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Book Page Initial Wreath

October 26, 2010 21 Comments

Looking for a personalized Christmas gift?  Or something personalized for your own home?  How about a fun book page intial wreath!
I’ve absolutely loved looking at all the book page projects out in the blogosphere.  While my husband was out of town a few weeks ago, I finally got around to making one of my own.  For this design I was inspired specifically over the summer by someone who created a wreath using an embroidery hoop, except theirs had a fleur de lis in the center.  (If this was you, please comment or email me so that I can include a link to your project!)

Anyway, this was mostly made out of materials I had on hand at home. And it turned out so great that I’m planning a trip to craft store so I can make some more! My husband wants me to make one for his mother for Christmas, and I’m also planning to make something similar for my dad. He’s in the process of moving, and I think it would make a great Christmas and housewarming gift. And while I’m at at it, I’ll make one for my mom as well.
And I’ve also added the wreath to my shop and will take custom orders for anyone who’d like one for their home. For more information on this, including size, features, and pricing, just visit my shop.

For those of you who love to craft yourself, I’ll also be posting a tutorial for this very shortly. I’ll try to post it in the next few weeks when I have more time. It’s not a very difficult project to undertake. It was just kind of long and drawn out, and involved a lot of steps.  Till then, I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek!

I’m linking up at these fun craft and decor parties.

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, Simply Sweet Creations

Halloween Kitchen Decor

October 20, 2010 2 Comments
This post should prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or be very crafty to create a super cute table setting.
We have an antique sewing machine, which belonged to my grandmother, in our dining room.  I always keep a cover over it to protect from potential cat jumpers, and every few months, I try to change it up a bit.  This month I decided to make it a little more festive for Halloween.

Just like with the coffee table I posted on a couple of week ago, I simply used a piece of fabric as a table runner, and I created another set of these easy coasters to go alongside the pumpkin. Very simple, yet festive!

Here’s a close up picture.  I just love this fabric, featuring a pumpkin, ghosts, purple bats, and little yellow eyes.
And to add a little more pizazz, I just added my little Halloween treat box and this little Halloween snowman figurine. Very fun and festive! (And Easy!)
I’m linking up this week to these crafty linky parties

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Halloween

Halloween Coffee Table and Coaster Craft

October 6, 2010 6 Comments
I finally got my Halloween stuff out this past weekend.  In the past I’ve only decorated outside, except for some fall garland over the cabinets in the kitchen, and some fall leaf window clings on our back door, but this year I decided to brighten up the indoors a bit.
I created this cute arrangement for our coffee table in the living room.  Usually I like to be very elaborate and “busy” with the decor, but in certain areas, I tend to keep it a little more minimalist.  One reason is because stuff can get in the way in certain places, and secondly my cats would be too tempted if I covered the tables with too much stuff.  In fact, in the photo below you’ll notice a small set of gray ears just to the left of the pumpkin. (That’s Rebel.  He loves to decorate, and his style is, well…very unique!)

Easy Table Cloth:
For the coffee table, I simply used a few yards of cute Halloween fabric– no sewing or crafting involved –and it’s much cheaper than any table runner you could buy.  Of course, the jack-o-lantern was added to the center.  I thought about getting a couple of smaller ones to go beside it, but here again, I’m keeping it simple.
Making Your Own Coasters:
And finally I made these cute little coasters just to have something else to set on the table.  For these, I simply took a couple of old coasters that we weren’t using.  Then I used them as a stencil to trace two circles and I cut them out.  For the next step, I’ve seen a lot of people using mod podge to stick the paper to the coaster, but since we won’t really be using these coasters, and since they’ll only be out for a month I came up with an idea to help me change up these coasters any time I want.

I had some magnet strips with adhesive on the back.  And I just took my scissors and cut a very small piece of magnet off, and stuck it to the coaster.  Then I cut off another small piece and stuck in on to the paper.  Put the paper and the old coaster together, and you’ve instantly got a new coaster!  And after the holiday, you can either throw the paper away or save it for next year.  Meanwhile you can create a new set for the next holiday.

Next week I’ll be sharing a Halloween mod podge project that I did over the weekend and another table decoration, so please come back and see!

This week I’m linking up to these craft & decor parties, plus over at My Blessed Life and Tater Tots and Jello for the Celebrating Autumn event, and Susie QT Pies Scraps for Life for the Halloween Tricks N Treats Party!

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, fall, Halloween

Flower Arrangement and Vase Revamp

September 8, 2010 16 Comments
I love the brightness and color that flowers add to a room.  A few months ago my mom and stepdad were cleaning out my step dad’s mom’s house. (His mother recently passed away.)  Among the possessions to be divided between the children, there were a lot of odds and ends that weren’t really worth anything and nobody really wanted.  So they either became trash or goodwill items.  The above flower arrangement was on her kitchen table.  My mom asked me if I wanted it, or if she should put it in Goodwill.
My stepdad looked up and said, “Throw that thing away.  You’ve been trying to give it away all week, and nobody wants it.”  Well, on that note, I decided I’d take it. Now here’s what it actually looked like originally:

 

The vase was actually quite cute. It just didn’t match the flowers.  Mom suggested  I take the fake flowers out and just use it as a vase or a container for something else.  But I  actually liked the flowers.  My solution? Mod Podge of course!

I simply took a little scrapbook paper, brushed on a little Mod Podge, wrapped it around the vase, and voila!  Flowers with a color coordinated vase!  I actually made it to match this Initial Art that I shared a few weeks ago. (But I didn’t stop there! Wait till you see the other items in my new colection!)

 

By the way, if you want to start on this project from scratch, simply find an old vase. (If you don’t have one around your house, you can always buy one at the thrift store or buy it new at the dollar store).  Then get some “florist foam.” (I’m using quotes because I don’t know if that’s what it’s called; that’s just what I call it!)  Alternatively you could use styrofoam. If you want to use the vase for real flowers you can order flowers online to switch up the look every once in a while.  Then just place it inside your vase, and then poke a bunch of flower stems in to it. Very easy!  Then decorate your vase as desired!

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

Easy Initial Art

August 19, 2010 4 Comments
I know this project has been going around the blogosphere for a while, but I made this a couple of weeks ago and just had to share, as it goes right along with some upcoming decor posts I’m doing.
And who knows? New ladies are discovering the blogosphere every day, and there may very well be someone here who hasn’t seen this.
I love this initial art idea because it’s easy and quick. (For someone who doesn’t have a lot of patience for a longterm project, this is a real plus!)  And I also love it because this is a great personalized item that you could make for anyone, to match any decor.

What You Need:
a picture frame
scrapbook paper
letter stencil
scissors
pen
Mod Podge
paint brush
(The cat is optional.)

Directions:
Use a stencil and pencil to trace your letter onto the back of a sheet of scrapbook paper. By drawing on the back side of the paper, you can avoid having lines on your letter.  (Just don’t forget to draw the letter backwards, or else when you cut it out, it will come out wrong.)
Next, if necessary, cut your scrapbook paper to size so that it fits in the frame.  Now take your paint brush and brush a little Mod Podge on the make of your letter. (I used the matte kind.) Allow to dry a few minutes.  Then take your paint brush and add a light coat of Mod Podge over the entire piece of scrapbook paper.  (Be careful not to use too much, or your paper will wrinkle.)
After your paper is completely dry, place it in your frame, and you’re done!

I’m linking up at these fabulous linky parties.

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden

Summer Star Garland

July 6, 2010 3 Comments
You may remember the Easter Garland I posted on back in March.  I actually kept it up through spring, and then finally I decided I needed something new for summer.  So the other day I used the same concept behind the Easter Garland and made some star garland for the summer. 
I would have liked to have done this in red, white, and blue, but I didn’t have any  coordinating papers that I liked together, and I’ve decided I need to use some of the supplies I already have rather than going out and buying new stuff all the time, so I went with a red, green, and blue color scheme.

What You’ll Need:
Scrapbook paper
Ribbon
Scissors
Tape
Cookie Cutters
Pencil/Pen
Garland Tutorial:
-Use cookie cutters or stencils to trace shapes onto the back of scrapbook paper. You can use a single shape or multiple shapes. (I used 3 different size stars, and I used 4 different paper designs.)
-Next take your scissors and cut out the shapes. (I made 24 cut outs for a seven and a half foot string of garland last time and this time.)
-Cut off a line of ribbon. Make the ribbon as long as you like. I suggest cutting off at least a foot more than the intended length. (I made a 7 1/2 foot garland, but I actually cut about 8 1/2 foot of ribbon off. I used the extra length on each end to wrap it around the “edging” on the top of the cabinets.)
-Now attach the shapes to the ribbon. (I placed them about an inch to an inch and a half apart from each other.)
-There are a few different methods you can use for this. Liz from Hoosier Homemade  actually sewed the cutouts to the ribbon. I, however, am not a seamstress and decided to use a short cut method. I used tape to attach the shapes. I used two small pieces of tape on each shape (making a t or x with the tape on the back of each shape.) I used two pieces to make sure it was secured, and put them on there cross-ways so that the garland would be more flexible/movable. For this step you could also mod podge or a glue gun if you prefer. (I just used tape because it’s quicker, there’s no mess, and it would allow me to make adjustments if I needed to.)
-Then hang your garland and enjoy!

-Jerri
I am happy to link up my posts each week to some awesome Linky Parties.
Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, summer

Febreze Home Collection Review and Wal-Mart Giveaway

June 22, 2010 198 Comments

Summer is almost upon us! It’s time to make your décor shine as brightly as the July sun. I can’t think of a better way to do that than with the Flameless Luminary™ or New No-Spill Diffuser from Febreze Home Collection. Both are beautifully designed and come in an array of scents.

I recently had the chance to try both of these Febreze products, and I was very pleased with their appearance, functionality, and of course, their scent!
Flameless Luminary
“Turn heads with the soft flickering glow of a Flameless Luminary. Once you have a reusable base, changing scents is as easy as changing shades.”
I absolutely love the flameless luminary!  Whenever I light candles in my home, I have to keep a very close watch on them because we have 2 cats, so a flameless luminary is perfect for us.  The cherry blossom shade is very pretty, and it smells wonderful.  The scent fills the room, but it’s not too overwhelming, and it truly does look a light a real candle is flickering inside.  I also love that the light shuts off automatically after 4 hours to help you save your batteries and also save you the trouble of turning it off and on. 
I’m also happy to report that I recieved some extra shades.  I recieved an additional Cherry Blossom shade, 2 Willow Blossom Shades, and 2 Cranberry Pear shades.  I love all 3 scents that I recieved, and I love that each scent has a different design.  This is great if you want everything in your room to match, and it’s perfect if you like to change things up in your room.
I also love that this is easy to use and clean.  And it’s great to have an air freshener that not only gives your home a nice scent but can also serve as a piece of home decor. I love that!

New No-Spill Wood Diffuser
“When you live with children and pets, accidents happen. Luckily the No-Spill Diffuser with WoodWick® ambiance makes spills a thing of the past. Good looking and thoughtful, too — it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.”
I also recieved the No-Spill Wood Diffuser.  I’ve used several forms of air freshener before, from the plug-ins, to can sprays, to candles, automatic sprays, and so forth, but I’ve never had a wood diffuser before.  And now that I’ve got my first one, I’m sure it won’t be my last.
Again, this is great if you have pets because you don’t have to worry about it getting spilled. The Wood Diffuser I received was Honeysuckle Orchid scented.  And let me tell you, it smells divine!  I’ve placed mine in the bathroom. We always keep our bathroom door shut so that the cats cannot go in unattended, so now whenever the door is opened the first thing I notice is the soft, sweet aroma of the diffuser.
Again, I love that this is easy to set up and use, and it’s not messy.  This piece would also go great in any room, and unlike some other air fresheners, it’s actually attractive and can blend in well with your decor.
More Products
The Febreze Home Collection is available in an array of premium designs and scents.  Products include the Scented Reed Diffuser, Soy Blend Candle, Room Spray, Flameless Luminary, and No-Spill Wood Diffuser.

Connect : 
~Febreze Home Collection on Facebook
~Febreze Home Collection at Walmart

Win it! To help you to try these Febreze Home Collection products, P&G has given me one $15 Walmart giftcard to award to one Simply Sweet Home reader. 


Giveaway closed. Congrats to DaMora at Mora Piggy!

-Jerri

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this post.  This product review was based on using complimentary Febreze products provided by P&G. Bloggers also received a Walmart gift card to share with their readers. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite. The opinions are my own.

Filed Under: decorating, Giveaways, Home/Garden, product review, Sponsors

Bathroom Vanities: Classic and Contemporary

May 19, 2010 2 Comments
Your bathroom vanity area can make the difference between a good bathroom and a great bathroom. Today we’re going to explore a few bathroom vanities for your home.
I found the one pictured above to be one of the most unique I’ve seen.  It’s the first time I’ve seen a double vessel sink.  Looks pretty neat, I think.  And I like vanities that provide plenty of counter space and storage space, and this one definitely does that.  And it’s just a got a fun, contemporary appeal.
As far as the smaller vanities go, I really liked this this one.  I love cherry wood anyway, and this piece (as well as the one shown here ) reminds me a lot of hand built antique dressers I have in my home. Very simple and classic!
And here’s another one with antique appeal.  This one is an antique cherry vanity.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a vanity that looked so elegance as this.  The claw feet and the detail work from top to bottom really had a lot to this piece.     
This vanity is a lot closer to what I think of when I hear the word vanity. It’s just basic and simple, but I think this one also has contemporary apeal to it. (I think it’s the color, or maybe it’s the handles.)  I really like the marble top on this one, and again, I like the counter and storage space options.
I’d really like your opinion on these vanities that feature the vessel sinks.  Maybe I’m behind the times, but I’d never seen one of these (except at a resturant) until a few weeks ago when one of my Friday Favorites participants posted about one they had installed.  I’m not sure if I’d ever get one of these, but I do think they look neat.  And I completely understand the appeal.  Perhaps I’d put one in a guest bathroom or a kid’s bathroom.  What do you guys think? 
And here’s another contemporary style (and I would say, very unique) vanity.  Here again, we have a vessel sink, although I think it would be a lot easier to get use to one like this.  In my opinion, it’s really not that different from your traditional vanities.  I think this would be a great choice for someone who wanted to go with something a little different and current, but didn’t really like the look of the other vessel sinks (or if you like the vessel sinks but you fear you’d grow tired of them after a a while). 
And finally this Avanty Oriental vanity also features the vessel sink.  I’ve browsed through several of these, and I’m intrigued.  I just think these look really cool.  Maybe it’s just because it’s new and different from everything else I’ve seen? Whatever the case, I guess I’d say if you’re looking for something new for your bathroom, and you want to go with something trendy and current, this may be the way to go.
-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Romantic Home
I’m Lovin’ It is hosted by Tidy Mom

Filed Under: decorating, Home/Garden

Spring Wreath Revamp

May 5, 2010 3 Comments
I’ve seen so many cute wreaths on other blogs and in the future I want to make my own completely “from scratch” but for the sake of saving money, I created this one using stuff that I already had.
The wreath was actually given to me by dad.  It was on his front door for a while, and then it got transferred to the attic.  And rather than selling it at a yardsale for $2 or something, he asked me if I wanted it.  Of course I said yes!  And since then the wreath has adorned our front door for the past 2 springs and summers.  But I really wanted something a little different for spring…something to add a  little more color, so I simply added some pink flowers and voila! 
Here’s a picture of what the wreath looked like before.  I love the berries, but some of them are starting to fall off.  (Actually we got a glass door installed last year, and before it was installed the wreath was “exposed” to the outside, and birds frequently landed on it and tried to eat the berries, so I’m not surprised that they’re falling off.)  And again, I felt that it needed some color.
I had these two flower springs on hand. I believe these were 94 cents at Wal-Mart.  I added these to the wreath using the easiest method ever! 
I thought I might want to do something different with the wreath in the future, so I didn’t even use glue. I simply cut the flowers, leaving about 3-4 inches of the stem. (You’ll need wire cutters for this.) And then I wove the stems in through the wreath. Very easy!  And it looks so great from the outside!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk
Penny Pinching Party is hosted by The Thrifty Home
Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Romantic Home

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, Wreaths

Thrifty Basket Decor

March 17, 2010 7 Comments
Here’s something cute and simple.  I got these baskets at the thrift store.  They were a whopping 50 cents each!  Oddly enough I found these on two separate occasions, and both are in good condition and both appear to be hand painted. 
And I just happened to have some plastic eggs here at home to put inside them.  I’m currently displaying these in the kitchen for Easter.
In the future, I may decoupage these eggs for fun, but till then, they are fine for me as is. 
So if you’d like to decorate for Easter, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money and/or you’re not that crafy, just get you some plastic eggs at the dollar store and stuff them in a basket.  It works!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk
Penny Pinching Party is hosted by The Thrifty Home
Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Romantic Home

Filed Under: decorating, Easter, saving money
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