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!

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

my wall art work in progress....

So I took the DIY wall art project idea that used thumbtacks and coffee filters and ran with it. Since our walls were white, I spray painted the various sized coffee filters and doilies a couple shades of blue.

Also, I ended up having to to use foam board and mounting it to the wall using those velcro sticky tabs...it's still a work in progress, but at least this way, I can change it up if I am unhappy with the way its looking and not have to worry about poking millions of little wholes in the walls. :)

O Happy DIY day!

My husband and I have just moved into our first house at the beginning of this month. It's an old English style cottage complete with a huge backyard and lovely garden.
Just looking at all of the blank walls and empty spaces  to play with makes my heart beat a little faster.

I've always been a huge crafter, DIYer, and maybe I'm even an "artist." I have had so much fun accumulating DIY decorating tips and project ideas throughout the years but because our apartment was so small, I have never had the chance to really do some big projects until now....

And just got back from Michael's where I spent over $250.00 on all sorts of goodies:

 

- colorful ribbon and yarn
- several different colors of spray paint cans
- hemp and string
- colorful felt
- pom poms
- decorative stencils
- buttons and beads in various colors
- cardstock paper and die cuts
- glue sticks, spray adhesive and spray finisher
- two wreaths
- doilies and tissue paper
- a roll of stickback chalkboard roll
- paper lanterns
- new brushes

I think that's most of it...except for some odds and ends, oh and three small squishy world globe balls...not sure what I'm going to do with those yet....

I'll be back shortly with my 10 favorite DIY Decorating Projects!