Sometimes, little improvements go a long way in helping to complete a room. Last spring, it was a big home improvement -- brand-new bay and picture windows for my home's living room -- that gave my home's living room a much-improved look. I especially love the bay window because it brings in a lot of light, and my children love to do their reading for school there. We got the new picture window to replace a leaky one, but the bay window was a total splurge. (Thanks, honey!) But shortly after the new windows were installed, I made some small improvements that I believe cost less than Continue reading...
Time to “Boo” the Neighbors!
It’s that time of year again – it’s time to “boo” the neighbors! We started a little Halloween tradition last year in our neighborhood where kids and families take turns “booing” each other, secretly leaving fun little packages of treats, toys and goodies by a neighbor’s door. We are new to the tradition, but the Halloween tradition is popular in many neighborhoods across the country. Booing the neighbors is sort of like “Secret Santa,” where the gift recipient is left to guess who the gift giver is – but this fun activity is a fall tradition instead of a Christmas one. Our Own Continue reading...
Pretty Craft Flowers for a Rainy Day
One rainy day a few days ago, my daughters and I broke out the "Growing Gardens" Kiwi Crate that we received in the mail. My kids had a wonderful time! In the crate was enough craft supplies for my kids to create two adorable craft flowers each out of paper cut outs and pipe cleaners. The craft was simple enough that my girls (both 9) were able to create their flowers completely on their own, without any guidance from me. After they made their flowers, they used the colored clay that comes with the kit to decorate the four Kiwi Crate cardboard pots. I was impressed with the pretty designs Continue reading...
Kiwi Crates, Fun For Kids
I’ve been offered the opportunity to try and review Kiwi Crate, a subscription service that supplies kids and parents with a box full of fun activities to do each month. We received our first Kiwi Crate in the mail just last week, and my kids are anxious to get started on the projects in this month’s crate! Our “Growing Gardens” crate is filled with two of everything, which is wonderful, since I have two daughters. In the crate are things to create a miniature window garden: Squash and bean seeds, plastic bags to start the seeds in and suction cups for hanging the bags on a Continue reading...
Crafty Wine-Glass Tags
I love wine glass charms -- they add a little whimsy to a party or a moms' night out, and they make it so much easier to distinguish whose glass is whose (especially after a few glasses have been poured and enjoyed). But, the charms can be pricey -- "Ladies Night Wine Class Charms" from Wine Enthusiast sell for $24.95 -- plus, it can be difficult to find charms I like. So, when I saw some cute and simple charms in the jewelry section at my local craft store at the low price of $2.50 for 6, I scooped them up. I also then bought some earring hoops/findings (with rhinestone accents) for $3 Continue reading...
Crafting a Flag for the Garden
With St. Patrick's Day coming up, I wanted to hang a St.Patrick's Day-themed flag in my garden. But I am always surprised at how much those tiny garden flags cost. For instance, a Leprehaun hat garden flag runs about $12 at Amazon.com. So, using the leftover fabric from the leprechaun window valences that I sewed, I created a St. Patrick's day garden flag for my garden this morning. First, I pinned and sewed about .25-inch seams on each side and on the botton of the flag so I wouldn't have any frayed edges. Then, I pinned a two-inch seam on the top of the flag and sewed that, to create Continue reading...
Sewing a Handmade St. Patrick’s Day Curtain Valence
Now that the winter holiday season and Valentine's Day have past, my kids are going through holiday withdrawal. Our once seasonally decorated home is now lacking in fun holiday decor. So, to remedy the situation, I made some leprechaun valences today for St. Patrick's Day, using some cute leprechaun fabric I found at Joanna Fabric and Craft stores. Sewing the valances only took a few minutes, and they definitely add some holiday flair to the kids' bathroom and to our downstairs bathroom off our family room. The below YouTube video offers a great tutorial on how to sew Continue reading...
Organizer Pocket for Fridge Door
To see even less visual clutter on home's fridge door, I decided to follow the advice I found at myschneiderbucket.blogspot.com and create my own refrigerator pocket organizer. The cereal box I had on hand was much smaller than the one she used, so instead of cutting off the top of the box, I cut open the side, so I could have an opening that would fit 8-inch by 11-inch papers. I then found some leftover wrapping paper in green (my favorite color) and wrapped the box like I would any box with wrapping paper. I secured magetic clips to the back to hold up the back of the Continue reading...
Time to Replace the Christmas Valences
LOL. After publishing my most recent post about Homemade Holiday Pillows and Curtains, I realized that I haven't taken down the Christmas valences I made for my home's bathrooms. So, I am posting a photo of one of them before I remove them both. Perhaps it's time to make St. Patrick's Day valences. I just have to find some good fabric! Does anyone have suggestions on where to buy quality fabric for curtains? I am thinking of trying Joann Fabric and Craft Stores or perhaps fabric from Ikea, because after I make the St. Paddy's Day valences, I'd love to make some drapes for my home office. Continue reading...
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