Homemade Snow Globes

I am very lucky to have an Anthropologie store just down the street from me. Everything they sell seems to be so expensive, but once in a while I discover a good find that I can afford. Or even better I get a lot of inspiration for things I can make myself! The style of their clothing, decor, etc. appears to be very vintage, found in the attic, thrifty, or DIY. Which is definitely why I love it there and also why I am able to make things that can compare to what they sell.

Recently when I was strolling through one afternoon I stumbled upon all of their holiday merchandise. It was all very original, cute and just my style. However, the price tag was ridiculous. So I put it upon myself to make some of the decor. One of my favorite decorations was the cute mason jar snow globe! And it seemed to be such an easy craft, which it was! Not to mention a lot easier on the wallet.

Image via Anthropologie 

A friend and I went to Michael's one day and found everything we needed. We got medium sized mason jars for about $1.50 each, a package of small trees for about $4 (though we were disappointed with the selection, unless you wanted to buy a package with 50 small trees), some white glitter for $2.99, and then just used my glue gun and mod podge type glue that I already had. So for just $10 we were able to make 2 medium sized snow globes, with enough glitter and glue to use for others. The Anthropologie globe costs $30 for one! The selection of jars and trees are different at every craft store, so the pricing may vary when making your own.

Here is how it turned out:

Like I said, we had trouble finding a variety of mini trees, so they are a tad small for the jar, but overall it is cute! Most mason jars have 2 pieces within the lid, so you just need to glue those together with a glue gun. Then you glue gun the trees to the inside of the lid however you want. Next you would use the mod podge type glue to to get some of the glitter to stick to the trees and also some glitter to the inside of the lid. I decided to use the glue gun to create some little piles of "snow" made of glue around the trees, then covered with glitter. So just be creative. Then lastly you put about an inch or 2 of glitter inside the jar and screw on the lid, and Ta-Da!

Happy Holidays and Crafting!

-M

Spend your holidays with Burlap!

After buying my new couch recently, I have been thinking about some pillow covers I can make to go over the ugly couch matching ones that came with it. I know pillows should be comfortable, but it's just a throw pillow so I am going for more cute and stylish than comfort! I absolutely love these burlap pillows I came across on Etsy. They are hand sewn with paint stenciling. More than half of them are geared toward the holidays, and there are some very cute ideas. I feel as though this is something I can sew and try myself. I have been trying to use the sewing machine more, and I love that I can take a great idea and personalize it to my taste. I am thinking I might start with some Christmas ones, as it might take me until December to finish!

Images via Etsy

Have a great Monday!

-M

I am Craving...Headboards!

My bedroom in my city apartment is very small. Most of the old buildings in Chicago were built with very tiny bedrooms and closets. Therefore we currently do not have a headboard on our Queen size bed, as  there is not a lot of room for one. I had an idea to paint a column the width of the bed from ceiling to floor where the headboard should be, but now I have been finding some better ideas...

Image Source Better Homes

Which idea do you like best? I am sorta leaning toward the headboard painted on the wall...

-M

Autumn Home Decor and DIY ideas

Can you tell I am excited about Fall? I just can't stop thinking about comfy cloths, pumpkin flavored foods, and nature inspired decorations giving your place an Autumn feel inside and out. All the ideas I keep finding are so simple, yet they really put you in the spirit of the changing season. And sorry I didn't post yesterday, work has been a little hectic, but it doesn't keep me from day dreaming about all things Fall!

Acorn Filled Candle Holder

Sweater Blanket

Glitter and Gold Painted Pumpkins

Twinkling Branches

Cinnamon Stick Wrapped Candles

Pumpkins on Candle Holders

*Can even hollow out a hole to put a votive inside.

Oh boy, I can't wait for more of Fall to come!

Image via beautiful portals

For other image sources click on image title.

What do you like about Fall?

-M

There's always a project unfinished...

There are still some projects I would like to get done around the apartment. One of them is painting the kitchen (yellow) and getting a new table with chairs. I currently have a counter height pub table with 2 stools, it's a dark espresso color. It does not fit at all in the kitchen, as we have light cabinets and counter tops, and it would be nice to have more than 2 chairs at the table. I have been looking for some inspiration online for what table I should get or a cute style to copy.

Here are a few pictures I am trying to get some inspiration from:

DIY Corner Bench 

Armless Sofa with Chairs

Striped Chairs - But in Turquoise

So I like the looks of all these pictures, and just need to come up with my own version of it! I think I might buy the corner bench from Target, shown below, and make some cushions and pillows for it. Then I just need to decide if I want to buy the white rectangular table, shown below, for it or get a round mismatching table? I love the cute striped chair look, and only need 2 chairs, so I may just find 2 mismatching chairs at a thrift or antique store. 

Target Corner Bench and Table

Find image sources by clicking on photo title.



What do you think?

-M

Almost Autumn

So I know Autumn does not begin until September 23rd, but it sure does feel like it here in Chicago. Its a cool 64 degrees here today. Seeing as Fall is one of my favorite seasons, I can't help but get excited for all things Fall. Including pumpkin spice lattes, football games, light jacket weather, color of leaves changing, new tv shows starting (one of my favs coming back is Parenthood!), comfort foods, big comfy scarves and sweaters, and of course boots!

I want to make myself a cute fall wreath and here are a few ideas I have found, which one should I choose?

Felt Flowers

All Felt Folded

Buttons and Flowers



Picture Frame Wreath

More Felt Flowers - Scattered

Yarn wound

I found this yummy recipe for homemade pumpkin spice cream cheese, can't wait to try this!

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese

Ingredients:
- 8oz low fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup canned pure pumpkin
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- dash of salt

Directions: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy.


For Images, click on Image title.



What do you like about Fall?
-M

Sew - A needle pulling thread...

I am sorry that I did not post at the end of last week, work was very busy, and I was off Friday for a wonderful wedding! I did pick up a new skill over the weekend though...I learned how to use the sewing machine! This is something that I have sort of known how to do, but have never had my own machine to really practice at it. On Sunday my mother came over and brought me a machine, some tools, and fabric. Now I just can't stop! Yesterday alone I had sewn a new table runner for my kitchen, a towel to match, and a scarf made out of old clothes. I am already thinking of new projects to create and make! Once I start making some cute things I will post them and how I made them.

Here is one idea I want to tackle:

Image via etsy

This is an old large hoody sweatshirt made into a cute, buttoned hoody wrap! I love the idea, and want to see how easy it is. I have plenty of old sweatshirts, but not sure if any of them would be suitable for this project, I may need to hit up the thrift store. I will keep you all updated on my progress.

Anyone have any good sewing ideas?

-M

Fall is just around the corner...

And that means scarves! Spring and Fall are definitely scarf season, and as soon as the weather cools you know it too! Women wearing scarves will be everywhere, including myself! I have recently seen a few that I love and would like to buy something similar. I also have seen a lot of adorable ideas for some fall outfits or trends!

Rachel Bilson

Neutral Nail with Gold Scattered Tips

*Absolutely love this look.

Thick Wrap Sweater

Then I also found this blog with directions on a DIY tube scarf! Those are definitely one of my favorite styles, but sometimes hard to find! I would love to try this, but with different patterns and even some solid colors!



Find directions for this DIY on Cotton and Curls

Happy hunting for your fall fashion finds!

-M

To Do List...

There are so many different things that inspire me, and a lot of the inspiration is how to decorate my home or make better use of it. I always save ideas and links to creative DIY projects, unique paint palettes, pretty rooms, and even just clever ideas for an everyday item. It is amazing what some people can come up with! If only I had the time to get all of these projects done, one day at a time, right?! I may be going to the thrift store this weekend to collect some vintage items...



Picture Frame Dry Erase Board

*Use scrapbook paper as the background, or maybe a faint picture.

Image via Make and Takes

Monogram Picture Collage

*I would even just use a group of larger pictures.

Image via Somewhat Simple 

Ikea Cabinets made into a Bench

*I have been wanting benches for a breakfast nook for-ev-er!

Image via Aubrey and Lindsay

Wreath made out of Tulle

*Can change the colors for any season or holiday!

Image via Something to Do

A Rose stamp using Lettuce

*Can also use brussel sprouts and other leafy veggies.

Image via Martha Stewart

Wallpapering the inside of a Bookcase

*Another good idea is to just even paint the inside a different color.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Clothes line hanging photos

*Can use any combination of pictures and photographs.

Image via Charla Anne

Serving tray out of a Chalkboard

*Another idea could be a plastic tray with a dry erase marker.

Image via Tiny White Daisies

Hopefully you can try one of these ideas soon!

-M