There's always room for a story …
It was a rainy August afternoon today, so I decided to paint some birdhouses! I picked up the wooden frames from the dollar store, and painted them white, with a colourful roof.
I also freestyled some flowers to make a cute border! A simple, fun activity for a Saturday!
If you’re looking for a fun Hallowe’en craft, try your hand out at Paper Mâché Pumpkins.
I attempted the project with my mom. We couldn’t find orange tissue paper, so we improvised with orange streamers – although, I found it more difficult than the yellow tissue paper because it kept ripping. We also used water to thin out the glue.
What you’ll need: balloons, tissue paper (orange and yellow), paintbrush, small scissors, and wheat paste.
Instructions:
1) Paint inflated balloon with strips of orange tissue paper, and paste, until fully covered. Do this two times.
2) Repeat with yellow tissue paper. Do this two times.
3) Leave it overnight to dry.
4) Pop the ballon, and cut out the face.
5) Put small battery-powered light to brighten pumpkin
You can find the full DIY in Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts.
In a few more weeks, it will be time for roses, chocolates, and cute DIY Valentine’s card ideas! Love it or hate it, most girls seem to adore it – including myself. Want to give something from the “heart,” this year? I can show you a simple and quick a craft to make for your special lady, friends or family, or even an easy craft for kids.
Sketch a heart, or make a template and place it onto your Valentine’s card stock. I used ready-made pink cards from the dollar store, and glued on rhinestones and sequins to complete the shape – keep in mind, you can also reuse old buttons, it looks just as good.
Want to make a personalized DIY housewarming gift basket for family or friends? Maybe something that looks a little like this? The following basket features hand-designed mugs, gluten free chocolate chip cookies, Hickory Farms English Breaskfast tea, spreads and mustard. This inexpensive homemade gift is simple to make, and I will be using it as a gift for a good friend.
I was inspired to make this gift after I visited the Courtice Flea Market, and saw some of the adorable handmade products offered by Abstrakt Studios. The owner of these crafty gifts is Kate-Lynn, and she creates some great cards, mugs and wallets – to name a few. I managed to pick up two mugs, “His” and “Hers”, and reused an old basket from Fruits & Passion.
I added in some spreads from Hickory Farms. This company makes some fantastic gourmet products, and I added in some miniature jam spreads, tea, and mustard. These products go on sale right after the holidays, so you’re getting them for about 75 per cent off the regular prices.
And finally, I included a couple of gluten free chocolate chip cookies. Gluten intolerance is more common than some may realize and local supermarkets do have a specialized section for these items. I just added a few, for the couple to enjoy with their tea.
Once you’ve completed packing your basket, wrap using cellophane and ribbon. It looks beautiful and is something classy to give others.
If you’re looking to save money and want to create a cute gift, my suggestion is a nail polish kit jar. It’s really simple.
First off, you’ll want to stop by the dollar store, pick up a clear jar, or reuse an old jam-like jar. Tie a ribbon around it, and decorate the outside. I’ve used a glitter stick-on letter, which I picked up for 50 cents at the local supermarket.
Next, grab a couple of your favourite nail polishes. I recommend Essie or Opi, both a bit pricey, but go on great. Although if it doesn’t fit your budget, Shoppers Drug Mart just released a new line of fantastic nail polish called Essence. I’ve used that brand quite a few times, and it goes on just as well for less than half the price!
