ONE HOUR PROJECTS Archives

HOW TO MAKE THE CUTEST POM POM VALENTINE CRAFT

January 27, 2022

If you follow me here at Everyday Edits you know I love a Pom Pom. Usually, it’s positioned on the top of one of my many knit hats, but in this case, I created a pom pom Valentine craft.

If you know me for a minute you would not list crafty in my top 20 skill sets.

But once in a while magic happens over here at Everyday Edits.

Pom Pom Valentine craft using recycled jars and garland

POM POMS WITH A PURPOSE

When I found this pom pom garland I had no idea how I would use it, but I loved the shades of the pink, cream and purple felt pom poms.

I found it at Homegoods the same day I brought home this haul. Here is another version on Amazon.

So like most of my impulse purchases, I left the Valentine theme garland on the kitchen table.

At the same time, I was thinking about pom poms I had an ever-growing

stash of recycled glass jars. If only there was a way to marry the two?

And on a random evening in January, I introduced one of these recycled glass jars to the pink, cream and purple stand of pom-poms.

It was magical, thrifty and flexible for any season. And it gave my glass jars a sense of purpose.

how to make the cutest pom pom Valentine craft in minutes

POM POM VALENTINE CRAFT LIST

Glass jars (painted)
Strand of garland
Glue stick or glue dots
Pair of scissors

STEPS FOR THE POM POM VALENTINE CRAFT

Wipe the glass jar down so the glue adheres best
Cut the garland and pull the pom poms off the string. Depending on your design you might be able to use the remaining garland.
Eyeball the pattern and glue the pom pom to the glass jar
Hold the pom pom in place

I only had one pom pom fall off one of the jars.

EVERYDAY EDITS ON YOUTUBE

You can watch the 30 second video I made about this Valentine craft on my Youtube channel HERE. If you head over to my channel please check out my welcome video.

I need 100 followers to become “official.”

pom pom Valentine craft using pom pom garland, glue,

I had such a fun time making this Valentine craft I made a second one.

To mix it up this recycled glass jar has a pom hulu skirt.

This craft checks lots of boxes:

Simple

Inexpensive

Pretty

Short supply list that included repurposed glass jars. I have an entire category devoted to repuposed projects here.

THE SECRET TO DECORATE WITH BUCKETS FOR FALL

September 21, 2021

If you give a girl a bucket she will decorate it

The best advice I ever got (which applies to almost every situation in my life) was- don’t overthink it. And that my friends is the secret to decorate with buckets for fall.

And it all started with a messy house and random floral stems earlier this month.

THE SCRET TO DECORATE WITH BUCKETS FOR FALL

Simple-right. Yep I had these older, orange berry stems from yesteryear. I used these stems in my tall floral buckets in the past.

And as I as previewed my fall lineup of stems and buckets I revisited this image and loved it.

It was just so simple. Like, “duh!”

BUCKETS AND STEMS

So this year as I sorted through my weathered metal buckets and I just propped those stems an old painted bucket.

It was the most beautiful union of metal bucket and floral stems.

And it was so simple. So I did it again.

TIP

I used this tip on some of my floral stems

and shared a video on my Youtube channel, but for most of the floral stems it was fun to let them fall where they may.

You know all the stuff at the bottom of your seasonal bins? The faux leaves that have lost their stems or the year you went crazy for fake mums?

Those work great for decorating with buckets!

Decorating with buckets is like shopping at JCrew Factory.

It’s the preppy, pulled together look with just enough no effort look to be trendy.

Would love for you to pin for reference.

Now if only there was a way to throw our laundry into a bucket and call it decor?

I would love it if you signed up for my weekly newsletter The Weekend Edit for more tips, finds and one hour projects.

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HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

August 26, 2021

Sharing how to make eco-friendly placemats.

My husband brought home a plastic tablecloth for a family backyard bbq. You know, the plastic sheet every team parent used for high school banquets to catch the queso dip with 18 rugby players?

I was like, “no, no, no you can’t put a plastic tablecloth on a kitchen or dining room table.

It was like we were speaking two different languages and using hand gestures to make my point.

So I found a way to make an eco-friendly placemat suitable for any table setting. Please keep reading to find out what happens when you repurpose everyday objects.

If you are a follower of Everyday Edits you may remember this super easy repurpose idea with packing material.

So as we bring back brunches and football I scored a Hail Mary when I figured out how to make eco-friendly placemats.

Ones that would be sturdy enough to catch the melted butter and cool enough to impress my kids.

Did I mention they are “free.” Or, that these placemats are made from cardboard and will decompose in the garden.

As an added bonus, the kids, nephews or grandkids could make them for the Thanksgiving table… in minutes.

And the supplies needed are likely arriving on your front porch in a matter of days.

HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

Okay so if you have followed me for a minute you know I love to repurpose random things. Like what to do with empty toilet paper rolls.

So I guess I inherited the recycle gene from my parents too. Last year was the year of online orders and my guilty conscience got the best of me every time I tossed boxes and packing material into the recycle bin.

Yes, that’s a great step but there was so much packing material and cardboard in 2020.

Packing material varies which adds to the challenge. But most of it is biodegradable and easy to cut with scissors.

REPURPOSED

So now when I get a delivery I pay attention to the textures of the packing material. It is like a free gift with a purchase kind of excitement.

Oh and that little thing that happens when you repurpose? There is nothing more fun than hear your adulting children poking fun at mom’s recycled projects. #wink

As long as I am trending amongst my kids I will continue to find ways to repurpose the everyday objects that make a home.

Before you go would love if you pinned this or follow me on Instagram.

FALL FIREPLACE MANTEL

August 24, 2021

It’s here! Sharing my fall fireplace mantel for this month’s Pinterest Challenge.

It’s time for this month’s Pinterest Challenge hosted by Cindy and her Texas-based blog.

It’s all about a fall fireplace mantel as we head into the end of August. Yes, it is time for pumpkins and hay bales.

If you are stopping by from Niky’s blog welcome to Everyday Edits.

This month’s fall mantel Pinterest challenge is from Janelle’s blog.

I am so excited to share in this fall mantel challenge because we just finished remodeling our family and living rooms.

We built a fireplace mantel and library wall in our living room last winter. And, when I saw this month’s challenge from Janelle it was like looking in a mirror.

FALL FIREPLACE MANTEL

Janelle’s mantel had some great elements and I equally loved her coffee table in front of her mantel.

Fall Fireplace Mantel

fall sign
stems
glass hurricane
lantern
candlesticks
pumpkins

The best part is so many of us have all of these accessories just waiting to celebrate the fall season on the mantel.

I loved this month’s Pinterest Challenge because ahead of the fall season I did something at Hobby Lobby I never do.

I bought this sign in July. Yep, it was on sale and I loved the sign with its copper colors and engraved print.

The rest of my accessories were from the basement archives ;0). I updated my fall stems last year (also from Hobby Lobby). I added them to a glass hurricane and called it fall!

Some of you may recognize the base of the pumpkin as it was in a challenge last year when we had the cloche challenge. I love the base as much as the top half of the cloche! So other than the sign (and the cost of the fireplace mantel) there was no expense for this challenge. Thank you for stopping by today! Please check out Barb’s take on this fall mantel challenge. I can’t wait to see all of the fall mantels!

Please pin if you like!

Before you go here is a weekend project to update your fireplace.

HOW TO CREATE A THRIFTY PATRIOTIC TIERED TRAY

June 18, 2021

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Sharing how to create a patriotic tiered tray by shopping your house

Summer is the trifecta for patriotic holidays. We have three spaced through the months of May through the beginning of September.

I talked about the influence of my girlfriend (and neighbor) Du on Americana decor in the summer.

So when I bought my first wood-tiered tray I knew I wanted to use it on my kitchen table to celebrate the holidays and seasons.

When my tray arrived the first thing I did was search for those cute little woodblocks.

Can you say sticker shock? I had no clue these little bundles added up so quickly!

Sidenote: Don’t these wood blocks look like frosted sugar cookies?

And, I did find these blocks over here for a little less than Etsy.

But still, I could not spend $60 to fill my new tiered tray for one holiday. I have one and have boys in college.

And that, my friends, is why I want to share simple budget-friendly red, white and blue-inspired items for your tiered tray.

My goal was to decorate the tray without a run to a dollar store.

HOW TO CREATE A PATRIOTIC TIERED TRAY

SHOP YOUR HOUSE

BOWS

Bows are the best way to fill a tiered tray.

Why?

Because they are easy to buy or make and they know how to fill a space.

This year my patriotic tray started with my first wired bow. One of my goals this year was to figure out how to make a wired bow.

I watched a Youtube video about 87 times until I made this red and white striped bow.

So it was front and center and on top of this tiered tray. If you zoom in you can see I only had green pipe cleaners so I will save this bow for Christmas.

GREENERY

The trick to adding greenery to a tray is it has to be small enough so it does not straddle the sides of the tray like a pommel horse mishap.

I found these cute little potted herbs (fake) from this Knoxville decor store (my sister and BIL live in Knoxville).

I shared these cute pots on my spring kitchen tour.

HOLIDAY DISHES

I shopped my kitchen and used an oversized mug from the Christmas clearance at Kroger.

I grabbed a petite, ceramic red and white bowl and tucked them into the tray too.

I’ll fill these with snacks once we get closer to the holiday.

RIBBON
Bows aren’t your thing? Grab some blue gingham ribbon and let it wander around the tray.

CLOTH NAPKINS

I was on a cloth napkin kick last summer. Gingham napkins are a fun way to add a little interest to a tray.

MASON OR CANDLE JARS

Or paint the inside of a mason jar and call it a day.

TOYS

Dig out the red and blue Legos or Matchbox cars for a fun look to a tiered tray.

REPURPOSE

If you are a follower of Everyday Edits you know I love to repurpose these boxes. I added a scrap to my tray for a little gingham.

The key is to use what you have around your house. I suggest going back and relayering these ideas to add more color or fullness to your tray.

Get the kids or grandkids involved to shop your house for red, white or blue tiny accessories.

Thank you for stopping by today. Will you please pin this image for future inspiration?

Before you leave would you subscribe to my weekly newsletter until my Bloglovin’ RSS feed is back up and running? I have sent Bloglovin’ 65 support tickets. New subscribers are entered to win a $25 Pottery Barn gift card through July! Thank you! laura

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HOW TO CREATE SEASONAL DINNERWARE IN 3 STEPS

April 20, 2021

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How to create seasonal dinnerware for all those tablescape goals

It started with where to find navy plates for my summer tablescapes. The boys (men) in my life have no idea what I am talking about right now. One of them is Googling tablescapes. I wanted seasonal dinnerware that didn’t dip into my Nordstrom semi-annual sale fund. I wanted seasonal dinnerware for my tablescapes.

After Mother’s day, we are pretty much into summer. With three patriotic holidays between May and September, I wanted a dinnerware hack where I could set the dining room (or patio table) and celebrate the summer. My girlfriend keeps her tablescape simple with a red/white/blue table all summer.

Faced with a challenge to find blue plates and not spend Pottery Barn money I found a workaround that might just work for all of dish fanatics. t

HOW TO CREATE SEASONAL DINNERWARE IN 3 STEPS

Before we get to the steps let’s run through the supply list.

SUPPLY LIST

Glass plates. I bought these plates (Made in the USA) years ago. I may have bought them before Amazon. ;0) Or, take a girlfriend and look for glass dinnerware pieces at thrift stores.
Paint. I used Latex paint because I am not using this dinnerware to serve food, but to create seasonal dinnerware.
Foam brush. Do as I suggest not as I did. I used a paintbrush, but a foam brush would eliminate the streaks.

HOW TO CREATE SEASONAL DINNERWARE IN 3 STEPS

Clean the glass plates (obviously).
Paint the backside of the plate. This is to add fun dinnerware and layers to your tablescape. Please don’t serve a salad with a dollop of Hale Navy paint. #wink 3. Let dry. Repeat.

That’s it! Now I know you are probably asking why did Laura use latex paint and not oil-based paint? I used oil-based paint pens when I decorated these plates?

But I knew once I washed these plates the navy paint would wear off and I could either touch them up or paint them a different color.

Tip: Don’t run these in the dishwasher where the acrylic paint might clog your filter. Just wash with soap and water first.

I really had fun with this simple, thrifty idea to create seasonal dinnerware.

For me, it is not practical or budget-friendly to buy eight dinner or salad plates for every season, holiday or color scheme.

Tip: If you layer your plates you can save by my ordering the appetizer size glass plates.

Think of all the fun colors and designs you can create on the appetizer, salad or dinner plates.

This is a fun way to add color to the table and I am limited only by imagination (and skills). #wink

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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THIS LIGHT HACK TAKES SECONDS

February 12, 2021

this hack takes seconds to install and makes life a little easier… curious?

Am I the last person on the planet to discover this light hack? It takes seconds, SECONDS, to install and a screwdriver is optional for installation.

Once the sun sets I can’t see anything without lights. I have tripped over more shoes, dogs and tennis balls in a dark hall or staircase.

One day my family is going to find me sprawled out in a hallway with a tennis ball off to the side with Elliott and his side eye.

As a Realtor showing properties after 5 pm in the winter means stumbling to find the entry lights and hoping the lightbulbs in the stairwell work.

LIGHT HACK

Wait until you see this motion-activated light in action. I installed it in our entry hall closet after this closet hack. I made a short video below to demonstrate! Or, you can watch in my youtube channel. I am up to five followers ;0)

DETAILS

Not only does this bright light turn on with movement it also turns off after inactivity.

I found these motion-activated lights at Home Depot across from the cleaning supplies. You can also buy it from your kitchen table here.

I thought what a great idea for cabinets, crawl spaces or entry closets.

It can be installed with a screwdriver (it comes with screws and no drywall anchors needed).

I have since purchased several from Home Depot and was thrilled that if you don’t want a long-term commitment with a motion activate light it includes double-sided tape to install or tiny little screws.

This motion detector light is the coolest thing since light timers. And as a Realtor and home blogger, this is a great option for vacant homes, under kitchen sinks and hall closets.

I am going to purchase these for my sellers to install in closets (buyers always open closets … even if it’s with gloves & bleach wipes this year).

Have you seen these motion-activated lights? Where do you use them?

3 MINUTE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CRAFT

December 9, 2020

this 3 minute Christmas ornament craft is perfect for the craft-challenged

How am I just now discovering the seasonal aisle at Kroger? I can get my shopping fix while grabbing two dozen eggs (boys home), milk and a bag (or three) of Nestle Toll House milk chocolate chips for this quick bite-size sweet treat. And, the seasonal aisle always has stuff on sale. I almost bought six red lanterns.

But I could not pass on this set of 4 clear round ornaments filled with fluffy snow stuff.

The snow really takes these clear plastic ornaments up a notch.

3 MINUTE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CRAFT

Supplies:

Clear ornaments (I used one with the glitter/snow for a little shimmer
Sharpie (oil-based or permanent)
and/or vinyl stickers from Michaels, Etsy, or these on Amazon #ad

At some point, I ordered a dozen vinyl holiday labels for holiday crafts. The Christmas miracle was I found the vinyl labels this year in a drawer. #wink

Don’t want to order vinyl? You can use a permanent marker too. I found these oil-based Sharpies at Home Depot over the weekend. I love them and thanks to a bit of a learning curve the letter “D” on my tablet has a bit of Christmas red too.

That’s it! And then either apply the vinyl or stickers or haul out a Sharpie.

3 MINUTE CHRISTMAS CRAFT VIDEO

If you wanted to take it another level you can remove the ornament’s hook and add some Christmas cheer inside the ornament.

I know this is the easiest Christmas craft. It is perfect for kids, college-age kids or grandkids.

Who knew a trip to Kroger would end up with a super simple and inexpensive craft? Thank you for stopping by and please pin!

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.

WINTER WONDERLAND LANTERN

October 27, 2020

Can you believe we are in the final days of October? How do we go from ready for fall to oh my Thanksgiving is here in less than five weeks! Yikes! ! It is hard to believe we are sharing a new monthly Pinterest Challenge already!

Cindy from County Road 407 found our inspiration for our monthly Pinterest Challenge over at Katrin’s blog, Northern Feeling.

Katrin showed us some snowy love with her holiday village in a jar. Are you ready to see our take on this month’s Pinterest Challenge?

Join us on a tour of how we all took on this cozy winter scene challenge. If you are stopping by from Carol’s blog, Bluesky at Home, welcome to Everyday Edits.

At first sight, this holiday village looks fairly simple, but Karin snuck in some fun elements to create a snowy winter wonderland.

I think we can all agree the lights really make this holiday village.

WINTER WONDERLAND LANTERN INSPIRATION

glass jar or accessory
artificial snow
mini bottle brushes
fairy lights
small card houses.

This month’s Pinterest challenge was the number of elements to work into a small space. I upgraded my jar to a lantern to fit in some of my larger pieces. Like this cute little dollar, section find from Target (last year).

Winter Wonderland Lantern

The best part is I already knew where I wanted to put this holiday village so I kinda prepped it with that in mind.

I found this at Target a few years ago and it is one of my favorite lanterns to decorate.

This black and gold-trimmed lantern made an appearance during the fall season too.

Tip: I see the Magnolia brand decor popping up at Marshalls & Homegoods for 1/2 the price so you might find this lantern.

What I love about glass jars, vases or lanterns are the layers inside. With every glance of the jar or lantern, we spy something new we didn’t see the first time.

I got creative with a few items like the fake snow. Last season I donated plastic bags of the snow because of the mess. I found a cozy alternative from this super fun project.

What do you think? You guys I almost bailed on this challenge because I did not want to go out and buy the same fake snow I had donated last year.

My challenge was to work with what I had to force me to think outside the box to create a winter wonderland lantern when it was 75 degrees in Denver last week.

I did not have bottle brush trees so I snipped a few branches from outside and added fresh pine. It smells so good!

I looked for a card of a small town but I was totally drawn to this one I found online. Something about the lanterns along a snow-filled street just felt so homey to me.

I attached a piece of packing material like this idea.

The cardboard propped up the print in the lantern.

Where Karin used fairly lights, I added a tealight to the inside of the house. The light made it feel like a winter wonderland scene inside the lantern. I could not believe how much ambiance the light created. I mean it was 75 degrees last week. We got snow on Sunday. #wink

This was such a fun Pinterest Challenge.

Thank you for stopping by Everyday Edits! Please stop by Kori’s blog The Farmhouse Life for more inspiration. today. Please visit the other ladies below. You will be filled with so much inspiration for the upcoming holiday season.

Wait Until You See How to Repurpose Packing Material

September 15, 2020

I need a directional sign to redirect deliveries to the side of the house. With my husband working from home, he sees the purchases from the easy button called Amazon and other favorite retailers. I am an open book with purchases, but even I noticed that Amazon is my shopping assistant for those must-have items like a 10-pound bag of baking soda. This may be one of my favorite repurpose projects. Wait until you see how to repurpose packing material inside all of those shipping boxes.

You know the packing the material that is tucked between items? You know the brown paper that my husband instinctively throws into the kitchen trash can (and not the recycle in the garage). When I see brown paper and cardboard packing material all I see are future blogs posts.

Like this one.

Or this paper bag idea.

I love this simple repurpose idea and the story behind how it happened.

Curious?

The first time my kids saw me tear the book jacket off of a book they thought one of their siblings was in big trouble. #wink

Now they just say, ” Working on a blog project, mom?” #smartkids

When I hauled out my pumpkins this season I was in a mood.

I did not want to order and wait for the convenient adhesive-backed brown paper. But I wanted something a little different.

I wanted the stacked book look without any additional expense.

While breaking down a few delivery boxes to re-cycyle I pulled out the familiar brown packing material. Except this packing material was different.

It had ridges and texture. I was so close to tossing it into our recycle bin but for some reason I saved it.

Not to sound like I took a turn to crazy town, but I think the textured packing paper just said, “Save me.”

So I did.

Yes my thoughts talk to me. Don’t yours?

Steps to Repurpose Packing Material

Supplies: glue or adhesive spray, books (I used a hardback book) & scissors. I love this adhesive spray.

I used a hardback book and chose a dictionary because I love words and we don’t allow i-phones during a family game of Scrabble.

2. Cut packing material to size, spray book’s cover with adhesive or glue. Adjust quickly as the adhesive spray dries quickly.

Tip: If you have packing paper that is too short to cover the entire book cover the top and spine of the book.

No one will know if the bottom of the book is exposed.

You guys I love it. The ridged packing material adds a little texture and durability compared to a roll of brown wrapping paper.

Now if only there was a way to eliminate the bubble wrap in all of those shipping boxes.

What do you think? What is the craziest thing you have repurposed?

Video:

How to Paint Glass Jars

June 29, 2020

My dad repurposed pickle jars before there were blogs and Youtube. His parents and grandparents lived during/through the Depression. My dad will appreciate how to paint glass jars. After all, I am a third-generation repurpose enthusiast. Dad here is how to paint glass jars so you can take those pickle jars up a notch.

I know what you might be thinking: everyone knows how to paint glass jars.

That’s what my son told me.

I get it; this is not a faux paint finish back in the late 1990s. It is paint and a glass jar. I can hear my dad reading this right now and asking me, “Laura, you mean people actually NEED to read a story on how to paint glass jars?” #momblogger

How to Paint Glass Jars

Supplies Needed:

glass jars (clean + dry)
spray paint

This is pretty simple. I always use this one with a matte finish and a built-in primer. And, this spray paint finish is a new favorite after I used it on this project. It sells out quickly at Home Depot. Target carries it too, but limited selection and a few dollars more.

When I buy candles I always go for the shape of the candle jar over the scent. I loved this candle’s shape, but unfortunately, the candle did not smell tranquil.

how-to-upcycle-candle-jars-everyday-edits

I bought several because of the cute glass jars. If you zoom in it is a #madeintheusa find from here.

After removing the labels and the waxy film and wick using this technique I was ready to paint the glass jars.

Tip: When I whip out my spray paint I like to set up an assembly line of whatever I plan to paint. In this case, I had a 1/2 dozen glass jars ready to paint.

In the past I always spray painted the exterior of the jar in case I wanted to serve snacks or nibbles. And, until this project I never even thought about spraying the inside of a glass jar.

But on a whim I decided to go crazy and spray the inside of the glass jar.

You guys! It was life changing for this jar. Spraying the inside of the jar was night and day from the previous jars I sprayed on the exterior.

The finished glass jar looks professional grade smooth. The spray paint process is more forgiving when the drips or misses are on the inside of the jar too.

I tried to capture a side by side, but it was hard to show the exterior side version. But the interior spray technique gave the jar this smooth finish. The jar in the background was painted on the outside where you can see it has more of a flat finish.

The only issue is if you plan to use your repurposed painted glass jars for food. I don’t like the idea of my M&M’s next to spray paint.

Tip: If you plan to serve snacks or candy in your freshly painted glass jars add a cupcake liner or coffee filter. They work great and make for easy cleanup!

I love the look! Am I the last to know this technique?

Simple Tip for Faux Plants and Wreaths

May 1, 2020

This one tip for faux plants and wreaths was a game-changer at my house the other day. If my faux plants were alive this tip might save them and make them feel better about themselves.

Do you say faux or fake? I say faux because fake always makes me think of something else.

Okay, so this simple tip was a game-changer. And, it did not involve a chemistry equation.

I was wiping down random surfaces in the house and realized I should clean my faux plants.

I cleaned up this popular garage sale wreath when I brought it home from a garage sale. But it came with a musty odor. That wreath essentially needed a bath before it came into the house.

But, my faux plants and wreaths?

Um… but that was way before words like contagion and virus crept into our cleaning conscious.

SIMPLE TIP FOR FAUX PLANTS AND WREATHS

My faux plants were not visibly dusty. But, then again you can’t see germs on surfaces. I wondered what if something lingered on those leafy, plastic leaves.

I grabbed one of several potted faux plants in our bedrooms and placed it in the sink. Okay, I almost just ran water over the faux plant. But, I thought that might create bigger issues.

It was easier than that and less messy. I just spritzed the faux leaves and stems with an all-purpose cleaner, just one of a dozen cleaners in my coat to storage closet.

And, immediately the plant looked fresher, brighter and maybe happier. Yes, I just said that about my faux plants. But if real plants have feelings than faux plants likely have faux feelings.

I regularly spritz my real plants when I found this little cutie in the dollar section at Target.

Do y’all clean your faux plants and wreaths?

I must have been off my cleaning game! Then again, I clean more surfaces now than last year. But, the difference is impressive. Go ahead and try it and let me know what you think?

With those instant results, I went around the house and freshened up the faux plants. I will never ignore those waxy stems again.

5 Ways to Repurpose Dry Cleaning Bags

April 20, 2020

I had to find a way to repurpose dry cleaning bags because of my husband’s addiction to starch. Not the carb-loaded starch, but the industrial-strength starch in both the collars and the cuffs in his dress shirts.

Our first Sunday, as a married couple and back from a disastrous honeymoon that almost ended in divorce, I made an announcement; no not that one: I could not iron his shirts. Without going into the details; as a recent grad with career aspirations (interviews), I argued I could not be distracted by the iron.

I proposed two options: he could iron his own shirts or outsource the task. Since I am sharing 5 ways to repurpose dry cleaning bags you can guess which option he pursued.

And, now we have dry cleaning bags and wire hangers. Every time I collect the wire hangers in our closet I think of the cheesy 1980’s movie Mommy Dearest and Joan Crawford’s famous line; “No more wire hangers.” I always shove the wire hangers back into the dry cleaning bag and hope they get reused.

Sidenote: Has anyone thought to replace the wire hangers with cardboard hangers? Do they exist?

Here are a few ways to repurpose dry cleaning bags and other household plastic bags. I have three ideas to repurpose dry cleaning bags. All of these work using the same technique. This is a low tech project.

Start with the top of the dry cleaning bag; the top (end) that has an opening for the hangers. I tie this end together with a double knot to hold the bag together.

1. Cover Seasonal Wreaths:

Some of my wreaths drop their faux leaves just like the Aspen trees in our yard. They create a dusty mess in storage. Now, I cover my wreaths with dry cleaning bags. The clear plastic works great to see which wreath is in what bag.

This is one of my favorite wreaths I found at Homegoods.

2 . Line Small Trash Cans

This idea does not work for your kitchen size trash cans. I tried it and it was a fail. The kitchen trash was too heavy for the drycleaning bag.

However, the drycleaning bags worked great to line the trash can in the bathroom trashcans under the sink.

One of my top ten pre-listing suggestions explains why I advise my sellers to stash the bathroom trashcans.

3. Pack Clothing Donations:

The clear film makes it easier to sort items once they get to the donation center. Now that my kids are potty trained and in college, I am a little more organized with my donations.

4. Crafts + Paint

For quick crafts or paint projects use a dry cleaning bag. The drycleaning bags are lightweight and easy to cover a space before a glitter party or Mod Podge project. I used a dry cleaning bag to catch the drips when my ghost left while hanging out to dry. Made the drying process a breeze.

5. Packing Material

Drycleaning bags make a perfect packing material because the backs are pliable and lightweight. These bags are easy to fit into tight corners of a care package or storage boxes if you decided to do this project.

Thank you for stopping by today! I would love for you to sign up for my once a week (only) newsletter in the sidebar, leave me a comment, ask me a question or follow me via social media below.

how-to-repurpose-dry-cleaning-bags-feature-everydayeditsblog

5 Ideas to Decorate the Back of the Front Door

April 7, 2020

-why should the front door get all the attentions-

This is the month for the back of the front door! Historically, the back of the front door is the Athleta brand to Lululemon. It is the Jan Brady to Marsha. It is just as pretty and resilient but always gets upstaged by the front door.

Let’s face it the front door gets the seasonal wreaths and Pinterest Board pins. And, the back door gets nothing! And, yet this month all eyes are on the back of the front. So maybe we need to show a little more love. I decided it was time to show a little love with 5 ideas to decorate the back of the front door.

And, the best part? Almost all of these ideas cost less than $40.00. And, right about now we are seeing the back the front door more than ever before. Amen!

5 IDEAS TO DECORATE THE BACK OF THE FRONT DOOR

ideas-to-decorate-the-back-of-front-door

1. Paint

One of my favorite projects ever was the day I painted the back of the front door. I went from the weathered stained interior door and sidelights to a crisp white paint.

2. Add a Wreath

I know right? We all add wreaths to the front of the door for the neighbors to see, but what about the interior side of the front door?

Here’s the trick: Make sure to line up the two wreaths. I have almost identical wreaths on both sides of the front door. But, when I originally hung the interior wreath it looked like it was sagging.

So I just adjusted both wreaths so they were almost mirror images of each other.

3. Add Bells

Okay, so many of us add bells around our house and doors at Christmas. Tell me I am not the only one who does this? It drives my family nuts because of the jingle jangle, but I love it.

I have not stopped singing “ring my bellllllllll; ring my bell” since this post.

So why remove them just because the calendar says it is April?

Bells add a little hello whenever the door opens. I buy at least one bell every year from this online decor shop.

I found these galvanized bells at the same shop for the back of the front door. I added a green and gingham navy ribbon from previous projects.

I found these brass-finished bells on Etsy.

4. Add a Rug

I added a new rug, but I am regretting the off-white for the entryway. I might have to pull out the previous rug to hide the dirt.

You can see my Christmas bells below minus the ribbon and garland. I switched them out for a larger bell.

5. Add New Hardware

We updated our door hardware a few years ago, but the door hardware looks a bit “rough” from my painting project.

I explained here why I did not remove the front door from the hinges when I painted it.

I bought a door knocker for this side of the door because I thought it would look great against the white door. I tried to explain to my husband why it would be fun to add a door knocker to the back of the door, but when I said, “because no one expects it” he just kind of made that face.

And, then I remembered he is a man and will likely not notice the door knocker. #wink Please weigh in on the comments.

These ideas are flexible during the seasons and holidays, but why not add a little color or bling to the other side of the front door?

Thank you for stopping by and if you have any ideas please leave them in the comments.

If you look in the background you will notice we updated these but forgot to change the ones on the front door. Oops

POM POM VALENTINE CRAFT LIST

STEPS FOR THE POM POM VALENTINE CRAFT

THE SCRET TO DECORATE WITH BUCKETS FOR FALL

BUCKETS AND STEMS

TIP

HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

FALL FIREPLACE MANTEL

Fall Fireplace Mantel

HOW TO CREATE A PATRIOTIC TIERED TRAY

TOYS

REPURPOSE

HOW TO CREATE SEASONAL DINNERWARE IN 3 STEPS

SUPPLY LIST

HOW TO CREATE SEASONAL DINNERWARE IN 3 STEPS

DIY CANVAS FRAME KIT BY PHOTOWALL

PHOTOTWALL DIY CANVAS FRAME KIT INCLUDES

LIGHT HACK

DETAILS

3 MINUTE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CRAFT

Supplies:

3 MINUTE CHRISTMAS CRAFT VIDEO

EMBROIDERY HOOPS FOR PUMPKINS

Supply List

WINTER WONDERLAND LANTERN INSPIRATION

Winter Wonderland Lantern

Steps to Repurpose Packing Material

How to Paint Glass Jars

SIMPLE TIP FOR FAUX PLANTS AND WREATHS

1. Cover Seasonal Wreaths:

2 . Line Small Trash Cans

3. Pack Clothing Donations:

4. Crafts + Paint

5. Packing Material

5 IDEAS TO DECORATE THE BACK OF THE FRONT DOOR

1. Paint

2. Add a Wreath

3. Add Bells

4. Add a Rug

5. Add New Hardware