simple DIY planters

Since Spring has sprung, I have been feeling like my house is in need of some life and so I decided to buy some house plants. ( I went with Cacti because I figured they needed the least amount of attention) I searched and searched for the perfect planters and couldn't find them. So naturally, I decided to make my own. I bought this set of three wooden planters at Michael's craft and chose three colors. Right now, I am really into the corally orange-ish red color, so I got that, a lime green and a turqouise. (also a darker blue for an accent color).

 I repainted them about three times until I kind of got something I liked- I still wasn't sure about them until I put the cacti in the planters and then I thought the simple and rustic designs kind of went well with the cacti. Painting the cacti planters made me want to branch out a little. So, I bought another plant (this one requires more attention- so we will see how long it lasts :( )

sticks and (no stones) jewelry organizer idea.

If you have read any of my posts before you may know that i have a fondness for using nature for any and every possible DIY decorating projects I can. For my wedding centerpieces, I literally went around the neighborhood picking up sticks and branches to use. Our church was also kind enough to let us pick their flowers so we ended up saving a lot of money! Anyways, that's little off subject.

I am always looking for handy, unique and easy to use ways to store my jewelry so that it is easily accessible and my earrings and necklaces don't get broken and tangled! I also love painting so two of my favorite things: nature and painting. woot!

It's also literally the easiest DIY project (and pretty darn cheap). The branches are free so all you need are acrylic or tempera paints and some old paint brushes. Also, I would have a bowl or jar to put them in to draw because I found it is easier to do one side of the branch, let it dry, and then do the other side. To save your self from getting paint all over the place. 

Home Decor Wall Art Idea

my accordian fan wall art

my inspiration: J Crew's display window

tis' the season

just finished this garland....not sure what I think about it...it looks a little lopsided and kiddish...but I kind of like it.

Easy to make, just trace the letters with different colored papers, punch holes and tie with yarn!

It's (almost) the most wonderful tiiiiime of the yeaaaaar!

oh yay. my husband and I have this debate every year at this time....when is it okay to put up Christmas decorations? We figure we have to at least get through Halloween.

 So.....November 1st?

I know, I know, it is getting ridiculous, but I love the Holiday Season. I think besides the standard reasons to like Christmas (building a snowman, lighting the fire, drinking hot chocolate, spending time with loved ones) I love it because there is so much fun stuff for me to DO! Making gifts, wrapping them, DECORATIONS!

 And I have a REALLY good excuse to make a mess b.c. if anyone loves Christmas more than me it's my husband: "But babe, it's a Christmas decoration!"

 I've already got a list going of Christmas DIY ideas and if I can't put them up on November 1st, I can at least start making them, right? RIGHT??

I love anything that incorporates branches! I found this on pinterest but unfortunately it didn't have a credit. I think I've seen it in a decorating magazine (like that narrows it down)

 This is from the amazing website craftaholicsanonymous.com, you can go there for decorations. I was thinking of doing the pom poms out of tissue paper, but then it couldn't go outside...hmmmm decisions, decisions! 

 This lovely craft comes from Craftynest.com. I love how simple it looks but it makes a big statement, and I think I could do something like this with the kids in my art class! 

 This beautiful Christmas mantle and garland comes from Dottie Angel's Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dottieangel/5212171753/ if this is her home....I am AMAZED and jealous. 

another easy ornament idea from greatgreengoods.com.  

I LOVE this DIY idea! It is just the the project I could get obsessed with...time consuming but so cute! Hmm....maybe I'll start on this one first. from hiphiphoorayblog.com

any diy projects you can't wait to get started on? 

fantastic felt!

So, I've heard and read about the wonderful world of felt crafts but for some reason never tried any UNTIL I came across Curbly's "Easy Fall Garland" (found here: http://www.curbly.com/craftmel/posts/11262-stitch-it-easy-fall-garland) and Thrifty Decor Chick's "Hardest Easiest Fall Wreath Ever" (found here: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/09/hardest-easiest-fall-wreath-ever.html)
The following pics are my "interpretations" of those two craft projects...

Both are SUPER easy to make and perfect for the Autumn...I found some really cheap felt sheets at Michael's ($.29 per sheet) in great Fallish colors..plus some blues...cause I always gotta have something blue. 

Nature Inspired DIY Decorations

via diyideas.com 

I love AUTUMN! I love the colors, the smells, the preparation for the upcoming holiday season...Autumn means lots of inspiration for nature crafts and projects. Here are just a few I've found that have me chomping at the bit! I've already started collecting leaves and branches..my husband will probably wonder why I have half of our garden inside the house! oh well, one of the good things about nature crafts is that if they don't work out, or break, you aren't wasting much money and the supplies are endless! Click on the link below the picture to view the website these projects came from and how to do them!

Branch Jewelry Display via apartment therapy

Life Size Birch Tree Wall Decor via curbly via  nuno magazine

Leaf Printed Linens via Martha Stewart

Botanical Rubbing Calendar via Martha Stewart

Fall Yarn and Twig Wreath via The Spotted Fox

Felt Leaf Garland via Curbly

"Paper Botanical Prints" via Design Sponge via David Starke

Tree Branch Chandelier via Apartment Therapy

"Twig and Leaf Mobile" by Lushlee