Category: DIY

Spring Home Project – Easy DIY Terrarium

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Spring Home Project DIY… bringing a little outside inside

Bringing the outside into your home with plants is a great way to (literally) bring some life Into your Spring home projects.  There are a ton of resources available at your local Goodwill to create an amazingly easy DIY terrarium!

With Spring upon us, I have been anxious to test my green thumb.  But at the same time, terrified the temperature changes will result in mass garden casualties! So, this easy DIY Terrarium is an easy indoor plant option.

Not only are terrariums perfect for our unruly weather, they’re also a beautiful option for decorating with thrift store finds. If you like budget friendly home décor options, you’ll love the Easy DIY Terrarium!

Easy as 1-2-3

To get started on your own Easy DIY Terrarium, here is what you will need from your local Goodwill for this project:

  1.   Glass Tray
  2.   Terracotta Pots
  3.   Glass Cloche Domes.  What is a cloche?  Simply put, it is a translucent cover used to protect plants. You can use any clear glass for this project. Be creative! Just be sure the class is tall.  This is key. Your plant needs room to grow. Some things that might work: glass jars, glass bowls, mason jars, or a fish bowl.

Get some potting supplies too. If you’re a plant expert, feel free to set up your terrarium however you’d like. If you’re not sure where to start, check out my full post HERE to see how I “layered” my Easy DIY Terrarium. I also shared a trick for finding house plants for cheap!

Once you have your supplies from Goodwill,  start putting together your Easy DIY Terrarium.

Step 1

It’s super simple. First, get your plants into the terracotta pots.

Step 2

Then, arrange on your tray.

Step 3

Finally, add the domes!

Tips

Tip 1:  Because the covered terrariums create a greenhouse effect, there will be some moisture build up. Which is why I highly suggest the glass tray like I used.  This will create a moisture barrier between your Easy DIY Terrariums and whatever surface you’ll be putting them on.

Tip 2:  When you pick out your supplies at Goodwill, make sure the dome fits over the terracotta pots you use. A couple of mine were a pretty snug fit, and I had to experiment with which dome worked best with each pot.

Tip 3:  Goodwill has a ton of great glassware options that would be perfect for Easy DIY Terrariums! You could also try tall vases for open terrariums, or jars and bottles for a more Boho look.

Tip 4:  This can be a fun project for kids to get involved with. Let your kids help choose the plants, and get their hands dirty potting.  They will love watching something they created grow throughout the Spring and Summer.

 

 

 

 

This month’s guest blogger is Amanda DeVries.  Get in touch with her at This Growing Home or find her on Facebook.

 

Repurposed Picture Frame Wreath

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Are you ready for Christmas? This repurposed picture frame wreath is the perfect final decoration for your home, and is an easy DIY Christmas décor project using things found at Goodwill.

What you’ll need:

  1. Frames
  2. Greenery
  3. Hot Glue Gun / Glue Sticks

Supply Run!

You’ll want to start out this repurposed picture frame wreath project by going on a supply run to your local Goodwill Store. They will have a ton of picture frame options for you to choose from!

Once you’ve picked out your frame or frames for this easy DIY Christmas décor project, head over to the Christmas aisle at Goodwill for some greenery. This is where you’ll need a little vision. Any donated Christmas arrangements will work as long as they can be disassembled.

Here’s What I Used

For my wreaths, I found a rustic wood frame, an elaborate gold frame, and a lighter wood frame. I also used an evergreen centerpiece, a potted poinsettia arrangement, and some red poinsettias I found on a previous trip. With those I was able to create three repurposed picture frame wreath decorations!

I preferred mine to be more minimal, and so was able to stretch the greenery farther. If you prefer a fuller look, you can easily add more to your own DIY Christmas décor project.

Pull It All Apart

The next thing you’ll want to do for your repurposed picture frame wreath, is disassemble your supplies. Remove any pictures and glass from your frames, and separate the greenery you found.

I pulled mine apart and piled all the similar kinds together to see what I had of each. Then I organized which piles I wanted to go with each frame. Feel free to mix and match or stick to only one. Design it however you’re inspired! The beauty of this easy DIY Christmas décor project is that you can personalize it for your own preferences.

Lay It All Out

Once you’ve decided what greenery goes with each frame, you’ll want to lay it all out to make sure you have enough and perfect how it will be arranged on the frame. Find a center point that you will be working out from. For mine, I used the corner of the frame as the center point and laid it out so the greenery met at that point.

When that’s done, you can pull out the hot glue gun and get it warmed up.

Finishing Touches

When the glue gun is all warmed up, you can start applying the greenery to your repurposed picture frame wreath. Start with the farthest greenery from the center point and work toward the center. That way, you will hide any stems or glue under the next piece. Once you get to the center, you can nest the stems and glue under pieces that are already glued down so they aren’t visible.

If you are nervous about being able to disguise the glue points, you can add your own embellishment to the center point like a ribbon or bulb. You may even have one laying around after disassembling your greenery!

Get Hanging!

After the glue dries, your easy DIY Christmas décor is ready to be displayed! You can hang your repurposed picture frame wreath, or display it from a shelf.

I was so happy with how mine turned out! They look great on their own or as the focal point of your holiday wall arrangements! Enjoy your DIY Christmas décor pieces! You can find tutorials for the DIY Winter Décor Glass Trees and picket fence DIY Stocking Hanger on my website www.ThisGrowingHome.com

Or go directly to the posts:

https://www.thisgrowinghome.com/diy-winter-decor-glass-trees/

https://www.thisgrowinghome.com/diy-stocking-hanger/

Hopefully you enjoyed this fun and easy DIY Christmas décor project and are already getting started on your own repurposed picture frame wreath! Check in later for more fun and easy projects supplied by your local Goodwill! And… Happy Decorating!!

Gold Painted Milk Glass

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Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start party planning! I love any excuse to host family and friends in my home, but it doesn’t take long for the budget to get out of control. So, I always start my party planning at my local Goodwill. It’s the perfect place for easy diy home decorating ideas!

This year I was inspired by a modern vintage theme for my diy Thanksgiving table decorations and decided painted milk glass was the way to go! I’m always coming across unique milk glass pieces during my Goodwill trips and have been hoping to find an excuse to pick some up.

As a mom of three, I’m all about easy diy home decorating ideas, and these painted milk glass vases were super simple and affordable. So head out to Goodwill and grab some vases to follow along with this post on diy Thanksgiving table decorations!

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Your supply list is pretty simple. All you’ll need for these painted milk glass diy Thanksgiving table decorations are:

  1. Milk Glass Vases
  2. Spray Paint
  3. Painting tape

That’s it! Like I said, super simple.

To start out, scrub down all of the vases you plan on using for your painted milk glass project. You’ll want them to be super clean so the paint sticks well.

Next you can start applying the painting tape. Some of the vases I chose had a lot of detail and I tried to highlight that while applying the tape. I stuck with easy simple lines for those. I also had one vase that was more basic or neutral in design. For that vase, I added more geometric lines and shapes.

This step is super flexible and you can create whatever layouts you want. The goal is to have clean closed lines so your paint won’t bleed everywhere.

Once your tape is applied, you can move on to the painting part of your diy Thanksgiving table decorations project! Nothing complex here, just spray your paint within the taped off area of your milk glass vases and let dry.

Because I plan on using these for Thanksgiving decor, I wanted a warm color and went with gold. If you are thinking of using this painted milk glass project for a different theme or occasion, you can easily change out the color to fit.2018_tgiving3-3980039292-1542211741402.jpg

I’m telling you guys, when it comes to easy diy home decorating ideas, it doesn’t get easier than these painted milk glass vases! And hunting down supplies at Goodwill will save you a ton on decoration expenses. As an added bonus, you can trade the cheap paper decor look for something that “appears” more expensive!

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Once your paint has dried, all that’s left is to throw a party and show off your new diy Thanksgiving table decorations! You can go with a minimal look and only use a few, or have an elaborate tablescape with as many as you can fit.

Hopefully you enjoyed this post and are already planning a supply trip to Goodwill. Check in later for more easy diy home decorating ideas!

P.S. if you liked the table place mats or round plate covers in the photos, I’ll be sharing how to make them along with some styling examples for everyone subscribed to my website!

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Find Amanda at:

Farmhouse Fall Decor Bundt Pumpkin DIY

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I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been LOVING this Fall weather! And no Autumn season is complete without the smell of fresh baked goods, cozy knit sweaters, and PUMPKINS! I love incorporating pumpkins in my Farmhouse Fall Decor, and this fun DIY Bundt Pumpkin was a great addition!

Making Your Own Bundt Pumpkin

If you’re like me and love finding home decor at a great price or getting crafty and making your own, there’s no better place to look than at your local Goodwill! They have everything you could ever need for home decor or DIY projects.

I stopped at my local store and picked up some supplies for my Bundt Pumpkin. If you love this DIY and want to make your own, you’ll want to stop at Goodwill and pick up…

  1. Bundt pan
  2. Wooden Candle Stick
  3. Greenery (for the leaves)

You’ll also need

  1. Spray paint
  2. Hemp String

Step One: Prep the Pieces

You’ll want to clean your bundt pan and candlestick. Mine weren’t too hard to clean, but the wax on the candlestick can be a little tricky, so double check you’ve gotten all of it.

If the spray paint you got for this project requires it or if you’re concerned about it not sticking well to your pan, you can use sand paper and rough up the surface of your pan a little. Just be sure that you clean the dust off before painting it.

Step Two: Spray Away

I couldn’t resist doing more than one Bundt Pumpkin. So, I picked a couple different paint options. One pumpkin I painted metallic orange for a more traditional Fall Home Decor feel with a modern twist. The second, I painted white for a Farmhouse Fall Decor feel. If you’re wanting an even stronger rustic feel, you could even sand distress marks after the paint has dried.

Step Three: Finishing Touches

Once the paint dries, it’s time to make it look like a pumpkin! I strung some leaves onto the hemp cord and wrapped it around the top of the candlestick. I left the cord long to look like vines from the pumpkin stem.

The candlestick I got, had a screw in the bottom and came apart perfectly to slip onto the pan. Definitely pick up a candle like this if possible because it creates a great base for your Bundt Pumpkin once you screw the bottom back on over the pan. Otherwise try to find a candle that will fit down into the pan neck. Install your candlestick however appropriate.

I kept my candlestick a natural wood color because I wanted it to resemble a real pumpkin for my Farmhouse Fall Decor, but feel free to make yours unique by painting your “stem” if you want!

Hopefully you enjoyed this easy DIY Bundt Pumpkin tutorial, and are headed to Goodwill to get started on your own! I know it’ll be the perfect addition to your Fall Home Decor.

Find Amanda at:

5 Trends Hotter than the Summer Sun

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Fringe is In

This summer is all about fun in the sun, so add some fun textures to your wardrobe with fringe details. Go for a bold look with a heavily fringed top or add some subtle fringe with tassels dangling from your jewelry.

This look can also be an easy DIY. Find a great sweater or vest at your local Goodwill store, then add a few yards of fringe (found at any craft store), and instant style!


America, the Beautiful

With Fourth of July celebrations just around the corner, it’s time to bring out your stars and stripes! Go all out with a star spangled tank-top or add a flag detail to your favorite denim jacket.

Say Aloha!
Floral prints aren’t just for spring. Brighten up your look with bold hibiscus and tropical palm tree prints. 
Hawaiian print shirts are a great treasure that you are sure to find at your local Goodwill stores. Consider purchasing a men’s large camp-style shirt in a great print and turning it into a skirt dress!
And yes, gentlemen, the Hawaiian shirt is back in style!

  
Relax, Take it Easy

Bring out the palazzo pants and relaxed trousers, summer is all about taking it easy. 
This is a great trend on those hot summer days. Stay cool and comfortable with looser, airy garments and lightweight materials.

 
Mix and Match
When it comes to prints, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Summer is about having fun, so have some fun with your wardrobe! Find new outfit combinations you might not have considered before…and what better way to experiment with this daring trend than with great finds at Goodwill!

Whatever your style is this summer, be sure to check out Goodwill for the latest in trends and of course, AMAZING finds! 
 
    …and Haleigh!

7 Easy Upcycle Projects for Fall

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Do you love decorating for Fall as much as I do? Of all the seasons, this one is my favorite and I love that you don’t have to spend a lot to make a beautiful impact on your home during this season. Nature brings so many free and fun elements to your home decorating. Pairing these with a few simple upcycle DIY’s, you don’t have to spend a lot to make your space cozy and beautiful.

Today I want to share with you seven easy upcycle projects you can try to make yourself and your home cozy for Fall. These projects were selected with your Goodwill shopping in mind and should be easy to execute with some commonly found items at our store!

Transform Book Pages Into a Wreath

Book page projects are always my favorite and I just love this easy DIY Paper Leaf Wreath created by Nalle’s House as a whimsical element of decor to a door or window in your home. I particularly love that she uses a fallen leaf as a template to create a rustic feel to the wreath and the addition of fallen acorns really embrace the natural elements of autumn.

Turn Sweaters Into Cozy Legwarmers

Living in Indiana, a girl can never have too many layers in the colder months. I love a good legwarmer or boot cuff to add a touch of color and warmth to my wardrobe. Lucky for you, sweaters are available in every color of the rainbow at Goodwill. As Svetlana HillKovich Photography explains in her easy tutorial, this is a simple no-sew project since no one will ever see what’s lurking underneath your boots if you don’t feel like making a finished edge. So cute AND easy!

Add a Little Pottery Barn Style

Wouldn’t we all just love to fill our homes with everything from Pottery Barn? I know I would, but just can’t justify the expense especially when it comes to simple seasonal decor. Live Laugh Rowe replicates these elegant mason jars filled with seasonal filler and votives for families on a budget. Glass jars are always something I can snag at my store and filler for these can be purchased at your local craft store (with a great coupon, of course!) 

Create a Book Page Pumpkin

I am always looking for thrifty seasonal touches to add to my bookcases and shelves. Consider making a simple book page pumpkin out of a book from Goodwill and finish it with a little twine and twig to complete the rustic look. If you select books in different sizes, you could create a beautiful coffee table display for your home! Check out this easy step-by-step tutorial from Red Ember to create one of these (or ten!) for your own home! 

Add a Fall Touch to a Mug

It is rare that I stop in the store and can’t find a few white mugs for my DIY projects. I have transformed many a mug into a beautiful gift and I love the idea of adding a fall touch to these Goodwill treasures with a simple stencil. Since these are a rub-on transfer (versus a permanent paint transfer) consider using these as a place to tuck your toothbrushes, to fill with a treat for a teacher, or plant a little succulent to place next to a kitchen window! You can get the scoop on this easy stenciled mug over on Callaloo Soup. 

Add Simple Details to a Faux Pumpkin

Although I love a glitzy pumpkin, my eye is drawn to these simple Baker’s Twine pumpkins because they create such a beautiful detail with such pretty lines. If you aren’t crafty, this is the perfect DIY project for you and just requires a little wrapping of twine to complete. This project is so easy, you can enlist your kids to help you!  Check out Design Improvised to see how to create these for your own home. 

Add a Tassel Detail to a Cozy Throw

I am absolutely nuts about tassels and how they can transform anything from clutches to necklaces to pretty trims. A basic vintage throw from Goodwill can be taken up so many notches with a beautiful tassel detail. Design Sponge shows you how beautiful this detail can be in cozy neutrals for the fall season. I’m dying to replicate this project for our home, aren’t you? Get the easy tutorial over here today! 

What is your favorite upcycle project that you have done for Fall? Feel free to leave your ideas in our comments below!

DIY Jewelry Organizer

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One of the things I seem to struggle with is wearing all of the great accessories I’ve collected over the years.  It seems I always wear the same few pieces…because I can see them, they are on top of the pile (know what I mean?).

The notion of being able to see all of my jewelry coupled with a good storage option has been something I’ve been frustrated with for a long time.  I’ve tried hanging everything on a necklace tree, I purchased a piece of furniture that held my jewelry, I even invested in stack-able trays thinking that was the ticket to storing all of my jewelry pieces.

None of those things worked.

When a modern mom has a problem like this, what does she do?  She turns to Pinterest of course!  I saw some DIY jewelry organizers that I thought might work, so I decided to make my own.  And I must say, it is working very well!  The best thing about this DIY project is you don’t have to be crafty or own a bunch of tools to have a great looking final product.

DIY PICTURE FRAME JEWELRY ORGANIZER


STEP 1
First, head to your local Goodwill store and find a picture frame that you love.  It doesn’t matter what is inside (what the picture is), just look for a decorative frame (or maybe something simple) that will match your decor. The best frames for this project will be large bulky frames.  Look for something that is made of wood  and that is at least 1 1/2″ thick. I found 3 frames to use for this project.  Two smaller frames (about 8×10), and one larger frame (about 24×30).  I will use the smaller one for bracelets and earrings, and the larger one for necklaces.

STEP 2

The second step is to head to a craft store or hardware store.  I stopped by a hardware store and purchased $14 worth of supplies.  They include:

  1. A variety of small ‘S’ hooks
  2. A roll of chicken wire (sometimes called Hardware Cloth)
  3. Some heavy duty thumb tacks

STEP 3
Prepare the picture frame by removing all of the backing.

Next, measure how much of the Chicken Wire you will need to cut to fit the frame.  I cut the piece to fit the back of the frame, leaving about 1/4″ border. Using wire cutters (mine are technically floral cutters), trim a piece of the Chicken Wire to fit the back of your frame.

STEP 4

Affix the backing using a hammer and the large thumb tacks.  Next, using the ‘S’ hooks, plan how you will organize your jewelry pieces on the frame. It is OK if the chicken wire is a little loose, or not flat.  If the wire is flat against the wall, it will make it harder to hang the ‘s’ hooks.

I didn’t finish the edges of mine, but I think I might add some heavy duty tape (like packing tape) to the edges on the back of the frame. This will help secure the wire to the frame, and protect the wall from the raw edges of the wire.

Step 5

The last step is to nail your jewelry organizer to the wall.  I used 2 basic picture hanging nails. Enjoy seeing all of your jewelry pieces neatly organized!  And the best part, it takes up unused wall space in your closet! BONUS!

The Little White Dress – DIY Wedding Dress

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Have you ever considered creating your own wedding dress?

I read somewhere that a $10,000 wedding is a good budget to keep in mind for a conservative wedding. WHAT?  Who has THAT kind of money in today’s economy. Most of us can afford closer to $100…and that is a few zeros away from the $10K mark.

This grand number got me to thinking…how can brides save some money planning their wedding?

We all can agree one of the most important aspects of the wedding (along with the bride and groom) is the wedding dress. This is also one element that consumes a lot of the overall wedding budget. What if I told you that you can make your own wedding dress and save THOUSANDS of dollars?

 Love the ideas on this blog for DIY wedding dresses…YES, you read that right…Do It Yourself Wedding Dress!  I especially love the advice on this blog that says:

2. Give Life to a New Dress

Have you come across a dress you absolutely love, but there is something about it that you don’t like? Well, instead of passing this by, get it! You can easily breathe new life into a dress and turn it into something all your own. For example, you could add tulle to the bottom of a dress to make it more like a ball gown. Or you could even shorten a dress so it’s more casual.
If you aren’t able to do these things on your own, then you better find a good seamstress in your area. This professional can make just about anything happen as long as you give them enough time to do so. Your ideas with a dress can come to life, but you have to make sure you use a pro who can actually help you get to the end result that you want.
A lot of brides are choosing to give dresses new lives because it can save them so much money. For example, some brides use their mother’s wedding dress and simply have it changed to be the way they would like. A lot of alterations can be made to create a dress that really fits your every desire.
– See more at: http://www.weddinggownpreservationkit.com/wedding-dress-options-create-pm-22.html#sthash.6Bbiqpi6.dpuf

“Give Life to a New Dress”
Have you come across a dress you absolutely love, but there is something about it that you don’t like? Well, instead of passing it by, get it! You can easily breathe new life into a dress and turn it into something all your own. For example, you could add tulle to the bottom of a dress to make it more like a ball gown. Or you could even shorten a dress so it’s more casual.

If you aren’t able to do these things on your own, then find a good seamstress in your area. This professional can make just about anything happen as long as you give them enough time to do so. Your ideas with a dress can come to life, but you have to make sure you use a pro who can actually help you get to the end result that you want.
A lot of brides are choosing to give dresses new lives because it can save them so much money. For example, some brides use their mother’s wedding dress and simply have it changed to be the way they would like. A lot of alterations can be made to create a dress that really fits your every desire.

I found a few other blogs with great ideas, pictures and step-by-step guides for creating the wedding dress of your dreams…ON A BUDGET!

OTHER DIY WEDDING DRESS BLOGS:
http://www.care2.com
http://www.abeautifulmess.com
http://makezine.com


 Have you heard?  You can have your dream wedding or host a dream event on a budget!  See you at this amazing event sponsored by who else?  Goodwill!

8 Beautifully Frugal Valentine’s Day Projects

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and one of my favorite things to share here on the Goodwill Tips Blog is frugal ways to celebrate the holidays using items from your local Goodwill Store. You may have thought last year’s DIY Valentine’s Day Projects post couldn’t be topped, but I think today’s projects are going to rival all that I shared last year. The best part is that they are both beautiful AND frugal- a total win for my wallet and my home!

Let’s get started with this year’s featured projects!

DIY Valentines Day Bow Tie

I am a total girly-girl so I am absolutely dying over this adorable Valentine’s Day bow tie on Plan B. You only need a few craft supplies and a men’s necktie to create this look. If a pink tie hasn’t been donated to the store, look for a red tie or anything in those festive red & pink colors. Pair this with a lacy blouse and your best boyfriend blazer for a cute night on the town.

If you can’t locate a bow tie, hunt for a red, pink, or white blouse and try my frugal DIY Rosette Necklace for an adorable addition to your favorite jewelry pieces.

DIY Coffee Cup Wrappers

I love a good free printable and am madly in love for these Valentine’s Day cup wrappers. Travel mugs are something that I often see in abundance at our local Goodwill. How sweet would this thrifted gift be with a little lovable printable on the outside and filled with their favorite coffee for someone you love, heading off their morning commute? In my mind, the ultimate sign of love is a cup of coffee, don’t you agree? Grab this free coffee sleeve printable from Eat Drink Chic today!

DIY Sequined Heart Shoe Accents

Last month we talked about how easy it is to make your own sparkled set of shoes from a pair of Goodwill shoes. To take this a step further towards Valentine’s Day festivity, check out this easy sequined heart shoe accent you can make from At The Picket Fence. I know I have one adorable little girl who would absolutely love this heart accent and it would be a fun & inexpensive craft we could do together too!

DIY Coloring Page Valentine’s Day Printables

I am all about free printables for celebrating the holidays and am madly in love with this, “I Love Everything About You,” printable from Tried & True for a couple of different reasons. Besides this printable being free, it is actually a coloring page that you can fill in with your own favorite colors or you can have your kids do for a fun Valentine’s Day activity.

Just pick up a frame or clipboard for displaying these, from your Goodwill store, and you will have something beautiful to decorate a wall, mantle, or nightstand.

DIY LOVE Planter

One donated item that I always can easily find at my Goodwill store is an abundance of white mugs. When I see these, I immediately snap them up because there is so much you can do with these $.25 wonders.

If you are looking for a fun way to add a little festivity to your home, add a LOVE splash by using one of those mugs as an adorable planter for the Valentine’s Day season. Not only is this a cute addition to your home, but would make a fantastic last-minute gift for someone you love! Check out Lacquer & Linen and this easy tutorial for this fun DIY LOVE planter!

DIY Big Bow Pillowcases

Although I don’t sew, I know many of you do, and I truly admire you! For those of our readers that do have the sewing gene (you, lucky people, you!) here is a fun tutorial from raegun ramblings for how to create your very own DIY Big Bow Pillowcases to add a little festivity to your home. 
To create these, visit your local Goodwill Store and purchase linens, sheets,  or the largest shirts you can find in your favorite festive colors. Use this material to create your own pillowcase covers for Valentine’s Day.

DIY Valentine’s Day Centerpiece

If you are looking to add a little festivity to your dinner table or mantle, you will love this easy project created from a little vinyl and any type of glass item/jar that you can find at your local Goodwill store.  
One Artsy Mama offers this free downloadable heart image that you can use to create your own vinyl masterpiece for your table. Fill your jar with festive conversation hearts and you have a fun & frugal centerpiece that you can use every year!

DIY Heart Sleeve Detail

I have been known to wear my heart on my sleeve so this project is perfect for a girl like me! Just visit your local Goodwill for a shirt, cardigan, or sweater you can add your heartfelt detail on  and use these easy directions from hey love designs for creating an easy felt detail to your sweater.

This would be a fun one for a little girl in your life too and takes minimal sewing skills (yay, for those of us that dropped out of sewing school!) to make this sweet little project!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

the thing about kids…and fashion trends

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I have an 11 year old daughter who has strong opinions about her wardrobe (don’t all 11 year old girls?).  Her opinion and mine are vastly different when it comes to school clothes. This back-to-school season I decided I was done arguing about her clothes every morning.  She and I went to Starbucks and had a “fashion meeting”.

Truth is I want her to show her individuality in her wardrobe. I’m glad she isn’t uber obsessed with fashion (I couldn’t afford it!). At our “fashion meeting” I explained to her that I am concerned about things fitting properly, being age appropriate and not unisex (I insist she wear ‘girls’ clothing, not sports wear that are for gals and guys…at least to school). She agreed and we developed our school-clothes rules.

They are:

  • Things must fit (not too small and not too big)
  • Be cool, trendy (whatever that definition is in her 11 year old world)
  • Not look like she is wearing her old-mom’s clothes.  Her clothing must be age appropriate.
  •  Must not be uni-sex.  Must be clothing for girls.

Based on our new agreement (or fashion rules), I then decided that we should choose a style for her. She got to tell me what her personality was through her clothes. She showed me things online she liked, and we went to the mall and she pointed out things in stores she thought was cool.

Some of today’s trends in kids clothes make me take pause when I consider what our kids clothes are saying about their personality.  But, we as responsible parents, need to know what is fashionable (or what “all the kids are wearing”) so when we have these conversations with our teens and pre-teens about wardrobe choices, we are doing so from an educated viewpoint.And of course, to show our kids that we are still cool (*wink*).

Here are 2 big trends in kids clothing this fall.  Or in other words – the stuff your kids are going to be begging for…if they haven’t already!

FUR
This can be a tricky one because pieces that kids like are EXPENSIVE!  Try this: get a great hoodie, denim jacket, or puffy vest from your local Goodwill store.  Then put on your “crafty” hat and DIY!  This tutorial shows you how to get in on this trend in just 5 easy steps.

MOTIFS
Camo and skulls are still big in kids fashion.  Camo has been around a while, look for it this season in bright trendy colors.  For some of us, the camo thing can be a little much for little ones.  Consider a DIY Camo sweatshirt! 

I would love to hear how you’ve calmed the ‘school clothes’ battle in your home! Any suggestions for the rest of us?


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