napkin rings DIY just in time for some last minute crafting. Originally I had a welcoming wreath planned but then this project came about and I knew I just had to share. Combining rustic burlap with jewel toned satin ribbon and a few fabulous feathers, this napkin ring will be the perfect accompaniment to any turkey day table. Play around with the ribbon colors to match your table setting and attach little rectangles of card stock for double use as a place card (as I plan on doing). Keep reading for instructions and stay tuned for one last Thanksgiving treat tomorrow!

Burlap Napkin Rings

Materials

• glue
• burlap (my roll was 5 1/2 inches wide and cut 7 inches long)
• foam brush
• scissors
• hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Brush both sides of the burlap with glue and let sit to dry for about 3 hours.
2. Cup burlap pieces in half. (they are easier to cut and won’t fray once glue is applied and fully dry)
3. Roll both ends together and glue with hot gule.
4. Dab extra glue on the outer edge and let sit to dry.

Feather Ribbon

Materials 

• feathers
• ribbon
• hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Dab hot glue at the end of ribbon.
2. Place three feathers on the glue drop, and let sit to dry.

Simply tie around brulap ring!

Wreaths are a big deal here in the South! Gracing almost every door in the city, I developed a little wreath envy so I took floral shears in my own hands and decided to make one myself. I wanted to create something simple and elegant using seasonal evergreen and winter berries for an organic holiday wreath. An assortment of flowers can also be used, but keep in mind that the evergreen will last longer. Keep reading for instructions on how to make your own wreath…

Organic Holiday Wreath

Materials

• assortment of evergreen, cut to size
• winter berries, cut to size
• 1 grapevine wreath (any size)
• floral wire (if needed)

Instructions

1. Using the grapevine wreath as a guide, weave evergreen into the base, making sure to place heavier pieces toward the back. If floral wire is needed, weave through the back of the grapevine and then wrap around the stem so it does not show.
2. Add winter berries along bottom and each side of the wreath, for a balanced look.
3. To keep greens fresh and last longer, mist with water daily.

As the mad dash to finish last minute shopping, wrapping of gifts and holiday parties continue I’m taking a moment and sharing one more DIY for the month. I couldn’t let the season pass without getting glittered and that’s just what happened over the weekend. Glitter, glitter everywhere! To jazz up the tree a little bit more, I made these glittered snowflake ornaments that perfectly complimented my woodland critters. Keep reading for instructions…

Glittered Snowflake Ornaments

Materials

• foam brush
• glue
• glitter
• jute
• scissors
• wood sticks
• hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Brush glue on one side of the wooden stick.
2. Sprinkle glitter and set aside to dry. Repeat with remaining wood sticks.
3. Using a glue gun, make a star out of four wood sticks.
4. Turn star over, place a dab of hot glue in the center and glue down jute.
5. Wrap jute around the center and hot glue the end down. Trim off excess.
6. Loop jute on one snowflake point, wrap around a few times and hot glue the end down. Trim off excess.
7. On each snowflake point, wrap jute around a few times and hot glue the end down. Trim off excess.
8. Continue on until all points are complete.

Happy Thursday! The temps have dropped once again today and streaming in the twenties. Even though it’s pretty cold, we are nowhere near snow. So I’ve taken matters into my own hands and created this wintery homemade glitter snow globe. The shimmering magic of snowfall right in my hands without the chill of the season. Keep reading for the instructions…

 Winter Glitter Snow Globe

Materials

• superglue
• sandpaper
• glass jar
• glycerine
• glitter
• plastic tree figurine
• distilled water (not pictured)

Instructions

1. Sand the inside of the lid until the surface is rough.
2. With superglue, adhere the figurine to the inside of the lid, and let sit to dry.
3. Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water.
4. Add a dash of glycerin, to keep the glitter from falling too quickly.
5. Add a couple pinches of glitter.
6. Screw on the lid tightly, being careful not to dislodge the figurine. Turn the jar over and back again — and let it snow.

Happy Tuesday lovelies! If you’re planning to pass out little sweets this Valentine’s Day look no further for a fun and simple way to hand them out. Inspired by the infamous and my favorite little pastel conversation heart candies, these heart stamped muslin bags will win the hearts of many. With a red sharpie you can write your own conversations for a personalized touch. Keep reading for the instructions…

Heart Stamp Bags

Materials

• paper (cut to size to fit into the bag)
• muslin bags
• heart stamp
• ink
• red sharpie
• conversation heart candy

Instructions

1. Place paper inside the bag, this will help prevent the ink from leaking through.
2. Press stamp onto the ink pad.
3. Make sure stamp is fully inked.
4. Then stamp it onto muslin bag and let dry for 1 minute.

5. With red sharpie write your own conversations and then fill with candy! (be sure to place the piece of paper inside the bag first, to prevent the ink from leaking through)

Get ready, as tomorrow we officially welcome the first day of spring! With that, also comes one of my favorite things to do this time of year, spring cleaning. Yes, I’m one to get over the moon excited to give my home a deep clean and perhaps a tad bit more giddy to make my own all purpose cleaner. It’s an all natural citrus infused spray that I use on just about anything, from door knobs to countertops. Keep reading for the instructions…

All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner

Materials

• peel of 1 large lemon
• 16 ounce mason jar
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 26 ounce spray bottle

Instructions

1. Cut the pith off the lemon.
2. Place the peels in a mason jar and cover with vinegar. Put a lid on the jar and let it sit for about a week, in a dark and cool place.
3. Strain the vinegar and transfer it to the spray bottle.
4. Fill the rest of the bottle with water.
5. Will last about three weeks. Check a small are first to be sure, but vinegar is generally safe on most surfaces, just not on marble.

It’s been years of many fatal attempts but thanks to practice and much research I’ve managed to put my plant killing days behind me. One living green that I’ve always seemed to have success with are succulents. With easy care, watering every 10 days to two weeks and lots of sunlight, it can make any serial plant killer have more of a green thumb. After an afternoon spent at the nursery, picking up some plants, I thought it would be fun to show you how to repot a single succulent and add a stylish new house plant to your home.  Keep reading for instructions…
Single Succulent

Materials

• potting soil
• box or pot
• gravel rocks
• succulent

Instructions

1. Start by filling the bottom of pot or box with a layer of gravel rocks.
2. Then add a layer of potting soil.
3. Remove succulent from original container, place in pot or box and fill with more soil; making sure to leave room for gravel.
4. Add a final layer of gravel rocks.

Going on hikes and walks always leaves me feeling inspired and while usually I come home with a head full of ideas, a few hikes back a handful of rocks came home as well. I love the idea of bringing the outside in, in terms of décor and had originally planned on keeping them on my bookshelf, but that didn’t last long after a breezy afternoon was spent working outside trying to keep papers in place. So, I came up with a super easy and colorful way to keep things from flying away with these rockin’ paperweights! It’s a fun afternoon project (especially if you get the kiddos involved), and kept my design simple but bold with a color scheme that will give my monochromatic workspace a pop of color. Keep reading for the instructions…

Rockin’ Paperweights

Materials

• paints
• brushes
• rocks (rinsed and dried)

Instructions

1. Squeeze a dime size amount of paint onto one side of the rock.
2. Paint the entire surface.
3. Set out in the sun to dry for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat with a second layer of paint for a deeper color.

Tassels are currently having a major moment in the world of fashion. From shoes to earrings, everything seems to be adorned with this threaded ornament. I’m hopping on this tassel wave too with a fun bracelet. The steps couldn’t be easier and the final look couldn’t be more adorable! Keep reading for the instructions…

Tassel Bracelets

Supplies

• 10 mm wooden beads
• jewelry cord
• assorted color embroidery thread

Instructions

1. Cut jewelry cord to desired length and string beads.
2. Wrap embroidery string around three fingers about 20 times (or to desired thickness).
3. Cut a 6 inch piece of embroidery string and place between your fingers and string. Tightly tie a double knot.
4. With another 6 inch piece of embroidery string, wrap the thread around the entire shape several times beneath the cinch and knot to secure.
5. Cut bottom end and trim as needed.
6. In the middle of your stringed beaded bracelet, loop under string from the top of the tassel.
7. Secure with a knot, trim off excess and tie on wrist for some fun arm candy!

It’s no secret that I adore stripes… If I had my way everything would be in this classic pattern! But I have to be realistic and take it where I can get it, like this DIY striped doormat. It’s a simple way to jazz up any plain doormat in an afternoons time. Keep reading for more…

Simple Striped Doormat

Materials

• painter’s tape
• plain doormat
• foam brush
• ruler
• acrylic paint

Instructions

1. Using a ruler and painter’s tape, measure desired stripe width.
2. Apply paint with foam brush in a dabbing motion.
3. Let sit to dry for a few hours, then remove tape. (not shown)