The Polka Dot Diva

Once Again a Make over for my "BOO" Jars...Valentine Candy Jars!

2012-02-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I made these super cute jars to use with my Halloween decorating this past year. I got the idea from Pinterest and have to say it is one of my all time favorite Pinterest re-do's! Once you make the jars, you simply change out the "toppers" for each Holiday or special occasion. Here are the many different faces of my "BOO" jars so far...

These were the original "BOO" jars I made

These were my "JOY" jars for Christmas...

Now these are my "XOX" jars for Valentine's Day...

So fun right??? I always receive lots of compliments on my jars (even though I am sure to tell everyone they were a copied project). Making the "toppers" is easy. Here are the basic supplies you will need:

1. Ribbon themed for the holiday you are decorating for.

2. Unfinished wood letters.

3. Acrylic Paint for your letters. You can also cover with glitter to make them extra Fabulous!!! I used pink on my "XOX" letters.

4. Hot glue gun.

I always measure out my ribbon to make it long enough to go around the finial on the top of my jar so that I can simply slide it over the top and easily slide it off when I am ready to move onto the next Holiday.

I glue each side of the ribbon evenly spaced to the top of my letter. I always finish with a bow! For Valentines Day I added a small puffed heart to the center knot of my bow for a little extra something. Use your imagination and be creative!

I will be using my jars again for St. Patricks Day (even though I am not very Irish). I think I will find some shamrocks to hang from the jars since I just can't think of a three letter word for this Holiday, some bright green glittery ribbon mixed with some gold, and Ta Da! St. Patrick's Day "BOO" jars!

Happy Jar Making!!

Mini Personalized Canvas with Valentine Flair!

2012-01-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

I love using artist canvas to be creative with! This is a simple project (I promise) that you can do for any Holiday or just for everyday decorating too.

I used this on my mantle this year and it added that extra something if you know what I mean. It was simple and costs me under $5.00 to make. You can use any color theme you choose. I went with a black/white/red color combo since it was the theme of my Valentine's mantle for this year. Yes, I do change things up each year for two reasons. One, I tend to get bored with the same old thing. And two, because I usually can't remember exactly what I did the year before. Just keeping it real.

So here are the materials you will need for this project:

1. 5x7 sized unfinished canvas. Use a 40% off coupon at JoAnns or Michales and pay under $4.00.

2. Acrylic paint colors. You will need three colors.

3. Glitter. I used red and some iridescent white I had left over from another project.

4. Spray Sealer. This is optional, but if you do not want your glitter to "shed" using this saves the mess. You can purchase this in a spray can at craft stores or WalMart for a few dollars.

5. Your choice of letter. If you do not have a hand at drawing, cheat like me and use the computer. I use Microsoft Word and choose a font I like, blow it up to about a 400 sized text. Then I print and simply cut out the letter.

6. Paint brush, circle sponge blotter, and a pencil.

Here is another canvas I made during the fall a few years back to give you another color idea...

The How To is Easy..

1. Paint you canvas it's back ground color and let dry.

2. Polka dot your canvas and let that dry.

3. Trace your letter using a pencil.

4. Fill in your pencil lines with paint. If you are using glitter, use a paint in the same color. This way your glittered area appears all filled. Glitter alone does not have the best coverage.

5. Glitter right over your wet paint. This saves from having to use glue.

6. If you want to glitter your polka dots using another color wait for the letter to dry for a while. When you glitter your dots be sure not to blow off the glitter in the direction of your letter so not to mix colors.

7. Set up on a cute stand and Ta-Da!!!!

Here is how it looks on my Valentine mantle this year...

P.S. Sorry for the poor picture quality, I was using my phone in the middle of the very sunny day.

Enjoy your project!!! xoxoxoxox

My $6.00 Valentine Wreath SPICE UP!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

I am still enjoying all these Valentine themed posts! I hope I am encouraging you to decorate for the "Day of Love" this year or to step up your decorating a bit.

I purchased this simple Valentine heart wreath at JoAnn's last year for around $6.00. I have also seen them out again this year at Wal-Mart, Big Lots, and Michaels. It is red and shinny but still sort of plain. If you know me, and some of you do too well, then you know that the word "plain" is not something I have in my decorating vocabulary. If it is "plain" then it needs some extra TLC, some extra something to make it more...well I guess make it more like me!

So this is what I did to my very plain red heart wreath...

Not so plain anymore huh???

Okay, now here is what I did so if you want to change your "plain" wreath into a FANTASTIC wreath you'll know how!

Supplies:

1. Shinny Heart Wreath

2. 2"-3" ribbon of your choice

3. Unfinished wood letter. You can find these at JoAnn's, Michaels, and Wal-Mart. Mine is actually made of metal, but wood will work just fine for this project too!

4. Acrylic paint in your choice of color. You will be using this to paint your initial.

5. Eye hook. You can find these at Wal-Mart or any craft store in a package for under $1.00

6. Paint brush and circle sponge. These items can be found at Wal-Mart or craft stores too.

Now this is how I put it all together:

1. I painted my letter with two coats of white paint. After it was dry I used black paint and my circle sponge to make my "C" polka dotted.

2. Once your letter is dry attach your eye hook to the top of your letter by pushing it down and turning it in like a small screw. Make sure to see which way you want your letter to hang before you add the eye hook.

3. Using some ribbon (or fishing line if you don't want to see it) attach your letter to your wreath. You can hang it from the center, attach to the left side like I did, or anywhere you think it will look best.

4. Now make a bow and attach right above your letter. You can use a bread twist tie to attach your pre-made bow. Making the bow then attaching it is easier (at least to me) then making a bow while it is on the wreath or project you are making.

That's it! Enjoy!!!

No Sew "XOXO" Felt Banner

2012-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

This sweet Valentine heart banner is a super easy project you and your kids will enjoy too! I made this last year and have enjoyed hanging it up again to use this year. You can use any colors you like and make it as long or as short as you need to fit the space you are decorating. Make one for your home, for a friend, or a for little teacher gift.

Here are the supplies:

1. Felt heart shapes. I purchased mine at Joann's in a package for a few dollars. I purchased solid hearts, filigree hearts, and some stitched embellished hearts I found in the dollar bin.

2. Valentine ribbon to match your project. I purchased three different 1/4" ribbons to use for this project. Feel free to use more or to stick with one ribbon if you choose.

3. One sheet of felt. I also purchased this at a craft store for $0.33 per sheet. I used white so that it would stand out on my hearts.

3. Hole punch.

4. Tacky glue or craft glue of your choosing.

5. Scissors.

Now for the How-To:

1. Measure the area you want to hang the banner. You don't need to be exact, just get a rough idea so that you know how many hearts to use.

2. Lay your hearts out in the color pattern you want in about the same length of the measured area.

3. I chose to put XOXO on some of my hearts. I went and printed out some cute font "X" and "O" by choosing my font then blowing up the font size to about 200 (I think). FYI: You can change the font size by clicking on the box and adding in your own number. Then just print it out and cut out each letter.

4. Trace your X and O onto your felt sheet and cut out.

5. Once you have your hearts where you want them, glue on your X and O or whatever letters you are using.

6. Punch a hole on each end of the hearts so that you can tie them all together with ribbons.

7. Cut 3" pieces of ribbon and begin to tie the hearts together. I just tied mine in a simple knot. Make sure to cut 6" pieces of ribbon to use on each end the banner for hanging purposes.

That's it! Pretty simple huh? This is really a project anyone can do. Let you kids or grandkids help and make a few memories in the process.

I hung my banner over some pink tulle and pink lights (purchased at the after Christmas sale last year for $2.00). Very girly...very Valentine's Day!! LOVE!!!

LOVE Canvas Project

2012-01-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

This LOVE canvas was super easy to make and I have to say I love the way it turned out! This is my attempt at a copy from an idea I saw on Pinterest and also in a little shop around town. It took me about 30 min to make not including the dry time of the paint. If you like this too here is what you will need to make one.

Supplies:

* Unfinished wood letters that spell LOVE or HUG or KISS or XOXO...whatever Valentine word you like. I purchased mine at JoAnn's for around $1.50 each.

* Canvas. You will need to have your letters with you to make sure your canvas is just the right size. It will depend on the word you choose and the size of your letters.

* Acrylic paint. You can find this at craft stores or Wal-Mart. It cost under a dollar per bottle and will last long after you complete this project. I used 6 different colors. I used a cream/ivory color, a white, three shades of pink, and red.

* Glitter. I chose to glitter my "O" for some added bling. I painted my "O" red first then glittered. You could also you pink!

* Gorilla Glue or some other strong craft glue to ad hear your letters.

Now here is the "How To":

1. Paint your canvas. I used a creamy off white/ivory color as my base.

2. Polka Dot (of course) the canvas after it dries. I used a white for my dots. I did not want them to be bold dots, so I used a color that was close to the one I used as my base. It turned out subtle and that was exactly the look I was going for.

3. Paint your letters and let them dry. If you are glittering a letter sprinkle the glitter on while the paint is still wet. This will work as the glue.

4. Once everything is dry, glue your letters on turning your "O" diagonally. You can do this with any second letter of a four letter Valentine word.

5. Place on a stand and TaDa!!!

I put my canvas in the kids bathroom and paired it with a little ribbon embellished lamp and other Valentine decorations. I hope you enjoy making this project. I sure did!! Happy "LOVE" Day!!!

Ridiculously Easy Valentine Tree

2012-01-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy project for you Valentine's Day Decorating Beginners. I used this last year on my mantle and am using it again this year. I needed something on my mantle that was large and just could not find anything anywhere that would work. So, putting on my "need to create something big and CHEAP" hat, I came up with this cute Valentine Tree that fit the spot on my mantle perfectly!

Here are the simple supplies you will need if you want to make one too:

1. Simple Glass Vase. I purchased mine at the Dollar $tore.

2. Red Glass Marbles or Stones. You will use these at the bottom of your vase. You could also use Valentine Candy too.

3. Birch Branches. You can find these at craft stores or Wal-Mart. They cost around $5.00 or so for a package. You could also use some simple sticks from your yard or the park which would cost you $0.00. I also purchased two other branches I found at the craft store that had small pink buds on them. This added a little extra color.

4. Simple Glittered Hearts. I purchased mine at Michael's last year in a package for $2.99. If you cannot find any simply pick up some glittered scrapbook paper or another Valentine design you like, and cut into hearts. Then punch a small hole at the top of the heart and thread a small ribbon through.

Putting it All Together:

1. Fill your vase with your glass stones or candy and arrange your branches by sticking them down into the bottom of the vase.

2. Tie your glittered hearts onto the branches being sure to space them out evenly.

3. Ta Da!! A simple yet elegant Valentine piece for your home.

I get a lot of compliments on my little Valentine Branch Tree. Super easy and inexpensive...cool huh? If you make one for your home make sure to send me a photo. I would love to see how your turns out!

xoxoxox

Let the Valentine Decorating Begin!!!!

2012-01-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Christmas decor has been put away and has left me with bare rooms, counters, tabletops and mantles. I love a clean slate to work with! It is sort of like the new year before us. There is something rejuvenating and exciting about a new year. A time when you get to reinvent your everyday and quite possibly yourself in the process. Now time to reinvent my home for the next upcoming holiday!

Valentine's Day!!

I posted a few photos last year of some of my Valentine decor and was completely surprised to hear that not many people decorate for this occasion. What???? Seriously???? A holiday with NO decorating???? It is just a crime ya'll. A crime.

So just in case you are one of those folks who do not decorate for the "Day of Love" these next few blog post will be for you. I know (because that is what other girls have told me) you do not decorate for this xoxoxo day because you simply do not know what to do. I hope this post helps get you started. Here is a photo of my Valentine's Day Decor 2011...

I purchased the adorable banner off ETSY. I used a candy theme last year. I filled apothecary jars with all different sorts of Valentine candies. Colorful, cute, and inexpensive too. (plus you can eat it!) I made a Valentine tree and a glittery frame with hanging hearts to finish off the mantle. I will be sure to post How-To's for these projects in the next blog or two.

This was the decor on my kitchen island, my #2 favorite place to decorate. I used red roses, a cute glittery sign I purchased at Home Goods, some red Christmas lights, and red tulle for this look. It was simple but oh so pretty with it's soft red glow.

I will be posting some simple Valentine decoration ideas in the next couple of weeks so that you too can decorate for February 14th along with photos of this years Valentine Decor in my home....as soon as I finish putting it all up. Off to decorate!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

2011-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have really missed blogging! I did enjoy the Christmas holidays making memories with family and friends just as I hope you did too. My last post was over two weeks ago and it is time to get back to posting some ideas for crafting and inexpensive decorating for your home in 2012.

New Years is not a huge event around here. We usually hang out as a family with a few finger foods and an appetizers or two and watch the "ball drop" together. Not very glamorous but it is what we do. This year we decided we would invite a few close friends over to join in on the celebration. I was thinking of a large yummy appetizer spread, a homemade sparkling punch, a bon fire to enjoy the cool evening, a smores bar (have to have smores with a fire), and of course a few explosives to ring in the New Year.

I cannot have a party of any size without a decorating theme. I blame this OCD area on watching Martha Stewart as a young married woman. Anyway, since my Christmas decor is still up I was trying to figure out how to incorporate two holidays together. I took apart some of my kitchen island decor and added a few New Year's pieces. Pretty cool if I do not say so myself and you can certainly do this yourself for your own gathering tonight.

Here is the finished project (minus all the food of course)

I left the lighted garland and simple lit tree (no ornaments) and added a few gold touches for a little New Year's sparkle. I purchased some gold garlands on after Christmas clearance and some party horns and blower thingy's. I placed the horns and blowers in the tree and through out the garland using only the gold ones so they matched. The other party items I placed on a large tray in my foyer for the guests to use during the evening.

I wanted something to say "2012" and could not find anything that I was looking for so what do you do in a case like this??? Make your own of course! I purchased 4 simple 5x7 black frames, used some scrapbook paper I had left over from another project, and some gold glitter (love me some glitter!). I downloaded the size and specific font numbers from the computer and printed them out. Then I cut them and traced them to the center of my already cut to size scrapbook paper. Then I simply glittered the numbers and placed them back into the frames without the glass inserts. Ta Da!!! So simple and costs almost nothing.

Add in a party hat or two and you have yourself a good looking, low cost, New Year's Eve party arrangement for your table.

Thank you for reading my blog. I never thought anyone would and I have been so blown away by so many of you who told me you enjoy it. I look forward to sharing lots more ideas with you in 2012. I have some give aways planned so keep checking back and make sure you join my blog (and not just read it). You won't want to miss the free stuff!!!

Fabric Cone Trees...Easy Peasy!

2011-12-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy, fun craft idea that is so inexpensive yet looks like $1 million bucks. I had seen a tutorital off of Pinterest and wanted to try and see if I could do it too. Here was my inspiration "pin"...

This is from thecreativityexchange.blogspot.com which was posted on Pinterest. So cute huh?

The gal who posted the information on this site had lots of photos and how to's which made my copying so much easier. I made her trees then I made a few smaller trees to use elsewhere in my home. All you need is poster poster board, a ruler, pencil, scissors, spray adhesive, fabric, and trimmings to make these trees. You can make them all red and green and Christmasy or use fabrics that match the decor already in your room.

I chose to make trees to go in my dining room which is decorated in silver, white, and black. It is a formal room with formal decorations so my trees needed to match. I found my fabric at JoAnn's and purchased about 1/2 yard for each tree that I did (remember I made three trees, two of which were slightly smaller than the ones featured in Pinterest). I found some trim and purchased about 1/2 to 1 yard of each. I also purchased some rhinestones to add that little bling I was looking for. Surprised? Probably not if you know me.

Here is how my trees turned out...

Once I finished making my poster board trees I searched the house for candle sticks and such to make the "base" for my trees. This props them up so you can see the trim at the bottom. You do not have to use candle sticks, you can simply set them down on a mirror like I did, tray, or table top.

Here are my bases...

One of my trees was quite large and I couldn't find anything big enough to prop it up on so I grabbed a can of spray adhesive and set it on top of the pillar holder I had. Then TA DA!! Just placed my tree on the top of the can and it was perfectly tall enough. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box to make things work. I found the large silver mercury glass pillar holder while I was "junkin'" one day at my fav thrift store. I purchased it for $4.05...crazy huh? since mercury glass is so "in" right now and expensive too. The other was a little black urn I used at Halloween with a pumpkin on top (also purchased at a thrift store). You can use lots of stuff you have around the house to set your trees on...use your creative imagination!

Love the trees! They look great on my dining room table and I receive lots of compliments on them. People are surprised when they find out it is poster board, fabric and glue. I encourage you to give this one a try. It was easy peasy! Merry Tree Making!!!

Rustic and Natural Sort Of Christmas Project....I Can Do That!

2011-12-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

I was asked by a friend of a friend if I could make a Christmas decoration that was sort of rustic, yet elegant, and had that simple farmhouse sort of charm...versus the LOUD colored, polka dotted, glittery sort of Christmas decorations I normally make. Hmmm...well yes I can! Or at least I hope I can keep my "flashy, sassy, Las Vegas showgirl side quiet while I craft. LOL!!!

I shopped a while, browsed the Internet a while, and basically came up a combo idea of something I had seen and something I dreamed up. Here were my materials...

(Plus an 8x8 photo frame with a silver frame I forgot to put in the photo...oops!)

This is what I ended up with for my "friend of a friend"...

Very simple and somewhat understated but I think it will be exactly what she is looking for. Here is how I did it...

1. I applied some watered down black/brown acrylic paint to the edges of the frame to make them look a bit aged. I just used a damp paper towel for application.

2. I cut a piece of burlap to fit the inside of the frame and used spray adhesive to attach it to the front of the back piece of the frame.

3. I had purchased a box of flat, silver glittered snowflake ornaments and cut the string off the top of one of the ornaments. I used this in the center of the burlap. I just hot glued that little stinker right in the center.

4. Once it was completely dry I put the frame back together with the glass in place.

5. I used two Ball canning jars for the votive holders. I simple cut a strip of burlap and glued it to the center of the jar.

6. Once the glue was dry, I tied a couple of stands of jute around the center to give it a little something extra. A simple knot was all it needed.

This was a very simple project to do. You could use any sort of flat ornaments you'd like and any fabric backing inside the frame. I might make one for myself that has a shinny red frame, lime and red polka dot fabric, and a cute little glittered stocking ornament I found on sale at JoAnn's. I'm sure this doesn't surprise you since I NEED MY BLING!!!!

Merry Rustic or Flashy Christmas...which ever one suits your style!

Coffee Can, Burlap, and Paint...A Thrown Together Project for the Porch

2011-12-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

I spent one morning last week decorating my front porch for Christmas. I put up the three little trees and new wreath on the door, but I needed something for my iron table that sits to the left of the front door. Nothing I had inside seemed to fit. I had wrapped burlap all around the bases of the three trees and had some left over along with some ribbon I had used on my wreath. So, not wanting to head back out to the store I started rummaging through my house to see what would inspire me. I found an empty coffee can...

I grabbed some of the left over burlap and cut it to fit the can. Of course it was too plain and was lacking some pizazz so I added a few lime green polka dots (of course) with my trusty circle sponge applicator.

While my paint was drying I plugged in the glue gun and headed to the garage to find some Christmas greenery to arrange in my new bucket. Rats! I couldn't find any greenery left... What is a girl to do with a brand new bucket re-do and no Christmas greenery to go inside? I tell you what I did. I had just purchased some new garland from Target to hang over the window in the kids bath and I knew I did not need all 9 feet of it. So I measured the window and cut what I would need for that, and then used the remainder for my bucket. I just cut the pieces into branches and set them to the side until my project was complete.

Now that my paint had dried and my glue was pipping hot, I glued my burlap to the can. I cut 2 inch strips around the perimeter of the can and glued each piece to the inside. This keeps the fabric from bunching up when you glue it down.

Now it was time to fill up my bucket with the greenery and a few extra Christmas pics I had left over from a wreath I was no longer using. Then I tied a bow with some ribbon I had used on my wreath and TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the way it turned out. I think this project cost me about $2.00, not including how much the coffee cost before the can was empty. LOL!! I encourage you to try this at home. You could also cover a can with red paper or fabric, fasten a black belt around the center, and top off with some puffy white trim to look like a Santa suit....that would be cute too. Fill with a poinsettia, greenery like I did, small gifts, or yummy homemade treats for the neighbors. A cute way of dressing up a container for the Holidays.

New Idea for a Front Door Wreath!

2011-11-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

I have already confessed to you my bloggy friends that I have an addiction to the Pinterest web site. You can seriously get so many great ideas that you can take and make for your own home. As I was wasting time browsing "P" (my own personal nickname for Pinterest) when I should have been doing something much more productive, I came across this cutie patootie idea for a front door wreath. People are genius!

So obviously I decided I had to make one for my front door for Christmas this year. Here is my rendition of this adorable wreath....

Here is what you need to make it too:

1. Old/New Square Frame. I found mine at Old Time Pottery for $4.99 and it looked like this...I know it is ugly but I was only wanting the frame.

2. Spray paint in your choice of color. I chose a bold glossy red so it would pop on my black door.

3. Three to four shatter proof ornaments. I went with lime and red because I cannot seem to get enough of lime and red at Christmas.

3. Two different, yet coordinating, 1/2" ribbon to hang the ornaments from.

4. One wide ribbon for your bow.

5. Wreath hanger.

Now the "How To" part of the blog:

1. Take out the ugly picture and spray paint your frame.

2. Hang your ornaments from your ribbons in varying sizes so they hang staggered in the frame.

3. Tack the ribbon onto the back of the frame using a staple gun or thumb tacks.

4. Hang your frame from the wreath hanger and then attach the bow.

5. Stand back and admire your adorable front door!!!

That is it! This craft took me about an hour from start to finish and cost me under $12 to make. If you make one or two send me a photo!! Merry Christmas!!! Happy Wreath Making!!!

Glittered BLING mirror for my Christmas mantle!

2011-11-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

I sooooo LOVE Christmas decorating. I decorate each room of our home and each room must have a beautifully decorated tree. The tree is my favorite Christmas decoration (and unfortunately for storage purposes the largest). Each room has it's own "theme" and different colors are used with each. I even have a little tree in my laundry room. My formal dining room is done in silver, white, and touches of black. It is very fussy, very "girlie", and very sparkly! Lots of glittered things! LOVE!!!

Here is the tree...

As you already know from reading other blog posts, my mantle is one of my favorite decorating places. It is the point of focus in the dining room and therefore has to be looking good (or atempting to look good) at all times no matter the season. Since the tree has so many mirrored and glittery ornaments on it, I thought the mantle needed to match. I wanted a large statement piece and could never find anything that I felt was just the right fit. So during one of my thrift store outings I found an old brass colored framed miror that was large and best of all cheap! I knew then and there what I was going to do...I was gonna glitter that baby!

Here is how it turned out...

This was super easy and you can do it too, that is if you want a large, gaudy, bling miror for your home too. Here is what you'll need:

* Miror of your choosing. Check out thrift stores or use one you have hidden away in a closet because it doesn't match your decor anymore. I paid $15 for my miror.

* Large bottle of glitter in your choice of color and spray paint to match. I purchased silver spray paint and silver glitter. I made one for my mom in red. Oh yea baby!

* Painters tape and newspaper.

Now the how-to part....

Step 1 - Tape off the miror using the newspaper so that the paint does not get on the glass. Take your time and tape it really good this will also keep the glitter off the glass too. Nake sure to do all of this outside as it is messy. Very messy, but glittery gorgeous.

Step 2 - Paint the frame around the miror. Apply as many coats as needed to cover.

Step 3 - While your last coat of paint is still wet and tacky, sprinkle the glitter generously all over the frame making sure to get the sides too. Press lightly with your hand to set the glitter.

Step 4 - Leave the glitter sit for a few hours and then shake off the excess.

Step 5 - Use a clear spray sealer to seal the glitter in place. This helps keep most of the glitter on your frame, but it is still fragile and needs to be stored in a large garbage bag inside after the holidays are over. The heat in your attic or garage will turn the glitter dull and discolored with time.

That's it! Ta-Da!!! Use your imagination with the colors your use. Craft stores carry many shades/colors of glitter so you can match the decor in your home. I also glittered a small frame that sits on the buffett to tie the room together. The glitter really shimmers in the glow of all the tree and garland lights. It makes the entire room sparkle like a winter wonderland. LOVE me some glitter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun!

DIY Christmas Ornament Wreath

2011-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have already admitted to being a Pinterest "junkie". I cannot seem to get enough of that site. You can get all sorts of ideas on ANYTHING you could possibly care to know more about. If you are not a "pinner" you need to check it out...but don't say I didn't warn you.

While I was browsing through a few Christmas ideas I stumbled upon a Christmas Ornament Wreath...super cute and it looked very easy to make.

This is the one I saw from fingerprintsonthefridge.com. Looks easy enough huh? Well not so fast.

Here is how it went down at my decorating casa... I purchased a HUGE container of shatter-proof ball ornaments from Sams Club. I had seen them online and since I am a Costco girl myself, hit up a friend to take me with her to the store. The container was filled with lime and red, glittery, and different sized ornaments. I loved the lime with an animal print band in the center!! I purchased the box of 100 ornaments for $30. You can purchase shatter-proof ornaments everywhere, WalMart, Target, Old Time Pottery, and even the Dollar Store. It is important they are shatter-proof so if your wreath does take a tumble you do not have glass everywhere.

So sorry for the dull looking photo. This was taken about 11:00 pm while the hubs was working late and the lighting kinda stinks. Anyway you obviously get the picture.

Then I took a wire coat hanger from my hubby's side of the closet. I prefer the plastic ones that all match for my side of the closet because I am OCD like that. You know the kind of hanger you get at the dry cleaners. Open it up by twisting the top hanger part and attempt to make some type of circle. This is the first thing I found a little bit difficult with this craft. My hanger was pretty sturdy so it was hard to form.

This is my attempt to form some type of circular shape...okay so circle forming is not my gift. Moving on..

This next step is VERY important. You are to glue down the little hangers that are on top of the ornament. You just pop the top off, shoot some hot glue around the opening and re-attach. Well this is a step I thought I could just pass on. I thought my tops felt very secure so I began to string on the ornaments. About 1/4 of the way around my wire wreath form those crazy ornaments started popping off and going all over the floor. So I took them all off, yes I did, got out the hot glue gun and began gluing the tops on THEN began to re string them. Take it from me, this part is a MUST DO. It is a little time consuming. If I ever make another one of these things I will glue first, then string. That way my hands won't be all glue stringy while I am trying to put ornaments on an ob longed wire...just sayin'.

You continue to go around the wire mixing sizes of ornaments and colors so that all the spaces are filled in. It took lots of ornaments, probably around 60 or so. This is my completed wreath...

Turned out pretty well considering all the hassle this big ole thing caused me. You have to maneuver them around a bit once you have them all on the wire so that they fall into one another to close up space. In doing this, I popped a few more off the hangers. BLAST!! Just add a big sparkly bow to the top and you are done. I have this planned for the gals to do at our craft brunch tomorrow...wish them luck!

Thankful Tree and the Blessings of Friends

2011-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

I am incredibly blessed to have precious friends. You know they type of friend you can laugh with, cry with, and best of all CRAFT with!!! Last year I started a small Craft Brunch. I gathered a few of my gal pals and hosted a brunch where we could eat and make a craft. I had no idea when I began this that we would still be gathering on a regular basis crafting and laughing. We have a grown a bit in size and are running out of crafting space, but we just cram ourselves in and make the best of it.

Here is a photo from our very first brunch late November 2010.

We got together and make spunky polka dot (of course) personalized ball ornaments. I provided everyone with a supply list and told them to use their imaginations when making their purchases. Everyone came armed with their supplies and a brunch dish to share. I set up a fantastic coffee and hot chocolate bar with all the fixin's. We craft all morning and past lunch till it is time to get our kids from school. A few folks have told me I should start a business hosting and organizing craft brunches for those women who would love to craft but have little creative juice. Hmmm.....maybe.....

Okay back to the blog-

This past month we got together and made the "Give Thanks" banner I blogged about previously and we also made a Thankful Tree (thanks Debbie for the idea!). It was a very simple project with lots of meaning. I have this tree sitting in my foyer on a table as you enter. During the month of November I ask that everyone that enters fills out a small tag with what they are thankful for and then sign it. It is then placed on the tree for all to see. As the month goes by, more and more thankful items are added making it a tree of many blessings God, Himself, has provided. It keeps my families attention on the blessings we are given and how incredibly thankful we are for all we have.

This project has a few simple, easy to find supplies. Here it goes:

* Urn or small container to be your base. You can use a decorated box, painted pot, or vase just to name a few.

* Floral foam for the inside of your container.

* Branches and moss from your yard. I also accented a few clearance fall berry picks I picked up at Michael's. (FYI to kill any bugs living in natural moss from outdoors, simply place it in a ZipLock bag and seal for 24 hours. No oxygen kills the bugs. Ta-Da!)

* Tags and ribbon. You can find pre-cut tags in the scrap booking section of your local craft store or you can make your own with decorative paper.

Now all you have to do is put it together. Place your foam in your container and arrange your sticks. After arranging, cover top of container with moss to hide your floral foam. Now you are ready to hang your thankful tags.

I plan on filling up my tree. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband, terrific and healthy kiddos, amazing church, and some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. I will close with a few photos of craft brunches past. I love these girls. I am so blessed to have each of them in my life. They all have such unique personalities and are quite a hoot to be with. Who would have ever guessed we would still be crafting together a year later...

Some of the food we snack on all day. There is more on the counter behind! Mmmmmm!!

Easter project. We blew out eggs and made an egg tree. Blowing eggs was VERY HARD!!!

Gina getting ready to paint.

Valentine's Day Brunch. Making canvas photo frames.

Sherre working her crafting magic!

Working hard this past October's Brunch. Table is FULL and we are missing two! I guess I must ask the hubby to build on a larger dining room so that we have more craft space and room for more friends I could invite!

Just a few more of the precious crafters!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

All of the Halloween decorations have been put away and now it is time for some Fall/Thanksgiving decor to go in its place. Thanksgiving sometimes gets a bad break in my home as far as decorating goes. It seems by the time Halloween is over my Pilgrims and Indians, cornucopias, and Give Thanks pieces only get to stay out about 3 weeks and then come down to get ready for Christmas. Because of this, I usually take down Halloween once my kids go to bed after our trick or treating adventures so that the much appreciated thankful season gets some visual time in my house.

This year I was looking for something to add to my mantle (my favorite place to decorate for ANY season). I decided on making a banner as I have seen so many on other crafting blogs. I made mine from burlap and jute (since I can't sew), and then embellished with polka dots ( of course) and ribbon. I think it turned out super cute and have already received lots of compliments on it! I even used the project as our feature for our October Craft Brunch.

Here is how to do it yourself and the items you will need to make one (or two) for your home.

Supplies:

1. Burlap (found in craft stores in the fabric section). There are lots of color choices! It is also very inexpensive. You only need 1/2 yard to make this banner. JoAnn's sells it for $3.99 a yard.

2. Jute or Twine. You can also find this in craft stores or WalMart. It comes in a roll for a few dollars.

3. Stencils. I purchased an alphabet pack at WalMart for under $4.00 plus you can re-use them for another project.

4. Stencil Dot Sponges and Acrylic Paint. You can purchase the sponges and paint at WalMart of craft store for a few dollars.

5. Hot Glue and Scissors.

6. 1/2" ribbon (two to three different colors).

Now the How-To:

1. Decide on what you would like your banner to say. Give Thanks, Blessed, Thankful....you get the point and then cut your burlap into pennant (triangle) shapes that are wide enough for the stencil letter to fit.

2. Lay your cut pennants out on newspaper and sponge on your polka dots. Let dry.

3. Now using the same dot sponges, stencil your letters onto each pennant. Let dry.

4. Lay out your finished and dry pennant pieces out how they will read once on the jute. Leave approximately 2" between each letter so you can tie your ribbon.

5. Hot glue the pennant to the jute by attaching at the top portion (the longest side) of your pennant until alll letters have been attached. This is very messy, so just know that ahead of time.

6. Once your pennants have been attached. Tie ribbon in between the letters. I used an orange color and a brown polka dot ribbon.

That's it! Here is mine hanging on the mantle. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fab Foyer Table from a Thrift Store Find

2011-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have always had a love for furniture. I am always on the look out for a great chair or interesting table to add to my decor (not that I need any). Very rarely do I find things I like on my more practical (cheap) budget. I saw this incredible foyer table the other day that was embellished with animal print and ohh sooooo expensive. I knew it would look great in my foyer/entry way. Refusing to pay the $400 it was priced at, I set out on a mission to make my own. Thrift stores HERE I COME!!!

I absolutely love a thrift store. If you can get past the smell and the disorganization of it all you can find GREAT stuff to re-purpose for your own home. I make it a point to go at least every other week as they are constantly restocking the shelves. When I am working on a project I go once a week at least. Sometimes you hit the jackpot and other times it is a wash out, but if you don't go regularly you will never find the "good" stuff.

I found this amazing, all wood dresser this week. I loved the legs and the unique wood work taking it from Plain-Jane to incredible! I purchased this beauty for $35.00.

Now obviously in needed some TLC but that is right up my alley. With some $8.00 fabric (on sale!) and some paint it turned it into this....

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took me a few hours of non-stop work to get it finished but I am very happy with the results. Here is how you can do this on an amazing thrift store find you purchase or how you can update your existing furniture.

Step 1: Clean up the piece with a damp towel and remove the hardware. You can either re-use the existing hardware or purchase new. I used the old hardware and just gave it a new coat of black paint. Sometimes old pieces measure differently so if you are buying new hardware take the old with you to the store to measure. Trust me on this.

Step 2: I wiped (with a towel) some watered down brown paint over the outside of the dresser to make it look older. I went heavy on the edges where it would naturally wear with time.

Step 3: I used some black paint to go in all the deep crevices that were originally a gold color and also used it around the drawer cut outs.

Step 4: Measure where you want your fabric placed. I decoupaged it on the sides of the dresser as well as the drawer fronts. Apply a generous coat of Mod-Podge Decoupage (I think that is how you spell it) medium in a matte finish to the surface where the fabric will be.

* Make sure to fill the drawer pulls with paper so that the decoupage medium does not fill the holes when it dries.

Step 5: The small drawers we a little tricky since they had a more ornate shape. So I taped the fabric over the drawer and traced around the shape on the underside of the fabric with a pencil line. Then simply cut it out. Easy peasy!

Step 6: Place your precut fabric over the glue and smooth out the bubbles using a credit card. You can trim the excess of the edges using an exacto-knife.

Step 7: Punch holes in the fabric where the hardware holes are using scissors or the end of your screwdriver you used to take off the hardware.

Step 8: Once it dries you can add a clear coat of sealer to protect the fabric. Then put the hardware back in.

Step 9: IT'S TIME TO DECORATE!!! Here is the finished piece that is sitting in the foyer looking ohh so FANTASTIC!!! LOVE IT!!!

Now it is your turn! I cannot wait to see what you do. Make sure to send me a pic so I can oooohhh and aaaahhh with you!

Super Simple DIY Cake Stands

2011-10-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

I love a super simple, two or three step craft that WOW'S!!!! I saw this idea on Pinterst and just had to make some myself. I knew I needed something "organ-izy" for my daughters desk and knew this would be the perfect fit. What do you think???

Here are the VERY few items I used to whip one of these babies up in minutes:

1. Ugly, tarnished brass candle sticks from the thrift store ($1.06 each and I used 2 for this project)

2. Cheap, or should I say inexpensive, cake tins from the Dollar Store or WalMart. ($2.00 each)

3. Spray paint in your choice of color. I used some Robin's Egg Blue I already had (cost $0.00)

4. Super sturdy glue such as Gorilla Glue or E-6000.

Spray your ugly, brass candle sticks with two to three coats of your spray paint and let dry completely.

Now you are ready to assemble. I glued my candle sticks one on top of another for the height I needed to separate my top piece from the bottom piece. Once I glued them together I glued them to each pie tin. Ta Da!!! Seriously, that is it!!! You could use this like I did or on a kitchen island filled with seasoned fruit, on a table in your entry way to collect mail, car keys, or dog leash, in a craft room holding craft supplies....the ideas are endless. This is also magnetized so my daughter put bottle cap magnets all over the sides. Cute!!

This was so incredibly easy that my mind began racing with possibilities. I decided to make a small cake stand since the few I have are large in size. Here is how it turned out...

This easy cake stand or whatever-you-want-to-serve-on-it stand is something even the craft challenged can do...PROMISE!!! All I used was a white candle base I found at Good Will while I was looking for the ugly brass ones I needed for the above project, a simple white plate, and a small glass dome I purchased at Old Time Pottery for under $5.00.

Step 2 : Place a small line of glue around the top edge of the candlestick.

Step 3: Press plate and candle stick together and hold for 2 minutes.

Simple right??? This is an easy project that can be made for a lot less that what you purchase cake stands for. I am planning on making these for every season. I saw some adorable candy cane-stripped pillar candle stick holders while I was at time pottery and plan on gluing a red charger to the top! Are the wheels spinning yet in your brain??? Make sure to send me a photo of what you make. I'd love to see your creativity at work. xoxoxxo

Because Everyone Needs a PolkaDot Pumpkin...

2011-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

I love all of the off-white pumpkins I have been seeing in stores, online, and magazines this year. I usually use the traditional orange pumpkin for decorating but this year I just couldn't resist using one of these so cute, off-white pumpkins in my fall ememble. I went out looking to purchase one at a local craft store and was completely surprised to see that an off-white pumpkin cost more than a regular good ol' orange pumpkin. Seriously?? Come on... it is the same shape and size as the orange pumpkin, but because it is off-white and the new thing for the season it has a higher price tag?? Well now, I will just have to get creative now won't I (yes, I did actually say this to myself in the middle of the store but thankfully no one heard me...I think).

So, I headed to WalMart where you can find just about anything cheaper. I found the traditional orange colored pumpkins in the seasonal aisle for $4.97 made by Better Homes and Gardens. Hmmm... I think I will just spray paint that little pumpkin off-white myself so I can save a few bucks. Besides I LOVE to spray paint. Once at home I sprayed my pumpkin using Krylon's Indoor/Outdoor Satin Ivory paint. It turned out great and used very minimal paint. The coverage was amazing. Needless to say it needed something else. So I of course thought of polka dots since I think everything should be polka-dotted or glittered (using both techniques is just way fabulous!) After I applied my black polka dots I also added a few crystal rhinestones to give it that extra something (especially since I wasn't using glitter).

When it came time to decorate I wanted to put it up on a pedestal like I have been seeing in the magazines. I had seen a shinny black pillar candle holder I loved at HomeGoods but did not feel like spending an additional $14.99 with more projects on my To-Do list that I have planned, so I headed for Good Will and found an ugly green one that had a great shape. I sprayed that a shinny black and let it dry. Ta Da! Fabulous and it looked just like the one at the store. Only mine cost $1.09!!

Here are the supplies you will need to make this project:

Pumpkin
Krylon Ivory Satin Spray Paint
Black Acrylic Paint
Round Sponge Dot Painter
Candle Stick of your Choice
Rhinestones if you want extra BLING!

* I also used a plate I had to make the candle stick stand "pop" a little more.

This was super easy, super quick, and super inexpensive! In total this project (without black paint and brush) cost me around $9.00.

I found this cute little hat while I was at WalMart too....

The finished project in my foyer.

Super Simple Pumkin Canvas Project

2011-10-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love a blank artist canvas. My mind races as I think of all the possibilities... There is something about that completely white canvas board that gets my creative juices flowing. I can stand in the aisle of the craft store that has artist canvas in all different sizes lined up one side and down the other forever. Obviously I am a craft nerd.

While I was in Michael's I stumbled across an unfinished wood pumpkin for $1.00. Thinking of how cute it was I began thinking of what I could make with him. Yes, it looked more like a him than a her pumpkin to me. Anyway, I thought about painting it and attaching it to a wreath, I also thought about painting it and just hanging it up somewhere. That's when it dawned on me. I can paint it and attach it to an artist canvas and make a bold statement piece with it. So that is what I did! Here is the finished piece and directions on how you can do it yourself!

So cute huh? You can do it too I promise!

Here is what you will need for this project:

1. Unfinished wood pumpkin. I purchased mine at Michael's for $1.00. You can also use another unfinished wood shape with a Halloween or Fall theme like a spider, cat, or scarecrow.

2. Artist canvas in the size of your choosing. Make sure you have your unfinished wood piece with you when purchasing the canvas to make sure it fits.

3. Acrylic paint in your choice of colors. These will cost you around $1.50 per bottle.

4. Glitter puffy paint. You can find this on the same aisle as the acrylic paints. It will come in a tube with a nozzle for easy application. I used a silver glitter puffy paint on my canvas (everything looks better with a little bit of glitter!)

5. Painters tape if you choose to do stripes. Makes it super easy for straight lines. FYI make sure to really press down on the painters tape to get even lines so the paint does not bleed through. If it does, simple use a paint pen (also sold in the acrylic paint aisle) to make your jagged lines straight.

6. Maribu (the fuzzy stuff around the edge of the canvas). You can purchase this wrapped on a piece of cardboard for around $2.00.

7. If using polka dots (which you should because polka dots are just cute) then purchase a circle shaped sponge brush. They are usually sold in a package of a few different sizes and shapes of sponge brushes. This will make your circles the same size and perfectly round every time. These are absolutely one of my favorite crafting supplies.

8. Hot glue or craft glue to attach pumpkin and maribu trim.

Just a few of the supplies...

Now you are ready to begin. Here's how:

1. Paint your canvas. I taped off my canvas with painters tape and then used black acyclic paint for my stripes. Once my stripes were dry I peeled off the tape and used my silver glitter puffy paint to line the outside of a few of my stripes.

2. Paint your pumpkin or unfinished wood piece of your choosing. I painted my pumpkin an orange color and then when it was dry I used a darker orange for my polka dots.

3. When your paint has dried it is time to attach your design to the canvas. I used hot glue because it is faster, but you can use a craft glue too.

4. Measure your maribu around the outside of your canvas and cut off excess. Then using the same glue attach to the outside of your canvas.

5. Once completed you can sit on a plate/photo rack or hang if desired. Ta Da! A one of a kind artist original designed by YOU! I told you that you could do it!

I put my canvas in my kids bathroom and accessorized it with a few other spooky decorations to complete the venue.

Here are a few other ideas you can make with artist canvas:

During a craft brunch I host with a few dear friends my sweet friend Debbie made this canvas for her house. She copied a tree she saw in a magazine. The final project was amazing!

My friend Melissa chose to go with a more Fall theme with colors that matched her home decor. She used a burgundy background, added a pumpkin with vines, and an acrylic frame to add a photo of her family. Super cute and super easy!

I'd love to see what you design and create if you do this project. Please post a photo or a comment so I can see how creative and crafty you are! Until next post, BYE!

A Clearance Photo Frame, Scrapbook Paper, and Polka Dots...Oh My!!

2011-10-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Okay this one is probably going down as one of my favorite, inexpensive crafts...at least for this week. I was trying to think of something bold for my mantle for Halloween but I did not find anything in my budget that would work. So I put on my CCC (Creative Crafty Cap) and headed for the stores once again. I came across a clearance, three opening, photo frame and BOOM I got an idea. I did not purchase the frame (it was $9.00 at Home Goods) because I remembered I had an old one similar at home I was no longer using. With that in mind I headed for JoAnn's for two pieces of scrapbook paper.

When I got home I dug out the frame I had only to find it was brown and not black. Duh...probably why I was not using it. All of the frames I am using now are black. What is a girl to do? Head back out to the store to pick up the frame? No, how about I just paint that thing since I am too lazy to head back out. So that is what I did. I painted the frame black and let it dry.

In the meantime, I cut out out the background for my letters. I used a black harlequin (diamond basically) pattern. Then it was time to find some letters. I decided to use the word BOO since it fit into my frame perfectly and is just a cute Halloweeny kinda word. Instead of purchasing pre-formed letters, which can be pricey and have a limited selection of color and font style, I just use good ole' Microsoft Word. I find the font I like and then blow up the size to about 400. Print the letters out and then trace onto my orange glittery (everything looks better with some glitter...right?) scrapbook paper. Then I cut the letters out and glued them to the background paper. Ta Da!

I put it all together only to be a little unsatisfied with my finished product. Hmmm...what is missing...it needs something else...I know...POLKA DOTS!!!! I ran to my craft closet and got out my all time favorite piece of crafting equipment my foam dot sponge brush. I then proceeded to add black polka dots to the mat that was in the frame. Ahhh so much better!

I plan on using this again at Christmas by changing out the paper and changing the letters to spell JOY. I love multi-purposed craft stuff don't you?

If you purchase a clearance frame, two pieces of scrapbook paper, and black acrylic paint, this project should cost you around $13.00. Cheap and cute...two of my favorite "C" words!

So the mantle is done. A little spooky. A little glittery. A lot homemade!!

BOO TO YOU!!!!

Oh Sooo Cute Halloween Ribbon Wreath!!!!!!!

2011-09-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love to sit with a cup of coffee at my computer and "hike" through the web looking for crafty ideas that inspire me. How about you? I mean I can sit an look at craft sites, blogs, or craft images I Google FOREVER!!! It is an addiction, I am completely aware of that. Sadly to say I set my kitchen timer for 30 min so that I have a definitive end time to get my booty off the chair and go tackle something productive in my home. Can anyone else relate?

A few weeks ago I began looking at everything "Halloweeny" trying to find a few fresh ideas to decorate my home. One of the ideas I found was a ribbon wreath. Genius! It took very few supplies and seemed totally easy to make. I saw several photo images of completed projects using different techniques. I chose to do the easiest one (go figure) using knots. I got my creative juices flowing and headed for the craft store!

SOOOOO cute right????? Here is what you need and how to make this wreath.

Supplies:

* 12" Wreath Form (I used a round wreath form instead of a flat wreath form...round finishes better I think.

* 24-28 yards of your choice of ribbon in widths 1 3/4", 1", and 1/2".

* Sharp Scissors and a Ruler.

Tricks of the Trade:

* Choose different textures in your ribbons for a more interesting look. Some of the ribbons I used were wired, some were grosgrain, some sparkly (Glitter makes EVERYTHING better), and some satiny. I also think the various widths of the ribbons made the wreath more interesting too.

* Read your ribbon spools! Some ribbons measure 3 feet in lenght and others 4 or 5 feet. You may need more spools of one type of ribbon depending on the total length.

* I purchased 10 spools and definitely had some left over that I used in different areas around my home on other projects. It is better to have more than you need than run out and have to run back up to the craft store. You can always return unused ribbon, or use it in other places in your home to tie everything together.

Now to put it all together:

* Cut all your ribbon first in 16" pieces. I used 5 different ribbons (one zebra is used is not pictured) and cut about 7 pieces of each style ribbon.

* Once your ribbon is cut you are ready to begin knotting. I used a pattern to place my ribbon that I repeated all the way around the wreath. Start by tying one ribbon in a standard knot. Then tie on your next ribbon and so on working all the way around the wreath.

* As you tie a ribbon slide it over as tightly as you can to the previous ribbon. You do not want your wreath form to show. Depending on how tightly you pack the ribbon in will determine the total amount of ribbon you wind up using.

* Once you get all your ribbons on, fluff it up a bit making sure all the ribbons can be seen. I hung mine on a wreath hanger I purchased at Old Time Pottery for $9.99.

I set my wreath on a black tray on my coffee table with a few other decorations to finish it off. I love the way it turned out and already have plans to make one for Christmas! Yippe!!!

Okay so here it goes! Welcome to the Blog World!!

2011-09-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here I am! I have finally arrived in Blog world. To be truthful, I do not know much about blogging nor have I read very many blogs, but due to some persistent friends who have ever so sweetly pushed me into blogging...well here I am in blog world. I am new at this so I am sure my blogs will be in constant change and update mode until I get the hang of this so bear with me. Ha! Ha!

I L-O-V-E crafting and everything crafty. I am semi creative but do have a knack for copying others crafting genius. I quite often will scan the web for ideas, looking for that something that I just have to make. Very rarely do I search and not find something that catches my eye and makes the ongoing shopping list for JoAnn's or Michael's. My new recent addiction is Pinterest. Have you been there??? Oh my gracious!!! I love this site!!! I have already started multiple boards and have begun pinning and re pinning ideas I cannot wait to start making. One of my recent "re-pins" (if you do not know what that means than you probably are not a Pinterest junkie) was an idea from a blog Everything I Love and More. In this blog she makes the most adorable BOO apothecary jars from a few unfinsihed wood pieces, glass canisters, ribbon, and glitter. FYI...EVERYTHING looks better with glitter! Once I saw it I just had to make one to add to my fall decorations! And so I did. As requested, I will post how to directions for you so that you can copy them too. Enjoy!

Here is where you begin. Purchase 3 glass containers with lids, 3 unfinished wood bases, 3 unfinished wood disks, 3 unfinished wood candlesticks in your choice of size, and 3 unfinshed wood finials (I could not find these so I made some myself out of two different pieces).

Now spray paint all of the wood pieces and the jar lids black. You may need a few coats. After using the spray paint, I went over the pieces with acrylic paint too. I like the finished look better. Once, dried it is time to assemble all of the items together. You will need to use a strong glue like Gorilla Glue. Place a round base down, then glue on a candle stick, then a wood disk, then your jar, then your finial to the top of the jar. Ta Da!!!

Once everything dries, it is time to decoarate your jars. I purchased 3 unfinished wood letters that spell BOO. I painted them using orange acrylic paint and then a good coverage of sparkly orange glitter (Didn't I say EVERYTHING looks better witha little glitter?). Once those were dry I attached a black polka dot ribbon to the backs so that I could hang them from the jars finials. Using the same polka dot ribbon and a wider orange, I made bows to top the jars. Craft complete! Now I just need to fill them up with candy corn. MMMM!

I think this craft cost me around $25. I always use my JoAnn's or Michael's coupons to make the cost of the project lower. It took me around 1 hour total to make including painting, assembling, and decorating the jars. I plan on using these jars again at Christmas using different ribbon and letters spelling JOY...then at Valentines using the letters that spell HUG or XOX...ohhh the possibilities!!!