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5 DIY Driftwood Crafts

by Allie Holcomb June 13, 2013 5 Comments

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been daydreaming of an exotic vacation. But — since I won’t be travelling to a gorgeous beach anytime soon, I’m thinking I’ll bring the beach to me. I love coastal decor, and I love budget-friendly decor even more. That’s why I’m going crazy over these driftwood crafts. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the beach soon, stroll the shores for pretty pieces of driftwood. If not, try your nearest lake for some driftwood and simply pretend your fabulous finds are from a beachy shoreline.

I absolutely adore this colorful driftwood key hanger. Drift on over to Free People’s blog to see how it’s made.

This beautiful Herringbone Driftwood Table is for the heavy-duty DIYers. Although Sarah’s tutorial includes quite a few steps, the end product is totally worth the work.

More Driftwood Crafts

Surprise Dad With a Handmade Leather Valet for Father’s Day

by H. Camille Smith June 12, 2013 6 Comments

Father’s Day is this Sunday — are you armed with a gift for dad? No? Well then, we’ve got you covered — from his favorite recipes (hot beer cheese and homemade pretzels — yum!) to fun, free printables and handmade gift ideas like this easier-than-it-looks dresser-top leather valet; whip up a surprise for your dad just in time for Father’s Day celebrations.

Handmade Men's Leather Valet for Father's Day Ready to make your own? Get the complete step-by-step instructions>>

Not only is this monogrammed leather valet easy to craft, you probably have most of the materials on hand like an old frame, some batting or foam and a spare bit of leather – this is a great project for upcycling a past-its-prime jacket or purse. The steps are simple, just disassemble the frame then use the backing as a template to cut out a small piece of leather and batting. Place the leather, suede side up, on top of the batting and secure it in the frame with strong tape. Step by Step images for making a leather dresser-top valet for Father's Day

I used an old trick from college printmaking classes to create removable registration marks on painter’s tape that would help me find the tray’s center before placing the adhesive stencils (these things are awesome, btw, you can find them with the glass-etching supplies at your local craft store). Fill in the stencils with a permanent marker and voila — a handy catch-all for dad to keep his keys, change, watch and anything else he needs to grab on his way out the door. Using a Sharpie to Monogram Leather

Crafting this handy DIY gift for dad is easy — but be sure to check out my complete step-by-step instructions for a materials list and lots of helpful tips first>>

Weekday Crafternoon: Fourth of July Ring Toss Game

by Marianne Canada June 11, 2013 11 Comments

Summer is well underway and that means the party is headed outside. My family loves the Fourth of July in particular, especially my dad (he can’t buy enough fireworks). This year I’m adding to the festivities with this patriotic and surprisingly fun Ring Toss game. Every holiday is enhanced by a little friendly competition, don’t you think?

With a few inexpensive and easy-to-find materials and an hour of work, you’ll have your own fun lawn game to play on the Fourth of July, and all summer.

Fourth of July Ring Toss

What are your plans for the Fourth?

Missed an episode of Weekday Crafternoon? Get them all, and more from Marianne, right here.

5 DIY Ladder Ideas

by Allie Holcomb June 10, 2013 14 Comments

Every time I head to a garage sale or thrift store, I keep an eye out for a vintage ladder. They’re so multifunctional – they can find a home in almost any room, whether it’s a living room or a bathroom. I typically use them as anything besides a climbing tool. I find they’re much more charming holding a slew of colorful high heels or a stack of towels. If you have an old ladder lying around, dust it off and try one of these ideas.

A vintage ladder is a perfect addition for an empty space in a living room or bedroom. Play up the rustic feel by adorning your ladder with flower-filled mason jars. See how Sarah from A Beach Cottage decided to decorate her old ladder.

This idea is handy if you’re anything like me – always searching for shoe storage! Also, why not show off your lovely collection? Shoe shopping is hard work – it deserves a little appreciation.

More Ladder Ideas

Weekday Crafternoon: Scratch-and-Win Father’s Day Cards

by Marianne Canada May 28, 2013 5 Comments

Ah, Father’s Day. That hallowed holiday where we tell the dads in our lives that we love them…by giving them ties? Come on, we can do better than that. This year, why not give dad what he really wants, the gift of rest and relaxation. These adorable lotto-inspired scratch-and-win cards give dad the chance to win everything from a pass on mowing the lawn to a two hour nap.

You can download our free Father’s Day printables right here. Don’t you kind of want to make scratch-and-win cards for every occasion now?

Father's Day Scratch and Win Card

What are your plans for dad this June 16th? Maybe a special meal? Dish in the comments–I promise I’m very good at keeping secrets.

Missed an episode of Weekday Crafternoon? Catch them all–and more from Marianne–right here.

Designer MacGyver: Shell Crafts to Make This Memorial Day

by Briana Mowrey May 27, 2013 5 Comments

At the shore this Memorial Day? It’s a relaxing way to spend the holiday, but it’s also a good opportunity to stock up on free craft materials, like seashells. Yes, seashells! Turn your shell collection into one of the attractive crafts below. (If you’re landlocked, try “collecting” shells at your local craft supply store instead.)

SEE MORE SEASHELL CRAFTS (SAY THAT 5 TIMES FAST!)

Daily Delight: Aluminum Foil Craft for the Kiddos

by Grant Dudley May 21, 2013 2 Comments

This aluminum foil craft from Freshly Picked will keep your little ones entertained for hours. It’s super easy, and that’s why I love it! I liken this project to giving a child a box to play with/in — it’s almost too simple to imagine your kiddos will enjoy it so much. Here’s the dealio.

MORE: MARIANNE’S POPULAR WEEKDAY CRAFTERNOON SERIES >>

Grab some aluminum foil and your child’s toy cars. Let him or her press the details of the car into the foil — then, let the kids crush the foil cars demolition derby-style.

Photo From Freshly Picked

So easy and so brilliant, right?

Your Weekend DIY Project: Hanging Mason Jars for Storage

by Alyssa Sparacino May 17, 2013 4 Comments

In the June issue of HGTV Magazine Shannon Quimby showed us her creative kitchen filled with found objects, recycled materials and DIY projects that make it such a unique space.

One of our favorites was this totally doable mason-jar storage idea. “This project originated in my Grandpa Buzz’s workshop, and it always brings a smile to my face when I see his idea now in my own kitchen,” Quimby says.
mason jar diy

The best part about these hanging mason jars is they can work throughout the house as both functional storage and interesting display. Some of Quimby’s suggestions:

Office organizer: Install the jars under bookshelves to store paper clips, erasers, or pens.
In the bathroom: Fill jars with cotton balls, Q-tips and scented soaps, and attach them under a shelf.
Beauty routine: Stop the aimless digging for eyeliner and lip gloss and arrange your makeup in easy to see jars under a vanity or free-standing cabinet.
Show off your collections: Give your keepsakes the attention they deserve and use the mason jars as an inventive display in any room.

Get the look for your own home by following the simple step-by-step guide here.

Designer MacGyver: 5 DIY Ideas for Vintage Teapots

by Briana Mowrey May 13, 2013 4 Comments

I totally dug Grant’s recent Daily Delight featuring an Alice in Wonderland-esque tea party, and its whimsy inspired me to think of other cute things you can do with an old tea set. I’ve already featured some DIY crafts you can make with vintage teacups, so this time I’ve turned my attention to vintage teapots. If you have an old, chipped teapot that would otherwise be headed for the trash heap, turn it into one of these crafts instead.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH VINTAGE TEAPOTS

Weekday Crafternoon: DIY Paper Cloud Mobile

by Marianne Canada May 7, 2013 10 Comments

Yep, it’s time for another project for ye olde nursery. I’ve been plugging away, making art for the walls and even a Rocking Sheep, but this week my energy was focused on making an inexpensive-yet-adorable mobile for Baby Boy’s abode.

Armed with our free printable template, card stock, fishing line, and an embroidery hoop, you are less that $5 away from making this show stopping mobile.

DIY Paper Cloud Mobile