DIY Wooden Floor Mat — Lowe’s Creative Ideas

Good afternoon!  Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Our weather here in North Carolina has been downright summer like - with temperatures in the 90's already.  Thankfully we had a cold front come through this weekend and now it's feeling more like spring.  But today's project is good for any season!

I love the look of this doormat.  The colors would just make your porch come alive!  The project information at Lowe's states that the project is about $30 to complete, but I think you might spend a little more if you didn't have the paint already. Also, as one of the people who commented - I would put squares at the ends to cover the bare rods and give it a more finished look. 

Want the scoop? Follow my link!

Wooden Floor Mat — Lowe’s Creative Ideas

I think that even a solid color would look good - what do you think?

Have a super day - see ya soon!

Easy-to-Make Vases

Good afternoon!

Spring has sprung and with that comes Mother's Day and Teacher Appreciation Week. Today's vases would be appropriate for both of them! 

As you may have noticed by a few of my previous posts - I am a fan of the Lowe's Creative Ideas website as well as their monthly publication.  This is one of their projects. It appears to be fairly easy to make. These vases are quite unique and would be great in any color to match any decor!

So if you know a deserving teacher or are looking for a new way to give Mom flowers - check out the link to get started!

Easy-to-Make Vases - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Don't they just make you think of spring and summer?

Hope your day is fantastic - see ya soon!

Easy Clothespin Snowflakes

Good morning! 

Spring break is over....it's time to get back to the grind.  School will be done in about 51 days and this school year is just flying by so quickly. I guess before we know it it will be Christmas time again - LOL!!!!!

So I figured for my post today I would show you a Christmas project, which quite frankly I wish I had come across sooner. We decorated our Christmas tree this past year with only white lights and snowflakes.  We made most of the snowflakes and these would have fit right in with the decor. The instructions are very simple and I'm definitely going to make a bunch.  Although I love the natural wood appearance, I will probably paint some of them and even add a touch of sparkle!

You know it's never too late to start your holiday craft projects - so why not some Christmas in April or May or June - well you get the picture!! Want to know how to make them? Follow my link:

Clothespin Snowflakes

A great big thank you to bystephanielynn.com for the tutorial!! She has some amazing project tutorials - if you have time be sure to check them out.

Have a wonderful Wednesday - see ya soon!

The Bachelor and Redneck Wine Glasses

Good morning!  Hope everyone is well. I wish that I could say that I am. I've been fighting a terrible cough and cold - the darn thing just wants to hang on forever! So I haven't been feeling the best and many of my projects have fallen behind as a result.....

My hubby and I have been watching The Bachelor this season. We really liked Ben from the Bachelorette and felt bad for him when Ashley turned his proposal down. So we were happy to hear that he was going to be the next Bachelor. I don't know how many of you watch, but what about that Courtney?  Do you love her or hate her?  For us, she's in the hate category. I really do not want him to end up with her, but I've got this bad feeling that it will go that way!!!!!  I think he and Lindzi are a so much better suited couple.

And speaking of Lindzi, did any of you catch that they were drinking their wine in Redneck Wine Glasses? I thought that was awesome! So in honor of Lindzi and Ben and their hometown date, I thought I'd give you the heads up on making your very own redneck wine glasses - super easy, super inexpensive, and in my opinion super cute!  You know what to do - follow my link here:

Hillbilly Crystal/Redneck Wine Glasses

Big thanks to Cindy Eckhart (Sweet Tea with Cindy) for showing us how it's done!!


Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! See ya soon.

DIY River Rock Door Mat

Good Afternoon!  I so apologize for being a bad blogger lately.  I've been preoccupied with other things and sadly my blog has suffered for it.

But today I want to show you a project that is pretty cool.  It is a river rock doormat!  The tutorial is brought to you via oneprettything.com and says also that it could be made and used as a bathmat as well.  I'm not too sure about that aspect but I am thinking it would be a nice doormat.

Want one?  Go here to see how easy it is to make your very own!

River Rock Door Mat

The tutorial uses black stones, but I really like the natural ones like above.  Regardless of your own personal preference to the type of stone used - this is an easy project with a beautiful finished result! Wouldn't you agree?

Have a fantastic Thursday. See ya soon! (I promise.)

DIY Votive Candle Holder

Happy New Year's Eve to one and all! Party plans abound I'm sure.  Just please be safe and don't drink and drive.    

This is a very special day for me because it is my 18th Wedding Anniversary!!  That's right - we got married on New Year's Eve at 9:00pm 18 years ago.  It seems like yesterday and I love my husband as much today as I did then - even more if that's possible! To my hubby - I Love You, Steve, and Happy Anniversary!

Today my post is a wood project.  I love the colors that were used and the decorations aren't really my style but they look awesome so I may have to give them a try.  You can always make any project your own just by using your creativity and this project is no exception.  Different colors, different decorations - whatever your heart desires.

I think these are quite lovely and would be very nice gifts as well. Thanks to Tatertots and Jello for the how to!  Go here to see more: DIY Candle Holder 

Have a safe and happy new year celebration! See ya soon!

Wine Glass Snowman Votive Holders

Good morning!

My son is keeping a close watch on the calendar this year!  He informed me this morning that it is 10 days until Christmas....to him that seems like an eternity, but for the rest of us it's push time, right?

Today I want to show you these cute votive holders that are made from wine glasses.  I couldn't agree more that these would be cute teacher's gifts!  I wish I had come across them before now since we've already purchased this years teacher gifts.  But alas, there is always next year!

Wanna make some?  Check it out here: Snowman Votive Holder

I personally love snowmen and I love that they can be used into the new year because for me they just signify winter! These things are cute, cute, cute!  And it appears to be fairly easy to make them, too!

Thanks for looking and have a great day!  See ya soon!

New Soda Tab Bracelet

Happy Friday everyone!

I just noticed that it's been 2 weeks since my last post - WOW - time is flying by! The holiday season is getting closer and closer and there's so much to do!  And it seems like there's not enough time to do it! LOL

Today, I want to show you another Pop/Soda Tab Bracelet that I made recently. It is not as wide as the crocheted bracelet I did before. This one uses fabric strips and has a snap closure with a button decoration. 

From snap-end to snap-end this bracelet measures approximately 7.5 inches.  It can be made bigger or smaller very easily by using more or less tabs. You could use ribbon also, but I think it might be more expensive in the long run. You could also use other things to adorn and help cover the snap instead of a button. I just happened to have a button that matched the fabric I was using!

This bracelet is very lightweight and does have some flexibility and stretch to it.  The variety of colors available in fabric just blows my mind - you could have one in every color of the rainbow if you wanted!  The fabric I used is part of a fat quarter bundle that I already had, but they are sold at Walmart and lots of places online.

So, there you have it!  Start saving your tabs today and you can make one, too!  Have a fantastic Friday and I'll see ya soon!

DIY - 2 Variations of Giant Jenga

Good morning!

I really love this idea (can't you tell?).  My husband and I are planning on making this for our little guy.  But we have been debating using 2x4 or 2x3 studs.  I think that the 2x3 size will be better and not as heavy - although he thinks that the set will be larger using the 2x4 size (he's right, of course).   Apparently, it just comes down to personal preference!

As usual, once I decide to do something, I need to be sure to have the right instructions. (You know - kinda like measure twice - cut once....LOL) So with that being said, I found 2 more set of instructions - they both use 2x3 studs.

The links are below - one is plain wood and the other (which, in my opinion, looks awesome) is a multi-colored set and uses a Wii game concept.  We don't have the game but, I think I may have to see what I can find out about it.  It would definitely be fun to have a variation for the game!!

So, if I've peeked your interest and you are dying to make a set for yourself then follow the links below and get to cuttin' and sandin'!!! 

Jenga Maximum:

Colored Mega Jenga Backyard/Jenga Based on Boom Blox

FYI - I've priced these sets on several sites and they range in price anywhere from $69.99 and up.  So if working with wood isn't your thing and you'd really like to have a set, then it could be a bit pricey to add this game to your collection!

Have a great Thursday.  See ya soon!

DIY Wooden Doormat

Good morning and hello weekend!!  It's been a busy week of homework - spelling words, vocabulary, math, science and reading!  I swear I don't remember having this much homework when I was in the 4th grade.  I understand that homework is for practicing what you learn but....it just seems that there's always an awful lot of it!

Anyway, on to today's post!  I just love DIY projects and this one is no exception.  The monogram is unique but even without it I think this doormat would be very nice.  The steps to make this are very simple and I'm sure it wouldn't take any time at all to get your very own doormat.  

Interested?  Go here to get the scoop:

DIY Doormat | The Accent Piece:

Thanks to the Accent Piece for this project. The only change I might make is to add a few strips of non slip tread (prevention of it getting slippery when it rains and gets wet). But other than that I just love this project.  

These would make an interesting gift especially for those people on your list who have everything and are hard to buy for! 

Have a great Saturday - see ya soon!

Birthday Cake (again) & Book Page Pumpkin

Good Morning!  I've been MIA lately since my hubby had a week vacation - but he went back today so here we go! 

Happy Monday to you and Happy Birthday to me!!!!!  Yes, it's my birthday and I can't believe I'm already 48 years old.  It seems like yesterday that I was 18.  30 years has certainly flown by - some good and some not so good - but all in all a good life so far.  Of course, I've been joking that in 2 years I'll get my AARP card - not a joke though, right?  I really will get it then - LOL!!!

My wonderful hubby baked me a chocolate cherry cola cake yesterday. Yes - he did it all by himself and it came out wonderfully.  I guess I'm rubbing off a little after almost 18 years!  Here's a pic - check it out!

Didn't he do a fantastic job?  And it tasted as good as it looks!!  Thank you  for helping me celebrate with a beautiful cake, sweetheart - I love you!

Now - on to today's post.

With the first day of autumn this Friday (wow, where did the summer go?), I wanted to show you a project that will get you started with your fall decorating and crafting.  I just think this is the cutest thing - in fact I'm going to have to go through my old paperbacks so I can make one of these!  It really couldn't be any easier - go here for the how to:

Book Page Pumpkin Tutorial | Creations by Kara:

Thanks Kara for sharing this tutorial with us!

Have a happy day.  See ya soon!

PVC Wreath #2

Happy Monday!

I don't know about you but I've never really been a fan of Monday.  It's a let down after the weekend, isn't it?  With the beginning of school looming, I'm looking even less forward to Mondays!  Back to a routine is good but back to homework and early bedtime and getting up with the alarm.  Only 9 days left for us.....boo hoo!

On Saturday I posted a PVC pipe wreath that was square and then later I came across this one.  Unique, I must say.  DIY Network even has a short video about how to do this as well.  So I've posted a link to both - picture and video instructions.  Go here:  Fantastic Plastic: PVC Wreath - Today's Nest

And here: diynetwork.com Funky Holiday Wreath Video

If you make one please leave me a comment and a link.  I'd love to see it!

Have a terrific day!  See ya soon.

Custom Paper Beads

Good Afternoon!  Hope all is well with everyone.

The 1st Day of School is drawing closer. We are down to 2 weeks.  I keep saying I can't wait, but in truth it will be strange to be home alone at first. It will take some time to get back into a routine!  I know that Cristian is not looking forward to the earlier bed time.  But having enough sleep is essential even though he doesn't realize it!  At least he will have a long weekend over Labor Day which coincides with his birthday this year!  

I'm loving the earrings from today's post.  Wouldn't they make nice teacher appreciation gifts?  Or a cute stocking stuffer for your favorite gal pal!  It really doesn't matter for what reason - just make 'em!  See how here:

How to Make Custom Paper Beads

Super cute and lightweight to wear anytime.  Why make them as a gift?  Do them for you and the shear pleasure of making something cute for yourself!  Enjoy!

Have a great day and see ya soon!

Recycled Plastic Liter Bottle Birdfeeder

Good Afternoon!

My hubby's 2 week vacation is over (bummer) and it went really fast!!!  We were lucky enough to get tickets to see Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the IMAX in 3D last Friday - It was awesome!  Then we went to Adventure Landing and played miniature golf and laser tag, drove go karts, and played in the arcade.  Cristian really enjoyed himself and did not want to leave!

We're still working on our laundry/pantry room, but I've been snapping pics along the way.  I'll be posting it when it's all done.  That pretty much took up the entire vacation time but is going to be well worth the time and effort!  The plumbers and electrician have been here and now we just have a few things to do to get it completed.

A few days ago, I came across this project and it is very cute if you're a bird lover.  I'm always looking for ideas for feeders and this one seems very easy to make.  Check it out here:  Garden Craft: Recycled Bottle Birdfeeder

Simple, cute, and inexpensive - thanks so much Centsational Girl!!!  Love it!

Have a wonderful Thursday.  See ya soon!

Paper Beads - My First Attempt

Hi everyone!

A few posts ago I shared with you a website about paper beads.  I've finally made a few of my own.  These beads are sooo easy to make!  I got the bead roller tool from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.  I used wrapping paper cut into long strips - 1" wide x 30" long!  One 1" strip makes a total of 3 beads - 1 wide and 2 small.  The longer the strip the thicker the bead! After rolling them I brushed on a coat of glossy Mod Podge and let them dry overnight.  Then coated them with Acrylic Sealer to protect them from moisture.  

Here's a few pics to see:

The great thing about these beads is that there are so many mediums that you can use and colors are limitless.  I'm just getting started making my beads, but I have a bracelet in mind for when I have enough beads done.  I'll be posting it - so stay tuned!


Have a fantastic day - see ya soon!

PVC Pipe Flag

Hey everyone!

I don't know why, but I keep seeing PVC projects. PVC is really so easy to work with - I never imagined that so many things could be made with it! I absolutely love this idea!  It looks very easy to make and would be very durable to hang on your door!

The instructions are here:  A Creative Princess: PVC Pipe Flag  Check it out!

Oh my - another project for my to do list - it's getting really, really long!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great day - see ya soon!

Patriotic Wreath - Completed PVC Kid Sprinkler

Good morning!

Well, the 4th of July is quickly drawing upon us.  It's makes me sorta sad because it has always felt like summer was half over (at least it felt like school summer vacation was).  But I love this holiday not only for what it signifies but red, white, and blue - just love those colors.

I'm wishing I had time to get this wreath made before Monday but I just don't see it in the cards.  It definitely will be done before next year for sure!!!  If you want to make one for your self just go here and check it out:

Burlap & Denim Ruffled Patriotic Wreath  Thanks to mmscrapshoppe for the awesome tutorial!

Also, we fixed the water gun problem last night on the PVC Sprinkler - it changed the design a little (surprisingly it made the structure more stable) but Cristian is happy and that's all that matters!  Here's the finished product and I know it will insure many hours of cooling!

Have a terrific Tuesday!  See ya soon!

Our DIY PVC Kid Sprinkler

Hi, everyone!  Here are the pics from our handiwork yesterday!  We are still making minor changes but it's pretty much done.  Not quite as fancy as the Family Fun Magazine version but it sure does spray the water - that's the whole point - right?

Check it out - 

All the supplies to build our sprinkler!

One side assembled!

Second side assembled!

Almost done!

Oops - hose problem!

Trying to fix hose problem!

Minor adjustment and up and going!

Dad and son getting cooled off!!!!!

Cool sprinkler close up!

See the misters?

Set up with tarp and pool at the end!

All and all, this was a simple project.  The hardest part was finding the piece to connect the hose!  My hubby cut the PVC while I assembled. We decided not to add the sponges and lawn chair webbing but instead added the round sprinklers and spray misters. The water guns were a great idea but we haven't quite worked out the kinks in our design - but I have an idea that just may fix it!  I'll post that when we have it done.  

But in the meantime - Cristian is loving it!!!  In fact, he's outside at this very minute having a blast!

Hope this inspires you to build your very own for your kiddos!  Have a terrific Monday - see ya soon!