Crafts Archives

SPRING CENTERPIECE FOR THE DINING ROOM

March 22, 2022

Hello! Welcome to this month’s Pinterest Challenge hosted by our friend Cindy who creates weekly inspiration at her blog at County Road 407. If you are stopping by Niky’s blog welcome to Everyday Edits. This spring centerpiece challenge for the dining room was fun. These challenges always motivate me to shop my house. I love our dining room table. I shared this love letter to our dining room table. It is like a member of the family and deserves a spring centerpiece to give it a little love.

For this month’s challenge, Cindy chose Suzy’s spring centerpiece for inspiration.

I loved the centerpiece Suzy created.

I love the height of Suzy’s tiered tray. However, my tiered tray was holding court in our kitchen last week and it felt a little too casual (and small) for my dining room.

I love Suzy’s Spring theme tray that included:

clay pots
, birdhouse
bunnies
spring dishes
and greenery

CENTERPIECE CHALLENGE

The challenge for my centerpiece was to keep our dining room table clean. Most days our dining room table looks like the conveyor belt at the Kroger checkout. On any given day there is a revolving collection of items like the 12 pack of Charmin that nobody thinks to take it upstairs.

For years, my boys used the dining room table for their tennis racquets and court shoes.

So now? My dining room is ready for a spring tablescape sans the Target bag with toiletries.

I switched a few things from my first pass at this centerpiece. I wish I had a smaller bunny, but I am on a self-imposed spending hiatus. So I used what I had and I swear I am more creative when I shop my house.

IDEAS FOR A SPRING CENTERPIECE

I switched out the china plates that just did not work in the original plan.

So I pulled out my Valentine appetizer plates and stuck a bird’s nest on top. Nobody will be the wiser until I serve dessert.

I grabbed this birdhouse from my home office collection of tiny houses (Realtor life). Some of you may remember this birdhouse from last year’s table.

For my dining room table, I added spring eggs. I love the pastels this time of year.

Finally, I added a few cloth napkins, in a spring shade of blue. I hope I will remember to use these at Easter. ;0) I found them on sale at Williams-Sonoma at the end of last summer.

I am falling in love with cloth napkins.

I love the finished look! It’s not overwhelming the table.

Please follow along to Kristin’s blog White Arrows Home for her take on this challenge!

Before you go I would love it if you pinned the image below to your favorite boards!

This month’s challenge is bittersweet as our friend Paula earned a spot in heaven after a five-year forced march with cancer. I was blessed to meet her last summer in Atlanta. Sending hugs to Sherman!

HOW TO CREATE MERCURY GLASS DECOR

March 15, 2022

I am so excited to share this fun upcycle idea using mason jars, pickle jars, and/or all those floral vases stored under the sink. You know what I am talking about, right? Those “just in case” jars or vases. Well, haul them out from the cabinets or from under the sink for this quick tutorial on how to create mercury glass decor.

You are going to love this one hour upcycle project!

HOW TO CREATE MERCURY GLASS DECOR

It is such a fun and easy project! Grab the kids or the grans for this fun craft. Supervision is a must if you are doing this with kids. Teenagers may love the chance to create sparkly decor vases.

Here is a peek at just one of the floral vases I used to create mercury glass accessories. It is a bit addictive.

You will want to create more when you see the effects when the mirror glass magic takes hold.

The first thing to note is the contrast between the two vases above. That’s the fun/frustration part of this project.

No two jars or vases yield the same results. I’m not sure what was different about the glass jar on the left, but the supply list is below.

HOW TO MAKE MERCURY GLASS DECOR SUPPLY LIST

The Supply List: I have a cute pin graphic for easy reference.

However, I forgot to mention a spray bottle and a roll of paper towels or rags.

STEPS

Start with clean jars. I wiped my glass vases & jars with rubbing alcohol.
Add equal parts vinegar and water to a spray bottle. I keep a stash of recycled spray bottles.
Spritz the vinegar/water mixture around the vase. Do not wipe off.
Immediately follow with the Krylon Looking Glass . I found it online, Michaels or Home Depot.
Spray around the vases multiple times.
Dab around the vase with a soft rag to blot the drips.
Let dry. Repeate this process 1-2 more times until you achieve the look you want.

I took this photo in the garage, but I sprayed the vases outside.

There is a noticeable difference between the two vases. I ran low on the Krylon spray which explained the smoother finish on the shorter vase. My plan is to repeat the process to see what happens to the finish.

I love the finished look and I can’t wait to do it again! I would love it if you pinned it to your Pinterest boards!

You can see my favorite finds on my page.

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SUPER SIMPLE VALENTINE WREATH

January 13, 2022

easy diy Valentine wreath for the craft challenged or crazy busy

Valentine’s Day is different when your kids outgrow the tradition of Valentine cards and parties. I now send my kids one of these for Valentine’s Day. I admit the addition of pink to the decor after the holidays is refreshing and gives a glimpse of the spring season.

Here is a super simple wreath that requires very little time, money and effort.

SIMPLE VALENTINE WREATH

VALENTINE’S DAY DOOR WREATH

Wreath Elements:

grapevine wreath
paper hearts
ribbon

I loved the simplicity of this wreath. I loved to work with grapevine wreaths. However my original version. I think I had too many layers on the wreath when I added a smaller wreath to the center of the grapevine.

was a bit of a disaster. My vision of a petite and dainty wreath were replaced with a bulky and chunky vibe. Not the look I wanted for Valentine’s Day or a month into these simple steps to lose the holiday love handles.

Let’s just say my original wire hanger wreath went sideways from there.

VALENTINE’S DAY WREATH

So I went with a chunkier grapevine wreath with silver accents (I bought it years ago on clearance at Target). I found this one on Amazon.

I found these adorable Valentine cutouts from the Dollar Store and these hearts.

Baker’s twine was the perfect weight to attach the pink and white hearts. From there, it was easy to thread the hearts through the grapevine.

I draped it over the grapevine wreath like a strand of garland- tucking it between the branches.

My plans to hang my Valentine’s Day wreath on the front door were derailed when the wind tossed the paper-thin hearts and the threat of snow would lead to a broken hearts party on the porch.

With snow in the forecast, I relocated the wreath to the Dutch door in the kitchen.

So even though my wreath did not end up where it began I do love it.

But, I think I might have to paint the Dutch door pink. #wink

Thank you for stopping by today. Here is another fun Valentine craft you may enjoy!

WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THIS DIY CANVAS FRAME KIT

April 6, 2021

Sharing a beautiful DIY canvas frame kit perfect for a girls night or Mother’s Day

I did not inherit the crafty gene. My sister took all of it and upstaged me with our painted Christmas village over our college winter breaks.

But over the past year discovered, with a little bit more free time, maybe I could find my crafty side. And then a serendipity invitation showed up in my inbox.

DIY CANVAS FRAME KIT BY PHOTOWALL

Photowall reached out to me to share my experience with their DIY canvas frame kit. With over 14oo0 options between their canvas prints and wallpaper options I thought I might get lost in the huge selection.

Until I landed on their floral canvas prints.

And between clicks and searches on Photowall’s website, I found the one.

It was the perfect print for my home office.

With navy walls and freshly stained floors, this was the perfect canvas print with pinks and greens. I found the one in a matter of minutes.

And you will too.

And then …

While waiting four days for my tulip DIY canvas frame kit to ship from Sweden I started to panic. What if I screw this up? What if I break the frame or ruin the canvas while trying to assemble it?

So when it arrived, with a mix of emotions of excitement and a wee bit of fear, I removed the contents from the narrow shipping box and perked up.

Could something so pretty really be this simple?

I shared a short video on my Youtube Channel to introduce this fun DIY craft in a box.

PHOTOTWALL DIY CANVAS FRAME KIT INCLUDES

canvas print of your choosing
unassembled frame with adhesive tape
4 brackets to reinforce the corners
the most practical screws ever for an assembled framed canvas
mounting wall bracket

The kit includes a simple instruction list that does not require a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering to assemble the frame to the canvas.

Even the supers-sized screws with ribbed edges made it easy. There was absolutely no hardware, scissors or glue needed.

My only suggestion for this DIY canvas print is to use a large flat surface to lay your canvas print (print side facing down) flat.

I removed all of the contents and made sure the four frame sections were aligned on the canvas correctly. And then it’s just a peel and stick step where the canvas adheres to each frame. Where the corners magically align.

I love it. The first thing I want to do is order one for my daughter and my sister for their birthdays. This would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift. You could even do it over a Zoom call with your friends or family.

I am going to have a Photowall canvas print party this summer where everyone pre-orders their canvas and we have a little girls’ craft night.

After this past year, I cannot think of a better way to reconnect in our homes with our girlfriends and family.

Photowall is offering a 25% discount with the discount code: everydayedits25.

This discount is valid for two months so forward to your friends or adult children to kick off the season of reconnecting with our friends and family!

Disclosure: Photowall provided me with a canvas framed print of my choice.

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HOW TO PAINT GLASS PLATES + VIDEO

February 8, 2021

super fun craft idea to paint those miscellaneous glass plates, mason jars or glass accessories

This has been on my craft day wish list for a few years. The curiosity was driven by the fact I own about 60 appetizer size glass plates from a party we hosted once. Recently, I found those glass plates residing in the back of a cabinet. I was on a quest to figure out how to decorate glass plates. Ever since I learned you can do this with glass, I pretty much want to paint all my glass accessories.

HOW TO PAINT GLASS PLATES

The supply list is super short and the fun factor is endless. This project works with plates, mason jars or any glassware with a smooth finish. The options and ideas are endless.

There is a short video on my youtube channel or at the bottom of this post!

SUPPLY LIST

set of acrylic paint pens like these (I found mine at Home Depot).
glass plates, bowls, jars, drink glasses
drop cloth or heavy craft paper
oven + baking sheet

HOW TO DECORATE GLASS PLATES

This is so simple and every plate will be a custom piece. Keep reading for fun ideas for this craft. But, first…

Tip: Do not pre-heat the oven.

Start with clean, dry glassware.
Cover surface because oil-based markers will leave a mark.
Decorate the plate. I painted on the backside of the plate because it was just hearts.
Place finished glassware on a baking sheet.
Let plates sit on a baking sheet for 20 minutes to “set.
Place baking sheet in the oven and turn the oven to 350 degrees
“Bake” for 30 minutes

Lessons:

Do as I say not as I did. Cover the surface when using oil-based Sharpies. I painted my plate with my tablet nearby. I may have been on a Zoom call. #wink The Sharpie pen made the perfect pink dot on the letter “D” on my tablet.
Don’t overthink the design. This is supposed to a fun, relaxing craft.

PIN FOR BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR ALL AGES +

This would be a fun idea for the kids or the grandkids. My sister suggested a girls’ social distance gathering!

Or, pin this for family activities over the holidays. I have enough glass plates they could each create a set of four decorative plates. #wink.

Oh and before you go… here is short video with me explaining this craft.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Cp2GHT7QA[/embedyt]

CHRISTMAS DOOR SWAG FROM PINE TREE CLIPPINGS

December 17, 2020

how to make a Christmas door swag from tree clippings in a few minutes and a video

The only person who may have trouble making this Christmas door swag is Charlie Brown. I think his Christmas tree would be short on tree clippings. But if he lived near a nursery, tree farm or tree lot Charlie Brown could make a cute Christmas door swag for the front door of Snoopy’s dog house …in a few minutes.

Seriously, once you gather your supplies (see below) this is a quick craft.

If you have visited Everyday Edits you know I am not a crafter. However, after making this 3-minute ornament on my youtube channel I kind of got the craft bug.

I think that video is in the running for the fewest view in 2020-2021.

The supply list is as short as the time it takes to make this holiday door swag. And, your entry will smell like fresh pine.

CHRISTMAS DOOR SWAG SUPPLY LIST

fresh boughs of pine branches
bells or other ornamental swag
wire or ties or ribbon (in a pinch you could use a bread tie)
bows or ribbons

It’s all about the base …

The boughs, branches, or even artificial leftover garland work for the base layer. I always snag a few pounds of pine clippings from our Christmas tree farm. Not our tree farm, but the one we go to for our Christmas tree.

Followed by the bells. I found this bell swag from Homegoods before Thanksgiving. It was from Martha Stewart’s holiday line.

I am obsessed with bells.

The bells came with a burlap bow so I threaded the bells over the branches and tied them together with a wired jute cord from the Dollar Store.

By the way, I love this stuff. I am new to the Dollar Store fan club, but this stuff has brought out my inner crafty side.

I added a red bow that was my first attempt to make a bow.

And, then I fluffed it up and ta-da!

You guys it is prettier than my entry and front door combined.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z75gRe9nBI[/embedyt]

I added Santa next to the door.

Please pin or follow my most popular boards.

Thank you. Oh and that bell obsession I mentioned? Here is what I did with bells earlier this season.

Embroidery Hoops for Pumpkins

November 3, 2020

embroidery hoops make the perfect accessory for pumpkins

I have a confession to make. I have no idea how to use an embroidery hoop. A few years ago, I jumped into a blog craft challenge and in a panic, I bought a “lot of” embroidery hoops on eBay.

Bt if you follow me on Everyday Edits you know I love to repurpose random objects.

Despite thoughts of donating these hoops, I waited for some idea in between random thoughts of Christmas lights and next spring’s pumpkin patch goals.

Somedays I am running on a dozen tangents. But after a few attempts to make a wreath, I decided sometimes a pumpkin needs a prop.

EMBROIDERY HOOPS FOR PUMPKINS

Because sometimes a pumpkin needs an accessory for Thanksgiving- the second half of the pumpkin season.

Let’s face it some of our pumpkins did not survive the squirrels’ pumpkin buffet on our porch.

Some of the smaller pumpkins started to sag from sun damage. Kind of like me face about now!

The embroidery hoop kind of props the pumpkin forward for the last miles of the pumpkin season.

Supply List

Embroidery Hoop of any size.
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Fall leaves

I used my stained embroidery hoops. To attach the leaves, I used a hot glue gun because it worked better with the leaves.

Finally, I used leftover leaf garland and orphan leaves that end up in the bottom of the fall decor tub.

Finally, I just went around the outside edge of the hoop attaching the leaves.

It ends up looking like a crown or a hula hoop for a pumpkin.

Either way, the hoop is a fun accessory for the pumpkin.

Before you go Martha Stewart shared a few of her own ideas for hoops.

Garage Sale Wreath Makeover

September 6, 2019

Here’s a post before my rebrand. With redirects and pins, I have had to repost a few favorite projects. This garage sale wreath makeover is a seasonal favorite and cost me under $5.00.

Garage Sale Wreath Makeover Before

Because it was one of my original posts, I don’t have the before photos but imagine a really dusty, cobwebbed and feather filled wreath that I picked up for a $1.00 at a garage sale.

The wreath’s smell did not hit me until I had it in my car. I would have passed on this wreath if I had detected the damp, basement smell.

I am so happy I did not sniff the wreath and I am thrilled I had the windows down on the drive home!

But, I am telling you finding this tired, worn-out wreath was destiny. Dusty destiny, but destiny.

What I loved about this wreath, sitting on the driveway, was the size of the grapevine and its potential.

Makeover Details

removed the picks that were broken or beyond the makeover
placed the wreath outside to air out
sprayed the wreath with vinegar & water. repeat. repeat.

Because this was a garage sale find I stayed with the thrifty budget and used the miscellaneous leaves that fall off the garland. You know the leaves and pinecones and sticks that fall to the bottom of the box or storage tub? I just grabbed a few of those and fresh pinecones and either glued or tucked them into the wreath.

It was an instant makeover. I paid $3.00 for the wreath.

The size of the wreath takes up the width of the front door which I love. My motto: go big or go home.

With garage sale season in full gear, take a second look at those dingy wreaths, crafts and accessories.

Thanks for stopping by today! Please join this brand new private Facebook page with before and after finds from garage sales and Goodwill. Are you on Instagram? You can find me here and I’ll follow you back.

How to Make Cement Pavers

July 2, 2019

If you know how to make pancakes from a box then you can make cement pavers. Seriously, working with cement was as easy as making pancakes. My craft curse took a hiatus for the summer with this fun tutorial on how to make cement pavers.

The best part of these DIY cement pavers was the supply list was short and so was the prep and set-up time; just like pancakes. I had so much fun with a medium that only needed water and dry time.

Cement Paver Supply List

plastic or metal trays
Quikrete Setting Cement
cooking spray
bucket to mix
utensil or tool

With a short supply list, the only item I needed was Quikrete Setting Cement which I found at Home Depot. I used this brand. And, as a side note, the brand’s name answered my blog post dilemma- are they cement or concrete pavers? I stuck to cement.

How to Make Cement Pavers

The cement worked just like boxed pancake mix. It was a bit of trial and error to figure out the proportions of water to cement.

My first form was a round, metal serving tray from the dollar section at Target. A little bit of cooking spray was all I need to flip the dried paver out of the tray; just like flipping a pancake.

I decided to make lightweight, smaller, round pavers for the garden. What I found was the DIY pavers were much lighter than similar ones at garden centers.

These pavers looked great with the mint. And, they were a nice way to transition from one herb to the next. I love the different textures between the pavers, mulch and the mint. They are like petite stepping stones.

Depending on the trays or recycled plastic containers used, some of the pavers will have a fun, unexpected pattern on the opposite side. I stuck to the smooth side for the herb garden, but I had fun with a Qdoba tray ;0).

I love, love, love how these pavers turned out. My plan was to make the cement pavers for my herb garden, but I had so much fun I ended up using a few pavers for my indoor plants.

If you can make pancakes from a box then you can make these cement pavers for your garden!

If you are looking for another fun craft check out this craft that arrived in a box at my front door. This is an easy DIY for the kitchen or office.

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HOW TO MAKE EMBROIDERY HOOP ORBS

May 9, 2019

I am so excited to share these decorative embroidery hoop orbs. I am a sloppy crafter which means my craft projects will never trend on Pinterest. And, I am good with that. So when I was asked to join an embroidery hoop craft challenge I thought this was my chance to get my craft on.

But, first I Googled “embroidery hoops” to confirm they were what I thought they were.

I ordered a “lot” of embroidery hoops on eBay because I wasn’t sure what I was going to make or how many hoops I would need. Let’s just save I can make a dozen orbs.

I decided to make orbs because I liked the look of similar projects on Pinterest and orbs matched my decor style.

embroidery hoops

I knew I wanted to stain these. I took the lazy route and didn’t separate the hoops.

Do as I suggest, not as I d0.

Take a few minutes to detach the hoops, it made a huge difference in the time it takes to stain and the quality of the finished look. I used a foam brush and a small paintbrush to get around the metal fasteners. After I stained the embroidery hoops I decided it was harder to stain hoops than furniture.

I loved the difference the stain made to the embroidery hoops. The stain gave them an instant Pottery Barn like finish. This craft project was headed in the right direction.

The stained orbs looked great with our shelves on the opposite ends of our this updated fireplace.

I wanted an easy way to attach the hoops, but finally committed to the power drill to drill pilot holes and then attach a small screw at the top and bottom of the orb. The wood was soft enough that with a little muscle you could secure both ends with a tack.

I figured this out when my drill’s battery died mid-drill.

I love the finished look of the orb. The embroidery hoop’s stained wood finish added much-needed character to the shelves. I have a few more embroidery hoop orbs “in production.”

On a side note, I love the shadows created from the lighting above the orbs onto the white shelf.

Thank you for stopping by today. Do you have any creative ideas for embroidery hoops? If you have time please take a look at these

one hour projects.