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! 

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