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!

Christmas holidays

Easy Glitter Christmas Gift Tags

December 3, 2018

These Easy Glitter Christmas gift tags are a fun way to add some color and texture to your gift wrap. Make them for Christmas, or change up the colors and stamp to make for birthdays or any other occasion you can think of!

Christmas Gift Tags 2

Presentation really is everything!! These easy glitter gift tags are a quick Christmas craft that add big impact to your holiday gifts.

Christmas Gift Tags 3

confetti gift tags 6

Here’s what you need…

Materials:

Mod Podge Matte
Kraft Gift Tags
Ink Pad
Confetti
Merry Christmas Stamp (similar, here-just make sure your stamp is smaller than your gift tag)
Bakers Twine

confetti gift tags 1

Step 1: Stamp your kraft tags, making sure to leave room at the end for adding your confetti.

Christmas Gift Tags 5

Step 2: Using a foam brush, add some Mod Podge to the end of your gift tag. Dip in your confetti, tap off the excess, and let dry.

confetti gift tags 3

confetti gift tags 4

Super-cute, right? You can customize these for any holiday or color scheme, too. I love the dose of color and sparkle these tags will give to my gifts this year.

Christmas Gift Tags

The candles above are a great (and easy) Christmas Gift Idea!

confetti gift tags 5

Thanks for reading all about my stamped Christmas gift tags! Have a fantastic 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!

Tips & Tricks

Herbal Plants & Decorative Plants for Your Kitchen

October 1, 2018

Plant decor is popping up everywhere in the home and in all styles and sizes. Whether you’re a lover of herbal plants, you’re looking to add a fun home decor element, or you’re even wanting to purify your air, a low maintenance plant is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

There are many ways to incorporate a plant to your culinary space, regardless of how big or small your kitchen may be. Some ideas include:

Place in a macrame plant hanger
Add a geometric pot to your counter or kitchen island
Hang from the ceiling in a vintage basket
Add a potted plant to your open shelving

Experiment to find what option works best for your taste and kitchen space. If you lack counter space, a hanging plant may be your best bet.

When it’s time to choose the type of herbal plants or decorative plants, Kitchen Cabinet Kings has a helpful in-depth guide and visual to the 11 best plants for your kitchen.

It includes details on how much sunlight and water each plant needs, if you’re looking for a low maintenance option. Luckily, you won’t need a green thumb to keep most of these kitchen and herbal plants thriving!

Herbal Plants & Decorative Plants

ENGLISH IVY

The English ivy will grow lush long vines full of dark green leaves indoors just as easily as outdoors. The most important aspect of growing the English ivy indoors is light. It prefers bright filtered light, but it can survive in lower light conditions if necessary.

When watering the plant, check the soil first. Make sure it is dry to the touch before watering, and let the soil dry out on the top before watering it again.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is one of the easiest plants to care for. In fact, they thrive when they’re left alone. Aloe vera plants can certainly grow in partial shade near a window or sliding glass door, but they do best with as much light as possible.

During the summer, water once every couple weeks when the soil dries out. Water even less in the winter.

WHITE JASMINE

White jasmine grows easily indoors, working well in a hanging basket or clay pot. They are known for their bright white fragrant blossoms that will fill your kitchen with rich smells.

During the spring and summer months, white jasmine will need as much as light as possible, but during the winter months it can tolerate less light. Keep the soil moist during the summer and let keep it dry in the winter months.

CHINESE EVERGREEN

The Chinese evergreen is a durable plant that will thrive with very little care. They thrive in medium to low light conditions and prefer moderate watering. Be sure not to overwater, as that will lead to root rot. Place it on an empty space on your counter and enjoy the added touch of green.

AFRICAN SPEAR

The African spear plant produces unique spear-like growth which can be braided similar to lucky bamboo. The African spear is light tolerant but prefers bright filtered light.

It’s also drought-tolerant, but will do best when watered once every two weeks. Put it in your windowsill over your sink and watch as this strange plant thrives.

HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON

The heartleaf philodendron works well as a hanging plant or table centerpiece. Its dark green heart-shaped leaves makes it a very elegant looking plant. It does best in medium light conditions but can survive low light conditions.

When watering, allow the top half of the soil to dry out first, then water lightly.

FIDDLE LEAF FIG

The fiddle leaf fig is a tough plant that can adapt to its environment. It’s a large plant that can grow to be six feet tall in the right conditions. Set it up in the corner of your kitchen or dining room and let it add some greenery to an otherwise empty space.

It prefers bright light by a sunny window but it can tolerate shady areas, too. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Water it thoroughly, allowing the water to run out of the drainage holes at the bottom, then let the soil dry out before watering again.

STRING OF PEARLS

The string of pearls succulent is a perennial vine that produces small sphere foliage. Hang it over your sink or in a bright area of your kitchen. It does best with bright light but it can survive with a lot of fluorescent lighting.

Water only when the soil dries out and then water thoroughly, allowing the water to soak through the entirety of the soil.

DEVIL’S IVY

Devil’s ivy, also known as golden pothos, is a fast growing vine that produces waxy heart-shaped foliage. It’s a highly drought-tolerant plant, but prefers being watered about once every one to two weeks.

When watering, let the soil soak completely until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Devil’s ivy grows well in shady areas, with some filtered sunlight.

ZZ PLANT

The ZZ plant gets its name from its botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia. This plant is virtually indestructible, preferring moderate indirect light but can tolerate extremely low levels of light.

This makes it perfect for a dark spot in your kitchen that could use a decorative touch. Less is more when it comes to watering the ZZ plant, it’s able to survive months without watering.

PEACE LILY

The peace lily is a longtime favorite of homeowners as it is an overall easy plant to care for and rewards its owners with bright white blossoms when healthy. It’s also on NASA’s list of Top Ten Household Air Cleaning Plants for its ability to break down toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

The peace lily prefers medium, indirect light and should be placed about six to eight feet away from the closest window. Knowing when to water the peace lily is easy, just pay attention to when it starts to droop and then give it a drink.

Within hours, it will perk right back up. Place the peace lily on a counter, end table or as a floor plant in your kitchen and reap its aesthetic and air-purifying benefits.

Pick a few of your favorite herbal plants & decorative plants from above based on the level of light in your kitchen and how often you’re available to water them, and stop by your local nursery to liven up your kitchen.

Thanks for reading all about Herbal Plants & Decorative Plants for Your Kitchen. Have a lovely day!

Celebrations/Vacations Fall

DIY Popcorn Bar Plus 16 More Ideas to Make Your Fall Festival Fantastic

September 25, 2018

Sharing some fun crafts and ideas for your Fall Festival, including a DIY Popcorn Bar, Pumpkin Painting, Candied Apple Bar and more!

Crisp air, bright colored balloons and the smell of carnival food permeates the atmosphere. The trees are turning spectacular shades of orange and gold, the aroma of bonfires is in the air, and the fragrance of pumpkin spice is coming from everybody’s kitchen.

It’s that time of the year again. It’s time for the fall festival where family, friends and communities congregate in celebration of the change of seasons.

Your fall carnival may be for fundraising, for your school, church or part of a huge community event. If you’re involved in the planning of the carnival, here are a few tried and true ways to make your Autumn Fair Fantastic.

T-Shirts for Volunteers

Make sure everyone who works on the committee has t-shirts that associate them with the volunteer party for the Fall Carnival. These shirts will enable carnival-goers to easily identify those who can assist them with directions, activities or assist in the case of an emergency.

Buy wholesale t shirts and pick a color scheme and a design associated with your Fall Festival. You can change it every year. The best part is that the volunteers get to keep the shirts.

Food Court

Set up a food court area with tables and chairs. You can easily rent them. If it is warm in your area, add a tent, and if your carnival goes into the evening, you can light up the tent with string lights. These lights will offer a great area for carnival-goers to take a load off and stay out of the sun.

Candied Apple Bar

Set up a candy apple bar. Slice apples and put them on a stick. Put out decorative containers, such as plastic mini pumpkins or little tin buckets, filled with store-bought caramel, peanut butter and Nutella.

Tip: To keep apples from turning, brush them with lemon juice or soak them in ginger ale.

Offer other bowls filled with nuts, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, coconut and graham cracker crumbs for dipping. The options are endless. Or consider a Popcorn Bar…

DIY Popcorn Bar

For an unforgettable Popcorn Bar, rent a popcorn popper and buy some bags. Set up tins with tiny scoops and fill them with chocolate chips, marshmallows, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, bacon bits, pecans, walnuts and anything else you can think to add.

Let the carnival-goers tell you what they want or let them serve themselves. A Popcorn Bar is a fun and festive idea for fall or anytime of year!

Pick a Pop

Get a nice, round pumpkin and drill enough holes to hold your lollipops. Mark the bottoms of some of the pops with a marker. Players get three chances to pick a colored pop. The color of the mark on the bottom of the stick will determine the prize, and even if they don’t get a pop with a mark on the bottom, they get to keep the lollipop. It’s a win-win for all.

Cotton Candy in Orange and Green

One of the most popular foods at a carnival or fair, cotton candy is a true crowd pleaser for young and old alike. Rent a cotton candy machine and purchase colored cotton candy floss sugar to match your theme. The floss sugar comes in a multitude of colors from orange, green, pink, purple and blue.

Pie Eating Contest

Falls is an awesome time of year to make apple and pumpkin pies. If you have a booth that sells baked goods, consider setting up a pie eating contest nearby. Ask people or bakeries to donate pies for the contest. These donations will help keep expenses down.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Set up a display for contestants to bring in their pumpkins they carved at home. Set a time to announce the winner. Let the carnival-goers stroll by and place a vote in a decorated barrel as they day goes on. Tally up the votes and announce the winner.

Fall Photo Booth

This is so easy, you won’t even need a camera. Simply stage the scene with leaves, bales of hay, pumpkins and whatever else goes with your theme. Add a few props for fun. Let the carnival-goers use their phones to snap photos and share on social media.

Witch Hat Ring Toss

Glue 5-6 tall black with hats onto a decorated orange board. Tip: If using fabric store-bought witch hats, place the hats over soda bottles to keep them standing up. For the rings, you can either purchase them or make them out of jumbo pipe cleaners. For a smaller children’s version, you can make your own. Don’t forget to check the dollar stores for supplies.

Decorating Your Own T-Shirt Booth

Set up several tables, some for the actual painting and some for the drying. Purchase several dozen (depending on the size of your fair) wholesale t shirts in various sizes. Set out fabric markers and fabric paint, along with some fall-related sponge stamps (all can be found at your local crafts store). Display some sample ideas printed off the internet and let the fun begin.

Scary Hair

Purchase temporary hair color spray in different colors. Have someone in a booth ready to paint everyone’s hair in what they think will be scary. This stand is great when set up next to the face painting booth.

Guess My Weight and Guess How Many

Set up a spot for the largest pumpkin you can find. Let carnival-goers guess how much the pumpkin weighs.

For “Guess How Many,” fill a large glass container with candy corn and put out a decorated box. Have little forms put out requiring names and their guess of how many candy corn pieces are in the container.

Pumpkin Painting

Much easier than carving with sharp knives and dealing with the mess of pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting is an easy alternative. Place pumpkins of various sizes out for purchase. Set up a table, properly covered, and put out some paints and brushes. Let the creativity flow. See some creative pumpkin decorating ideas here! And another fun pumpkin decorating idea (with mod podge)!

Bounce House and Ball Pits

All kids love bounce houses and ball pits; some adults do, too. They provide kids a safe place to burn off some energy and allow the parents a moment to catch their breath.

Football Throwing

Fall is the season for football. Let the football fans test their throwing arm with their friends. You can rent an electric football throwing machine to challenge participants and create a competitive atmosphere.

Show a Movie

Show It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or other family-focused fall season movies. With a little know how, you merely set up your DVD player into a projector, connect the audio signal to the speakers. You can rent a screen for a professional outdoor viewing party!

Thanks for reading all about our DIY Popcorn Bar Plus 16 More Ideas to Make Your Fall Festival Fantastic. Have a great day!

Tips & Tricks

Geometric Decor Ideas for the Home

September 20, 2018

Love the look of geometric decor? Today, I’m sharing ideas and inspiration for geometric home decor! Read on to see how you can add this modern and fun style to your own home!

Geometric decor is popping up in homes in small and large doses! You can normally find trendy designs splashed across walls or woven into baskets. Furniture and rooms with geometric decor features lots of sharp lines and unique shapes and patterns.

Throwing in some thoughtful elements here and there is a great route to take so you can you don’t overwhelm guests with a room full of heavy patterns!

For example, you can style a plain couch with a mix of geometric pillows in a variety of coordinated colors. A cohesive color palette paired neutral surroundings greatly balance out any bold patterns, even if they don’t directly “match.”

This combination of bold and subdued can really amp up your style in any room! Mixing this design element with other pops of patterns can greatly pull a room together.

Another way to keep a nice balance with your geometric style is by mixing textures and fabric! Soft pillow cases with bold patterns contrast well with other furniture made of natural material like wood and wicker.

Metallic and more industrial pieces also work well with geometric style. For example, more industrial and exposed lamps usually ushers in a unique look.

Try experimenting with different sizes and shapes for your lamp shade along with fun light bulb shapes and colors! This can especially elevate your living room or bedroom decor.

Other ways you can incorporate a more modern feel with an industrial style is by using metallic mirrors in different shapes. You’ll easily find round mirrors at most stores and these pieces can effortlessly blend in to any part of your room. If you want a more distinct look, try getting a mirror in a funky shape!

Beautiful sunburst mirrors, for instance, still take on a round center, but create a beautiful focal point with their (literally) outstanding shape and shiny material. You can also find mirrors that resemble gems, geodes and puzzle pieces.

If you’re still looking for more industrial geometric decor, consider using pieces made of concrete or stone! These natural materials can work well if you find pieces that are smooth, clean and even have room for a few enhancements. You can add a patterned placemat to a stone table or add some fresh plants or flowers in a concrete planter. You’re only limited by your own creativity!

You don’t always need to go out and find geometric pieces. With a little creativity and some patience, you can actually create a few pieces at home! DIY geometric decor is great if you want to have complete control over your home decor and add some personal flair to your rooms!

Wall space is a great area to start. You can paint a few clean lines on your wall to create a contemporary focal point for your living room. You can also draw, print out or design a few shapes and patterns for some contemporary geometric wall art!

There are lots of free patterns available online that can match any home decor style and give you some inspiration. If you’re feeling really crafty, you can even put together some simple wall shelves in simple shapes, like square and triangles, so you can artfully display your plants and trinkets to your friends!

With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! ProFlowers put together a few ideas for including geometric decor in your home! They gathered a few different rooms and pulled out decor elements from a couple so you can see how to get the look.

Their guide also has a handful of styling tips so you can see how you can mix and match different elements. Take a look at their visual guide to see what ideas you can take away for your home!

Thanks for reading all about Geometric Decor Ideas for the Home. Have a great day!

Tips & Tricks

DIY Cat Tree and Three Other DIY Projects for Cat Lovers

September 17, 2018

Who says DIY has to be difficult? Check out these easy DIY projects, including a DIY Cat Tree, your cats will love, whether you own one cat or a full clowder! Your feline friend will surely love you even more!

Cats are taking over the world. In the United States alone, more than 36 million households own at least one feline friend, and many have two or more. The world has gone cat crazy, and for all of us crazy cat ladies (and guys!), that is a wonderful thing.

Whether your cat spends his time lounging in the sun or she prefers to be tucked away in a dark corner, your purr machine deserves some special treats and TLC from time to time. After all, they are part of the family, right?

Sure, you could go to the pet store or even do some online shopping to get new toys, furniture and other goodies for your cat, but why do all that when you can make something extra special with your own two hands?

There are a lot of DIY projects out there for cats, and it is easy to find something that is suitable for just about any skill and experience level.

If you love getting your hands dirty but don’t have a whole lot of DIY experience, here are some simple projects even the most finicky felines are sure to love!

A Real DIY Cat Tree

Forget the so-called cat trees from the pet store! Bring the outdoors into your home by building your own tree using a large branch from your backyard. A small tree also works well. You need something with multiple branches that are sturdy enough to hold your cat’s weight.

Scrape off the outer layer of bark and remove any small limbs and twigs. You will be left with a couple large main beams that will form your cat tree. Seal the wood and let dry.

Attach a base and shelves using strong lag bolts. Once everything is assembled, put your tree in your living room, and let your cat’s natural instincts go wild!

Cat Shelves

If you don’t have the space for a full-size cat tree or you are wanting to tackle a project that is a bit simpler, install cat shelves. All you need are some sturdy shelves, carpet, and double-sided tape. If you’re looking for a great deal on shelves, Ikea’s EKBY JÄRPEN shelves get the job done and look great. Win-win!

Install the shelves according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the ones you choose are strong enough to support your cat’s weight and buy several to give your fur-baby a lot of area to roam and explore. Arrange them in a pattern that allows your furry friend to easily climb from one to the next.

Once the shelves are up, attach carpet to the top of each using strong double-sided tape. The carpet may also be permanently affixed using glue, but using tape ensures that the carpet can be removed and replaced easily when it gets dirty or becomes damaged.

Self-Petting Station

Have a friendly feline that just can’t seem to get enough attention? Make a petting station to give her a way to get the pets she’s craving even when you’re busy with other things like working, cooking, or, of course, cleaning the litter box.

To get started, you’ll need a board that measures roughly 12” x 12,” a small 1” x 1” x 1” wood cube, carpet, Gorilla Glue, two (new) toilet bowl brushes, a drill and drill bits and a yardstick.

Remove the toilet brushes from their handles and straighten. Next, drill a hole through your block of wood. Apply glue to one end of each brush and insert through the block. This turns your two smaller brushes into one longer one. Let dry.

While the brushes are drying, attach the carpet to the larger board using Gorilla Glue. Line your yardstick up from one corner of the board to the other diagonally and locate the center. Measure 5” from the center on either side and drill a hole.

Now, apply a generous amount of glue to each end of your now-longer brush. Fit the flued ends into the holes on the top of the baseboard to create an arch. Once dry, you will have a self-petting and grooming station your cat will love! Try sprinkling a bit of catnip on the arch to really make your cats go crazy!

T Shirt Cat Tent

If your lap is your cat’s favorite place to curl up, help him feel secure when you are away with a cozy tent made from one of your old blank t shirts. Cat tents are super easy to make and require only a few basic supplies – an old t shirt, a piece of cardboard, tape, safety pins and a couple wire clothes hangers. You’ll also need something to cut and bend the hangers. A large pair of pliers works perfectly.

Start by cutting the hooks off both hangers. Shape the remaining wires into two uniform arches. Next, cut your cardboard down so it measures 12” x 12.” Use some tape to reinforce the edges and make it a bit stronger.

Poke a hole in each corner of the cardboard using the end of one of your hangers. Next, cross the hangers in the middle in an X formation, and tape together to prevent them from shifting. Insert the ends of the hangers through the holes you punched in the cardboard. Bend the ends under, and tape them down.

Pull your shirt over the tent frame, and arrange it so that the neck hole is located in the front center, and the shirt’s bottom is trailing behind. Flip the tent over so the hole is pointing upwards and the bottom of the cardboard is facing you.

Fold up the excess material and tighten it to ensure that the tent is taught. Use safety pins to secure the fabric on the bottom, then safety pin the t shirts sleeves to the sides of the tent. Keep tucking and pinning until everything is nice and secure.

That’s it! Your cat now has a stylish tent that smells just like his favorite person – you!

Thanks for reading all about our DIY Cat Tree and Three Other DIY Projects for Cat Lovers. Have a great day!

Tips & Tricks

15 unexpected uses for hydrogen peroxide

September 13, 2018

Sometimes, the simplest things truly are the best. hydrogen peroxide, a topical antiseptic and natural sanitizer, can be easily obtained for about a dollar a bottle. It’s time to think outside the medicine cabinet, though, as this simple solution has some clever, and unexpected uses! Today, I’m sharing 15 uses for hydrogen peroxide that may come as a surprise to you…

-Refresh sponges. Sponges have the reputation for being one of the dirtiest things in our homes. Fix that by steeping sponges in a cup of hydrogen peroxide to kill any lingering bacteria. Make sure to rinse it out thoroughly afterwards.

-Disinfect your dishwasher. To disinfect your dishwasher, add 2 oz. of 3% Hydrogen peroxide to your regular washing formula.

-Wash vegetables. Use as a vegetable wash or soak to kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals. Add 1/4 cup 3% H2O2 to a full sink of cold water. Soak light skinned vegetables (such as cabbage) for 20 minutes, thicker skinned vegetables for 30 minutes. Drain, rinse, dry and refrigerate.

-Remove mold from plants. To remove mold from houseplants, mix a pint of water with five tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide or food grade peroxide. Spray your plants with the solution to remove any mold that has accumulated on the leaves.

-Use as a mouthwash. Use a cap full of hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse to help whiten teeth and kill germs that cause bad breath.

-Clean and disinfect toothbrushes. Soak toothbrushes in hydrogen peroxide to kill staph bacteria and other germs.

-Clean toilet bowls. Pour about half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into toilet bowls and let it soak for at least 30 minutes to clean, sanitize and remove stains.

-Use to clean glass surfaces. Spray hydrogen peroxide on dirty mirrors and other glass surfaces to loosen dirt and grime. Wipe away with a clean, lint-free cloth.

-Take a detoxifying bath. If you want to give your bathwater a detoxifying boost, try adding two quarts of peroxide to your bathwater. Soak in the bath for half an hour.

-Disinfect and clean cutting boards. Spray hydrogen peroxide on cutting boards to kill germs and bacteria. Rinse and dry for a clean, ready-to-use cutting surface.

-Clean your refrigerator. Non-toxic hydrogen peroxide is an ideal cleaning tool for your fridge. Apply, let it soak, and wipe clean.

-Clean and whiten grout. Dry your tub thoroughly, then spray it liberally with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for a few minutes, then come back and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. Repeat if necessary.

-Highlight your hair! Add highlights to your hair by diluting the hydrogen peroxide so the solution is 50% peroxide and 50% water. Spray the solution on wet hair to create subtle, natural highlights.

-Clear up acne. Clear acne by applying a little hydrogen peroxide to the infected sites. It will act just the same way it does on wounds, helping to kill the unwanted bacteria and cleansing the area.

-Clean mold. Have a mold problem? Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the site, and then wipe it clean. Hydrogen peroxide is effective against many different types of mold and mildew!

Thanks for reading about 15 unexpected uses for hydrogen peroxide. Have a great day!