How To Make an Alphabet Shadow Box
Previous image Next image We're always on the lookout for new ways to display the alphabet in a child's room. Using an old picture frame and some wood, you can construct a shadow box, stencil letters onto the glass, and fill it with tiny, found objects to represent each letter. Instructions:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Note: You could skip constructing your own box if you can find a shadow box with lots of compartments. (Images: Katie Steuernagle)
Gift Idea: A Simple DIY Scarf
I created this super simple DIY scarf, inspired by a scarf in Elsie's closet from a past season. This scarf is great for adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit. I think these would make great gifts for all my girlfriends. 1. Have a great week!
How To Create a Sacred Space at Home
According to research published by Psychology Today, an appreciation of the sacred and a search for meaning beyond ourselves can promote strengthened relationships with others, positive emotions, and a sense of purpose in life. Whatever your spiritual beliefs (or non-beliefs) may be, it can be calming to have a special spot in your home reserved for quiet introspection and reflection. You might designate an entire room, or maybe a cozy nook in the corner of your bedroom would be perfect. Whatever space you choose, let it be a place where you can rest, re-connect with what is meaningful in your life, and be inspired to pursue your passions. 1. 2. 3. 4. Taking the time to create a designated unplugging station — a respite from the deluge of texts, emails and other electronic bleeps and incessant stimuli in our lives — can be a wise gift to yourself: a reminder to take a little bit of time each day to unlplug, to tune out, and to turn in. (Image: Soy candle from Etsy seller Luminology)
Make Your Own Clay Ornaments
Just in time for the holidays! Kelli Murray shows us how to make your own ornaments and gift tags using oven bake clay! Supplies: Sculpey oven bake clay, rolling pin, bakers twine, paint (I only used black), cookies cutters, paint pen and paint brushes. (Not pictured: a straw) Begin by rolling out your clay into a thin, even sheet (about 5/8" thick). Next, poke holes in the tops of all your ornaments using a straw. Bake according to the directions on the package. After you have baked the clay and let them cool, design to your heart's content! The smaller sized ornaments work great as personalized gift tags on a gift box.
Silhouette reading lamp
I really loved the look I got when I created the cityscape silhouette lampshade for my kitchen work desk, so I decided to make another version for a lamp I bought at Kirkland’s to go in my library. Since this was going to be a reading lamp, I decided to use the phrase “Once Upon a Time” (which also happens to be the title of one of my favorite new TV shows). I used my Cricut and the Storybook Cricut cartridge to cut the saying out of black scrapbook paper. I love how it looks so ordinary when it’s off but then turns magical when I turn it on to read a good book! And guess what!
His + Her Sharpie Mug DIY
After seeing several projects floating around on Pinterest I decided to try the sharpie method for customizing a pair of his + her mugs (this set is super cute + this one is particularly beautiful). The directions listed on Pinterest kinda seemed too easy to be true... so I did a little testing. I even tried running them through the dishwasher and here's what I found out... Here's the method: All you need is a sharpie (any color) and a porcelain dish that you want to permanently alter. You can even use super cheap mugs from the dollar store to create gifts or party favors. After I made my dishes I tried scrubbing them with a kitchen sponge and soap. Anyway... that was my fun little weekend project. EDITED TO ADD: Although many people (including me) have had success with this DIY project we have received many comments from readers who said the marker washed off. instead!
A Table for Jax
A few months ago, I posted these design collages for my sisters nursery. In case you missed it, here is one of them: She is having a boy and his name is going to be... Jax. I thought it would be so cute to incorporate the game of Jax in the room to represent his cool name. I found this little table and chair set at the Goodwill. (Before) I gave it a quick sanding, taped it off, and painted it using colors from her bedding. I did an Internet search "free Jax Clip Art", printed one, and traced it on the table top using pattern tracing paper. I filled in the symbol with my detail brush, sanded the edges and sealed the top with a few coats of polyurethane (so it can take a beating). Lastly, the chairs were spray painted with high gloss Cherry Red from Krylon. I can't wait to see the little guy using it. Linking up to :
Song Lyric Wall Art / D.I.Y. Project
A couple weeks ago, I found a paint-by-number at an unbeatable price. I can't pass these things up even though I already owned this particular design. I thought that I could maybe use it to make a fun D.I.Y., but my new rule is that all thrifts that I purchase with the intent of restyling need to get done right away. I have way too many half finished projects in my life. Here's how I did it... I displayed our piece in our bedroom, on Jeremy's side of the bed.
Computer Monitor Riser Woodworking Plans - Free Woodworking Plans to Make a Riser for Your Computer Monitors
Ergonomics are changing the way that companies are setting up their offices today. One issue that a number of very tall people face when they are seated at their desks is they have to look downward at their monitor. I can't count the number of times I've seen people use strong cardboard boxes, computer manuals and even telephone books under the base of their monitor to raise it up to eye level. In this set of free woodworking plans, we've got a much better solution. We've built a beautiful hardwood computer monitor riser that sits under one or two monitors to raise them up over five inches! To complete these computer monitor riser plans, we used maple for the visible parts of the unit with poplar for the carcase and drawers. This woodworking project will really show off your skills as a craftsman, and is one you'll be proud to display for years and years. Download the Free Woodworking Plans to build this computer monitor riser (PDF).
His and Her Pillow Cases DIY
Our sweet friend Kinsey has been having fun decoring her and husband's new loft apartment. Today she shares a simple tutorial for creating matching His and Her pillow cases! 1. These so adorable!
