• 5 Minute Projects,  Crafts,  Home Decor

    Faux Olive Tree Topiary

    I’m so excited that our tiny, little nursery is almost done! There are just a few small things that need to be finished for photos, but it is a fully functional space for our littlest man. Since I need to get my booty in gear on a couple of things, I thought in the meantime that I would share how I made this faux olive tree topiary for the room!

    Baby Boy Nursery Progress

    This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure.

    When planning out what we wanted for this room, we knew that things would be light and bright. But I also was adamant about adding a little greenery of some sort. I just think that plants, whether faux or real, make spaces feel more alive. Yes, I know that may seem like an oxymoron with faux plants. But if you find (or make) some that look real, then it really does liven things up!

    For this project, you will need a few supplies (listed below).

    Olive Topiary Supplies

    faux olive bush | small stick, approx. 16 – 20 inches | wire cutters | awl

    planter/pot | floral foam | moss |hot glue gun (optional)

    To start, cut all of the little branches off of the faux olive bush. Next, use an awl or small screwdriver to create random holes around on end of the stick. (You can use a drill with a small bit if you are fancy. *wink*)

    DIY Olive Tree

    Place the ends of the branches into each hole and add more pieces until the topiary reaches desired fullness. There isn’t a real science to this. I just kept adding pieces in until it looked fairly balanced. Note: If the branches aren’t staying in, use hot glue to secure them.

    Olive Branch Topiary

    To “plant” the faux olive tree topiary, cut the floral foam to fit snuggly in the planter/pot. Push the bottom of the stick into the foam (glue if necessary) and cover the top with moss.

    Faux Olive Leaf Topiary

    And that’s it! What do you think? I’ve kind of gone back and forth on which planter I want to use, but I think this small one works best. Which means that I may have to make a larger topiary for the bigger olive bucket!

    Olive Tree in Pot

    This topiary was really inexpensive and easy to make. I think I paid less than $10 for the entire tree, thanks to a coupon from Hobby Lobby. However, if you aren’t up for a project, then I’ve rounded up a few budget-friendly options for you here, here, and here.

    Stay tuned for the nursery reveal coming soon!

     

  • Crafts,  Home Decor,  Sew

    The Look for Less: Embroidered X Pattern Throw Pillow

    Have you guys seen the new Hearth & Hand home decor collection by Magnolia at Target? Woah. It is pretty amazing!!! There are so many cute pieces and the prices are pretty reasonable. I especially love this cute, little, embroidered x pattern throw pillow!

    This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure.

    If you haven’t checked out the collection yet, you have to see it. I think I need one (or two) of everything. Like this doormat, these striped napkins, this wreath, etc. It is like Joanna Gaines crawled into my brain and stole all of my neutral lovin’ home decor ideas. And then made a home decor line with them. *wink*

    X Pattern Throw Pillow

    Check out how I turned a Hearth & Hand placemat into a cute embroidered x pattern throw pillow.

    Hearth & Hand Placemat

    I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. So, when I found a placemat from the same line that was the exact pattern of the pillow for only a quarter of the price, I scooped up the opportunity to get the look for less.

    Placemat Price Comparison

    If you come across a cute fabric placemat that you love, chances are you can make it into a throw pillow. (I’ve done this before and it is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get a stylish pillow for your space.)

    Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

    double sided fabric placemat | seam ripper | cotton batting | needle & thread

    To start, take a seam ripper and pull out the stitching on one side of the placemat, about 4 inches long. (Or just big enough to slip your hand into.)

    Using a Seam Ripper

    Next, stuff the pillow! (I decided to go the cheap route and just pulled apart an old bed pillow to use as stuffing.) Fill that puppy up until it is sufficient to your liking.

    Pillow Stuffing

    Finally, it is time for a little sewing. Using a needle and thread matching the pillow color, hand stitch the opening closed.

    Hand Stitch Pillow

    Voila!  That’s it!

    Hearth and Hand Placemat Pillow

    These placemat pillows are so easy to make and you can whip up several of them in no time.

    Upcycle Placemat Into Pillow

    I just love the neutral style of these embroidered x pattern throw pillows. They are the exact look of the Hearth and Hand version for only a fraction of the cost!

    DIY Lumbar Throw Pillow

    Although, I probably didn’t need any more pillows, I’m so happy that I found this little inexpensive hack. My husband may not be quite as thrilled, since he considers me a pillow hoarder, but I’m sure he appreciates the fact that I saved some money in the pillow acquiring process!

    Not feeling crafty?

    Buy the original embroidered x pattern throw pillow here!

  • 5 Minute Projects,  Crafts,  Holidays & Seasons

    Simple Ribbon Heart Place Card

    Originally published on Feb. 1, 2016. I’ve put a lot of projects on this blog over the past couple of years, many of which are pretty detailed and take quite a bit time. But I absolutely love an easy project and today’s is just that. This simple ribbon heart place card requires minimal supplies and is super quick to whip up.

    Ribbon Heart Place Card

    This post contains affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.

    Here’s what you need:

    (I found these pretty, neutral ribbons a few weeks ago at World Market and knew I had to have them in my stash.)

    Neutral Ribbons

    To start, cut two equally sized pieces of ribbon. Mine were about 5 1/2 inches each.

    Cut Ribbons
    Next, using the hot glue gun, place a small line of glue at one end of a ribbon. Press the ends of the ribbon together to make them stick. Do the same to the other ribbon.

    Gluing Ribbon Ends

    Then, run a small bead of glue along one side of one ribbon and attach the other ribbon to it to create a heart shape.

    Hot Glue Ribbon Heart

    To make the name tag, cut a small banner shape from a piece of paper and use the alphabet stamps and stamp pad to write the name.

    Small Alphabet Letter Stamps

    Finally, add a dab of glue to the middle of the heart and attach the paper banner. Aren’t these cute?

    Place Setting Heart Place Card

    These would be perfect for a party or even for a Valentine’s Day dinner. And, you could always change the wording on the paper to fit whatever occasion you choose. So many possibilities!

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  • 5 Minute Projects,  Crafts,  Home Decor

    Book Page Candle Holder

    This month, I’m joining up for my first Create & Share Challenge, hosted by Casa Watkins and Pocketful of Posies!

    So wait… what is this challenge?

    Well, participants are tasked with using their personal decor style to create a project centering around one main item.  And this month, we are working with candles! For this project,  I chose to share the Book Page Candle Holder that I whipped up a few months ago.

    Book Page Candle Holders

    This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure.

    I love candles of all kinds and it is so much fun to decorate with them.  Especially when they look pretty and match your existing decor. So many yummy scents, but also tons of styles and colors. Taper, pillar, tealight, oil, soy, square, round. The possibilities are endless. There are even battery powered candles, which is what I chose to work with for this project.

    To make these super simple book page candle holders, you will need:

    I started out by cutting out the book pages and trimming around the text so there were fewer blank spaces. (If you don’t want to cut apart a real book, you can find printable pages online.) Then, after measuring my candle holders, I cut the pages to the correlating height.

    Paint Book Pages With Mod Podge

    I used 3 page pieces for one candle holder, but you may prefer to use more or less.

    Paint Brush Glue Book Pages

    Using a paint brush, I applied the Mod Podge to the end of two pieces of paper and overlapped the other pieces on top. If you don’t have Mod Podge, you can glue or tape the pieces together. (I already had Mod Podge out, so I just used that.)

    Book Page Candle Glass Jar Supplies

    Then, I added the book page insert to the inside of candle holder, making a round shape and overlapping the end pieces. Easy Peasy. Feel free to adhere the ends together for a cleaner look.

    Glass Candle Holder Book Page

    All that is left is to drop in a little battery powered candle and you are finished. (Please do not use a candle with an open flame. Your book pages may catch fire!)

    Tea Light Battery Powered Candles

    I love the clean look of these book page candle holders.

    They are so simple to whip up and you can add a new look to your decor without commitment if you decide to change things up later. I even experimented with adding some wrapping paper in place of the book pages, which gives you so many more options.

    Wrapping Paper Book Page Candle Holder

    These would look great as a table centerpiece with candle holders of varying heights or lighting a walkway to the front door. Also, since they use battery-powered candles, they are kid and pet safe.

    Book Page Candle Holders Glowing

    Now, check out the DIY Candle Projects my friends did! These ladies are so talented/creative and came up with some really amazing projects!

    Need to make all of these DIY candle projects!

    DIY Easy Candelabra and Color Blocked Candles – Craft and Tell

    DIY Colorful Wooden Candleholder– Casa Watkins Living

    Bat Halloween Candles – Pocketful of Posies

    DIY Matchstick Holder – Iris Nacole

    DIY Squash Fall Candles – Seeking Lavender Lane

    Buffalo Snow Frosted Candle Holders – The Kim Six Fix

    DIY Glittered Candles – Flourish and Knot

    Book Page Candle Holder – Elizabeth Joan Designs