Can Can Dancer

Can Can Dancer has moved!

2014-03-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hello World,

Can Can Dancer has moved! All new blog posts will be on my new site from now on. I also have moved all my past blog posts over there, and am updating the 'tutorials' page.

If you follow via Bloglovin, you will soon be redirected to the new site. If you follow via GFC, I highly recommend following via Bloglovin, so you don't miss any future posts!

Check it out: www.cancandancer.com

DIY Gold & Lace Flower Pots

2014-03-12T18:50:00.001-07:00

Hello World,

Spring is right around the corner, and I am so ready for it. Even though this winter wasn't very harsh, I have always been a warmer weather girl. Today's project is perfect if you want to bring some spring inside your home. Check out the tutorial below to make your own gold and lace flower pots:

1. Gather your supplies: flower pots (I bought a 3-pack at Dollar Tree), spray paint, lace trim, Mod Podge, a brush, clear gloss spray paint (not pictured), and scissors (not pictured).

2. At first, I just spray painted my flower pots gold. Well, the paint didn't stick and dusted off when I touched them. I then sprayed them with clear spray paint and allowed that to dry.

3. I then spray painted them gold, and the paint did stick. Allow colored paint to dry.

4. Apply Mod Podge to your flower pot lip.

5. Place your lace trim where you applied the Mod Podge. Trim lace so it barely overlaps.

6. Apply Mod Podge on top of the lace. Allow to dry.

7. Fill with soil and add some happy little plants.

Happy Crafting!

Complementary Colors Smoothie

2014-03-06T23:06:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

I am not a big breakfast person and usually cannot eat as soon as I wake up. I can't skip breakfast though because I'll be a snack monster until lunch time. This is one of the reasons I love smoothies. They are quick, can mask veggies, and when I use a straw, I can mindlessly drink one just while doing my morning reading of Mashable and Facebook.

I must admit that my smoothies usually don't look pretty though, and it's because of complementary colors. Complementary colors are colors directly across from each other on the color wheel. Use them both in a design, and you'll have a perfectly harmonious piece. Mix them together though, and they'll create some rather murky results.

When I make a smoothie, I don't measure anything. I just eyeball it. My mom bought me a single serve blender this last Christmas, and I love how easily it is to whip up just the perfect amount.

For simple smoothie "recipe" you will just need: strawberries, spinach, frozen banana, instant oatmeal, and almond milk. If you want your smoothie sweeter, add honey. Want it thicker? Add yogurt or ice. Whatever tickles your fancy.

(If you are wondering why the frozen banana in the photo above is brownish, it is because whenever my bananas start to over-ripen, I throw them in the freezer. The peel will turn dark brown, but they still taste fine in my opinion.)

If food can be pretty, I'd say my smoothies look pretty before I blend them. See how the red pops against the green in the photo above? That's complementary colors for you.

And then the blender happens, and we are left with a reddish/greenish/brownish/murky smoothie. If I didn't add spinach, my smoothie would be a nice pink color. If you want to avoid a gross-looking smoothie, just don't mix complementary colors and you'll be set!

Another one of my favorite smoothie combos is to use coconut yogurt, almond milk, frozen pineapple, and peanut butter.

What do you put in your smoothies?

DIY Moss Typography

2014-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Let's be honest. I have a typography problem. I love both sans serif and scripted typefaces. I sometimes pay more for a product just because it has great packaging. I know, #designerproblems. My hands-down favorite is Futura, and I use it for all my blog/Etsy branding. (Fun fact- Futura is so cool it actually is on the moon!)

Now that I have put that on the table, you can see why I am really excited to share today's tutorial. This is a quick project that only cost me a dollar. I decided to go with handwritten lettering, and a simple "hello."

1. Gather your supplies: artificial moss (I got mine for $1 at Dollar Tree), an old cereal box, scissors, hot glue gun, and glue sticks.

2. Print or draw out your word on the cardboard. It is okay if you have drawing errors, as you will be covering them later.

3. Cut out your word with scissors. If you have trouble cutting with the inside of some letters, try using an X-Acto knife.

4. Apply hot glue to your cardboard. Press moss onto the area, being careful not to burn yourself.

5. Continue for the rest of your word.

6. If your edges are messy, give your word a little trim.

And tada! You could either glue this to a canvas, or just place on a shelf. Mine is on a windowsill and doesn't flop over.

Happy Crafting!

PS. Please do not ever use Papyrus. Find something way better for free at www.fontsquirrel.com.

Spray paint all the things!

2014-03-03T11:05:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

Spray paint can work wonders. In just a few minutes, you can transform a thrifted item into a chic piece of home decor. I also recently bought my first can of chalkboard paint, and am now obsessed. I keep finding more and more items to make into chalkboards.

I bought the plaque above at a thrift store, spray painted it with a glossy white paint, and then added two layers of chalkboard paint to the center. It also has a hanging mechanism on the back, so now I just need to decide what room to hang it in.

In my spray painting frenzy, I randomly grabbed a starfish off my bookshelf and painted it gold. Next thing you know, I'm grabbing the rest of them and painting them each a different metallic color. I love how metallic spray paint makes items look more expensive.

I previously did posted tutorial for creating ombre/gradient vases. I used the same technique on these $0.25 vases I bought at a thrift store. Now I am just waiting for spring so I can pop some fresh flowers from my yard in them.

Happy Crafting!

Rings, earrings, and so many more pretty things! (Now on Etsy)

2014-02-27T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Last week I sold my last listed ring on Etsy, and was a busy little bee this week making so many new goodies. I have expanded my store to sell other items besides zipper flowers, including: rings, bobby pins, earrings, and I just listed my first necklace!

I also bought my first can of chalkboard paint last week and have been painting up a storm. (Project post coming soon.) I repainted an old chalkboard and absolutely love using it as a background for my Etsy photos. My jewelry pieces just pop so well against the black!

Mint Chrysanthemum Ring with Adjustable Filigree Band - So pretty and bright for (almost) spring!

Bohemian Spirit Brass Necklace - I am OBSESSED with this necklace. Maybe it's because of my inner gypsy.

Mint & White Chrysanthemum Bobby Pins - If I could work a top knot I would totally pair these with one.

Bright Purple Zipper Earrings - I made so many pairs of these in different neon colors. I think they are so fun!

Happy Crafting (and Etsy-ing!)

DIY Chain & Braid Necklace

2014-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

When I go shopping at the mall, I don't just look for items I can wear as is. I look through clearance sections for items that I can repurpose, update, or easily fix. I love it when I find a dress that has a broken strap or a missing button. I can fix that in no time and get a great deal.

Sometimes it can be a better deal to buy an item and dissect than to go buy the supplies at a craft store. Last week, I went to Rue 21 and found a heavy gold chain bracelet for only $2. The only problem was it was way too big for my wrist. I simply removed the lobster clasp and repurposed the chain to make a necklace:

1. Gather your supplies: chain, jewelry cord, scissors, and a ruler.

2. Cut six strands of jewelry cord. I made each of my cords 34 inches long.

3. Fold three of the cords in half and feed these loops through one end of your chain.

4. Bring the tail ends of the cords through the cord loop and pull tightly.

5. Due to the loop, you will have 6 pieces of cord to work with. You can either braid two small braids, or one thicker braid.

6. Tie a knot at the end and repeat this process for the other side of your necklace.

7. Trim the tail ends of your braids.

8. Wrap some jewelry cord around both braids, and tie knots to secure it. If you are worried about it coming undone, add some glue to secure it.

Happy Crafting!

Going Stag Jewelry Holder

2014-02-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Guess what? I have another Darby Smart kit to show you today! The original kit was designed by Los Angeles-based designer, Joanna Reynolds. I think this kit is such a clever idea for a jewelry holder.

I live in Idaho, and most of my friends have actual animal heads mounted in their living rooms. I am not very outdoorsy, and have never been hunting. I know GASP. I went to a high school where the senior guys wore flannel cutoffs, thought mullets were cool, and would go hunting before school sometimes. It just was never my scene. (Plus, I don't really like the taste of venison.)

So I thought this was a nice alternative to having an actual head mounted in my bedroom, and it can be completely customized to your own style!

Darby Smart even included this super cute lollipop in the Valentine's Day spirit!

The kit originally comes with two mini cans of spray paint, a bunch of gem stones, glue, wire, pliers, a wooden plaque, and a metal hanging hardware. Note: I used other supplies in my stash to make my version.

I originally painted the wooden plaque white and hand painted a realistic deer head on it. I was planning on gluing the gemstones onto the plaque as a necklace design on the deer, but I couldn't get the ears right. In the middle of my perfectionist frustration, I painted the entire plaque black and went with a geometric design instead, in neon colors (using my own acrylic paint).

If you want to try this kit out, but want to paint a design, Darby Smart sells some acrylic paint colors separately too here. I didn't end up using all the supplies from this kit, and will be saving the gem stones for another project.

I really like the gold wire antlers with the brightly painted plaque. Does the fringe necklace above look familiar? That was my original prototype for my Darby Smart kit!

If you think this kit is a rad idea as well, you can check out the original gem-stone-tastic kit here. (I know I've said it a million times, but seriously sign up for their emails or follow them on Facebook, they send/post coupon codes periodically. Who doesn't like a deal?)

Happy Crafting!

PS- Unlike my other kit posts, this was my first complimentary kit from Darby Smart and all opinions are my own.

Time for a little (chair) makeover

2014-02-23T17:35:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

My mom bought me this chair at a yard sale when I was 11 years old. Since then, it has gained some wear being my craft room chair. My cat loves to use seat cushion to sharpen his claws, I've dripped glue and paint on it, and I've been meaning to give it a makeover for quite some time now.

I started by removing the seat cushion with a screwdriver, and sanding down the wooden frame. I then painted it with primer and two coats of latex paint. (My local Walmart wanted $0.28 for a paint stirrer, when did those stop being free?)

I next gave the seat cushion an update. I simply just laid my seat upside down on some cotton fabric, pulled that fabric tightly over each edge and stapled it into place. I then reattached my seat to my chair with a screwdriver.

The seat might look uncomfortable due to its not-cushiness, but trust me, this baby is pretty dang comfy.

Happy Crafting!

Apartment Therapy Homies Awards

2014-02-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

I have exciting news! Can Can Dancer has just been nominated for Apartment Therapy's Homies Awards! If you are on the search for new blogs to follow, check out their massive blog lists. It's a great way to find blogs in many categories, including: DIY, Home Design, Family & Kids, Health & Diet, Sweets & Baking, and many more!

Check out the full list of nominations here. Week 1 voting ends Feb 22nd at 5AM. I would love your support! Happy Crafting!

Bacon wrapped dates (with goat cheese and almonds)

2014-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Last week for my birthday, a friend made these and I just had to share them with you. Due to their bacon-ness, they were gobbled up pretty quickly by my guests. They are really easy to make and only require four ingredients:

To make this finger food you will need: raw bacon, dried dates, goat cheese, and sliced almonds.

Start by butterflying your dates. Add goat cheese and a few sliced almonds to your open date. Next, fold the date closed, trapping the cheese and almonds inside it. Wrap the raw bacon around your filled date, and trim the bacon once the meat has overlapped. Place this roll overlap-side down on a baking sheet.

Repeat this process until you have filled an entire baking sheet. Broil them in the oven until the top side is crispy. Flip the rolls over and broil until the other side is crispy as well. Remove rolls from your baking sheet, dispose of the bacon grease properly, and enjoy!

Birthday Freebies

2014-02-15T20:17:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

Instead of a DIY project for you today, I thought I'd share a list of places that sent me birthday deal emails. I do love a good coupon, and who doesn't like a freebie to help celebrate their birthday?

I received emails from the following companies in 2014:

Cold Stone Creamery - My local Cold Stone is located right next to a movie theater, so just about anytime I see a movie during the summer, I get a Like It (small) sized ice cream. Their birthday email had a Buy One, Get One Free Creation coupon, good for seven days after my birthday.

Hot Topic - I signed up for a HT+1 account a few years ago, and each year they send me a birthday coupon. This year it was $5 off my next $30 purchase in store or online, good for the next 30 days.

Jack In The Box - I received an email on my actual birthday, with a coupon for two free tacos (with any purchase). It was good the entire week of my birthday. I redeemed mine yesterday, and ended up spending $1.00 + tax on fries. (Off subject, but I have not stepped foot inside a Jack In The Box in years. I always just use the drive through. Have they always kept all their condiments hidden behind the counter?)

Kellogg Family Rewards - Inside specially marked Kellogg's products are 16 digit codes that you can redeem online for coupons and goodies. Back in college, I ate my fair share of Pop-Tarts, and redeemed my codes to buy even more Pop-Tarts. For my birthday they sent me a code worth 100 points. (The email also included a $20 credit to Shutterfly.)

Olive Garden - Good for one week after my birthday, Olive Garden sent a coupon good for one free appetizer or dessert (good with the purchase of two adult dinner entrees (not including soup, Garden Salad, or pizza) on the same check). I haven't redeemed this yet, since my favorite thing to eat at Olive Garden in the Zuppa Toscana soup.

Pizza Hut - Pizza Hut is constantly sending me coupons. Their birthday email included a coupon for free cinnamon sticks with my next online order.

Qdoba - I signed up for their rewards program, and received a Buy One, Get One Free coupon on an entree, good for a seven days after my birthday.

Sally Beauty - If you don't have a cosmetology license, you can join their Beauty Club for $5. After buying a Beauty Club Membership, you receive a coupon for $5 off your next purchase. For my birthday they sent me a $10 of $20 coupon. I redeemed this yesterday and added even more colors to my Gelish collection. (Off subject - dark Gelish colors take about three coats if you want to avoid streaking.)

Sephora - If you sign up for a Beauty Insider account, you are eligible for a birthday gift. I stopped by my local Sephora (inside JCP), bought a sale Sephora eyeshadow palette, and picked up my free Make Up For Ever deluxe minis. It included a Smoky Extravagant Mascara and a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick. The birthday gift changes every year, with last year's being Benefit deluxe minis.

Shari's - Signed up for the Pie Club last year, and both years I have received a coupon for a free slice of pie, good for about a month after my birthday.

Starbucks - Register a Starbucks Card on their website, and they'll credit your account with a free handcrafted beverage, Starbucks bottled beverage, or food item of your choice, for your birthday. They also sent me a code for 15% StarbucksStore.com.

Ulta - I signed up for their rewards program, and was sent a coupon for a free full-size Signature CK (Calvin Klein) One Mascara, valued at $18. I redeemed this coupon yesterday, and was excited when I realized the mascara wand is adjustable - never seen anything like that before.

Vanity - A week before my birthday they sent me a 20% off coupon, good towards my entire full price purchase. It also stated that sale, promotions, and clearance cannot be used in conjunction with other coupons and discounts.

I also received a happy birthday email from my student loan repayment company. Unfortunately, there was not a coupon or discount in their email. A girl can dream...

As a warning, if you sign up for promotional emails, be prepared to have your inbox flooded. I have multiple emails, with an old high school one that I always use when signing up for deals/newsletters. Gmail's new categorized inbox tabs also help to filter important and promotional emails. As a tip, sign up way in advance. Some of these companies skipped me last year because I signed up in my actual birthday month.

*There is no guarantee these deals are sent to everyone on these companies' mailing lists. Almost every email stated that the deal is "subject to change," are valid at only participating locations, and hold no cash value. Remember to be careful with who you give personal information to.

Do you have any birthday deals that you have redeemed?

DIY Birthday Crown

2014-02-11T15:22:00.002-08:00

Hello World,

Today is my 24th birthday! This last weekend I celebrated my birthday jointly with my friend Sam (who is two days older than me) and made us birthday crowns. I am a firm believer that age is just a number, and that you should never stifle your inner child.

When I was in junior high I remember looking at college graduates and thinking they were so old. Now that I am that age, I don't feel like a total grown up, but junior high students do look young to me.

I decided to embrace my inner child and had a blast making birthday crowns with pipe cleaners and pom poms. Check out the very simple tutorial below:

1. Gather your supplies: pipe cleaners, pom poms, a hot glue gun, and glue sticks.

2. Start by creating the band for your crown. I used two pipe cleaners to create the base ring.

3. Wrap pipe cleaners around the base you created, forming triangle shapes.

4. I did a second tier of triangles to fill the crown out more. On my crown, I added a heart shape.

5. Glue pom poms on as your pretend gems, and enjoy!

I didn't need booby pins to hold my crown on, even while dancing.

So stylish. :)

Happy Crafting!

Gradient Vase from a Bottle

2014-02-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

My favorite craft projects involve repurposed materials. I previously showed two techniques for sprucing up vases with spray paint. Check them out here.

Last summer I found a tutorial for cutting bottles with yarn, nail polish remover, and a lighter- and failed miserably. I blogged about my Pinterest fail, and asked for suggestions to succeed next time around. I decided to give the technique another try, and actually succeeded this time!

Check out how to make your own gradient vase below:

1. Gather your supplies: spray paint and a bottle. If you want to try cutting your vase you also will need: nail polish remover, yarn, sandpaper, and a lighter.

2. Remove all labels from your bottle.

3. Wash your bottle. If you have sticker residue, let the bottle soak in sudsy hot water. Load a scrubby with soap and then have at the sticker residue. Dry your bottle.

4. If you want to cut the top of your bottle check out this tutorial. From my experience, I rotated my bottle more quickly, and for more than 30 seconds. Dull down the sharp edges with sand paper. If you don't want to risk accidentally lighting anything on fire, skip this step.

5. In a ventilated area, spray paint your bottle. For a gradient effect, spray more towards the bottle, and quickly work your way up the bottle.

6. Allow to dry. In my last photo, I placed the top of the bottle upside down inside the vase portion to help hold my fake flower stems in place.

Ladder Fringe Necklace

2014-02-02T22:13:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

I love a good statement necklace. You can wear them layered with a scarf, or by themselves to spruce up an outfit. Check out the tutorial below to see how to make your own bohemian statement necklace:

1. Gather your supplies: pliers, beading pins, beads, jump rings, and chain.

2. I didn't have eye pins in my stash, so I instead made my own by bending the pin around the tip of a pair of pliers.

3. I then trimmed the flat head tip off the pin, and added my beads onto this end.

4. After adding all my beads onto a pin, I bent the other end into a loop, securing the beads.

5. Instead of closing the chain like a traditional necklace, instead line up your beads pins with each tail end of your chain.

6. Attach your beaded pins to the chain with jump rings using your pliers.

7. Create your bead fringes by adding beads onto flathead pins.

8. Attach your bead fringes to the end of your necklace with jump rings.

This is my first version. I want to create another with turquoise beads, longer pins, and a tapering fringe. (similar to my Darby Smart necklace)

Happy Crafting!

Repurposed Candle Jars

2014-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

I'll admit it. I have a candle problem. Whenever Bath and Body Works has their large 3-wick candles on sale, I can't help but at least buy two. (And I stack the sale with a coupon, so the savings are even greater.) With that said, I have quite a collection of empty candle jars. I can't just throw them away, so here is a project to repurpose them into a glitter colorblock vase:

1. Gather your supplies: a burnt out candle, glitter, Mod Podge, painter's tape, a paint or foam brush, rhinestones, and glue (not pictured).

2. Either melt the candle on a candle warmer or in a saucepan full of simmering water. You also could pop out the wax with a spoon. Pour the melted wax into an unwanted plastic/glass container.

3. Remove all labels and tape off part of your jar with painter's tape. Rub down any edges to avoid your Mod Podge bleeding through.

4. Cover your jar with your first layer of Mod Podge.

5. Pour glitter all that baby. Place a paper or mat on your work surface so you can later pour your leftover glitter back into its container.

6. Allow to set for a few minutes and repeat with a second layer of Mod Podge and glitter.

7. Allow to dry completely and remove your painter's tape.

8. If you have messy edges, just scratch off the imperfections with your fingernail. Super or hot glue rhinestones onto your jar.

9. Fill your sparkly vase with fake/fresh flowers, twigs, pens, makeup brushes, etc.

Do you have a candle problem too? Check out this other tutorial to repurpose candle jars and this tutorial for using the leftover wax.

After covering the candle jar with glitter, I got a little excited and started glittering other items. I bought these candle sticks at a thrift store and planned on using them for another tiered jewelry display, but instead spray painted and added glitter to them.

Happy Crafting!

My Darby Smart Kit!

2014-01-22T15:54:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

In some of my past posts, I blogged about the fun DIY kits (December to DIY For kit and the Cross Stitch Tote kit) that I bought from Darby Smart.

Well, I have very exciting news for you today! I am happy to announce that I have collaborated with Darby Smart to design this Suede Fringe Bib kit!

Photo: Darby Smart

The kit is now available on their website for $17 (with free shipping), and includes the above supplies (and instructions) to make your own bold statement necklace. Check out more details here.

If you order a kit, I'd love to see how your take on this project! You can share your photos with the Darby Smart community by using #DarbySmart on Twitter or Instagram, and they'll add them to their Showroom.

Excited to see what you make! Happy Crafting!

I am so excited to see my name on their website! It's like seeing my name in DIY-world lights!

DIY String Art

2014-01-21T02:02:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

It seems that thrift shops have been raising their prices. I used to come home with a bag full of finds almost every time I went shopping, and now I tend to only buy one or two items. I was in luck last week though, when I found this wooden plaque for only $0.25!

I originally was going to hand paint a design on it, but decided to switch it up and make some string art instead. Check out the tutorial below to see how to make your own:

1. Gather your supplies: wood, metal nails, hammer, embroidery floss, a printed design, tape, paint, and a paintbrush.

2. I used Avenir ® Next Bold for my design and decreased the kerning around the 'O.' I printed it, trimmed my paper, and taped it down to my wood.

3. I hammered nailed into the corners of my letters first. Make sure you hammer your nails deep enough into your wood. I had a few of mine come loose, and I had to teach them a lesson.

4. After securing the corners of my letters, I eyeballed the spacing and added more nails to each letter.

5. Remove your paper at this point.

6. If you have any paper pieces leftover that are difficult to remove with your bare hands, use some tweezers to remove them.

7. I painted my wood and nails at this point because I wanted them the same color. If you don't care about your metal nails standing out, it would be better to paint your wood prior to hammering all your nails in place.

8. Tie a knot around a corner nail. Twist the tail end of your thread around the rest of your thread to secure it.

9. Outline each letter by working your thread around the outer edge of your nails.

10. Fill in each letter by randomly wrapping your thread around the nails, pulling tight the entire time. Tie a knot around a nail once you are satisfied, and trim your tail end.

11. Continue this process with the rest of your letters.

12. And tada, you have your own custom string art!

I love the shadows created by the strings on the wood!

Happy Crafting!

DIY Geometric Cutout Skirt

2014-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably noticed I have been on a triangle kick lately with my designs and projects. I recently bought a leopard maxi skirt at a thrift store for less than $4 and reconstructed it into a geometric, cutout mini skirt. Check out the tutorial below to see how to make your own:

Tip: For sharper corners on your cutouts, iron your edges down prior to sewing them.
Happy Crafting!

DIY Valentine Decor

2014-01-13T17:44:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

My latest Etsy Treasury and this video inspired the DIY project below.

When I began this project, I just started making paper roses, without a plan for what I was going to glue them on. I figured once I made a decent pile of them, it would dawn on me.

After making it through a few episodes of The Originals (I actually like it way more than Vampire Diaries), my coffee table was covered with paper roses and scraps. Fast forward a few days, and those paper roses were still piled on my coffee table, waiting to be utilized.

I wanted to glue them to something inexpensive, so I went thrift shopping and to a dollar store (where I picked up a shelf liner). I originally was going to glue the roses to the shelf liner, but just ended up making more roses with it. I just love the textured roses!

Fast forward a few more days and it dawns on me. I have a pizza box in my recycling bin. I could glue all these roses to it instead of a canvas. Thankfully one of my New Year's resolutions wasn't to avoid carbohydrates. Check out the inexpensive tutorial below:

1. Gather your supplies: paper or various materials (lace, burlap, a shelf liner, etc), a hot glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, a base to glue the roses to (hello pizza box!), and spray paint.

2. Make all your roses by cutting out paper swirls and twirling them into a rose shape. Check out this video tutorial for a better explanation.

3. I spray painted the lid to my pizza box white. This way if there were gaps between my roses, the brown cardboard wouldn't be visible.

4. Trim your cardboard, draw out your design, and start hot glueing your roses down.

5. Continue glueing until the cardboard is completely covered.

6. Tada! You have some super inexpensive Valentine decor!

I think I'll make another version of this, and glue burlap roses to some old barn wood. Maybe I'll make a giant cursive monogram.

Happy Crafting!

Etsy Treasury- February Neutrals

2014-01-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

I can spend hours on Etsy just browsing for handmade goodies and gaining inspiration. While my house is plastered with pink and red decorations, I must say the rustic/neutrals are really staring to grow on me. Below is my latest Treasury:

'Ti Amo' by Laura Olphie

Burlap Bunting Banner, "...

CarolinaVintag...

$23
open heart knuckle ring,hear...

LETTERSEARRING

$11
Heartbeat Charm Necklace, Go...

catherinebrawn...

$30
Large rustic Twigs heart dec...

OldPretties

$7

Be Mine Mug // Long Distance...

AvonnieStudio

$17.95
Hammered Heart Earrings, Lon...

ATwistOfWhimsy

$32
Wedding Garland, Gold Heart ...

MailboxHappine...

$12
Valentine Decor - Wood Slice...

thesittingtree

$40

Mini Wooden White Heart Shap...

theStationeryR...

$6
Painted Cork Coaster Set of ...

limefishshop

$15
Leather Journal with Heart L...

CLWorkshop

$25
PATCHOULI Votive Candles (4)...

AWAK

$8

Personalized Heart Pillow / ...

AwayUpNorth

$13
nesting hearts

earthcrums

$14
PRE-ORDER: 8.5x11 To Love an...

thesmittencoll...

$25
Green Jersey and Cream Lace ...

patriciavalery

$65

Happy Crafting (and online shopping)!

PS- Today marks the one month mark until my 24th birthday... Feels like just yesterday I was in elementary school mass-signing Disney character valentines for my classmates and receiving them in my carefully constructed construction paper and scented marker decorated envelope.

Oh hey, he gave me a lollipop along with this Lion King Valentine? He MUST like me. Better chase him on the playground at recess later. #ElementarySchoolReasoning (And in all reality his mom made all his valentines for him.)

Shabby Chic Chandelier/Wind Chime

2014-01-08T23:03:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

One of my friends gave me a bunch of keys for my birthday last year and a few more for Christmas this year, and I finally got around to using them to make some home decor.

I made a shabby chic chandelier/wind chime with the keys (she got them from Michael's) and some pearl garland I picked up at a yard sale for $0.50. Below is just the first stage of it. I probably will add more beads, tiers, and lace trim to it as I come across them while thrift shopping.

Check out the tutorial below to see how to make your own:

1. Gather your supplies: large keys, beads or pearl garland, scissors, yarn, an embroidery hoop, pliers, and wire.

2. Star off by knotting the tail end of your yarn to your embroidery hoop.

3. Wrap the yarn around the embroidery hoop, covering the tail end as you work your way around the hoop.

4. Continue wrapping yarn around your hoop until it is completely covered.

5. Loop some yarn through your first key, and pull the tail ends through the loop you created, catching the key in the loop. Tie this first key strand to your embroidery hoop.

6. Continue with more keys, equally spacing them out. I used the silver/white keys for the shorter tier of my chandelier.

7. Continue adding keys to your hoop until you are satisfied. I did alternating lengths for my keys.

8. With the tail ends of each of the key strands, I tied them to their nearest neighbor. I tied my pearl strands to these yarn loops. Trim the tail ends if you wish, but I left mine long in case I decide to add more beads in the future.

9. Cut out 9 pieces of yarn that are all the same length. Place them in groups of three, fold them in half and loop them around the embroidery hoop.

10. Braid each of these yarn groups and knot the ends. (If you want a more secure chandelier, you can use the wire as your hanging mechanism instead of yarn.)

11. Bring your three braids ends together and secure them by wrapping wire around them.

12. I created a small wire loop and attached this to my wire wrapping to be used as a hanging point. Add more materials to your chandelier if you want it more complex, hang, and enjoy!

Happy Crafting!

Hearts. Paper Hearts Everywhere.

2014-01-08T19:12:00.002-08:00

Hello World,

It's that time of year again! Time for pink and red decorations everywhere!

My birthday is in February, and my mom would always plaster paper hearts all over the house when I was little. I continue this traditional in my own house now that I'm older, as it reminds me of happy childhood birthdays, and also because I just love decorating for holidays.

I hung up my sheet music garland and pom pom yarn up again this year. See the tutorial to make the paper garland here. I hung paper hearts all over my kitchen cabinets, and some of them are even made from Victoria's Secret shopping bags!

Now the snow just needs to go away so summer can hurry up and get here! Happy Crafting!

PS- Any other single ladies like Valentine's Day too?

Cheers to 2014!

2013-12-31T14:51:00.001-08:00

Hello World,

Make 2014 your year! I created the three images below centered around my love of water, current outlook on life, and love of typography. What words do you try to live by?

Cheers to 2014!

Embroidered Tote (Made with a Darby Smart kit)

2013-12-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Earlier this month I received my first Darby Smart kit and made this cute DIY marquee sign. Well, I bought another kit, and after watching a few episodes of Vampire Diaries, I finished it!

I bought the Cross-Stitch Tote kit (designed by Ana of We Love Citrus) which included a Baggu duck bag! I really like Baggu bags, they have minimal metal accents and are so sturdy! I personalized my tote with both embroidery and fabric paint. I decided on an abstract triangle-centric design, as I have been on a geometric kick lately.

Check out more Darby Smart kits here, and sign up for their emails if you love coupons like I do!

PS Do you watch Vampire Diaries? Are you Team Damon or Stefan? I just started season 4 on Netflix and am back on team Stefan. He is so gorgeous. THAT.HAIR

PSS I was not paid to write about Darby Smart. I just love all things DIY.

Burlap Bunting Banner, "... CarolinaVintag... $23	open heart knuckle ring,hear... LETTERSEARRING $11	Heartbeat Charm Necklace, Go... catherinebrawn... $30	Large rustic Twigs heart dec... OldPretties $7
Be Mine Mug // Long Distance... AvonnieStudio $17.95	Hammered Heart Earrings, Lon... ATwistOfWhimsy $32	Wedding Garland, Gold Heart ... MailboxHappine... $12	Valentine Decor - Wood Slice... thesittingtree $40
Mini Wooden White Heart Shap... theStationeryR... $6	Painted Cork Coaster Set of ... limefishshop $15	Leather Journal with Heart L... CLWorkshop $25	PATCHOULI Votive Candles (4)... AWAK $8
Personalized Heart Pillow / ... AwayUpNorth $13	nesting hearts earthcrums $14	PRE-ORDER: 8.5x11 To Love an... thesmittencoll... $25	Green Jersey and Cream Lace ... patriciavalery $65