Days of Halloween Giveaway day 7: Skeletal Support

It is officially half way through our "13 Days of Halloween Giveaway"! Each time you share that days post on Facebook you are entered to win. How awesome is that!? Check out all the dets here!

Now on to some even more fun stuff... Halloween Candle Sticks!

Here is an easy way to re-purpose something this Halloween. Every garage sale and thrift store is full of old brass table lamps. I happened to find a great assortment at our local Restore.  In three easy steps you will have a unique, one of a kind, spooktacular Halloween decoration!

1. Disassemble the old lamp. Most lamps are built pretty much the same way, thank goodness, I'm not sure I could handle the ins and outs of electricity. And lucky for us you can just throw all the electrical bits away for this project!

2. Take the base, the funnel and the and center pipe. Add your Halloween piece. In our case the skull and pumpkin. Secure it all with the nuts and bolts. 

3. Add some spray paint and there you go. An awesomely easy Halloween decoration.

Chandelier Update

Many of you may recognize this chandelier from a previous post.  It has become one of my favorite elements in my house for accessorizing.  As you can tell, the blue burlap ribbon that I had been using as a shade, had become tired.  I wanted some refreshment without a lot of fuss.  I happened upon these mini clothes pins at a local grocery store and my idea was born!  Book pages have become a hot accoutrement in DIY projects recently, so why not.  A thrift store book with interesting pictures and quotes...  Voila!  A whole new look for 5 dollars; perfect for ushering in Autumn.

Trends We Love: D.I.Y. Fall Decor

Here are 5 easy projects you can easily do yourself!

1. A Knob Coat Rack

2. A Fall Wreath

3. Leaf Candles

4. Lace Table Runner

5. Burlap Bed Skirt

1. A Knob Coat Rack:

 Simply choose some drawer knobs, I found some great antique ones and some from a local craft store to get my combination. I then measured and drilled holes in a wood plaque. Screw in the knobs and TADA! 15 min later and you have a great piece that can hold; mittens, hats or scarves and the weather cools.

2. Fall Wreath:

Pre-made wreaths can be anywhere from $40 or more, however most craft stores will carry the items you need to make your own amazing wreath for under $20. First choose a base for your wreath, in this case I chose a twig circular bundle. Then choose your fall foliage. A mixture of flowers, berries and leaves will created a beautiful arrangement. Just take a walk outside for some inspiration. The pine cones, flowers and foliage could be great additions to your wreath. Then decide what saying you want on your pumpkins. I chose the word "welcome" and then used a paint pen to write it across the pumpkins. The best part about this project is you can move pieces around until you get the look you want. Chose some great coordinating ribbon and attach it to your door.

3. Leaf Candles

All you need is some foliage, basic candles and some mod podge. Score up the area on the candle you will be attaching the leaves too. That way they will adhere better. Apply the leaves with some mod podge. And there you are! A little something extra for your home.

4.Drop Cloth Table Runner

Cut a strip for a table cloth about 18" x 65". Hem the sides and then apply some lace to the edges. Fold in the ends and sew a 1/2" hem on the ends. Now you have a table runner that is easy to clean and looks great too.

5. Burlap Bed Skirt

Burlap is a great organic material, perfect for fall. Measure the diameter of you your bed and and the height from the top of the box spring down. Cut your burlap accordingly. Sew a line across the bottom to prevent fraying. apply Velcro to the top and to the box spring ( this allows you to easily change your bed skirt without having to lift a heavy mattress.) Adhere your bed skirt and now you have a new look for the new season!

There you go! Now you get D.I.Y-ing with some new looks for this Fall!

Personalize with Hand Made Accessories

It seems to me these days, that there is an epidemic of DIY projects everywhere, especially with the rise and fame of pinterest. I understand that it is becoming more and more difficult to live amongst all these "easy to do" projects, when you, yourself may not be a "crafter", or "do it yourself-er". Its rough and I understand that. When the chances of you gluing your fingers together before reaching the checkout line at your local craft store is higher than you knowing the difference between emerald green and teal green...it is not a good sign. BUT...I say there is hope and there is a way to personalize your home with some of your own creations. Take this flower box for example. 

In three easy steps you can have a home accessory with some of your personality.

Step 1: Choose a container that has your style: for me it was a very tailored tweed covered box. What can I say the textures just popped out at me.

Step 2: Choose some of your favorite flowers. ( The best part about this is, you can change your choice depending on the seasons. Its the home accessory that keeps on giving.)

Step 3: Arrange them by cutting the stems at various lengths and positioning them into your base to create a beautiful arrangement made all by yourself.

See how easy is that?! Not to mention there was no glue involved. leaving your fingers free and happy.

Project time: 30min 

Cost:  As little as $15.00 depending on your choices.

-B.Petersen

If you have any DIY "glued finger stories" we'd love to hear about them. So go ahead, don't be shy and leave a comment!