The last few years I found myself up late on December 24th frantically wrapping presents, not exactly the way to get into the spirit! This year I knew I wanted to do it differently. These are the three things I wanted to happen: I wanted to spend some time being creative while … [Read more...]
Glass Jar Votive Holders
Glass Jar Votive Holders This has to be one of my favorite activities to do with the kids!Start by saving jars for a month or more! Salsa, jelly, vegetable, and baby jars all work well. Soak the jars to remove the labels and scrub any excess glue … [Read more...]
Presto Chango Christmas Wreath
Sneak Peek at my Christmas Wreath I am getting a lot of mileage out of my white base wreath I bought at Target several months ago. With it I've been able to make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath for the fall.I made a Feather Wreath for Thanksgiving.Now it was time to give the … [Read more...]
Fall Leaves Hurricane Centerpiece
Every year, my wonderful mother-in-law hosts Thanksgiving. My contribution is usually to provide the centerpiece. (Yes, I got out of cooking the turkey all these years?! Suh-weet!)This year, I've been captivated by the beautiful fall leaf colors that are swirling around us here … [Read more...]
Adding Roof and Perch to a Birdhouse
I hope you didn't think I'd leave you hanging. Here is the tutorial for the decorative birdhouse I auctioned off for our preschool's silent auction (just in case you want to make your own birdhouse for Christmas!)By the way, the winning bidder paid $25 for the … [Read more...]
Birdhouses with Style
Our preschool silent auction is today. Every year I donate a one-of-a-kind birdhouse to be auctioned off. I never spend more than $3 on the birdhouse and usually buy the unpainted versions at Michael's or ACMoore. Then I get creative by hand-painting a scene and add unexpected … [Read more...]
Feathers in my Wreath
I bought this basic white base wreath at Target a few months ago. I knew it would take me through several seasons.Case in point, my magnolia-fied wreath from September.Well, I stripped out all the dried magnolia leaves and was determined to give it a new look for Thanksgiving. … [Read more...]
Create Your Own Decorative Bin
Do you remember that cute little blue striped bin in Renee's storage unit? The one that she uses for junk mail and recycling. How much do you think she paid for that? Would you believe nothing?! I made it for her out of a cardboard box and art supplies I had on … [Read more...]
Toilet Paper Pumpkins
I thought I'd sneak one more fun craft in before Halloween. Don't fret, this craft takes about 5-10 minutes. You'll spend more time gathering the supplies than you will creating it. My sitter came over to make these pumpkins with my boys. I was a little skeptical when she asked … [Read more...]
Metal Gift Luggage Tags
I have so much to tell and show you, I can hardly contain myself! If you follow me on Twitter (PrettyHandyGirl), you may have seen this photo of the light fixtures I scored from our Habitat ReStore last week! (Yes, I also have a Facebook Fan page.)I was ecstatic to find … [Read more...]
Giveaways: Reminders and Announcements
Hey, y'all (did you know I live in the south?) But, I also lived in Philadelphia for 9 years where I worked very hard to get rid of my southern accent. (If you live there, yoos know wood I'm tawkin' about.) Unfortunately my southern accent hasn't come back completely now that we … [Read more...]
Mag-nolia-fying a Fall Wreath
I promised you that I'm embracing Autumn now that the weather is cooling off. In fact, I've been switching out the summer decor for some more seasonally appropriate reds, oranges, brown and greens. I even spent time Mag-nolia-fying a Fall Wreath. What? You don't know what … [Read more...]
Sea Shell Matching Game
Oh so sad that summer is over. If you were fortunate to get some time at the beach, you may have come home with a few dozen of these:Especially if you have little children who insist on keeping every shell that they find! So, what to do with all those shells? Gather up your … [Read more...]
Writing in the Sand Picture
This is a fun project to do with your kids (or by yourself) while you are at the beach.Collect some cool shells, beach glass or driftwood. Use a broken shell with a sharp edge to write your name or message in the sand. Decorate your scene with the shells, etc. Take oodles … [Read more...]
Decorative Book with Hidden Potential (and a gift for my 100th follower)
Two weeks ago I was thrilled when one of you wonderful readers signed on to become my 100th follower! What a milestone for a relatively new blog.This lucky, 100th follower was Sharon, who has an equally amazing blog called This Thrifty House. If you haven't been to her blog, you … [Read more...]
Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern from $5 ReStore Light Fixture
If you have been following my blog, you may remember this light fixture that I rescued bought at our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.Originally I thought about using it as a light in our foyer, but that plan changed after I found myself drooling over these lanterns at … [Read more...]