Easy Crafts

Walking into Michàels can be like Wow, what am I doing here? And often times, I am baffled by the things that are in that store, frustrated to find what I need and confused as to what the heck all those little tidbits are. 

1. Make a List

2. Gather all Coupons possible (RetailMeNot is an awesome website/app for iPhones)

3. Set out to be on a mission (easy to be sidetracked in any craft store)

4. Minimize spending, try to use things you already have! (Crafting leads to a massive receipt)

5. Have fun with it!

On Saturday, we took a trip to Michàels where we had some ideas of what we wanted to make. I wanted to make cutting boards and Em wanted to make canvases. After not finding exactly what I needed, I decided a key holder for our house would be pretty useful and easy.

Using a picture frame, command strip hangers and a small piece of magenta paper, I know have a cute, cheap and chic way to keep track of our keys! $4 craft! 

Gift of Giving

Christmas is right around the corner! It's creeping up so quickly! Are you looking for a simple gift to gift to multiple people without spending much?! You may even have these ingredients a md materials in your home now! I know Christmas is costly but this gift was so easy, affordable and super cute!

I always see "mason jar gift DIY" on Pinterest and decided it was finally time.. 

Here, I made Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with just a few ingredients! You can find that recipe here ! I also saw a ton of other recipes for this hot chocolate mix, but I didn't have dry milk on hand, so I adapted very easily. I added granulated sugar, cocoa, crushed candy cane, chocolate chips and marshmallows to create a decadent hot Cocoa mix! Other DIY gift ideas can be found here: I can't wait to try more!

DIY for Days

DIY: do it yourself. This common hobby or craft can often signify failed-attempt-at-being-thifty-and-cute. I know it's not that easy, and most likely nowhere near as easy as it looks. While I was crafting for my apartment, I found myself like WOW diy is awesome...  I feel like I saved so much money and made exactly what I wanted instead of spending hours searching for it. Here are some examples of some DIY decor I easily finished.

Chances are you've looked at Pinterest, said "wow that's so cute and cheap!" And then proceeded to replicate what you saw, and you might look at your creation like, "what in the world was I thinking"!?!? It doesn't have to be so hard if you keep it simple, and So I listed a few tips on how to successful DIY.

DIY (do it yourself) & DIW (do it well)

1. Research! Pinterest has so many amazing crafts and DIYARBAKIR ideas that you'll never be bored. When researching, make sure you think about materials you need, if this is even possible for you to accomplish, the realistic outcome, and if you'll be happy with it! Make sure you look at several ways to do the same project so you know an easy route. 

2. Upcycle! Whenever possible, use what you have! I used oatmeal containers, painted them and made them into pencil holders. I've used the same gold spray paint on all of my bathroom decor, saves money! 

3. Materials; use what you have. Michàels is expensive... But amazing. I've gone into Michàels for feathers go make angel wings for Halloween and came out $70 poorer.  If you have mason jars and glitter, literally type "glitter mason jar diy" into Pinterest search engine. Wa-lah.

4. You don't have to be Martha Stewart! Remember you're probably not an artist, and your finished product might reflect that you're not one either. Know when you face the facts and buy the $40 version instead of DIY. You'll probably be more satisfied.

5. Simple sometimes means more. Sometimes you don't need ten thousand decorations in your newly furnished living room. I've used bulletin boards to create a chic atmosphere by cutting up an old pillowcase and attaching it to the boards. Super easy, super cheap.  Also, those plain glass vases that are sitting under your sink could be a decorative item on a shelf.

6. Take your time. Nothing ever good happened from a rushed crafter.

7. Terrific tutorials; look for diy projects that include a tutorial, or step by step instructions. This will make it so much easier and allow less room for failure.

Using these tips, anybody can become a DIYer! Next time you're on Pinterest, look for your next DIY project and get started! 

door headboard DIY

Headboards are so expensive. When looking online for headboards, I found beautiful and delicate boards posted for $500+ ! I continued to look around, Pinterest obviously my main resource, and found TONS of DIY headboard ideas. I loved the idea of shutters as a headboard, especially with some Christmas white lights thrown ove top... And I also liked the draped curtain look or tapestry idea. After going to multiple ReStores looking for the perfect inspiration, I knew what I wanted. Inspiration here!

I started with a five panel old vintagey door, which costed me $10 at Habitat For Humanity ReStore. 

It hada hole in the right side, was really narrow and was super antique-like. Time to get to work.

We cut the board to fit the length of my twin bed, which was 53.5". I wanted it to be a little more than the actual size, but fit well. After cutting the door (we cut out the side with the hole!), we sanded, cauked and painted the door and stands with a glossy white paint. I used tape to paint the insides of the panels yellow. Which match my comforter! The yellow really gives it depth and I loved the sunshine look, yellow= happy.

To finish up the headboard look, we bought crown molding from Home Depot (8 ft.) and with the help of my super handy father, we angled and cut and nailed the trim to the door. I sealed the trim to the platform and painted a glossy finish over top of it. 

Canvas Art

I've always seen such beautiful canvases on Pinterest, homemade and used as apartment or door decor. I thought I'd give it a try! I had so many designs and patterns and quotes in mind so it was tough to choose. I invited my super artsy and painter friend over for help. I was mainly support. This decal screams diva and chic and I'm in my 20s 👸 and I'd been thinking of doing a good and pink bathroom. It came out incredible.

Masking tape and painters tape were used to outline the lips and create the cracked and imperfect effects. This was such a good idea because then the outlines weren't perfect edges.

SO cute! We used different types and shades of gold acrylic paint, mixed with glitter and a tiny bit of sequins. We got the clumpy look by scrunching up washcloths and wrapping rubber bands around them for a cool and raised look. To reward my artist and support person, I made apple crisp and honored the beautiful fall day.

I had used honey crisp apples but this recipe can be tailored and delicious with any apple! I also topped each slice with Edys Vanilla Caramel Praline Crunch frozen yogurt which was AMAZING..

Such a fun and fally recipe.. and not to mention; easy! xo

DIY: recipe cards!

I love crafts that are actually useful.. things that will come in handy or look cute hanging up on the wall (OR around my neck ;] ). After running a ton of errands with my dad today, which was super fun, I decided to do some crafting. 1. I LOVE a good meal! 2. I love pretty colors and designs. and 3. I love baking people goodies! Recipe cards were perfect. 

All I needed was some colored ink, cardstock and wah-lah: my own personalized recipe cards. I filled each recipe card with my famous Christmas cookies, and my family's favorite recipes. This is a GREAT template for Christmas Cookie recipes; it allows you to type in the recipe and directions/ingredients. There's even Thanksgiving themed from this same blog! Thank you Lisa Griffith!

There are so many cute recipe templates on this website; I especially used the ones from here. Now I just need a super cute recipe box and I'm set! Enjoying my last weekend at home! xo