DIY Flowery Front Door Wreath

The other day, our mail lady came to the door to give us our mail so she could ask about the wreath on our front door.

Ms. Sue: Do you make your own wreaths?
Me: Yes, I do.
Ms. Sue: Oh wow! It's so beautiful! You are so creative.
Me: Thank you!

So I was inspired to make a tutorial for this super cheap and super easy wreath.


Where to shop:
Dollar Tree
Craft Store (if needed)


What you need:
10-12 Fake Hawaiian leis in colors of your choice
Wire wreath frame (if the dollar tree doesn't have any, you can get one at any craft store)
**You can also use a skinny pool noodle cut to desired length and taped with duct tape.**
Floral wire
Wired Ribbon (I found this lovely pink burlap ribbon at the Dollar Tree!)

Directions:
Wrap the leis around the wreath frame and secure with small lengths of floral wire. If you go the pool noodle route you'll want to glue the ends of the leis to the noodle. I recommend E-6000 as it is waterproof. Make a bow, and attach it to the wreath with the floral wire. Voila! beautiful wreath for spring and summer.

You could do blue and pink for a baby shower or white for a bridal shower! Make wreaths in wedding colors for a wedding or your own decor colors for a beautiful wall decor piece.

Do you make your own wreaths?

DIY Fall Tree

My second favorite time of year for decorating is Fall, and for me, Fall starts on September 1st. That's when I break out all my pumpkins, sunflowers, marigolds, gourds, mums, scarecrows, and turkeys. My house goes from calming blues and grays to pops of orange, red, and yellow. 

If you've been around these parts long enough and you stalk my Instagram, you'll know that I make a lot of the decor for my home. Wreaths, flower arrangements, chalkboard signs, mailbox bows, picture frames, among other things. And every year brings something new to the mix. This year my mom was  telling me about her fall tree. Basically a Christmas tree with fall type decor on it. While I wasn't about to pull out one of my four trees, I thought about how I could still have a fall tree. Then I saw a craft post on either Pinterest or Facebook, I don't remember where, and BOOM. Fall tree idea. 

What you need:

Tomato Cage

Floral Tape

Hot Glue Gun

Roll of Floral Wire

Lots of leaf garland

Ribbon (optional)

Orange lights (optional)

Directions:

You want your tomato cage to be upside down, with the big circle on the bottom and the loose ends on the top. Then hot glue the three ends together into a point. 

Take a long length of floral wire and make another vertical post in between each of the tomato cage "legs" between the bottom and middle circles. Then you'll have a total of 6 posts to wrap the leaf garland around. 

Wrap and wrap and wrap your leaf garland around the tomato cage, securing with floral tape where needed. You want to make sure you don't have any large gaps. 

Then you can add other stuff like ribbon or lights to make it your own! Cool right? After I made mine, I got an awesome idea for Christmas and had to run out and buy another tomato cage. So you've got that to look forward too!

Do you make any of your season home decor? 

Tiny Diamonds Baby Blanket Pattern

Pregnancy is going around, in my blogging circles and my family. When contemplating what to get my preggo eggo buddies, it occurred to me that if it were me, I would want something handmade that I could potentially pass down to my children and grandchildren. The start of a family heirloom. Most everyone knows that I knit and crochet, and it only seemed fitting for me to make baby blankets rather than purchase them. So that's exactly what I did.

I started with a blanket for my sister-in-law, and i picked out this lacy diamond pattern. Once that was done, I had at least two other people I wanted to make one for. I didn't want them to all be the same, so I modified the pattern from my sister-in-law's blanket to make this sweet blanket for my dear blogging friend, Hope.

I don't know how many of you, dear readers, do any kind of yarn crafting, but I just had to share it.


U.S. Hook size- G /6 4.00mm

I used Bernat Baby Sport Yarn in white.

Loosely, chain 129.

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across to end, ch 2(or 3), turn

Row 2: dc in next 2 st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 9 st* 12 times, ch 1 skip next st, dc in last 3 st, ch 2(or 3) and turn

Row 3: dc in next st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, ch 1 skip next st, dc in next 7 st* 12 times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, ch 1 skip next st, dc in last 2 st, ch 2(or 3) turn

Row 4: dc in next st, dc in ch 1 st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, dc in next 8 st, dc in ch 1 st* 12 times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, dc in last 2 st, ch 2(or3), turn

Row 5-7: dc in each st across (including ch 1 st from row 4 in row 5) ch 2(or 3), turn

Row 8: dc in first 7 st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 9 st* repeat 11 times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in last 8 st, ch 2(or 3), turn

Row 9: dc in first 6 st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 space, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 7 st* 10 times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch  1 space, ch 1, skip next st, dc in last 7 st, ch 2(or 3), turn

Row 10: dc in first 6 st, *dc in ch 1 st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, dc in next 7 st* 10 times, dc in ch 1 st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in ch 1 st, dc in last 7 st, ch 2(or 3), turn

Row 11-13: dc in each st across to end (including ch 1 st from row 10 in row 11)

Repeat the row pattern to desired length ending with Row 5. 

Add on the edging pattern of your choice, I chose a simple scalloped edging for this blanket. But I'm currently working on another blanket that I'm putting a Ruffled Edging on, and I really want to try out this pom-pom edging soon. So make it your own!

What do you guys think of my first pattern? 

DIY Red, White, & Blue Wreath

Remember that Twine Wreath I made back in March? Well I made it to where I can change out the decoration on it so I can use it for all kinds of holidays and season. Today is our Nation's birthday, so I made this patriotic wreath for our front door.

Here's what you need:

The basic twine wreath (You'll find the instructions on how to make it In this post.)
Fake Red Flowers
Fake White Flowers
Fake Blue Flowers (if you want)
Fake Greenery (if you want)
1 pair of American Flag Flip Flops
Pipe Cleaners
Glue (I used Gorilla Glue, but craft glue or hot glue would work as well)
Scissors

Here's what you do:

Make 2-3 bunches of flowers in their respective colors, or mix them up. Get creative! Then you want to figure out how you want your flip flops to lay and glue them together. Let them dry well. Once dry, attach pipe cleaners to the bottom of the straps on either side of the glued flip flops like in the picture below.

Then attach the flower bunches to the basic twine wreath with pipe cleaners in the spot where you want them. Using the pipe cleaners we put on the flip flops, secure them to the wreath in their desired position. You may need to attach additional pipe cleaners to the back of the flip flop straps to get it to stay in position. And viola! You've got yourself a Red, White, and Blue Twine Wreath perfect for your 4th of July festivities. You can also use it for Memorial Day! Or change out the colors of the flowers and flip flops and use a bare pool noodle to create a look for the whole of summer.

NOTE: To make the decorations permanent, glue them to the wreath.

Do you change out your front door decor for the holiday or season? Do you make your own wreaths?

DIY Twine Wreath

I see all kinds of beautiful wreaths on Pinterest, in craft stores, on Facebook, and Instagram. While it's so much easier to just purchase one, it can be a heck of a lot cheaper to make one yourself. Today I'm going to tell you how I made this twine wreath with interchangeable accessories so you can have a cute front door that matches every season or holiday!

What You Need:

Slender Pool Noodle
Large ball of twine
Duct Tape
Pipe cleaners / or floral wire
Floral Tape (optional)
Glue (optional)
Scissors
Artificial flowers
Ribbon
Any other wreath decor you like

I purchased most of these materials from Dollar Tree! You just have to get creative and think outside the box when you're walking through the store.

Make the Wreath

Bend your noodle into a circle and tape the ends together. You might have to work your noodle into a good circle shape by bending it in several places.
Tie the end of the twine on the noodle, and wrap it around the noodle making sure none of the noodle is showing through. When you're done, secure the end by tying it to a neighboring strand of twine or you could even glue it down.

Add the Decorations

Arrange the flowers into two bunches that fit the shape of the wreath (or however you want them to look!) and secure the stems with floral tape or pipe cleaners
Then attach the flower bunches to your wreath with pipe cleaners or floral wire.
Make a large bow with matching/corresponding ribbon and attach it to the wreath with pipe cleaners or floral wire. Make sure the bow is covering the stems of your flower bunches.
To make the loop so you can hang your wreath, make a circle with a pipe cleaner (preferably the same or similar color of your door) with the noodle in the middle of the circle, and secure the ends together by twisting them.

If you want a more permanent arrangement on your wreath, you can glue all the pieces down. Otherwise, you can take off your Valentines Day flowers and put up St. Patty's Day flowers, or even make a little bunny head with some ears and cotton balls for Easter.

Badda bing! Badda boom! You have your very own, fancy schmancy twine wreath!

Have you ever made your own wreath before? Was it cheaper than purchasing a similar pre-made one?

DIY Floating Table for the Pool

So remember that pool we got for our back yard? Well, it's pretty awesome and while we were enjoying a leisurely dip the other day, I longed for a floating table or tray to play cards or place a snack on. The next day I was chatting with my mom and we came up with a game plan for me to make my own floating pool table! My DIY project turned out pretty great and was perfect to play a few hands of rummy while chilling out max and relaxing all cool in our fabulous little backyard pool.

Here's what you need:

:: 1 plastic serving tray (I got mine for $2 at Dollar General, but they have some cute ones at Dollar Tree as well!)
:: 1 slim pool noodle (these are everywhere during summer. I got mine at Dollar General for $1)
:: E6000 High performance industrial grade glue (don't freak out! It's under $3 at Walmart, but you need a strong glue that is also waterproof and this works great!)
:: Scissors

*NOTE: Go outside when using the E6000 glue and be careful not to get any on your skin. The fumes are toxic, so please don't die.*

Here's what you do:

Turn your tray over so the bottom is facing up. Cut two section of noodle that are slightly shorter than the bottle of your tray. After you go outside, make a squiggly line of glue on one side of the bottom of the tray. Place a noodle section on the glue and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat those steps for the other side. Let the finished tray dry outside for about 15 more minutes to let the fumes dissipate and the glue set it. Then Enjoy!!

Best idea I ever had. Seriously it's pretty cool. If you make one send me a picture!

DIY Key Hook

Our entry way is not very spacious, and the steps leading down into the living room don't leave much room for a hall tree or entry table for my purse and the goodies in Philip's pockets. I have a plan for it, but it has to wait for our September trip to Georgia to retrieve the rest of my things. In the mean time, I knew I wanted a key hook. Not just any key hook, it had to be elegantly rustic, durable, and functional.

After browsing Pinterest for ideas and a trip to the craft store, I came up with a nifty project that will serve our needs and look nice as well. If I can do this, so can you!

What you need:

Unfinished CD crate - I got mine here

Wood stain - we had some leftover from our cabinet project

A foam brush

An old rag you don't mid throwing out (not pictured)

Hooks - I used clear command hooks

Wide head hanging nails

Step 1: Lay out news paper either on a table or outside. The stain stains (duh)! Then use the foam brush to stain the CD crate. Following the directions on the can to get the desired shade. After the appointed length of time, you wipe off the stain and let it dry. This can take anywhere from a couple of hour to overnight. Just to make sure it was completely dry, I left it overnight.

Step 2: Prep your command hooks. Make sure you put the sticky strip on right!!

Step 3: Turn the crate with the side you want to be the "bottom" up. Figure out spacing and placement of the hooks, then attach. I left room to add more hooks if needed.

Step 4: Turn the crate on it's side so it's like a shelf, and hang on the wall using the wide head nails.

Then add your stuff! I put a jar on top for Philip's utility knives and safety glasses and he can put his pocket knife, wallet, and gum on the inside. Of course, our keys are hooked on the bottom.

Try it! It's super easy! Do you do DIY craft projects for your home? Show me!

DIY Workout Tanktop

You've probably seen these on Pinterest, but have you actually tried to make one yourself? No? Why not?! They are super easy and take only minutes to complete. But seriously, if I can do it and not screw it up (or hurt myself in the process), so can you! Plus, my adorable Snicklefritz (aka Kay) from The Best of Intentions said she wanted a DIY post, so I figured why not! If you haven't checked out her EPIC LIST OF BLOG IDEAS you should, it's got some great stuff.

What you need:

An old T-shirt - preferably cute and slightly loose fitting.
Scissors
Pen or Marker
A workout/regular tank you bought and like the style and fit
A furry assistant

Here's what you do:

Turn the T-shirt inside out so the pen marks are on the inside. I turned my tank inside out as well incase my pen decided to take a detour. Then slide the T-shirt in the tank top (pictured below) and trace the neck and arm holes on the front and back of the shirt.

Separate the T-shirt and Tank. Ok here's where the furry assistant comes in to play. Let her/him inspect the tracings and hold them down for a few mins, you never know when a huge gust of wind will blow through your bedroom! Don't worry, once she's moved out of the way, you can cut along those lines you traced and turn the T-shirt right side out again.

I hope you enjoyed that project and I'd love see your lovely new Workout Tank Top!

Lets Hang Stuff on the Walls!

When I moved here there wasn't much in the way of wall decor. Just a mirror and a couple random hand-me-down pieces of art in the kitchen, a Denver Broncos clock in the bedroom, and a Chinese restaurant menu in the living room, you know, the one that has a calendar on it and rolls up like a scroll. Yeah, very bachelor pad.

I Made This!

It's finally finished!

You can see my original post about the start of this project here. 

Blue Circles Afghan

Source

When Philip and I were in Georgia for Christmas, one of the gifts I received from my grandparents was a bunch of yarn, a crochet hook, and a book of patterns. Grandmommy and Mom had picked one out for me to try. I finally got in the mood to start this rather large project las week. The pattern (picture to the right) calls for four colors and I only have three, so I adjusted the color pattern to suit the colors I have.

You can buy the pattern here. You can buy the complete patter book here. It's from 1991, but the patterns are still nice.

The Ups and Downs of Pinterest Crafts

Sunday's are grocery shopping days. Most of the time we go down to the lake and shop at Hy-Vee as they have a better selection, lower prices, and a fuel point system that saves us money on gas as well. So while we are down there, we sometimes go to other stores that are not in our small town. This week, we went to Lowe's and JoAnn's.

Yes, I Knit and Crochet. No, I Am Not Old.