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Glitter Plates {An Easy Mod Podge Craft}

January 8, 2019

Often, when I don’t have a lot of time to devote to being creative, a 30 minute craft is just the thing to get my crafty fix.

I found these simple plates at Target in the kids crafting section, and knew I could take my trusty Mod Podge and do something fun with them. These easy decoupage plates are the result…

I have and adore this glitter set, and love when I can get a chance to combine some of my favorite colors to create something colorful and sparkly.

Here’s what you need to make your own…

Materials:

Plain White Dishes or Trays (mine are from Target)
Glitter
Painters Tape
Mod Podge Matte

Step 1: Use your painter’s tape to create your pattern on your plates. Make sure to press down all edges of the tape well, to prevent the Mod Podge from bleeding underneath the tape.

Step 2: Using a foam brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to your plate, and gently sprinkle your glitter onto your coated section.

Tap gently to remove excess glitter. Repeat for each section of your plate.

Let dry completely. After mine were dry, I took a minute to touch up a couple of edges that needed a bit more glitter. Carefully coat with a thin layer of Mod Podge to seal, if desired.

These really couldn’t be easier, and are perfect for gifts, or to organize your jewelry or makeup.

I’m considering putting one next to my sink to hold lotion and soap, and one in my kitchen to hold a plant. They’re just so versatile!

Thanks for reading all about our mod podged glitter plates. Have a lovely day!

Want More Happiness? Make a Thankful Jar!

January 3, 2019

Looking for an easy way to practice gratitude this year? Want to feel happier, more thankful and have more joy in all you do? Consider making a thankful jar!

I’ll be honest, like many of you, I’m always on the lookout for ways to have more gratitude in my life.

There are so, so many ways to accomplish this, but, for me, my gratitude practice needs to be easy, without taking up too much time.

With just a few simple materials (a jar, a pen, and some slips of paper) this thankful jar is just the thing for noting and recalling the many blessings in my life.

Each day, simply jot down one thing you are thankful for. The best part is, this is an activity the whole family can take part in.

At the end of the year, sit down with your family and recall the many wonderful events and moments of gratitude of the previous year.

It reminds me a lot of our thankful pumpkin, which is one of our favorite Thanksgiving/Fall traditions!

What is one simple idea you are using to make your life better this year?

Thanks so much for reading all about our Want More Happiness? Make a Thankful Jar!. Have a lovely day.

crafty things Spring Summer

Hanging Succulents – How to Make a Hanging Succulent Planter

December 26, 2018

Need a trendy way to display your hanging succulents? I’ve got you covered with my Hanging Succulent Planter!

I’m Courtney from The Kitchen Garten, and I love to help others with gardening, DIY projects, and fresh recipes. For more garden related crafts and resources, check out my blog!

Succulents. The low-lying trendy plant they are. It’s actually taken me quite a while to develop a love for these particular plants. And it wasn’t until I stumbled upon String of Pearls succulents that I actually considered giving them a try. Most of what I’d seen were the hens and chicks, and I wasn’t impressed.

Granted, I am the type of person who wants everything I plant to bloom and blossom, so naturally succulents weren’t in my wheel house. However, I’ve come around to their way of low-maintenance thinking.

While I love the look of succulents in a low planter on a table, I wanted a bit of green in the kitchen. And my counters didn’t need anything else sitting on them.

It’s a daily struggle to keep them free of toys, socks, rubber bands, Nerf bullets. You name it, and it has probably been on my counter in the past week.

So to keep the counters less cluttered, I immediately thought of a hanging succulents planter.

DIY Hanging Succulents Planter

You might not immediately think, embroidery hoops, of course that would make a hanging planter! But I knew that embroidery hoops were already a lovely light wood color, and that their adjustable tension and double hoops made them perfect for gripping some kind of rope for hanging.

While I originally planned to stain the hoop, once I paired it with the bowl, I liked the colors together. Our house is a bit midcentury, and the wood of the hoop was the perfect look.

And did I mention that these hoops were my Yaya’s (Grandmother). I inherited her sewing items, since my mom isn’t exactly a crafter… love you, Mom! So this hoop has to be 30+ years old, and was in excellent shape. I also picked up a cheap bowl at The Dollar Tree for my hanger. You really can’t beat $1 for a ceramic bowl, and I loved the blue/green color.

For the actual hanging, I went with a 1/8in. braided synthetic cord. It was able to hold quite a bit of weight and wasn’t super bulky. Finally, I had originally planned to use String of Pearls succulents, but decided on String of Bananas. Sounds silly, but that’s exactly what the plant looks like!

I ordered from a seller on Amazon, and they had the best customer service. JMBamboo accidentally shipped me the wrong succulent, but once I messaged them, they immediately sent the correct one out. I was very impressed with their prompt attention and the great condition the plants were in when they arrived.

Succulents With No Drainage

Since I used a ceramic bowl, there are no drainage holes for the plant. Succulents can actually survive well in this type of planter. It does require some careful watering, because you don’t want the roots sitting in water.

Start first with a succulent or cactus potting soil for the best drainage. Then you can check out this great article from Succulents and Sunshine on watering succulents in planters without drainage holes. Now, on to the supplies and instructions!

Supplies

1 Trailing Succulent Plant
1 Embroidery Hoop
1 Ceramic Bowl (Choose bowl based on embroidery hoop size)
1 pkg 1/8in. Synthetic Cord
1 S-hook or Ring
1 screw-in hook

The How-To

First make sure your embroidery hoop and bowl fit. You want the hoop to come up under the lip of the bowl, but not be at risk for the bowl to slip through the hoop.
You also want to avoid a bowl that is too big and doesn’t go far enough up the bowl. This will make your hanger unstable.
Next, decide how long you would like your planter to hang. Then cut three lengths of cord, adding on 3-inches to your hanging length for knots. Tie a secure knot on the end of each length of cord.
Loosen the outer ring of the embroidery hoop and push through each of the knots, spreading them out around the hoop. Then tighten the tension of the outer hoop so that the knots cannot be pulled through between inner and outer hoops.

Plant your succulent, or whatever plant you choose, in your ceramic bowl. Clean up the edges and sides just in case any soil is lingering. Place bowl inside hoop.
Lift up on your lengths of cords until they are taut. Gently lift your hoop and planter off the ground and create a knot that allows your plant to hang balanced.
This took me two tries, but it’s really not too difficult. (I couldn’t resist including this picture of my giant hand above the tiny planter. Ha!)
Use an S-Hook or O-Ring to hold up your planter. Then hang it from a hook you may already have hanging, or you can use simple screw hooks mounted to suspend your planter.

Finally, enjoy your handiwork and new hanging succulents planter!

Thanks for reading all about our Hanging Succulents – How to Make a Hanging Succulent Planter! Have a lovely day!

Christmas crafty things holidays

Kids Christmas Tree Craft Idea

December 19, 2018

This kids Christmas tree craft idea is a fun and easy way to decorate for the holidays and share some quality crafting time together! Ice cream cones make the cutest trees (just be sure to leave extra for snacking).

These ice cream cone Christmas trees are a great classroom project, or make them at home and use them as holiday decor around your home! Mine are being used as a colorful and fun dining room table centerpiece!

Here’s what you need to make this easy kids Christmas tree craft for yourself:

Sugar Ice Cream Cones
Green Icing (I had white icing that I added green food coloring to)
Assorted Candies

In addition to icing, I put out a variety of sprinkles, coconut flakes (they look like snow), m&ms and other various candies. The more the merrier!

First, have your kids spread icing on the ice cream cones. I found that a thicker layer of icing helps the candies stick to the cones better.

Then, let your kids decorate to their heart’s content! There’s no wrong way to make these, and kids from toddler age on up will enjoy decorating their cones (and sampling the goods along the way).

Find lots more Christmas for kids inspiration in this post, including calendars, crafts, recipes and more!

Thanks so much for reading all about our Kids Christmas Tree Craft Idea. Have a great day!

Christmas crafty things holidays

How to Make Initial Christmas Ornaments with Salt Dough

December 18, 2018

One of my favorite holiday traditions I have with my kids is to make salt dough ornaments. They’re so much fun, and easy, too!

Today, I’m sharing one version of our salt dough ornaments–initials that you can attach to gifts or hang from the tree!

Salt dough Christmas ornaments are such a great holiday tradition! They’re perfect as gifts, or to use as a gift topper!

Here’s what you need to make your own:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3/4-1 cup water
Initial cookie cutters
Mod Podge Sparkle
Paint for dipping (if desired)
Twine or ribbon for hanging

Step 1: Make your dough by mixing your flour, salt and water. If your dough is too dry, add a bit more water, if it’s too wet, just add more flour . . . salt dough is very forgiving; it’s hard to mess it up!

Step 2: Roll out your dough and cut out your initials. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Use the end of a skewer to poke a hole at the top of each initial for hanging. Bake at 250 degrees for 2-3 hours. Let cool.

Step 4: I decided to dip my ornaments in gold paint (which I added to a cup and mixed with about a tablespoon of water to thin), but you can decorate your ornaments with glitter, craft paint, or anything else your heart desires.

Dip your initials, and let dry on parchment paper.

Step 5: Once dry, add a coat (or more) of Mod Podge (I used Mod Podge Sparkle) to help seal the ornaments and give them a bit of shimmer.

Thanks for reading all about How to Make Initial Christmas Ornaments with Salt Dough! Have a great day!

Christmas crafty things holidays Winter

Snowman Activity for Kids {Make Snowman Candy Bars}

December 13, 2018

Looking for a cute snowman activity for kids to make over winter break? These snowman candy bars are easy, adorable, and make great gifts for neighbors and friends!

I can barely stand the cuteness, guys. This easy snowman craft is perfect for kids, easily customizable, and makes a fun christmas gift or party favor.

I’ve made snowman candy bars in the past, but wanted to update them a bit! I kept my favorite elements of the original version (bakers twine scarf!), but added a few updates (sequins! fake snow!)

Materials:

candy bars
plain paper for wrapping
sequins
googly eyes
bakers twine
black cardstock (for the hat)
orange cardstock (for the nose)
black craft paint
clear glitter or fake snow (optional)
Mod Podge

Step 1: Wrap your candy bars in white paper. I used plain printer paper and it worked great!

Step 2: Use hot glue to glue on your googly eyes. Cut triangles out of your cardstock (I used glitter cardstock, since I had it on hand, but anything, including construction paper, will do), and glue them onto your bars, as well.

Step 3: Wrap your bakers twine (yarn works for this, as well) around your candy bar, and tie for a scarf. Use a Q-tip and a dab of craft paint to paint on a mouth.

Cut out hat shapes out of your black cardstock, and use a bit of Mod Podge to adhere a bit of glitter or fake snow to your hats (I even added a bit at the bottom of each snowman).

Glue hat shape onto each snowman head and sequins onto each body for the buttons.

So, so cute, and so many ways to customize these using what you have on hand! This snowman craft would also be a fun project for kids to make for their teachers and classmates.

Thanks so much for reading all about our Snowman Activity for Kids {Make Snowman Candy Bars}. Have a great day!

crafty things

Basic Dyes-How to Make Natural Pigments at Home

October 29, 2018

Did you know you can create your own basic dyes and paint colors right at home? That’s right. Basic dyes and pigments can be concocted from plants, fruits, and other natural surroundings, which makes them safer and more environmentally-friendly as well. This post shares all you need to know!

In fact, natural pigments and basic dyes have been used since prehistoric times, and not until synthetic and petroleum-based pigments were introduced did they stop being the preferred choice of medium.

Invaluable created this fun infographic that highlights some easy, DIY projects using natural pigments. From wood staining to paining a beautiful landscape, try them out next time you want to create a fun art project that is free of any toxins and chemicals!

Natural, earthen pigments have been used since prehistoric times, with the earliest written record of their application dating back to 5000 BC. Civilizations from all over the world have utilized organic material from plants, animals, and minerals to create color they could apply to surfaces to create representational forms.

Each civilization has had a unique method for creating and using natural, basic dyes, and we’ve seen these methods transcend generations from antiquity, to the Renaissance, to contemporary practices today.

Natural pigments continued to be the base for oil paints until the 19th century when synthetic and petroleum-based pigments were introduced. Many artists working today use natural materials as they’re environmentally-friendly and surprisingly easier to manipulate.

Natural pigments are also used in printmaking, spun into paper threads for weaving and stitching, used to produce oil and wax crayons, and are even used in silk painting in Asian art. Below, we explore the possibilities of natural, basic dyes in art, how some of the most famous painters used them in their body of work, and how you can use natural pigments to create your own designs today.

What is a Natural Pigment?

A natural pigment is one that is found in nature that is ground, sifted, washed, and in rarer cases, heated to create a desired hue. Since their inception, natural pigments served many artistic purposes for ancient cultures around the world.

The first paintings, from prehistoric times, were cave paintings applied by brushing, smearing, dabbing, and even spraying techniques. Artists used whatever pigment was available to them through natural resources. This included earth pigments such as red and yellow ochre, charcoal, and white from ground calcite.

Types of Natural Pigments

Natural dyes can be sorted into three categories: natural pigments obtained from plants, natural pigments obtained from animals, and natural pigments obtained from minerals. Many dyes require a mordant, an element that combines with a dye and the fiber so that the dye is absorbed.

These basic dyes are referred to as “adjective dyes.” Those that don’t require mordants are called “substantive dyes.” Common mordants include iron and tin.

Natural Dyes Obtained From Plants

Natural pigments offer tremendous versatility and accessibility; vibrant colors can be made using resources right from your backyard. Plants, roots, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and flowers of all different types each generate a unique color when applied correctly. Below are some common plants used to generate vibrant pigments:

Madder: Historically, madder, obtained from the roots of a madder plant, was widely used throughout the 19th century to create ruby reds. These plants were dug up, washed, dried, and ground into powder. Most fabrics during this time had been dyed with madder.
Woad: Woad was another common plant-derived pigment that was used to create blues. The color came from the leaves that were also dried and ground like madder. They were then made into a paste.
Indigo: Indigo soon replaced woad because it didn’t require mordant to create the vibrant hue.
Sumac: Sumac is a small tree whose branches and berries can yield colors from beiges to yellows to reddish pinks to blacks when boiled.
Beets: Beets, pickled in particular, yield a vibrant pink color that is ideal for dying fabrics.
Safflower: This thistle-like plant was used on Egyptian textiles to create a yellow and red dye extracted from the petals. It is still used today.
Blueberries: This popular fruit is used to create a pale blue dye when it’s simmered in water and then strained.

Natural Dyes Obtained From Minerals

Pigments that come from minerals are found in rocks and soil all over the world. Different minerals produce their own unique, often vivid, colors. Many are even roasted to intensify the color. Below are some examples of mineral pigments:

Ochre: Ochre is one of the most common mineral pigments. Widely used in Aboriginal art, ochre is usually a red or yellow that is obtained from ore of iron or ferruginous clay.
Sienna: This is another common mineral-based pigment. It is a form of limonite clay that is derived from ferric oxides to produce a rich, earthy red. It produces darker shades from creams to browns.
Azurite: Azurite is found in many parts of the world in the upper oxidized portions of copper ore deposits. This was one of the most important blue pigments used in Renaissance art.
Cobalt: Discovered in 1802, this pure blue pigment was used by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the 19th century.
Ultramarine: Ultramarine was obtained from lapis lazuli and commonly used in Europe for jewelry and paint. The expensive blue pigment was artificially manufactured beginning in the 19th century.
Spinels: These hard, crystalline minerals generate colors by exchanging certain ions that heat and combine with other minerals. They’re available in yellow, orange, turquoise, and blue.

Natural Dyes Obtained From Animals

There are fewer examples of dyes obtained from animals than those retrieved from plants and minerals. However, many colors were extracted from insects throughout history. A few of the most prominent examples include:

Cochineal: This red dye comes from Cochineal insects who live on cactus plants. Pre-Columbian Indians would dry them out in the sun, grind their bodies, and mix with water to produce a red powder. Cochineal is still used in the Canary Islands.
Carmine: The blood from Kermes insects produces Carmine red, which today refers to a broad range of red hues that are slightly purple, but closer to red than crimson.
Tyrian purple: Murex, a predatory sea snail, is used to create Tyrian purple, which was popular in Ancient Rome. The process involved extracting the dye from thousands of snails and a significant amount of labor, so it was highly valued and even referred to as “royal purple” for this reason.

Basic Dyes Used in Art

Natural pigments were used to create some of the most iconic paintings of art history. Azurite, a carbon mineral, was used in Italian Renaissance painter Raphael’s Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints. Cadmium red, a mineral pigment, was used to create Henri Matisse’s The Red Studio.

Today, you can draw inspiration from the greats, and use natural pigments for a wide variety of art projects. Once you start to master your skill, experiment with more complex use of the colors.

Artists choose natural pigments over their synthetic counterparts for a variety of reasons. Aside from the environmentally-friendly characteristics of organic matter, a natural pigment is also one of the purest forms of color and its ability to generate a vibrant hue is unparalleled.

From Egyptian antiquities, to iconic Renaissance paintings, to examples in modern art, cultures around the world utilize the capabilities of natural pigments. Draw inspiration from each genre to inspire your own future projects using natural materials.

Thanks for reading all about Basic Dyes-How to Make Natural Pigments at Home. Have a great day!

crafty things

Preschool Art Projects {Easy Craft Ideas for Kids}

March 5, 2018

I love sharing easy craft ideas for kids. These preschool art projects are perfect for the littlest artists. From slime recipes to paper crafts to canvas art, there’s bound to be a project here that your preschooler will love!

Does your preschooler or little one love crafts? I know mine certainly does. Finding the perfect preschool art projects can be a challenge, though, so today, I’ve compiled some of my very favorites! Read on for the best craft projects for kids

glitter slimes recipe via burlap+blue

scratchboard art via ooly

marbled paper via happy hooligans

homemade sidewalk chalk via burlap+blue

easy apple craft via burlap+blue

DIY mini banjos via our holly days

rainbow craft via the craftables

stained glass suncatchers via mama is dreaming

felt crowns via let’s do something crafty

toilet paper aliens via iddle peeps

rock painting ideas via burlap+blue

DIY patterned water bottle via lindsey crafter

DIY rainbow submarine via iddle peeps

geometric canvas art via burlap+blue

upcycled pencil case via sustain my craft habit

weaving craft for kids via happy hooligans

zentangle art via ooly

finding dory bookmarks via a pumpkin and a princess

summer time capsule via mom advice

unicorn slime via burlap+blue

toilet roll rocket via craft and creativity

DIY birdhouse via craft create cook

DIY pens via the craftables

easter bunny masks via the craftables

What did I miss? Share your favorite preschool art projects and crafts in the comments!

Love discovering great kids activities? Check these fun posts out!

A balloon pop scavenger hunt is a fun and creative way to surprise your kids with a special outing or vacation!

Interested in a floor bed for your kids? Floor beds are hot topics in parenting circles, come read some of the top benefits of floor beds for toddlers and kids!

Thanks for reading all about my favorite Preschool Art Projects {Easy Craft Ideas for Kids}. Have a crafty day!

crafty things

Nursery Alphabet Printables {Free Woodland Wall Art}

March 2, 2018

These woodland inspired nursery alphabet printables are perfect for nursery wall art, baby shower decor, or a birthday party! If you love the woodland theme for your kids, these free ABC printables are for you!

Oh guys, I am so in love with the printables I’m going to share with you today. I shared these woodland printables in chalkboard a while back, and today, I’m sharing this version with a white background.

Just choose your initial, save to your computer and print. These print best on 8×10 paper, either matte cardstock or photo glossy.

A / B / C

D / E / F

G / H / I

J / K / L

M / N / O

P / Q / R

S / T / U

V / W / X

Y / Z

So whimsical, so pretty, and so perfect for your woodland themed nursery or party!

You can download the chalkboard version of the woodland alphabet here!

And a woodland animals printable set here….

And a watercolor woodland animals set here!

burlap+blue has LOTS more name art options for your nursery, gallery wall or to give as gifts!

Thanks for reading all about my Nursery Alphabet Printables {Free Woodland Wall Art}. Have a lovely day!

crafty things

Letter Art {Woodland Alphabet Free Printables}

February 21, 2018

Love letter art sets? This post is for you! Sharing these woodland alphabet free printables, which were a bestseller in my Etsy shop! These free printables are perfect for a nursery, kids room or gallery wall. All 26 initials available, on a chalkboard background.

After the popularity of these woodland animals printables, I had requests for more woodland-inspired wall art. These woodland alphabet printables feature whimsical initials on a chalkboard background! Just choose your initial below, download and print!

Looking for something a little different? We have so many name art printable options here for you to choose from! Just download your favorite and frame!

A / B / C

D / E / F

G / H / I

J / K / L

M / N / O

P / Q / R

S / T / U

V / W / X

Y / Z

ampersand

Our printables are so easy to download and print out. Just follow these steps:

Click on the printable(s) you’d like to download, and save to your computer.
Send to your favorite photo printer to have printed on either matte cardstock or photo glossy paper (at-home printing is, of course, an option, but I find professional printers usually print colors and images more vividly and clearly).
Printables print best at 8×10.
Frame, display (or gift!) and admire!

I often get asked about what frames I use for the art around my home–this set of 7 solid wood frames is my go-to; you can see them in action in this gallery wall post! Basically, I love frames that are white, flat, and matted. Simple, in my opinion, is best!

Looking for more kids wall art ideas?

This post has some free woodland printable art–perfect for a boy nursery, kids room or baby shower!

This post has over 30+ free printable ideas for kids! Also, we have more letter art and name art posts to inspire your home and decor! Check out our ideas, and you’re well on your way to wall decor that you’ll love!

And as you’re thinking about designing your kid’s space, this post (pinned over 100K times) discusses the pros and cons of floor beds for toddlers!

Thanks for reading about my Woodland Alphabet Letter Art. Have a great day!