Valentine Votives

Today we a simple way to up cycle all of your glass jars and tissue paper. I decided to decorate mine for Valentines Day since that is the closest holiday, but they can be customized for any occasion (holidays, gifts, bridal/baby showers, anything you can think of). This is another fool proof craft, whatever you think looks best goes!

What you will need:
- Glass jars of any size
- Mod Podge
- Paint brush
- Tissue paper
- Candles

First start by cutting the tissue paper into 1 inch strips that are at least the height of your jar, or longer if you choose to cover the bottom (I did). Then take another color and begin cutting out your decorative design. I chose hearts, but you could do snowflakes, four leaf clovers, stars, the options are endless. You could also use printed quotes or newspaper text. Again it's all about your vision.

Cover a section of the jar with Mod Podge and lay the tissue paper over. Don't worry about the tissue paper laying flat, crumpling it will only add texture to your votive. Continue this until the whole jar is covered with tissue paper.

Then go over the tissue paper with more Mod Podge. If you feel an area is too thin, keep adding layers until you are happy.

The last step is to add your cut outs over the base layer of tissue paper and cover with Mod Podge. Remember that if your base coat is a darker color like the red, it may take more than one layer of a lighter cut out to show up. I used two white hearts.

Let them dry, add your candles an your finished!

Scaly Dinosaur with Crackle Paint

This post came about on a routine trip to Hobby Lobby with an impatient 18 month old. I was looking for a frame for an upcoming post when meltdown mode started, but mid meltdown Mason looked over and said "Roar!". He found a little wooden dinosaur and with a little crackle paint and yellow and green paint I had at home, Voila!

First coat with the base color and let it dry completely.

Then cover the entire product with a coat of crackle paint, but DO NOT let it dry all the way. When the paint is "tacky", paint over it with the top color. It will crackle as it dries. Be careful not to over brush with the top color, it will affect the crackling, as will letting the crackle paint dry too much.

The best part is there is no right or wrong way to do this! I think I let the face dry a bit too much before adding the top color, but now I can paint a cute face on him!

Mirror Coasters

Today let's make something for the home, mirror coaster! I saw a picture of these on Joann Fabrics website and they look expensive but so easy to make!

What you will need:

- Cork sheets
- 1" Mirror squares (12 per coaster)
- 1/2" Mirror squares (16 per coaster)
- Glue (I used Tacky Glue)

I was able to find all the supplies locally at Hobby Lobby, they can also be found at Michael's and Joann Fabrics. The cork can be purchased as a sheet like above or as precut 4" by 4" squares.

These coasters are so simple, all you do is glue the tiles onto the cork! I found it easiest to glue the squares one row at a time. I started with the bottom row and worked my way up. When I got to the second row, I started with the smaller squares and did the 1" outer squares last. I finished with the top row of 1" squares.

Make sure the glue is dry, wipe them off with glass cleaner and they are ready to use!

Birds Nest Necklace

My first DIY post will be how to make your own birds nest necklace.

I made several over the holidays, one for myself and a few others as gifts. I chose to create mine to represent our family, the pink bead representing myself and the blue and green representing my husband and son. I found tons of beautiful pictures online and just went off them to create the look.

What you will need:

-22 gauge wire
-Colorful beads
-Necklace chain
-Needle nose pliers (optional)

Take the wire and cut a section approximately 2 1/2 feet long and string the first bead onto the wire. Wrap the end of the wire around the bead to secure it in place.

Next string the rest of the beads and begin wrapping the wire around them. This is the part where your personal preference takes over. There is no exact method to how to wrap the wire, you can wrap as loosely or tightly as you like. You can also wrap the wire around the beads as much as you like. If you like the "nest" to be a bit fuller then I suggest cutting a longer piece of wire.

Once you are satisfied with the nest, you can begin wrapping the wire around the nest. This step is optional. Wrap the wire around the nest wires three times. I usually do this three times at different points of the nest.

The final step is to take the wire and create a loop so that you an thread it on your chain. Make a loop with the wire at the top of the nest then twist several times at the base of the loop. Secure the wire to the back of the necklace and trim away any excess wire.

And now you can thread it onto your chain and you have the finished product. They are perfect for Valentines Day, Mothers Day, Christmas or any other gift giving occasion.

My New Years Resolution, more blogging

This holiday season has given me new inspiration. My friends and I recently started having a craft night. It started so that we could get together and make some of the cute things that we are always pinning on Pinterest and make some wonderful homemade Christmas gifts. I have always been into crafts and started doing so as a little girl with my grandmothers. They taught me how to sew, crochet and more. We made doll clothes, stuffed animals and so much more. We even made paper out of old blue jeans. I have decided to take this blog as my own personal craft and DIY guide for all of my favorite crafts, all of which I Ise in my own home or make as gifts. My obsession with Pinterest has really fueled my desire for this blog. I have also been spending a crazy amount of time browsing Martha Stewart's website and have so many projects I want to start. I also would love feedback and craft suggestions if anyone has an idea they want to share. Stay tuned for my first DIY post!