All Seasons Wreaths

I have a few friends that are nothing like me. They do not look forward to decorating for each season and probably sort of wish people like me didn't exist. They like their house to look nice, but they don't like the hassle of changing for each season!

I created these two wreaths with them in mind. Both of them are super cute, but they aren't connected to any particular season. They can stay up all year long or, if you're like me, they can be used as fillers between seasons ;)

Lightsaber Summer Fun

About every other week this summer, I've been taking a day off work to watch my nephews for the day. It's been fun getting to spend some time with them and enjoying the summer!

 

Today was the last day because they head back to school next week. I wanted to come up with a few fun things for us to do. We went to the library for a while and picked out some books, played with the puppets in the storytelling area, and practicing our inside voices. ;)

Then we went to a few stores and picked up the supplies we needed to make some lightsabers! 

(Yes, they still eat, live, and breath Star Wars.) All we used were 2 pool noodles, duct tape, electrical tape, and painter's tape (although I'm sure even a blue Sharpie would work). 

We had a great day! 

And the best part of these? They don't hurt nearly as much as those plastic ones when they hit you!

Welcome Yarn Wreath

Getting a head start on some items for my craft show coming up in the fall! 

I used a multi-colored yarn (no, I did NOT wrap each color individually like one friend suggested) to wrap the wreath and then a coordinating deep purple for the band. I popped that daisy flower off a stem and hot glued it to the wreath. The welcome sign is made of wood. I sprayed the wooden sign with spray adhesive, placed it upside down on a piece of scrapbook paper, and used an Exacto knife to cut the paper to size. I then used a small file to smooth the edges and added a layer of Mod Podge to keep it smooth. I like how it turned out! I also think it could be used for spring, fall, or both!

4th of July Madness

For some reason this year, I was obsessed with 4th of July decorations! However, I was completely bummed because I was going to be out of town and wouldn't be able to have a party. Long story short, my plans changed last minute, but I didn't have time to throw a party together!

Until I came up with this brilliant idea. 

I decided to throw a 4th WEEK of July party! It also served as sort of a come see my house/buy some jewelry from my sister party. (It was a big night!) I had a great time hosting all of my friends in my tiny little place and making some yummy, red-white-and-blue foods and decorations!

Scripture Alphabet Book

It seems like everyone I know is having a baby.

Okay, not EVERYONE, but a LOT of people I know. 

I'm a working woman, but shopping for all of these babies can get expensive!

Here is my go-to gift for new moms:

Scripture Alphabet Book

I bought the graphics as a set on Etsy. I then went through the (somewhat painstaking) process of printing, cutting, trimming, pasting, laminating, punching, and stringing the pages together to complete the book. Depending on how many books you make, the intensity of the labor that goes into this project could be worth it in the end! I think I've made at least 5 of these and will have plenty more to make by the end of the year.

Desk Makeover

In preparation for my upcoming move, I've been working on putting together some pieces for my bedroom. I scoured Pinterest for some DIY furniture redo tips and was inspired!

My brother brought this desk over a while ago in exchange for the beautiful roll top desk I was originally going to paint. (He thought it was a crime- I didn't see a problem with it.)

 

  

Here is the finished product!

I purchased the white and brushed nickel pulls from Lowe's, and the zebra print knobs from Hobby Lobby. I never realized how expensive knobs and pulls are! I could have gone with a more generic look and been able to buy them in a pack, but I couldn't resist adding a little zebra flair. Even with 50% off the knobs from Hobby Lobby, I still think I spend about $20 on knobs and pulls and $10 on paint and primer. The desk was free, so I guess $30 total isn't too bad! I also had PLENTY of paint and primer left over, so it will be used for other projects.

Storage Canisters

Storage canisters can get expensive. I wanted to personalize them anyway, so I tried to make them as cheap as possible! I purchased the jars at Hobby Lobby while their glassware was 50% off. (Make sure it says on the bottom that they are food-safe containers. This isn't true for all of them! They also need to be air-tight.) I then set to work on my Cricut machine. I used the "Old West" cartridge and cut out each letter. It was a little tedious, especially applying them to the jars, but I love how they turned out! I love leaving them out on my kitchen counter for their own decoration!