Modern Furniture

2012 Family Home Decorating Ideas

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Splash of Color

Early on, Keiser suggested a palette of pale blue and wheat. But when the homeowners craved more color, Keiser added bright orange lamps and pillows to the living room, then repeated the cheerful accents throughout the house. Pale walls, neutral upholstery, bright orange accents, and see-through surfaces such as glass end tables keep the living room light and inviting.

Balance in Pairs

Like the couple's life, the house flexed to meet the needs of the new baby. In the living room, treated fabrics take the worry out of messy fingers and muddy paws not to mention the occasional wine spill. "To make a room feel balanced, I like to do things in pairs," says designer Kelly Keiser. Damask wing chairs flank the fireplace, and twin ottomans serve as both seating and pull up tables.

Wall Art: Think Big

To achieve the impact of a large piece of art, the couple hung multiple small frames close together. In keeping with the light look of the space, small prints were used in the art display to give impact without being overbearing. The small butterfly prints don't fill the frames, leaving plenty of space within the frames for crisp white mats that give the wall art display a sense of airiness. Black frames add just the right amount of drama.

Grab and Go

A narrow trestle table serves as a landing spot for keys, mail, and grocery lists. The table fits neatly inside the front door, and its slender profile doesn't block traffic. Because the tabletop surface is minimal, it can only hold so much, which helps prevent a pileup of clutter.

Wall of Memories

Family photographs and mementos that had been gathering dust were turned into a meaningful wall display. The display tells the family's story so far and is flexible enough to allow for whatever changes life brings.

Comfortable Dining

Upholstered high-back chairs offer guests a comfortable place to linger for another glass of wine or coffee and desserts. If you fall in love with a fabric that isn't kid-friendly, send the entire bolt to be sprayed with a stain-resisting treatment such as Nano-Tex. To minimize wear and tear, Keiser had matching covers sewn to protect the parts of upholstery that get the most use, such as the top of an ottoman or the headrests of dining room chairs. These extra covers slip over the furniture and can be easily removed for laundering.

Convenient and Cute

In the kitchen, plans for a wet bar were scrapped in favor of an antique school bench. Located by the back door, it's a handy place to drop the diaper bag or groceries.

Outside Influences

A glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge through the bedroom window suggested the reddish-orange color for bedding and draperies. The bay windows let in plenty of natural light, but layers of window treatments offer options for controlling the flow of light. Roman shades can be lowered to diffuse some of the light coming in from the outside, and drapery panels can be drawn to block the light even more.

Matching Patterns

Unified patterns of different scales create an elegant, tailored look. In this bedroom, a small-scale circle pattern dots the window draperies, and a medium pattern does the same on the Roman shades. Bedding with a large-scale circular pattern completes a harmonizing trio of patterns. For serenity's sake, the walls were kept neutral, and for design's sake, they were given a subtle, yet special treatment. Cream colors the walls above the molding, and taupe colors the walls below the molding. The slight shift in color adds dimension and character to the space.

Functional Kitchen Befor and After By Candice Olson

2012-01-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

When a celebrity stylist needed help making over his kitchen, he called Candice Olson. The divine designer transformed his space from 1980s and old to glamorous and now.

By : Candice Olson

Before: Outdated and Cold

This outdated kitchen doesn't exactly say "stylist to the stars."

After: Fashionable and Functional

Enter Candice Olson who created a new kitchen that is both traditional and hip. Divine details include travertine floors, a quartz-topped island, crystal chandeliers and a stunning, silver-foil wallpaper.

New Window Treatment Ideas From HGTV Dream Homes

2012-01-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

Learn new stylish and functional ways to use window treatments and revitalize your decor with ideas from past HGTV Dream Homes.

Dramatic Drapes

The longer the curtains, the more dramatic and elegant the design. In this master suite sheer loose linen drapes frame the queen size bed as well as the bay window. When trying to design a casual and more informal space, try using shorter curtains.

Bold Colors

This brightly painted kids' room designed for HGTV Dream Home 2010 is both colorful and lively. The rustic red walls scream high energy alongside the two-toned sliding curtains. Placed on a track, the drapes can be easily extended at night to provide privacy, as well as insulation on cooler nights.

Stylishly Unique

With an endless array of patterns and styles, you can be sure to find a curtain design that fits your personal decor. In HGTV Dream Home 2008, a striped fabric is used for the curtain trimming as well as the kids' overhead bed treatment. Dressed in a mixture of patterns and textures, this bedroom is youthful and fun.

Drapes Make a Decorative Divide

Curtains make great room dividers and can be adjusted to your preference. They can be pulled back with ties, pinned apart or simply allowed to hang freely. In this master suite the cream-colored curtains make the perfect divide between the bed and meditation area. Use them as a simple way to define different areas of your home.

Enhance the Details

Drapes are not just for windows. In this formal foyer the drapes enhance the architecture while making a stylish statement. Placed alongside the architectural posts, the flowy cream curtains create a dramatic entrance, leading you from the front door into the family room and kitchen.

Decorative Designs

Curtains can be extremely decorative. Use them to add a touch of personality to your space. Long curtains, such as these lightly patterned neutral fabrics, will add height and bring drama to your decor. Simplistically designed, this dining room is styled with handcrafted furnishings and neutral fabrics and accessories.

How to Arrange Art : 2012 Ideas

2012-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

Artwork is a great way to add interest to a room, but arranging art can be stressful. Relax -- with our expert advice on how and where to hang art (and how much to hang), your home will feel like a gallery in no time.
Veronica Toney

Above the Sofa

"People have a tendency to hang art too high," says Linda Crisolo, Art.com director of merchandising. "The center of the image should be at eye level." In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.

In Scale

A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. "Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard," Crisolo says. "For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it."

Add Visual Balance

When you hang multiple pieces in a group, visual balance is very important. "In a group arrangement, keep heavy pieces to the bottom and left," says Crisolo. "It balances the weight of the items because the eye starts on the left. If you have an even arrangement, put the heaviest piece in the middle."

Mix-and-Match Gallery

Gallery arrangements are easy solutions for blank walls. Give the display interest by including more than just framed art, such as the vase and plates used in this living room. Start by defining the dimensions of your display. Position the most prominent piece at eye level in the center and work outward. "If you're using different frames, spread them out to give a little breathing room between each piece," Crisolo recommends.

Level Arrangement

Hanging multiple pieces around a room can be difficult, especially when walls, doorways, or windows separate the pieces. "When hanging multiple pieces around the room, don't try to make the bottoms or tops of frames level. Level the middles," Crisolo says.

In the Bedroom

In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings, Crisolo recommends sticking with one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.

In the Kitchen

In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space.

Crisolo also recommends avoiding kitchen art in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says. "Vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames."

Consider Size

When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. "Use small pieces between windows and doors," Crisolo says. "If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work."

Layer Pieces

"Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces," Crisolo says. "A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories."

Hang in Style

Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. "Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is modern," Crisolo says. "Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces."

Prop It Up

While blank walls are a natural choice for displaying artwork, there is another option. Prop artwork against a wall or piece of furniture for a casual display.

Fast Decorating Facelifts 2012 Ideas

2012-01-04T03:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some quickly and easily ideas to spark up your room I hope to be inspiring and useful to you and you like it .... Enjoy !!!!!

Change Accent Pillows

When done each season, it's a way to be trendy without making everything in your house a trend.

Add an Area Rug

A rug anchors a furniture grouping, promotes an orderly feeling, and defines a space. Use painter's tape to outline various sizes on the floor to get an idea of how a rug could work in the room. In dining areas, the rug should be large enough to contain the chair legs when someone pushes back from the table. If you're hard-pressed for space, the rug needs to at least contain the legs when the chairs are pushed up to the table.

Try a New Color

A powder room is a great starting point. The room doesn't get a lot of use, so you can experiment with color and go for drama.

Throw Out, Recycle, or Donate

If there's a chair no one ever sits in or a table that just collects junk, get rid of it. Same with old TVs, cell phones, and computers. You'll feel lighter -- and your home will be more comfortable.

Reorganize a Bookcase

This brings an instant sense of order. Place books so the spines are at the very front of the shelf. Don't randomly intermingle objects with books; set aside one shelf for displaying your accessories.

Change the Wall Color

Painting is the cheapest way to redesign a room. A new color can change the tone of a room, and you can easily do-it-yourself.

Give New Life

"You don't always have to buy everything brand new. Look at some of the good pieces you already have and see if they deserve a new lease on life by being repurposed into another room." A new stain or coat of paint usually changes an existing piece of furniture enough to give it a whole new life.

Add a Pop of Color

"You can't go wrong with a fun yellow throw pillow in any room." A few accents in citrus hues add a level of interest to any color scheme.

Change the Mat on Artwork

I often find it's the color of the mat, not the frame, that dates a picture. Change the look of the piece by swapping out a light-color mat for a dark one or vice versa. Or choose a new color of mat and use the art in a different room.

Look for Bare Areas

Ask yourself what simple items could add interest. A change may be as easy as rearranging furniture or putting an oversize potted plant in a corner.

Tidy Up Your Entry

It's a visitor's first impression, so don't let it become a dumping ground. Designate a place for mail and keys, like a small decorative tray or bowl. Add a basket for shoes at the bottom of the stairs so you can grab the basket on your next trip upstairs and put things away all at once.

Rearrange Art and Accessories

Put something in a different place (such as rearranging a shelf display) and all of a sudden a room feels fresh. When hanging art, be sure not to go too high. A good average eye-level height is to have the center of a painting 5 to 5 1/2 feet from the floor.

2012 Ideas For Christmas Centerpieces : Easy To Do

2011-12-25T04:18:00.000-08:00

Get inspired with these beautiful easy arrangements that will wow your family and guests.

White Hyacinth Holiday Centerpiece

This centerpiece filled with seasonal, natural elements is versatile enough for any holiday occasion. Simply fill a large, low bowl with boxwood, pinecones, and white hyacinth.

Sugar-Coated Fruit Centerpiece

There's nothing sweeter than this sugary holiday centerpiece. Fill an ebony wood compote with artificial snow. Embellish with wax sugar-coated pears, plums, and grapes.

Winter White Holiday Centerpiece

A holiday table is even cozier when layered in winter whites. To make the runner, cut felt by the yard to the needed length and 18-24 inches wide. Trace halfway around a drinking glass at the ends of the runner to create scalloped edges; cut out with scissors. Embellish with punched scalloped-edge circles. On smaller sections of felt, punch more scalloped-edge circles, and wrap felt around oversize glass vases. Insert candles for a soft, wintry white glow, and scatter felt cutout snowflakes across the table runner.

Freshen with Botanicals

Elevate a humble wooden box to Christmas-centerpiece status. Start by lining the box with dry florist's foam to anchor evergreen sprigs. Attach citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, limes) to florist's picks and tuck into the greenery. Add interest by cutting some of the fruits in half or adding decorative details.

Editor's Tip: Make orange pomanders by using a large needle to poke holes into the orange. Push the stems of whole cloves into the holes.

White Gold

Large white hydrangea blooms fill a white pitcher (or try a bowl!) with fresh floral splendor. We added seeded eucalyptus leaves and a few stalks of white snaps and filled in with golden holiday ornaments on wires. Fresh green and red apple slices surround the neutral centerpiece with a bright border.

Under Glass

A clear glass cloche on a platter or tray plays host to a few perfect decorations: one stunning holiday ornament, a few sprigs of evergreens, and a single perfect rose. Keep the rose fresh by inserting the stem into a florist's water tube, which can be concealed under the greenery.

Front and Center

This tabletop take on pomander balls makes an eye-catching Christmas display. Simply soak florist's foam balls in water and cover with red carnations. Place the finished balls atop white vases or urns placed in a row in the center of your table.

Glad Tidings

For this organic centerpiece, insert a chunk of wet florist's foam into the bottom of the urn and fill with water. Cut each gladiolus stem into three or more sections, with at least two florets on each section. Insert the cut ends into the wet foam, turning the container as you work. Add filler around the base and up through the flowers (we used green hypericum berries and waxflower foliage).

Relaxed Holiday Brunch

This setting for brunch reflects a relaxed country French approach to decorating. The dining room features a red-and-white color scheme as a backdrop.

Little but Lasting

Decorate your table with small arrangements of alstroemeria and birch twigs. We added a filler of beige rice flowers and long, green amaranth seed heads. Find similar shaped flowers at your local florist or grocery store. Or clip twigs from your yard for a personal touch.

New Simple Christmas Centerpieces Ideas 2012

2011-12-25T03:57:00.000-08:00

Get inspired with these beautiful easy arrangements that will wow your family and guests.

Think Small

Instead of one gigantic centerpiece, consider making several smaller bouquets for the table. A silver ornament and sprigs of evergreen are nods to the holiday season, but this idea is versatile: Flowers could be any color or type that complements your china and table linens.

Sparkling White

Capture the look of a snowy Christmas with an all-white centerpiece and table decor. The secret to a beautiful monochromatic table setting is using a variety of materials. Here, the table boasts everything from elegant white orchids to dishes and flatware in shades of ivory.

Editor's Tip: Texture often assumes greater importance in a monochromatic setting. The ribbed vases, pressed-glass stemware, and embroidered tablecloth all add interest to the scene.

Flowers and Votives

A block of soaked florist's foam holds this arrangement in place. Three glass votive cups were set on top of the foam -- making it easy to change the candles as needed. Curly twigs inserted into the foam hold the glass cups in place. Next, flowers and greens are arranged around the sides of the foam, draping down to the tabletop.

Gilded Fruit

Whether silver, gold, or copper, metallics can make a table spectacular when displayed in clear glass containers. Look for gilded artificial fruits (these are pomegranates) at a crafts or floral supply store, or make your own (see link below). Mix in a few small- and medium-size beads, garlands, or berries for added glimmer.

Switch It Up

Centerpieces usually run the length of the table. For something different, keep the centerpiece in the middle of the table, but stretch it across the width instead. Here, evergreen boughs drape across the table horizontally and are accented with pretty red flowers and white berry sprigs.

Low Glow

Real or artificial magnolia leaves (we gave ours a quick spritz of gold paint) are set on a flat platter to form the foundation for an arrangement of holiday ornaments and tiny berry sprigs. Easy and impressive!

Serving Up Sophistication

A pair of stacked cake plates dressed with evergreens, glass balls, pinecones, and red berries makes a sophisticated, no-fuss centerpiece.

All Boxed Up

A rustic wooden toolbox lets a holiday centerpiece spread out. Stand pillar candles on supports, such as candleholders or even soup cans, so they are set at different heights. Next, add bowls or low containers of damp florist's foam and arrange the greenery. A sweep of garland and a cardinal's nest add a final touch.
Editor's Tip:
Be sure to keep the candle flames a safe distance from the greenery and other elements.

Fresh Arrangement

To make this fresh floral centerpiece, fill a silver ice bucket with soaked florist's foam. Insert white pine branches so they arch down and touch the tabletop. Next, insert groups of fresh flowers we chose hydrangea and roses along with a few pinecones attached to sturdy wire picks for stability.

Christmas Decorating 2012 Ideas for Small Spaces

2011-12-18T01:52:00.000-08:00

Add something new to your standby Christmas decor. Alongside your sentimental ornaments and favorite pieces, introduce an updated centerpiece or a fresh take on stairway decor, and you might find a new decorating tradition!

Add Bits of Texture to a Banister

Texture can play a key role in boosting the visual interest of a small space. Here, a simple swag of evergreen boughs and three stockings in three different materials spruce up a short banister.

Swap Out Curtains

Think outside the box when it comes to your small-space decorating. In place of everyday kitchen curtains, swap in a few spray-starched Christmas aprons and add a cluster of faux trees.

Create a Tiny Village Display

Tiny wrapped boxes provide a base to a few glittering paper houses that take up very little space. To make "trees," wrap squares of scrapbook paper into cones and glue the edges; cut off the bottoms to be level. For extra sparkle, place the grouping on a silver tray.

Accent Your Kitchen Windows

Open, airy windowpanes dance with color, thanks to these colorful snowflakes. Hang similar ones in a pattern or at random; add the final touch with a simple swag of greenery overhead.

Use a Basic Tree and One Accent Color

A bare-bones tree is a treat for a small corner, and choosing just one accent color is a good way to cut down on visual distractions. For the base of your tree, wrap a small box with a dish towel and fill the base of the box with stones (disguised with a layer of pearl-white ornaments) to hold in place. Add a few more wrapped boxes in a variety of papers and ribbons.

Make an Impactful Wall Display

Old photos are great conversation starters, particularly at the holidays, and this display takes up only minimal wall space. Start with baby photographs; cut them in a circle, mount on foam core, and arrange in a tree shape. Little space, big impact.
Editor's Tip:
For a great together-time activity, have family members guess who is who in each photo.

Decorate a Tabletop Tree

Even if you have more expansive spaces, a small tree can add charm and whimsy to small rooms, such as an entry. Tuck a small tree in a bright container and string garland and ribbon ornaments as well as a few round ornaments. Include accents that are similarly scaled down, such as small presents or containers of candy canes.

Craft a Mini Tree

There's no need to overdo accents in downsized spaces. Go for impact, such as this tiny twinkling tree, made by drilling tiny holes into a stick and inserting lengths of pipe cleaners.

Play Up Your Dining Room

Look to your dining table to display holiday merriment. A tiny wrapped box offers a warm welcome at a place setting. Best yet? It fits inside a teacup.

2012 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

2011-12-18T01:38:00.000-08:00

There's no need to downsize your holiday expectations with a small space to decorate. Our space-saving ideas bring the merriment of the season into even the tiniest corners.

Go Small with Displays

Ornaments have tons of pop -- utilize their glitter and glow for a small-space display. Glue an ornament to a small, round plastic or glass disk. Remove the hanger and tuck in mini blooms or sprigs of berries. Group the vase ornaments on a tray for a centerpiece.

Enhance a Chair

Instead of leaving extra chairs empty, place beribboned packages on, under, and around them for a small-scale version of under-the-tree package bonanza.

Use Window Space

Simplicity is key for small-space decorating. White pillar candles, placed on a silver tray, add elegance to a windowsill. Two faux dwarf evergreens, wrapped in burlap, add a bit of color to the wintry scene.

Decorate with Small Wreaths

Large and impactful are typical design credos for wreaths, but small can be equally as mighty. Hang a mini wreath with a velvet or satin ribbon from shelves or drawer pulls.

Fill a Corner

Nooks, crannies, shelves, bookcases: All are great spots for diminutive seasonal decor. If there's no space for a full tree, put a single dwarf version -- with a few presents -- on a midheight shelf. In place of lights, decorate with small-scale ornaments.

Fabricate a Faux Tree

If you don't have space for -- or just don't want -- a real tree, you can get the same feel with this evergreen idea. Start with a wide branch; hang on a hook from the wall and decorate with treasured ornaments.

Create a Hanging Window Display

Look out on something pretty -- a basic painted frame strung with ribbon and hung with ornaments jazzes up a window and requires zero rearranging.

Use Space by the Stairs

A small table by the stairs is a prominent small-space spot to start your Christmas merriment. Add a little, lightly decorated tree and a modest display to the tabletop. To give the evergreen a bit of height, place in a tall silver vase.

Brighten a Hanging Picture

You've already decorated your home with personal pictures -- give them a holiday touch with a sprig of evergreen. No special crafting tools required.

Use Wall Space

That lovely solid-color wall in your living room? The perfect home for a holiday display. Here, miniature grapevine wreaths add texture to a green wall. We chose a variety of accents -- faux birds, small ornaments, sprigs of berries -- and glued them onto the wreaths before hanging the displays from a length of ribbon.

Add a Tree in a Bathroom

Don't overlook bathrooms as places to add some merry touches. Here, a small corner offers a great spot for a potted tree decorated with cream and blue ceramic bells and glass balls.

Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments New 2012 Ideas

2011-12-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Clever embellishments turn plain-Jane ornaments into seasonal standouts.

Christmas Green Trims

Spell out "Joy" on ornaments in glittery script, then add some jewels and extra glitter to make these flashy tree decorations.

Pastel Ribbons

Simplicity says it all with these flower-topped ornaments.

Sparkling Geometric Trims

Brighten up the tree in no time with vibrant orange ornaments embellished with glitter.

Decorated Paper Ornament

Let your creativity show with these simple paper ornaments. Cut out circles from colored cardstock. Add string, ribbons, buttons, and other holiday decorations to make one-of-a-kind ornaments. Glue on a piece of gold foil to mimic an ornament top.

Picture Frame Ornament

Make your Christmas a traditional one by personalizing your tree with old family photos. Simply mat pictures on fun, Christmas-color cardstock and cut to fit a 3-1/2x5-inch black photo frame.

Vintage Stamp Ornament

Give your tree an old-fashioned look by slipping Christmas stamps into a clear ornament. Look for sets of stamps with different pictures to add interest.

Evergreen Tree

Turn your Christmas fir into a forest by filling it with dozens of paper-tree ornaments made by simply rolling up strips of green scrapbook paper.

Bejeweled Ornament

Dressed up in jewels for the holidays, these quick-to-make ornaments will be the star attraction of your Christmas tree. The ornaments are crafted using a purchased ball ornament, crafts-store beads, and gold glitter.

Dazzling Beads

For ornaments that dazzle, decorate satin balls with dimensional paint and shower them with the tiniest of beads. A few simple crafts supplies, our free pattern, and a steady hand are all you need to create these striking holiday decorations.

Dazzling Beads, Take Two

Here's a variation of the ornament shown in the previous slide. The free-form star pattern is easy to re-create and gets a little visual kick from the dots at the end of each arm.

Beaded Beauty

Sparkling beads make any tree decoration stand out from the rest.

Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments 2012 Ideas

2011-12-18T00:52:00.000-08:00

Clever embellishments turn plain-Jane ornaments into seasonal standouts.

Frosted Pinecone Ornament

Take a walk in the woods to gather materials for this simple, natural ornament. Clean the sap from pinecones with a weak water-and-bleach mixture. Twist an eye hook into the top of the pinecone, dust the edges with spray snow, and tie on a bold ribbon to add outdoor charm to your tree.

Seashell Ornament

Bring the beach into your Christmas decorating by painting stripes of glue on an aqua-color ornament and sprinkling it with sand. Add small shells and beige buttons for a casual, sunny look.

Cable-Knit Ornament

Turn an old sweater into a warm and festive ornament. Cut a 6-inch-long tube from a sweater sleeve. Slip a plastic-foam ball into the tube. Gather cut ends at the top and bottom of the ball using straight pins to hold the fabric in place, trimming where necessary. Glue red velvet ribbon around the ball as shown, dividing the ball into quarters. Use a red pearl-head pin to secure a felt poinsettia or a small purchased artificial flower to the top of the ornament.

Paisley Gem Ornaments

Swirls, teardrops, and tiny dots cover satin baubles like frost on a winter windowpane. Freehand paint paisley-inspired patterns so each ornament is one-of-a-kind. All you need is a white paint pen and some colorful Christmas balls.

Salt-Dough Snowflake Ornament

These delicate snowflakes are definitely sweet -- but they aren't edible! To prepare the dough, mix 1/2 cup salt, 1 cup flour, and 1/2 cup water until sticky. Roll the dough to 1/4- inch thickness, and cut out snowflake shapes with cookie cutters. Use a skewer to pierce a hole for hanging. Bake the shapes for 4 hours in a 200 degree F oven. When cool, draw hearts, squiggles, and dots with a red permanent marker. Hang from a loops of festive twine or yarn.

Santa's Greeting Ornament

Let it be known that Santa is in the house with this greeting. Paint a ball ornament with red acrylic paint. When the paint dries, apply letter stickers and a snowflake to make Santa's voice ring throughout the holiday season.

Jingle Bell Ornament

Add a little jingle to your tree with an ornament that's sure to bring music to your ears. Fill a clear ornament with small red bells. Wrap ribbon around the top of the ornament and glue the long tails in place. For an extra touch, tie ribbon through the hanger and glue a felt Christmas tree to the center of the crossed ribbon tails.

Metallic Snowflake Ornament

Dab metallic paint onto an ornament using a sponge to create texture. Punch snowflakes from cardstock and adhere just the centers (so the points are not secure). Top the snowflakes with round, epoxy stickers adhered to the centers for a frosty fun addition to your tree.

Patterned Paper Tree Ornament

Cut out a tree shape from festive holiday-motif cardstock. Mat the tree on white paper, then add rhinestone trim and a snowflake on top.

Gem Christmas Ornament

Add a little bling to your tree with this dazzling ornament. Dress up a clear orb with pink acrylic paint. Let the paint dry then add evenly spaced rows of multicolor adhesive-backed gems.

Holiday Projects for easy Christmas decorating ideas

2011-12-18T00:10:00.000-08:00

Holiday Headboard

With a neutral base, it's easy to add a bit of temporary holiday flair to a bedroom. Drape hand towels or tea towels over a headboard, and pin together covers for throw pillows using striped napkins and place mats. Drape an unfinished length of burlap over a side table and add a potted dwarf evergreen. For the final touch, hang a few pine branches on the wall over the bed to accent the headboard.

Holiday Accent Pillow

The best holiday decorations make use of what you already own, allowing you to transform them with the changing seasons. Add festive touches to a neutral pillow in no time at all. Cut a holiday shape a tree, a star, an ornament from felt or burlap, and use thick yarn or twine to secure the shape to the pillow.

Beautiful Buffet Table

Adorn this buffet table with several traditional and unique holiday decorations. Filled with apples and cherries, these lanterns light up the table without a candlestick in sight. Cut from inexpensive burlap that's fringed at the edges, a table scarf adds a colorful pop underneath, while a trio of trees are actually branches set in wet florist's foam in clay pots. A sliver-size window displays a holiday message spelled using adhesive letters.

Greenery Gift Garnish

Surprising accents make present wrapping and giving that much more enjoyable. Instead of ribbon, tie bits of twine around each wrapped gift and add miniature sprigs or ornaments.

Votive Candle Accents

Votive candles with the right touches are the perfect holiday accent to any room, so consider polishing off your candle presentation with this smart idea. Fill a larger vase part way with fresh cranberries or small beads and insert a smaller glass votive holder. Mix and match sizes of vases or keep them all the same for a more consistent pattern.

Favorite Christmas Cards Display

A new crop of holiday cards is a great way to display lots of color and pattern throughout your house. Use an old window shutter and tie lengths of ribbon from top to bottom, and attach a cards with double-stick tape.

Fresh Herbs Chair Back Decoration

The produce aisle often has more decorating possibilities than you might think. Bundle fresh herbs together with twine and tie them together with a length of ribbon to make festive bouquets. For fragrance and color, try an arrangement of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and a bay leaf.
Editor's Tip:
The bouquets can be made several days in advance
refrigerate them until you're ready to use them.

Colorful Glass Candy Jar

What would the holidays be without a few sweet treats? Luckily, bright ribbonlike varieties are pretty enough to display on their own. Fill a few lidded glass containers with various colors and sizes and loop a bright green cord through a pretty paper label.

Pretty Paper Accents

Twisted into a cone, a square of decorative paper bedecks everything from a chair back to a doorknob. Secure the cone with glue and trim the top, then punch holes to insert a ribbon hanger and line with a pretty handkerchief or towel. Fill the easy-to-make decoration with a little gift or a sachet for a pretty take-home present.

Natural Holiday Basket

Some of the most elegant focal pieces are crafted from simple materials and can be assembled without a fuss. Fill a wicker basket with repeating rows of moss, smooth stones, pinecones, and a cheery row of green apples, or use items from around the house and yard, such as acorns, nuts, sticks, herbs, flowers, and oranges.

Easy Christmas decorating tradition ideas 2012

2011-12-17T23:53:00.000-08:00

Holiday Cheer Bedside Lamp

Transform a clear glass lamp base or a large vase into a festive still life with a few accents. Fill the bottom with sea salt (a stand-in for snow) and arrange a scene with small ornaments, pine branches, and old photographs or cards.

Holiday Flowers Table Centerpiece

Sometimes the simplest flower arrangements can add the perfect amount of holiday cheer to a table. Arrange bright red roses in a tall vase and complement the centerpiece with leftover glittery ornaments in various sizes.

Wrapped Gift Boxes Display

Pretty wrapped boxes -- even if they're empty -- can play up a distinctive holiday color scheme. Here, an unexpected combination of gold, cream, and chartreuse provides a vivid pop of color both on and under a bench. In place of bows, wrap a few loops of ribbon around the boxes and stick in a cedar sprig or two.

Ornaments-and-Ribbon Headboard Accent

A wall, a headboard, and a door are all great spots for this simple-as-can-be idea. Sew a single ornament to the end of a length of ribbon, then loop around a hook or headboard and hold in place with strong tape. To create a diminutive bedside tree, wire together full branches and prop in florist's foam.

Christmas Card Holiday Garland

Add festive greenery to the kitchen entryway with a large, leafy garland. Make it unique by adorning it with last year's (or this year's) Christmas cards, gold and green orbs, and sprigs of fir or spruce.

Guest Room with Holiday Cheer

To pamper visiting family and friends, consider adding a few extra touches to the guest bedroom. Add a bright pop of color with a throw pillow and an extra quilt. To brighten the side of the bed, include a few red blooms in tin containers, and carry through the same color with a ribbon accent for a bottom-of-the-bed fir wreath. Spray-paint paper letters with a welcoming holiday message and set them atop a fir garland on a nearby shelf or table.

Mini Christmas Tree Tabletop Accent

This potted dwarf Alberta spruce tree makes a great tabletop accent when combined with other holiday elements. Put the tree container into a basket such as a picnic tin and surround it with apples, oranges, or other fruits, adding pinecones or nuts for accent. Attach a vintage holiday card to the open lid to make the decoration even more festive.

Cheery Christmas Container

You don't need to go out and buy a special container or vase for the holidays -- instead, get crafty and adorn what you already own. Cut felt to fit around a container, adding an inch to the length. Wrap the felt around and glue at the overlap, then center a ribbon and glue it in place. Using a cookie cutter as a pattern, cut seasonal shapes, such as trees, wreaths, or ornaments, from a complementary color of felt and glue in place. For the final touch, fill the container with ornaments and bits of greenery.

Falling Snowflakes Decoration

A waterfall of wooden snowflakes, hung from thumbtacks and ribbon, cascades behind the headboard of a bed. Depending on the color scheme of the room where you put the decoration, change up the color of the hanging ribbon or use more than one color to add more festive cheer.

Red-and-White Chair Back Accents

Dressing up the chairs around your dinner table is super easy with candy canes and holiday ribbon. Tie one end of some wire-edge ribbon in a pretty pattern around an oversize candy cane and the rest in a big bow on the back of each chair. For solid chairs, use T-pins or cut longer ribbon lengths for a sash.

Embellished Fruit Decoration

Cloves are the go-to adornment for decorating fruit, but crafts materials can also add dimension and visual interest. Arrange inexpensive brads (found at crafts and office supply stores) in various patterns around apples or oranges. Pile the arrangement in a bowl and place on a coffee table or in an entryway.

New Ideas for Decorating in Orange

2011-10-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

Have warmed to the thought of using orange in your home.i hope you like this slide show that features a variety of looks in this citrus hue ... Enjoy !!!!

Morning Room

A warm color scheme is right at home in a breakfast room where a jolt of energetic color can help to get a jump on an active day. A range of oranges, from deep russet to light peach surround the banquette, which in turn is bathed in a glow of sunlight and yellow walls. The drum shade of the pendant light fixture incorporates all the colors of the palette.

Fabric Focus

Vivid persimmon fabrics capture the eye in this appealing dining room. An analogous color palette of warm hues supports the bold orange color. Solid yellow fabric covers the curved banquette and pillows in a yellow-on-white pattern with contrasting piping giving definition to the yellow shapes. A russet rug, banded in yellow repeats the color scheme underfoot. Overhead, the chandelier is an energetic design of leafy tendrils in a single matte orange. Sophisticated black elements ground the room.

Color Coordinated

Choosing from within a coordinated collection of colors and patterns ensures foolproof decorating in this enticing living room. The sherbet shades offer a balance of soft tints and intense hues in playful patterns and restful solids. Neutral walls allow the mix of orange, pink, yellow, and green furnishings to take center stage.

Better with Color

Bold splashes of orange and red give this all-white room a new look with little effort. An orange table with modern lines adds a sassy touch to the decor. Underfoot, a graphic red-and-white organic-pattern rug layers on top of a larger sisal floor covering. Solid orange linen throw pillows and a fuzzy throw give the upholstered furnishings a bit of visual punch.

Small Space, Bold Color Scheme

Bold accents make a big impact in this tiny space. Two unfinished wood hutches, painted soda pop orange, add display and storage space. The hutches complement the room's blue accent wall. Orange stripes in the window treatments and rug bring all the elements together and add a touch of drama to the space.

The Warmth of Orange

Goldenrod yellow walls and burnt orange accents work together to give this family room a warm and inviting motif. The solid burnt orange window treatments and throw pillows create a common thread among the patterned chairs, window seat, and ottoman. The bright hue adds both drama and consistency to the room.

Bold Fireplace

This fiery orange is the perfect complement to the fireplace. Natural accents, such as the marble fireplace surround and the antique wood mirror frame give the color an earthy feel. Pairing orange and brown is a good way to tone down the bright hue.

All in the Accents

Graphic tangerine bedding is the focal point in this master bedroom. Other orange accents, such as the statue on the nightstand and the throw pillow, work with the bedding to give the room modern style. Neutral walls and dark furniture provide the perfect backdrop for a bold hue.

Colorful Modern

Tangerine and hot pink combine to give this bedroom an energetic vibe. Black and white are a neutral foundation for the bold color combo, and double mirrors multiply the light throughout the room.

Orange Crush

Warm off-white walls provide a clean, neutral backdrop for a bold mix of bright and deep colors in this playful living room. A plush sectional in rich brown adds depth to the neutral base and provides contrast for the vivid pops of orange. Wall screens powder-coated in orange hang as geometric art.

Add Worm Orang to you Home : 2012 Ideas

2011-10-19T00:39:00.000-07:00

Let the hues of fall inspire your decor. The bright reds, golden yellows, and vibrant oranges can be mixed and matched with evergreen colors, such as blues, greens, or neutrals, to create a cozy and comfortable look that carries panache year-round.

Brighten Your Outlook

Deep color creates a cozy ambiance in this sitting area. A curvy vine pattern on blue-green wallpaper softens the masculine lines of the dark wood shelving and brown wing chair. To keep the room lively, vibrant orange curtain panels frame the window while orange pillows prevent the chair from becoming a dark mass in the room. Orange accents, such as a small runner on the side table dot the room with the peppy hue.

Orange Crush

Subtle variations of orange harmonize perfectly in this sunlit living room. From the apricot walls to the peachy curtains, the various shades make the color interesting but not overpowering.

Side by Side

Orange and hot pink make a harmonious pair. A large piece of artwork adds brightness to the white walls. Orange pillows and throws are a warm and cuddly touch. Both shades are present in the one-of-a-kind chandelier.

Under Cover

Make an impact with colorful furnishings that don't require permanent commitment. In this lively living room, slipcovers bring saturated color to basic chair and ottoman shapes. A bargain armchair found at an estate sale got a new personality with splashy solid red. A new cube ottoman matches with orange slipcovers banded in red. For a bit of visual relief, the large sofa is slipcovered in plain white. The side table, a tag sale find, gets new life with a coat of bold red paint.

With Complements

Orange walls dominate the color palette in this dramatic yet inviting dining room. A tone-on-tone pattern adds depth to the energetic vibe and keeps the broad expanse of vibrant wall color interesting. Complementary blue creates a focus in the paired artwork on the wall and brings in a cool note of color to balance the warmth of orange. Frames and furnishings provide solid shapes of black and dark brown to counter the delicacy of the patterns.

Juicy Hues

Vivid, zesty orange is a perfect hue for any room, such as an office, that would benefit from orange's energetic vibe. In this basement craft room/office an adjacent wall in lime green provides a cool contrast to the hot orange but keeps things in the citrus family. Tone-on-tone painted flowers on the orange wall add lively pattern. Slipcovers on the chairs encapsulate the color scheme with powder blue, lime, and orange stripes, introducing the third color, blue, into the mix.

Citrus Punch

If your work space could use an injection of pure energy, bring in some vivid orange paint and fabrics to do the job. Extend the life of old chairs with slipcovers made of orange, pink, and yellow pattern fabric. Rejuvenate a wicker table with tangerine spray paint and create a new striped rug in an afternoon with paint, painter's tape, and a canvas drop cloth. Add some flirty cotton curtain panels and you have a room designed with and for productive energy.

Orange Everywhere

This living room is small on space but long on style with orange sofas and orange walls. An unusual complementary color scheme of orange and blue serves to rev up each hue.

Light Bright

A deep orange adds life to this bedroom. During the day the color is bold and energizing. At night it's warm and cozy. The wooden bed frame, side table, and chair work together to ground the bright walls. The antique blanket chest at the foot of the bed brings together all the colors in the room.

Bright Basement Work Space Decorating Ideas

2011-10-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

hardworking office and crafts haven with bright colors, DIY touches, and tons of storage.

Sunny Style

Unlike some basements, this space is blessed with an abundance of sunlight. That makes this spacious corner the perfect space for a home office/crafting studio. The homeowners used countertops and cabinets to create an L-shape configuration that allows multiple workstations.

Savvy Storage

To keep clutter at bay, the homeowner/designer mounted rods on the wall. Now her favorite supplies are out of drawers and off of surfaces yet still within easy reach. Baskets, bins, canisters, and magnetic strips provide perfect homes for ribbons, stamps, paper punches, embellishments, beads, and other art essentials.

Clear Solution

These canisters are meant for the kitchen, but the homeowner/designer uses them to stash art supplies. Clear storage makes it easy for her to see and grab whatever she needs in an instant.

Light Bright

The homeowner/designer wanted to take advantage of the sunlight streaming in through the basement windows. But she didn't want to sacrifice privacy. So she had a plastics store cut these 12-inch panels of plexiglass and drill holes into the top and bottom of each piece. For color and fun, she affixed vellum and scrapbook paper to the back of each piece. Finally, she connected the panels with binder rings to create this completely unique window treatment.

Color Cues

Mixing and matching vibrant color comes naturally to the homeowner/designer. For her work space, she chose a palette designed to inspire creativity. Two bright shades of orange coat the far wall panels, while lime green accentuates the adjacent wall.

Orange Blossom

Mod, graphic flowers bring the palette to life. The homeowner/designer first hand-drew the floral design on a transparency sheet, then used a projector to enlarge the image onto the wall. She drew the design on the wall in pencil, then covered it in a coat of light orange.

Barstool Style

To dress up plain stools, the homeowner/designer sewed custom skirts. She used fabric that complements her decor, then added ribbons to hold the slipcovers in place.

Cabinet Creativity

These storage units looked awfully plain before the homeowner/designer got her hands on them. First, she and her husband found three unfinished wood cabinets. They added molding to give the pieces architectural interest, then painted them in their favorite orange hues. She used frosted window film to create the diamond designs on the glass cabinet doors. Pretty curtains suspended from tension rods give the cabinets a soft look.

Store More

Picking up on the floral theme from her DIY window treatment, the homeowner/designer used scrapbook papers to perk up plain white magazine files. Now the storage pieces look like they were created just for this space.

It's A Wrap

It couldn't get much simpler. Dowel rods suspended from inexpensive curtain hardware allows easy access to wrapping and crafts papers. She painted the dowels blue to align them with her color palette.

Clean Sweep

The homeowners chose easy-to-clean vinyl flooring for their work space. It resists scratches and scuffs, and it wipes up in a jiffy if paint happens to spill. The natural, woven-look pattern provides a subtle way to ground the bright wall colors.

Colorful Fall Projects 2011 Ideas

2011-10-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

Maple Leaf Pillow

Add fall color to you home with inspiration from one of the season's prettiest elements -- fallen leaves. Place a leaf on a photocopier and enlarge it to a make a pattern. Cut it out of wool felt and attach it to a purchased pillow using iron-on fusible backing. A blanket stitch finishes it in style.
Editor's Tip: Create a trio (or more) of pillows featuring different felt colors yellow, red, and deep green to capture the season.

Branch-Painted Vase

Acrylic paint markers are great tools, especially in a freehand design such as this one on a pretty fall vase. Choose two shades of brown and draw bare trees; cut tiny leaf shapes from pressed leaves or cardstock and use adhesive dots to attach to the vase.

Patterned Fabric Wall Display

Pretty patterned fabric offers inspiration for this wall sculpture. Make color copies of fabric and attach to plastic mailing tubes with double-sided tape. Stack and stagger on a wall, using strong adhesive dots to hang.

Design a Fall Display Box

Put on a show of autumn color with a collection of small jewelry boxes. Paint the inside and outside of the boxes; glue autumn images ferns, pinecones, leaves to the bottom of each box, then glue each box together. Hang it as a display or use it to collect keepsakes.

Fall Flag Centerpiece

Creating a just-yours fall centerpiece is easy. Start with muted colors and patterns of scrapbook paper; cut into pennant shapes and use adhesive scrapbook letters to spell out words. Punch two holes in each pennant and tie to a twig; tuck all into a glass jar filled with popcorn.

Fall Stools in Autumn Designs

Your digital camera is your ultimate DIY tool to create these colorful stools. Take a photo from overhead of pumpkins; enlarge and crop to fit a stool top and print. Choose paint in the same color as the image; paint the stool and dry. Adhere the digital image with decoupage and seal with clear polyurethane.

Natural Fall Table Display

Rely on nature to do the work for you with this lovely centerpiece. Place milkweed seeds inside a glass vase and nestle creamy and striped gourds of various sizes around to fill a short-sided basket.

Fall Branch Table Display

The berries of autumn are a stunning element in this centerpiece combination. Start with white beans in a tall glass vase and add a sturdy stalk of a crabapple tree.

Pumpkin-Theme Plate Design

Digital images are a great accent for inexpensive projects. Take this place setting: An image of a pumpkin was printed and adhered to the bottom of the plate with decoupage.

Mushroom Design Fabric Display

Take a wall from blah to boring with a few easy-to-find materials. Download a mushroom stencil from free clip-art online (or draw your own using ours as inspiration), and cut out the shape in vivid patterned fabric. Iron the fabric onto fusible webbing and use Mod Podge to adhere to a surface a wall, for example, or a large dresser, too.

Fabric-Covered Fall Lamp

Fun fabric can instantly transform a ho-hum lampshade. Use an existing shade as a pattern; cut a scrap of fall-color material to fit (overlap the edges). Adhere with spray adhesive or fabric glue; fold the bottom and top edges under and glue, too.

Fall Leaf Art

Add one-of-a-kind pizzazz to your walls with stencils and medium-density fiberboard. Look on designerstencils.com for an image; enlarge several copies in various sizes and arrange on a piece of stained fiberboard. Paint in some of the stencils and around others, and use painter's tape to create stripes of various widths.

How to Make a Halloween entry and welcome trick 2011 ideas

2011-10-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Add some personality to your entry and welcome trick-or-treaters with a pumpkin topiary in the shape of a totem pole. All it takes is a few faux pumpkins, basic craft supplies and a little imagination.

Materials Needed:

3 faux pumpkins
spool of 3/8" wide black craft ribbon
black acrylic craft paint
white acrylic craft paint

small craft paintbrush
hot glue gun and glue sticks
pumpkin-carving tool or sharp knife

Select Pumpkins

Select three similarly shaped faux pumpkins.

Cut Hole

Use a sharp knife or pumpkin-carving knife to cut a hole in the bottom of the first pumpkin. Make sure the hole is big enough for the stem of the second pumpkin to fit into. Repeat this step on the bottom of the second pumpkin.

Adhere Ribbon

Cut random lengths of craft ribbon and hot glue them to each of the pumpkins to form mouths.

Paint Eyes

Paint eyes on each of the pumpkins using a small paintbrush and some black and white acrylic paint.

Hot Glue Pumpkins

Use hot glue to attach the first pumpkin to the second and the second pumpkin to the third.

Easy Ideas to Add Seasonal Warmth to your Room

2011-10-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

designers nationwide for How do you add warmth to a room?

Pick the Right Pillows

A room isn't done without pillows. Choose pillows in warm colors made of a soft down mix so they're comfortable to lean into.
Designer Carla Lane, Los Angeles.

Create a Hide-a-Way

I always tell clients that you can't control the outside world but you can create a world on the inside of your home that is good to you. In the fall, when you'll be spending more time indoors, it's important to carve out a corner for yourself. Maybe it's a tabletop in the corner of your living room or in your bedroom. Fill a bulletin board with images of things you love: photos and mementos from trips, ticket stubs from a great show, cherished letters. Small collections of shells, rocks, and candles are simple things that are good for your soul.
Designer Stephen Saint-Onge, New York City.

Add a Layer of Texture

Anything with texture adds dimension. Nubby fabrics and textured wool area rugs make a room cozy.
Designer Patricia Gaylor, Little Falls, New Jersey

Make it Your Own

Warmth can also come from personalization. Displaying a collection or hanging family photos in unusual frames -- anything that gives a room your personal touch -- is meaningful.
Designer Patricia Gaylor, Little Falls, New Jersey.

Sprinkle on Spicy Colors

Reds, burgundies, or golds instantly transform a plain room. You don't have to paint the walls; you can add these tones in the drapes, furniture, pillows, rugs, or art.
Designer Patricia Gaylor, Little Falls, New Jersey.

Cover Those Windows

Drapes warm up a space. If you currently have wood blinds or mini-blinds, consider changing those for a fabric Roman shade, or even better, add floor-to-ceiling drapes. The fabric softens the room and adds glamour.
Designer Erinn Valencich, Los Angeles.

Think Accessories

It's all in the accessories. If a room is empty, it's going to feel cold and unwelcoming. Style every table with personalized vignettes: Choose a few special items, keeping in mind that contrasts in shape and texture work best. I always look for funky, slightly off-the-wall pieces at antiques stores and flea markets. These have the most personality and are conversation-starters when put on display.
Designer Erinn Valencich, Los Angeles.

Light Up

Candles bring mood and character to a space. To avoid the risk of fire, try battery-operated flameless candles (look for versions made with real wax); they emit a nice warm glow.
Designer Patricia Gaylor, Little Falls, New Jersey.

Go the Extra Mile

Place a luxurious throw over a chair or a couch. I always include a high-quality throw in all my clients' family rooms.
Designer Carla Lane, Los Angeles

Chalkboard Projects :Easy Ideas

2011-10-16T05:25:00.001-07:00

Liven up your living quarters with these sophisticated yet simple chalkboard paint projects.
I hope you like it .. Enjoy !!

Name Frame

Upcycle a plain wooden photo frame with chalkboard paint. Prime the frame, then paint on a coat of chalkboard paint (Krylon and Rust-Oleum both have great color options). Let dry. Use chalk to update the caption as you change the photo.

Chalk Magnet

Vintage mirrors with great shapes abound at flea markets. Score one for a few dollars, then transform it into a sophisticated message center. Remove the mirror from its frame, or use painter's tape to cover the frame. Spray several coats of magnetic spray paint on the mirror. Let dry between each coat. Then apply a layer of chalkboard paint and let dry.

On Tray

Up the elegance factor at your dinner party or wedding table by converting a vintage platter into a beautiful menu display. Trace the oval base of your platter onto a thick piece of paper. Cut out the oval and center it on top of the platter, then trace an oval guide for the paint. (If the platter has a central oval edge, you have a built-in guideline.) Use a steady hand and a small brush to stroke chalkboard paint inside the edges of the guideline. Roll the center with chalkboard paint using a small smooth-surface foam roller.

Vanity Lesson

Turn an old medicine cabinet into a sweet spot for lists and notes. First, remove the mirror or inner panel. (If you can't remove the mirror or panel, cute a piece of chipboard to fit.) Paint the mirror or your chipboard piece with two coats of chalkboard paint, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Tip: If you use a mirror, prime the surface first. Pop the mirror back in, or use Krazy Glue to secure the chipboard cutout in place. Use chalk to spell out the day's duties.

Scheduling Pains

Transform a six-panel window into a home office calendar to ease your planning pains. Each day of the workweek is assigned a frame, and the sixth makes room for extra notes or magnets. Tape off the wooden frame with painter's tape. To make your calendar magnetic, spray several coats of magnetic spray paint on the front of the glass, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Then paint each pane with chalkboard paint using a paintbrush to edge and a small foam roller for smooth surfaces.

Clever Containers

Add a little erasable oomph to your kitchen canisters with repositionable vinyl stickers that accept chalk marks (check dickblick.com and wallies.com for colorful options). Use a punch to cut out the labels. Remove the paper backing and position the label on the glass or wooden canister. The labels are easy to rechalk as you change their contents.

Mix it Up

You can find chalkboard paint at almost any crafts or art store or home center. But if you're longing for a hue that's not available on store shelves, concoct your own. To create your own custom color of chalk-ready paint, simply combine 1 cup latex paint in your desired shade with 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Use a paint stirrer to mix. During application, gently sand the dry layers of paint between coats with 150-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats for best color.

How to Make a Halloween entry and welcome trick

2011-10-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Materials Needed:

3 faux pumpkins
spool of 3/8" wide black craft ribbon
black acrylic craft paint
white acrylic craft paint

small craft paintbrush
hot glue gun and glue sticks
pumpkin-carving tool or sharp knife

Select Pumpkins

Select three similarly shaped faux pumpkins.

Cut Hole

Adhere Ribbon

Cut random lengths of craft ribbon and hot glue them to each of the pumpkins to form mouths.

Paint Eyes

Paint eyes on each of the pumpkins using a small paintbrush and some black and white acrylic paint.

Hot Glue Pumpkins

Use hot glue to attach the first pumpkin to the second and the second pumpkin to the third.

Quick Halloween Centerpieces Ideas 2011

2011-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Use these centerpiece ideas as inspiration for your next Halloween party or as festive additions to your home to add some fright to your holiday table .
i hope you like it .. Enjoy !!

Jack-o'-Lantern Halloween Centerpiece

Miniature jack-o'-lanterns make a big impact when arranged on footed cake stands and displayed on a vintage tray. Place battery-powered candles inside each hand-carved pumpkin, and let your guests enjoy the glow.

Book-and-Pumpkin Centerpiece

Books, pumpkins, and gourds compose this Edgar Allen Poe-worthy Halloween centerpiece. Use black books, or craft quick book covers with black construction paper.
Editor's Tip: Incorporating raven accents on items such as place cards will make the spooky Edgar Allen Poe vibe even more apparent.

Pumpkins in Glasses Centerpiece

This centerpiece with pumpkins and flower glasses plays a trick on the eyes, as miniature pumpkins placed in water-filled glasses appear to float in the water. (Spoiler: They're just too big to sink all the way to the bottom.) Bright orange flowers resting in a glass and small, shallow bowl add more orange to this Halloween centerpiece.
Editor's Tip: To add more color, replace water with black and orange candies or smooth black stones.

Black-and-Orange Skeleton Candle Display

These tall glass votive holders -- complete with a black jelly bean base -- hold black and orange candles. Spooky skeletons hang on the outside of the votive holders, ensuring an extra-haunting glow when the candles are lit.

Halloween Gourd Centerpiece

Use rugged old cabinet legs as eye-catching bases in this Halloween gourd display. Elevating some gourds and leaving others on the table, as well as varying the size of gourds, adds quirkiness to this Halloween centerpiece.
Editor's Tip: Tie ribbon onto the bases in knots or bows to add quick bursts of color.

Floral Jack-o'-Lantern Halloween Centerpiece

A smiling jack-o'-lantern becomes the perfect Halloween vase when you place a container of water and flowers inside. A simple carving (or scraping) that forgoes the typical wide mouth will help the inside container stay hidden. Use a white pumpkin and orange flowers for extra pop.

Pumpkin-and-Candle Halloween Centerpiece

Nuts, pumpkins, and a large candle dress up a small woven mat in this simple-yet-sophisticated Halloween centerpiece. Fallen leaves tucked into the display add natural fall flair to the decoration.
Editor's Tip: For a more kid-friendly decoration, use candies, painted pumpkins, and a battery-powered candle so curious fingers don't find a flame.

Pumpkins on White Dishes

Simple white dishes display multicolor pumpkins in this elegant Halloween centerpiece. Use footed bowls, small plates, and candlesticks at varying heights to create an eye-catching display.

Silver Skull Centerpiece

For a centerpiece with both spook and glam, spray-paint a plastic skull silver. Use black feathers to create a to-die-for boa around the "head of the table." Place the skull on a black raised stand or footed dish for a lively Halloween decoration.

Pumpkin Platter Centerpiece

A plain white platter becomes a Halloween centerpiece with a handful of scattered miniature pumpkins and fall accents. The nonlinear look is key with this decoration, so assemble pieces randomly along the platter for an effortless, relaxed look.

Large Pumpkin Bouquet Halloween Centerpiece

Use a large, tall pumpkin to create this picturesque Halloween centerpiece. Stuff a variety of flowers, fillers, and greenery in a vase inside this simple, hollowed-out pumpkin.
Editor's Tip: To add a bit of festive fun, tuck tiny Halloween decorations, such as plastic spiders or spooky stir sticks, into the arrangement.

White Pumpkin Vases

White pumpkins double as vases and make for a spook-free Halloween centerpiece. Leaves, orange flowers, and cattails are tucked into a hidden vase or container in the hollowed-out pumpkins.

2011 Clever Halloween Centerpieces Ideas

2011-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Use these centerpiece ideas as inspiration for your next Halloween party or as festive additions to your home to add some fright to your holiday table .
i hope you like it .. Enjoy !!

Halloween Glass Vases

Glass block vases become one-of-a-kind Halloween centerpieces with die cuts and spooky scrapbook paper (available at crafts stores). To make, use spray adhesive to attach the papers; (spray the back of the paper, not the glass, to avoid streaks). Place sand and tapered candles inside the vase for a haunting glow.
Editor's Tip: Use clear plastic blocks in lieu of glass vases. Be sure to nix the candles or opt for battery-powered versions.

Black and Orange Halloween Candles

Wrap decorative scrapbook paper around large orange and black candles to create this simple Halloween centerpiece. An orange table runner makes the black candle pop, overturned black bowls add height to the decoration, and black spiders and white Halloween candies add creepy-crawly fun at the base.
Editor's Tip: Be sure to keep an eye on how fast your candles burn, and trim scrapbook paper accordingly.

Raven Urn Centerpiece

You need only a few household items and a little nature to create this haunting-yet-simple Halloween centerpiece. Gather knotted, rustic sticks from your yard or neighborhood to place in a basic urn, and add bits of moss to get the fright just right. Use free clip art to trace and cut out ominous black ravens from construction paper -- the finishing touch for this Halloween centerpiece.

Candleholder Goblets Display

Thrift-store glasses become centerpiece-ready with a coat of black spray paint. Choose textural goblets for the most detail, set them upside down to spray-paint, and tape a few to preserve the tops. Touch up any edges with a black permanent marker after the goblets dry. Note that after decorating the goblets they are meant for display only.
Editor's Tips:
Use sand to raise your votives to desired height.
Place the goblets on a black tray or a mirror embellished with spray paint to make the centerpiece both cohesive and portable.

"Boo" Embroidery Hoop Centerpiece

Basic embroidery hoops set a spooky scene at your Halloween table. To make, stretch black costume fabric or lace through the painted hoops; trim extra fabric. Next, spray-paint planters for bases, then add enough florist's foam inside to secure a painted dowel through the middle. Finish with a square of black-and-white patterned paper atop the planters and a hauntingly fun message spelled out in painted wood letters. Hot glue can help secure the dowels and wood letters.

Ribbon Spool Stackers

Colorful spools of ribbon display equally eye-catching desserts. Place scallop-edge die cuts (available at crafts stores or cut from a die-cutting tool) between the ribbon spools with a touch of adhesive to ensure stability. Top with a decadent treat for a sugary-sweet Halloween centerpiece.
Editor's Tip: Arrange the spools in a cluster around an accent piece, such as a colorful vase, or in a straight line on a table runner to maximize creativity.

White Pumpkins on Black Stands

Pumpkins painted white and covered in glitter stand out when placed on stark black stands. Use double-sided tape or an adhesive spray to get just the right amount of shine for this glitzy Halloween centerpiece.

Recycled Halloween Centerpiece

Scrapbook papers and floral accents are all it takes to "upcycle" yesterday's tin cans into a "green" Halloween centerpiece. Standard- and economy-size tin cans work well for this craft, although the more varied the sizes, the more intriguing the display. Wrap with scrapbook paper or add die-cut scenes or stickers as desired.
Editor's Tip: Keep the cans for next year, or give them away to guests as simple mementos of a frightful night.

Ghost Book Pop-Ups

A stack of old books forms the stand in this spooky centerpiece. To make, cut two basic ghost shapes from pages in the middle of a book, leaving the bottoms attached to their pages. Hold up each ghost with a touch of tape. To complete, use a hole punch or marker to make eyes for this haunting centerpiece.

Chalked Skeleton Centerpiece

Spray-paint Halloween props with black chalkboard paint, then outline them with chalk for frightfully aged flair. Fill the cauldron with a decorative bottle, handpicked beverage, or a tasty Halloween treat.

Halloween Door Decor 2011 Ideas

2011-10-12T07:19:00.001-07:00

Easy 2011 ideas for Halloween Door Decor , quick and easy projects to made it by you self,
I hope you like it ... Enjoy !!!

A Pumpkin Gathering

A rustic chair next to the front door gets a shot of Halloween cheer when topped with a collection of gourds, squash, and pumpkins. The doorway is wrapped with a garland made of flexible twigs bundled with wire and woven with leafy branches. Mini pumpkins hang from a beam overhead while a faux bois urn supports a stack of pumpkins in graduated sizes nearby.

Bountiful Door Decor

Celebrate the beauty and bounty of the Halloween season with pumpkins, squash, gourds, and flowers ripe with color. Nature's bounty is so pretty and interesting on its own that it needs few embellishments to become a wonderful focal point. Carve or paint a squash or gourd with a cheerful jack-o'-lantern face to add a bit of whimsy.

Halloween Sign

Create a hotel sign to welcome guests at the front door of your haunted Halloween abode. An old cast-off post gets new life when paired with a DIY sign. Simply assembled from 1x8-inch boards, the sign is painted and attached with eye hooks and chain to a vintage signpost. Be sure your sign reads "vacancy" so trick-or-treaters will know they can approach.

Branch-Filled Bucket

Who can resist these adorable Halloween treat trees to flank your front door? They're easy and festive. Fill an orange bucket with sand and insert large tree branches painted black. Cover the sand with sheet moss. Add the treat buckets and a few small black crows. Invite kids to help themselves to mini buckets of treats hanging on the branches.

Spooky Porch

With a little "witchcraft" you can set the stage for a spooky evening at your front door. Light a warm path to your door with luminaria and a lighted grapevine garland framing the doorway. Dangle a few faux bats and spiders near porch lights. Add black witch, cat, bat, and ghost silhouettes made of heavy paper to windows to increase the spooky ambience.

A Family Fun Front Door

'Tis the season for jack-o'-lanterns and they are everywhere on this playful front door and porch. Simply paint expressions on paper lanterns and hang in a cluster for maximum effect. Then make Halloween pinatas on sticks and place in planters to flank the entry. Crepe paper jack-o'-lanterns put the finishing touch on the door.

Halloween Web

Lengths of black ribbon and yarn and a bit of strategic weaving are all it takes to add shadowy spiderwebs to your front windows and door. Dangle a few creepy critters nearby to complete the hair-raising picture. Eek!

Easy 2011 Halloween Door Decor Ideas

2011-10-12T04:19:00.000-07:00

Easy 2011 ideas for Halloween Door Decor , quick and easy projects to made it by you self,
I hope you like it ... Enjoy !!!

Painted Pumpkins with Message

Your visitors will have no doubt that they're welcome when they see this vintage wheelbarrow with a welcoming message at the front door. Paint your sentiments on two large pumpkins with black or white paint. Place the pumpkins in the wheelbarrow and surround them with squash, gourds, bittersweet, and autumn leaves.

Silhouette Door Art

Dress up a bare glass door with a spooky silhouette. Tape together multiple sheets of black cardstock or sheets of black crafts foam and you can create a spooky scene big enough to fill the door. Trace your design, cut it out, and adhere it to the door with tape or spray adhesive.

Witch Door Display

Park your witches' brooms right next to the front door. Make your own brooms by wrapping twigs and grass around wooden dowels. Then mark your Halloween "parking lot" with a sign made by printing on iron-on transfer paper and ironing the design onto a painted stretched artist's canvas. Spooky high jinks welcome here!

Fall Harvest Door Display

Orange and bronze mums, pumpkins, gourds, and a bundle of cornstalks from the local garden center can transform an everyday door into an inviting fall display perfect for Halloween. Pull up a straight chair or rocking chair and drape it with a cozy quilt. Add a grapevine wreath and your door is a little bit country—and a whole lot inviting.

Eerie Entry

Since white objects are highlighted at night, a grouping of ghostly door decor made from painted gourds is sure to catch the eye and chill the heart in the dark. Use black paint to create the spirited expressions, and dangle the gourds from dormant vines, porch rafters, or tree branches. Finish off your front-door masterpiece with dried bittersweet and a painted twig wreath.

Frightful Front Door

Set a dark mood by disguising the view inside the front door. Cut black paper to fit the door glass and any side windows, then trace and cut out Halloween shapes. Tape the black paper to the windows and cover the cutouts with yellow tissue paper. Your spooky designs will glow when you turn on the interior lights. Line the path to the door with glowing pumpkins.

Window Halloween Display

Make a spirited first impression by turning a sidelight window into a gruesome message board. Piercing cat eyes and bold lettering send a cautionary note to all who come to your front door. Use black and white papers and green stickers for cat eyes. For the message, print large letters from a computer, trace them onto black paper, and cut out. Tape the letters and eyes to the glass.

Jack-o'-Lantern Door Display

Dress your front door with this smashing Halloween decoration that's simple to make. Crafted from a halved foam pumpkin, the jack-o'-lantern gets its charming personality when you add painted facial features, silk leaves, and bittersweet. The spooky final touch: an artificial crow on top!

Doorstep Halloween Urn Display

Ever wondered what to do with those cute, inexpensive urns from the crafts store? With a simple coat of spray paint they become spooky Halloween decorations. Stuff cotton batting and blocks of crafts foam inside. Stick white branches into the foam as desired. Cut-from-paper black bats, fabric leaves, black webbing, and a few creepy-crawly spider accents complete the look.

Halloween Treats Bucket

No time to man the door this Halloween? Set out a cute bucket at your gate for a grab-and-go way to celebrate the holiday. Spray-paint a bucket black, coating it a few times for full coverage. Paint wood letters with glow-in-the-dark paint to spell "treats" and attach to the bucket. Stick a shepherd's hook into the ground and hang your full-to-the-brim treat pail from it.

"Beware" Banner

Offer a warning welcome gate-side with a pretty banner sharing a Halloween phrase. Create a basic triangle template and use it to trim six triangles from outdoor-ready fabric (ours is the type that's used to cover picnic tables). Back each triangle with black cardstock; trim. Paint wood letters a bright color (glow-in-the-dark paint is a fun option), and adhere to each triangle. Use purple rickrack to create the banner.
Editor's Tip: Spray your project with a clear coat of waterproofer or plan to bring it in on damp days.

Halloween-Inspired Paper Lanterns

Infuse plain white lanterns with spooky spirit in minutes. Run lengths of black ribbon along the surface of an open paper lantern (we made one lantern with ribbon and one without). Print basic jack-o'-lantern clip art (a quick online search offers lots of options) onto white paper. Trim and tape to the front of the lantern. Hang it on your porch for a delightful welcome.