How to Make DIY Heart Cake Toppers

March 2, 2020

Carrie here, from Dream Green DIY – Although the holiday of love is behind us, I’m here to share the little V-day surprise that I made for my own honey.

As luck would have it, this project is something that can easily be whipped together February 14th and beyond!

Our budgets tend to be a bit tight around the beginning of the new year, so Valentine’s Day is usually celebrated in as crafty a way as possible. The best way to John’s heart?

Sugar, of course! So I surprised him with a pink-tastic funfetti cake crowned with homemade heart shaped toppers.

Even though I only ended up spending about $5, I think my guy knows JUST how much I care.

How to Make Easy DIY Cake Toppers

Easy heart cake toppers are a quick way to decorate a homemade or store bought cake!

Materials

Wooden BBQ skewers
Patterned scrapbook paper
Scissors
Pen
Tape
Cake mix/icing
Sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare your cake according to package directions.

As the cake bakes, use a pen to draw a heart shape on the back of a scrap of patterned paper. Use the first as a template on the rest of the paper scraps, and cut out five hearts total (or really however many you want!).

Grab a skewer and tape one of the hearts to the blunt end (the sharp end will be used to help it stand on top of the cake). Repeat until you have five heart-topped skewers.

Once the cake is done, pull it out of the oven. After it has cooled completely, ice it and add sprinkles as desired.

Carefully push the heart toppers through the top middle of the cake, and serve with a flourish!

BONUS: All it takes is a quick rinse under tap water to make them reusable for many Valentine’s Days to come.

Thanks so much for reading all about How to Make DIY Heart Cake Toppers!

Have a crafty day!

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Chalkboard Paint Crafts and DIYs

February 21, 2020

Have a container of chalkboard paint sitting around your garage? Then this post is for you!

I LOVE crafting with chalkboard paint!

It’s completely versatile; perfect for projects ranging from wall art to furniture to decor and more.

Today, I’m sharing some of my very favorite crafts and DIYs with chalkboard paint. Let’s get started…

Chalkboard Paint Crafts and DIY Projects

Have a container of chalkboard paint sitting around your garage? Then this post is for you!

Photo Credit: www.burlapandblue.com

chalkboard coffee table {a tutorial}

An easy and non-messy DIY chalkboard coffee table, perfect for kids rooms or playrooms. You’ll love how chalkboard takes a thrifted coffee table to a whole new level!

Photo Credit: www.burlapandblue.com

glitter chalkboard labels {a tutorial}

If you’re anything like me, you are always on the lookout for easy and creative ways to gussy up your gifts.

When I ran across these scalloped, chalkboard tags at the craft store the other day, I immediately fell in love, and knew that the addition of some gold glitter would take them to a whole new level of fabulousness. The how-to is so simple, anyone can make them.

Photo Credit: www.burlapandblue.com

old frames & chalkboard paint

Photo Credit: www.classyclutter.net

What I WISH I Knew About Making Chalkboard Wall

Classy Clutter shares a tutorial for this amazing Chalkboard Wall (and what she wished she knew when she made it)!

Photo Credit: www.justshortofcrazy.com

Chalkboard Wine Glasses Tutorial

Check out this DIY for easy, chalkboard glasses!

Photo Credit: countrydesignstyle.com

Metal Tray Chalkboard

Country Design Style shares this super sweet chalkboard tray DIY.

Photo Credit: allcraftythings.com

How to Make Chalkboard Embroidery Hoops

Chalkboard embroidery hoops use chalkboard fabric and are great for entertaining!

Photo Credit: allcraftythings.com

how to make a chalkboard vase - all crafty things

Chalkboard vases are super easy and versatile!

Photo Credit: www.settingforfour.com

Easy DIY Monogram Chalkboard Paint Coasters

Setting for Four shares her take on chalkboard coasters.

Photo Credit: lovegrowswild.com

DIY Chalkboard Sign

Love Grows Wild shows us how to make a DIY chalkboard sign!

Hope this inspired your own chalkboard crafts!

Thanks so much for reading all about our favorite Chalkboard Paint Crafts and DIYs. Have a crafty day!

crafty things

How to Make Clothespin Ornaments

January 29, 2020

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean the winter crafting has to stop!

Today, I have a fun and EASY craft idea to add some life to your cold-weather home decor…

Clothespin ornaments are easy, and are the perfect craft for a winter weekend!

Supplies

8 clothespins

hot glue

ribbon or twine {if hanging}

glitter

paint

embellishments {optional}

Directions

Take apart all {8} clothespins {the metal spring should pop right off with just a little finagling – I used skinny pliers}

Each clothespin will give you {2} pieces with one side flat. Align the flat sides together and use hot glue to attach.

Once all pairs are glued together, start by glueing two together at the rounded end. 4 total will make the first shape of the snowflake. {similar to an X shape}

Glue the remaining 4 pairs into the inside corners of the X shape.

**optional: add glitter, or a quick dash of metallic paint for a little extra shine

This is a GREAT use for Sparkle Mod Podge if you have it!!

Tie with ribbon, twine or wire

Hang & Enjoy!

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Crafts for 1 Year Olds

January 14, 2020

Have a 1 or two year old? Looking for arts and crafts ideas? This post has you covered!

If you have a one or two year old, you know how hard it is to find age-appropriate craft activities.

While your little one is so curious, and wants to explore the world around him, a lot of art activities just aren’t yet appropriate for his age and developmental stage.

To help with this, I’ve compiled a list of easy and age-appropriate crafts for your 1 year old! These ideas can also be used with older children, as well!

Crafts for 1 Year Olds

Need an arts and crafts idea for a 1-2 year old child? I'm sharing my very favorite ideas all in one place!

Photo Credit: www.allthingswithpurpose.com

Hand-print Christmas Art Craft for Kids to Make and Give as a Gift

This adorable handprint craft, from all things with purpose, is super adorable and can be made for any occasion!

Photo Credit: elementsofellis.com

STICKY EGG DECORATING: AN EASTER CRAFT FOR 6+ MONTH OLDS

Elements of Ellis shares this super sweet sticky egg decorating craft! You can make this in any shape you want (a tree for Christmas, the first initial of your little ones name, etc)!

Photo Credit: mamabearandcub.com

Sensory Play Ideas For Baby Development

Sensory bags are a GREAT activity for little ones! Mama Bear and Cub shares several easy-to-implement ideas for your 1 year old!

Photo Credit: kidsactivitiesblog.com

No-Mess Finger Painting

No-mess fingerpainting is an easy craft for little ones. Read this post from kids activities blog for all the details!

Photo Credit: thesavvysparrow.com

Edible Finger Paint: A Rainy Day Activity for Kids

The Savvy Sparrow shares an easy recipe for edible finger paint! This would be the perfect rainy day craft activity for your toddler!

Photo Credit: glitterinc.com

Toddler-Friendly (and Mess-Free!) DIY Painted Valentine's Day Cards

Glitter Inc. shares this toddler-friendly, mess-free DIY card craft!

Photo Credit: besttoys4toddlers.com

Valentine's Day Arts and Crafts: Textured Heart Activity - Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Recycle and reuse is the name of the game when it comes to this holiday art activity. Your child can make a textured Valentine’s heart by reusing old felt and fabric scraps.

Photo Credit: besttoys4toddlers.com

Best Toys 4 Toddlers

I love the simplicity of this artistic sensory activity with everything needed can be found in our home. And this simple play idea can get kids engaged for quite a while – mixing colors and trying different combinations.

Photo Credit: www.hellowonderful.co

COLANDER PIPE CLEANER FINE MOTOR SKILLS ACTIVITY FOR TODDLERS

This fine Pipe Cleaner Fine Motor Skills Activity for Toddlers is an easy way for young children to practice hand-eye coordination and learn through play.

Photo Credit: happytoddlerclub.com

Pom-Pom Scoop and Transfer Color Sort

This pom-pom scoop & transfer color sort requires no prep and will keep your toddler busily engaged in some educational sensory play!

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

1 Year Old Coloring Book: Baby First Coloring Book (US Edition) (Age Range 0 - 3 years)

Looking for an age-appropriate coloring book for your one year old? Amazon has you covered!

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

Crayola; My First Fingerpaint Kit; Art Tools; 6 Different Colored Tubes of Paint; Washable

Want to buy instead of DIY? Crayola offers this toddler painting set: including 10 sheets of glossy painting paper and 4 Crayola washable finger paints in red, blue, yellow, and green.

Thanks for reading all about our favorite Crafts for 1 Year Olds! Have a crafty day!

crafty things

Things to Make with Chalkboard Paint

January 8, 2020

Have a quart of chalkboard paint and don’t know what to do with it? I’m sharing some ideas that can help you put it to good use!

Chalkboard paint is such a fun craft medium.

It’s inexpensive and can be used for so many projects!

If you’ve never used it before, here is a link for you to browse chalkboard paint on Amazon.

Today, I’m sharing with you some favorite crafts and DIYs using this versatile craft medium. Enjoy!

chalkboard painted fridge — image via the handmade home

how to paint your refrigerator with chalkboard paint from the handmade home

“days until” sign from infarrantly creative

old crib to children’s work space from apartment therapy

chalkboard rocks (plus, how to make your own chalkboard paint) from the idea room

chalkboard painted old frame from burlap+blue

how to custom-color your chalkboard paint from martha stewart

colorful chalkboard dresser how-to from hgtv

colorful chalkboard frames from joy’s hope

chalkboard clothespin labels from savvy spending

chalkboard dessert pedestal from burlap+blue

diy chalkboard mug from wit & whistle

chalkboard necklace from henry happened

chalkboard platters from the rubber punkin

chalkboard t-shirts from the idea room

chalkboard coasters from crazy wonderful

chalkboard cake toy diy from craft

chalkboard pillow from infarrantly creative

What’s YOUR favorite way to use chalkboard paint?

Thanks for reading all about Things to Make with Chalkboard Paint! Have a crafty day!

crafty things

How to Make Paper Dahlias

January 4, 2020

Who loves paper flowers? Today, I have a guest post for you showing you how to make giant paper dahlias!

Dahlias are simply beautiful and classic; everyone loves them. They make incredible additions to any event decoration or home decor.

That’s why I put together this Step by Step Easy Dahlia Paper Flower Tutorial so we can have these beautiful DIY flowers anywhere and everywhere!

This is one of our most popular and easiest flower tutorials that I designed for my book, The Art of Giant Paper Flowers, which today you get the printable PDF free!

This flower paired so well with some recent vine designs that I created a separate post about it here, which has a freebie! Yay!

The giant dahlia is made from 2 basic geometric shapes a large 8 inch circle for the base plus several 4.5 inch and 4 inch squares rolled into a cones shape.

PREP & TOOLS:

Templates
Glue gun
Scissors
65 pound weighted cardstock

STEP 1

Start with cutting out 40—4.5 inch squares and 15—4 inch squares.

It’s important to note that the final count of squares used will vary for everyone, but the above count is a good starting place.

Step 2 To form the cone, hold the square with one corner up, and overlap the bottom securing with your hot glue.

A 8 inch circle template is included for the giant dahlia base.
If you wanted a variety of sizes changing the circle base size will easily increase or decrease the overall size of the flower. If you wanted a flower larger then this I suggest cutting a 9-10 inch circle. Of course more squares will then be needed to fill the dahlia.

STEP 3

Beginning with your larger cones made from the 4.5 inch square. Glue the tips to the inner edge of the circle all the way around. Make sure to leave about a 1/2 inch of space between the first layer of cones.

STEP 4

Next, continue adding cones in the spaces between the first layer of cones we put down.

STEP 5

You should be using your 4 inch cones on top by now. Continue the pattern and keep filling in more of the dahlia petals.

STEP 6

Once you get down to the last half dozen or so of cones, they will naturally bend at the tip when you glue them in. This is what you want so that the final look is a tight dahlia center.

You may need to grab your dowel or rolling tool to press the tip down and make sure it makes good contact in the center for the final couple cones.There you have it! They take some time but are really easy and so pretty when finished!

My name is Abbi Gillespie. You will get to know me as Abbi Kirsten around the web.

I’m a blessed wife and Mother to two toddlers. I have a heart and head full of creativity. Teaching others to DIY for their personal events is my specialty.

I’m so excited to share that I recently, have released a self published book, The Art of Giant Paper Flowers, which covers more then 24 exciting tutorials and features 16 of my signature giant flower templates! You can find all the details about the hard copy book with workbook here or download the Ebook here!

crafty things

Easy Gift for Gardeners: Make a Seed Bomb DIY Gift {With Free Tags}!

December 12, 2019

Looking for a fun gift idea for the gardener in your life? These rainbow flowers DIY seed bombs are a creative and special gift that keeps on giving! Free printable gift tags included.

I’m always on the lookout for fun DIY gift ideas. This rainbow flowers seed bomb gift is perfect as a stocking stuffer, birthday gift, or party favor!

Give it to the gardener in your life, and in the spring, they’ll think of you when they see their seed bombs come to life! Free printable gift tags are included to make your DIY gift extra special.

You can find seed bombs everywhere these days (or you can DIY them yourself), and they’re easy to plant outside in the spring, or they can be planted in a pretty pot indoors in the colder months.

Here’s what you need to make this colorful rainbow flowers seed bomb gift…

Seed Bombs
Glass Jars with Lids (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
Ribbon
Free Printable Toss, Water, Bloom! Tags (see below)

You can get seed bombs in several places, including Amazon (these are rainbow colored seed bombs or you can get them cheaper if you go with a natural seed bomb (just shred rainbow colored paper for a base)!

There’s also a pretty good selection of seed bombs on Etsy.

You can print off these free Toss, Water, Bloom! tags here. They’ll print out on 4×6 photo paper (you can do this at home or send to your favorite photo printer), and they’ll be two per page.

Once you have all your supplies gathered, the fun part begins! Simply fill your jars with seed bombs (and instructions, if you’d like), attach a printable tag, tie on some ribbon, and that’s it!

The directions for most seed bombs are basically the same: plant under a thin layer of soil, keep soil moist, and expect seeds to germinate in under a week.

It’s usually recommended to place seed bombs approximately two inches apart.

I just love how these turned out and I can’t wait to gift them to family, teachers and neighbors!

Thanks for reading all about our Easy Gift for Gardeners: Make a Seed Bomb DIY Gift {With Free Tags}! Have a great day!

Christmas crafty things holidays

How to Make Easy Glitter Christmas Trees

December 8, 2019

Love the look of those glitter Christmas trees from Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel? Learn how to make your own here!

Easy holiday decorating ideas are our favorite here at all crafty things.

We know that crafts don’t have to be fancy, or expensive! In that vein, we wanted to create some glitter Christmas trees like we’ve seen in Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, but for a fraction of the price.

Now I’m not usually one to decorate for the holidays beyond a Christmas tree and a wreath on our front door, but this year I decided to add one more craft to the list.

Here’s what you need:

-foam trees (you can find these on amazon)

-glitter

glue or Mod Podge

The idea was to cover foam cone forms (from the floral department of our local craft store) with silver and gold glitter .

This was my way of recreating those high-end sparkly tabletop Christmas trees that you see in places like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel.

First I set my foam cones on cardboard outside and liberally sprayed them with spray adhesive.

Then I simply poured the glitter overtop until it covered the surface. One thing I wish I had done during this process was wear gloves…I ended up with glitter covered, sticky fingers all day long because I skipped that step. Don’t make the same mistake!!

Once they were dry, I went back and sprayed the entire surface with a clear top coat (found in the spray paint section of any hardware store) to make sure everything was nice and stuck.

After giving both cones a day to dry completely, I set them on our entry table and could immediately tell that they were just what I had envisioned to greet our guests throughout the holidays.

What’s your favorite way to sparkle this time of year?

Thanks so much for reading all about our How to Make Easy Glitter Christmas Trees. Have a crafty day!

Christmas crafty things

Tic Tac Toe in a Bag {Christmas Version!}

November 26, 2019

Looking for an easy tic tac toe in a bag game? This Christmas version is perfect for crafting, stocking stuffers, and more!

Today’s Christmas craft couldn’t be easier!

This tic tac toe in a bag game just uses three supplies, and can be used as a holiday craft, stocking stuffer or gift.

I’m even considering having my kids’ classes make these during their winter parties next month!

You can use buttons, wool felt balls, or even small candies as the playing pieces. When you’re done, simply store the pieces in the bag.

Tic Tac Toe Game in a Bag

This tic tac toe in a bag game is perfect for the holidays, or any time of the year! Make as a craft, class gifts or to use as a stocking stuffer. Only three supplies needed.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Estimated Cost $10

Materials

Instructions

Using four lengths of washi tape, create a tic tac toe board on a bag. Press down ends of tape well (otherwise they'll want to pull up).
Choose your playing pieces, place in bag, and you're done!

SUPER easy and fun!

Want more Christmas crafting?