Let me walk you through it.

The Tulip Centerpiece

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers to design with because they have movement. Unlike roses or peonies that sit politely where you place them, tulips keep growing and bending after they’re arranged. They stretch toward the light and curve into each other, which gives arrangements an organic, almost dancing quality.

For this centerpiece, I wanted the tulips to feel abundant but still intentional.

I started with a pedestal bowl, which instantly elevates the arrangement—literally and visually. Pedestal bowls are wonderful for tables because they create height while still allowing guests to see across the table. I found this chartreuse one from Green Row and it was love at first sight. It has the quirky scalloped edge, which adds so much personality.

Then I filled the bowl with chicken wire to create structure for the stems. This trick is my go-to whenever I’m arranging flowers in a wide vessel. It helps the stems stay where you place them instead of collapsing into the center. I added tape strips in a grid to secure it in place to the bowl.

From there, I began layering tulips. You can see how I layered them in the video above.

I chose a mix of tulips in various shades of oranges because I knew they would stand out so well against the blue of my walls. I got the tulips from Trader Joe’s. I bought 14 bouquets, because they had that many orange ones. A lot of them were peony tulips but I mixed it in with others. When arranging tulips, I like to insert them at slightly different angles so some arch outward while others lean toward the center. The result feels lush but not stiff.

Tulips also continue to grow once they’re placed in water, which means by the time Easter dinner begins, the arrangement will have shifted and opened even more. It’s like the centerpiece evolves throughout the day.

The Green Row Pieces I’m Using

I was gifted this incredibly adorable pedestal table from Green Row. Green Row is a pretty new brand under the Williams Sonoma family that focuses on sustainability with a more cottagecore vibe. I’ve been finding a lot of great pieces there since they focus on pattern and color, two things that are very important to me.

Patterned Plates

Green Row also gifted me these blue and white floral plates that are beautifully set against the blue of the walls. I got both the salad and the dinner plates and can’t wait to use them for both The plates have this gorgeous pattern that feels both classic and playful. I love mixing patterned plates with floral arrangements because the patterns echo the organic shapes in the flowers.

Colorful Napkins

Napkins are one of my favorite places to introduce color. I chose napkins these gingham ones with a rim of blue to tie it all together.

Chair Cushions

Green Row also gifted me these adorable yellow stripe chair cushions and chairs, which I also love against the blue walls.

A Few Easter Table Details

I love sprinkling small details across the table that make guests feel like they’re part of something thoughtful.

This year I added:

• A few extra tulip stems placed loosely along the table
• Small chocolate eggs at each place setting
• Simple name cards tucked into the napkin folds

The Final Look

Once everything was placed—the tulips, the dishes, the napkins, the little chocolate eggs—the table felt exactly how I wanted it to feel:

Colorful.
Welcoming.
A little whimsical.

Get the look

You can get the full look here!

The tulips bring movement, the Green Row pieces bring pattern and polish, and together they create a table that feels festive without feeling overdone, which is exactly the goal. Easter tables should feel joyful. A little abundant. A little hopeful.

And if they happen to make your guests stop and say, “Wow, this is beautiful,” before they even sit down? Well, that’s just the icing on the carrot cake.

All the product was provided by Green Row

The post A Tulip Centerpiece Easter Table appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

We created these printable four-leaf clover templates as a simple craft you can make in just a few minutes, whether you’re decorating your home, crafting with kids, or adding a little seasonal charm to a gift. One version features the word “lucky” right in the center, while the other is blank so you can personalize it however you’d like.

They’re sweet, versatile, and—best of all—very easy to make.

We love projects that can be used in lots of ways. These clovers can become wall decorations, party garlands, place cards, gift toppers, or even little notes of encouragement. Just yesterday I shipped one out to my cousin who lives in Costa Rica because she loves a good luck symbol. Print a handful and you’ll suddenly have luck popping up all over your home.

Below are the instructions to make your own.

One of my favorite things about this craft is how easy it is to share. Make a few extras and give them to friends, neighbors, or teachers. Sometimes the smallest handmade gesture can brighten someone’s day.

And who knows—maybe a little extra luck will follow them around.

Whether you’re decorating for a party, crafting with kids after school, or just looking for a simple seasonal project, these four-leaf clovers are a quick way to celebrate the holiday.

The post Tin embossed Four Leaf Clover ornament for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

I adore how these ornaments look with pastel ribbon bows hanging off of branches. It’s so simple, but feels so elevated and feels like an ode to spring in these winter months! Be sure to tie some bows on the branches in addition to the ornaments to make it feel fuller.

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This is the perfect craft for decorating for an Easter get together, a spring brunch with girl friends, or to add to an Easter basket or gift. Having the template really does take the pressure off because you don’t have to try to think of your own design! You can just enjoy the crafting while you watch a show or chat.

Before we get into the tutorial, I have a few notes. After trying every single tin embossing metal we could get our hands on, here are our key takeaways! For silver, this one is the holy grail. We found that it was way easier to make these in silver than in gold. The gold often was too flimsy and didn’t emboss well. That being said, we did test a bunch of gold options. This one or this one are the two best options! This one worked okay, but is more expensive than the others. We tried this one, this one, and this one and none of them worked – I would not recommend buying those.

Also, I truly think that using a ballpoint pen is the easiest way to do it. You can purchase a dotting tool if you would like (it was helpful on the pomegranate to have one), but a ballpoint pen can absolutely do the trick!

The post Tin Embossed Easter Ornaments appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

The Becoming series started in 2019. We wanted to hear from women in different walks of life and how they were approaching creativity, career goals, and more–mostly the WHY and HOW beneath it all. It’s been amazing to conduct these interviews and get a “behind the scenes” look at so many inspirational women like today’s, Sarah Simon. You can see them all here.

Sarah Simon (@themintgardener) is a best-selling author, artist, and educator who delights in helping others discover the everyday magic of watercolor. As the creator of the #1 best-selling Watercolor Workbook series, she makes painting feel joyful, approachable, and wonderfully human for artists of all levels.

Through books, classes, workshops, and art retreats around the world, Sarah champions creativity, mindfulness, and a slower way of living. She’s happiest with dirt under her nails and paint scattered across her desk, tending gardens, sketchbooks, and ideas——choosing beauty, joy, and connection over the dishes and laundry, every time.

What do you consider yourself?

Artist, Author & Educator

You have a FEW new books out. Tell us about it and what prompted you to write it.

I want watercolor, and art in general, to feel as approachable as possible. I love the idea of removing obstacles and preparing a clear path to finding joy in creating for everyone who feels like gentle nudge and desire.

So often, sourcing the right materials or finding a tutorial that truly inspires you can feel more daunting than the act of painting itself. I wanted to change that. My books were born out of a simple desire: to make it easy to begin.

Over the years, I’ve created a few different pathways into watercolor, depending on how someone loves to learn. One is my online Flower Painting Club, where artists can join at the tier and commitment level that feels joyful and doable. The other is my books — especially my internationally bestselling Watercolor Workbook series. These workbooks are printed with my pre-drawn linework directly onto premium, wood-free watercolor paper bound right into the book. There’s no transferring, no tracing, no fuss. You simply open the page and begin painting.

The books and my tutorials truly go hand in hand. Many readers begin with a workbook and then join me online to expand their skills — and others discover the workbooks after painting alongside me digitally. They inform one another, creating a full, layered learning experience. And then they come on my art retreats! But you read more about that later…

Last year, I released Watercolor Notepad, which was a natural and exciting progression. Paper is the most important supply when it comes to watercolor, and one of the most common questions I receive is, “What paper should I use?” This notepad is the exact same high-quality paper used in my Watercolor Workbook series, now offered as a standalone pad for artists who want an affordable, reliable surface to experiment, practice, and play. It’s sturdy, wood-free, and designed to let paint truly dance. Creating it felt like answering a question my community had been asking for years.

And my most recent release, published March 10, 2026, is Flower Fairies — a magical water-reveal book that feels especially close to my heart.

As a little girl, I poured over Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies (first published in 1923) reading favorite poems, deciding which fairy felt most like me, and claiming my own special flower alongside my sisters. Those books felt like pure enchantment. Getting to create Flower Fairies, filled with seek-and-find surprises, counting elements, and hidden illustrations revealed with a swipe of a magical water brush, feels like the sweetest full-circle dream. Little-girl Sarah would be absolutely beaming to know she’d one day be part of something so whimsical and fantastical. 

While it’s designed for the young flower-lovers in your life, I’ve been delighted to discover it truly charms all ages. It’s a no-mess travel companion, a whimsical fairy-party activity, and a gentle early learning tool meant to be explored together. There’s something so satisfying about watching the hidden colors bloom onto the page with a simple swish of water.

At the heart of all of my books is the same hope: that when someone sits down with one of them, the barriers feel lowered. The paper is ready. The lines are there. The colors are waiting. All that’s left is the quiet joy of watching paint meet the page.

What is your educational background and how has it shaped or changed your current career? 

I have always been creative and I have always enjoyed creating with my hands – whether it’s drawing or weeding in the garden. It’s when I feel the most like ME. Growing up, I always loved creating—drawing, painting, sketching. Even more, I had no problem thinking of myself as an artist.

Then I became an “adult,” with very “important” grown-up responsibilities and concerns. I headed to college to pursue a practical “dollars and cents” degree, one that would guarantee a career after graduation. There was logic in this: I would be able to pay my bills and survive on my own in the world—a world that measured success in financial terms. Although I dabbled with artistic side jobs as I worked my way through school (my favorite was one where I soldered kaleidoscopes), I mostly stuffed my creative urges down deep inside and worked my way along a safer path. I graduated with a degree in economics and had some fantastic adventures as a young adult. I traveled, began a successful career at a Seattle tech firm, and was “doing well.”

And then one day, I broke my foot.

Confession: I tripped while wearing flip-flops. The most frustrating part of having a broken foot was having to slow down and sit still—definitely not my style. It was during this time that my best friend, Lauren (who had an art degree) insisted that I take advantage of this forced period of rest. “You have to sit still, so you will paint!” she cheered.

Suddenly, I was face-to-face with my resistance and forced to examine the real reason why I fought my artistic urges. Now that I had no reasonable excuses left, why shouldn’t I paint? The truth was that I was afraid. I felt more like an imposter than an artist. What could I say or contribute that hadn’t been said or done before? What if what I created wasn’t good enough—for me? For everyone else?

Lauren simply wouldn’t listen to my excuses. She drove me to the art store and piled supplies in the cart as I crutched along behind her. She added a big tube of white paint, “An artist always needs a good white” she said. I gulped and confessed that I didn’t know what to paint—I didn’t even know what my style was. She suggested that I paint something for my fiancé, Colin, because at least I knew what he liked.

Colin and I often traveled together and visiting art museums was one of our favorite things to do. We loved to wander through rooms of incredible art, soaking up the atmosphere, standing in awe of the Greats—van Gogh, Picasso, John Singer Sargent, or Rembrandt. I knew that one of Colin’s favorite paintings was “The Great Wave” by Katsushika Hokusai, the Japanese woodblock master and legend. I thought perhaps I could embark on my new painting journey like many before me, by copying a master and hopefully learning a few things in the process.

I dove in, bolstered by Lauren’s belief in me, spending every Saturday on a secret “mystery project.” I didn’t tell anyone that I was painting, just in case it was a total failure. The unveiling happened on Christmas Eve at Colin’s grandparents’ home. Both of our families were there. My heart was beating out of my chest. Colin opened the framed canvas and exclaimed, “Oh my gosh—I love Hokusai! It has all the texture of a real painting—where did you buy this?”

I proudly told him that I painted it; my journey back to art had begun.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I kept painting, mostly experimenting with acrylics. Others saw the joy that painting gave me, and I received a few commissions from family and friends. I was learning and growing as an artist. Then, my first daughter was born. My days were full of sweet smiles and tiny fingers and toes, but my time was not my own. Painting was on the back burner; I told myself that I would turn back to art when life slowed down a bit. And then we were blessed with a second daughter. I was completely swallowed up in motherhood and all that is entailed in caring for a family and home. I collapsed into bed each night. I never found time for myself.

My husband saw my exhaustion—and he recognized my restlessness. He reminded me that my happiest days were those I spent painting. Cue the excuses—and I had plenty of them. How could I justify spending money on a craft? How could I spend time painting when I didn’t even get enough sleep? Where would I find time between laundry, dishes, diapers? But Colin didn’t let me off the hook that easily, thank goodness. Again, he reminded me that I was happiest when I was creating.

I began @TheMintGardener—an Etsy shop and Instagram account—in 2014. My name, TheMintGardener, has a funny story behind it. My favorite thing to do in the garden was to throw seeds in the general direction of dirt, and then see what came up in a few months. Mint was a favorite of mine because it was vibrantly successful. It flourished wherever it landed: in shade or sun, with little need for water and no need for fertilizing. Being a “Mint Gardener” was a bit of a laugh between my husband and I, since it didn’t take much in the way of my effort to make a successful Mint bed. I felt more confident sharing plants and flowers…and maybe one day I would post some of my art pieces. Maybe.

So, I began slowly, sharing simple posts about our garden. It was a way for me to tap into the outside world, a place where I could be Sarah—not someone’s wife or mother. As time passed, I received encouragement from so many family members and friends. They believed in me—that I was indeed an artist, both in my garden and with my brush.

It’s hard to express in words the joy that I have experienced because I chose to paint and share my art. And I still feel vulnerable, with flickering feelings of fear when I share a new post or do a show or pop-up shop. But still, I show up, because my goodness, feeling uncomfortable is well worth the reward of sharing what I love to do.

How do you make social connections in the creative realm?

“To be interesting, be interested.” — Dale Carnegie

This quote perfectly captures how I approach connection in the creative world.

When I meet other creatives — whether in person or online — I lead with curiosity. I genuinely want to know what moves them, what they’re wrestling with, what keeps them up late making. I love asking questions, digging deeper, and encouraging those brave enough to bring their inner longings into outer form.

Creativity is vulnerable work. So instead of “networking,” I try to participate. I comment thoughtfully. I respond. I share what truly moved me about someone’s piece. I stay interested.

There’s something sacred about paying attention — about having your art antennae quietly attuned to beauty. When an image takes my breath away, I say so. When someone’s work stirs something in me, I tell them. That honest interest becomes the beginning of connection.

And like any practice, it’s built through consistency. The same way daily drawing builds skill, daily encouragement builds community. A kind message. A shared resource. A simple “I see you.”

Over time, those small moments turn into real friendships — rooted not in comparison, but in shared wonder.

What artists and creatives do you look up to, both historical and present?

There are so many! Truly, my art book stacks feel like old friends at this point. But off the top of my head, the first names that come to mind are Vincent van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, William Morris, and Glynn Boyd Harte.

Each of them inspires me in different ways. Van Gogh for his devotion to color and movement and his brushstrokes: they feel like emotional boldness, both tender and fearless. Sargent for his fluid confidence, especially in watercolor. I love the way his brush seems to dance and never overwork, yet land exactly where it should. William Morris for his reverence for nature, and the handmade, and the idea that beauty belongs in everyday life. And Glynn Boyd Harte for his lyrical linework and romantic sensibility. I especially love how he depicts the subjects of food and water…I always want to see more of his work!

My art library is a beauty bath for my eyes. I’ll often pull books down just to sit and soak, especially on mornings when I can move slowly with a big mug of milky tea. I love studying colors, noticing textures, and tracing compositions with my gaze. It’s all about beauty steeping. I want those influences to settle quietly into my bones.

Recently, I discovered that John Singer Sargent often used white gouache in his watercolors. I felt like I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of wisdom, and oddly, it gave me permission to continue combining these mediums like I love to do. There’s something so thrilling about realizing that even masters layered, experimented, adjusted. Sargent ‘broke the rules’ and added gouache to watercolor! It reminds me that technique can be both refined and playful, and that following the nudge to try something different, even if the general art community frowns upon it, can be liberating and absolutely beautiful. 

Looking at the work of artists I admire makes me feel like I’m invited to the party. It’s a reminder that I can be a part of a long, ongoing conversation about beauty, color, and paying attention. And that feels like such a gift.

What sparked your interest in design and sharing on the Internet?

The time finally arrived to share my artwork with the wider world. Up until 2014, I had been only sharing pictures of my plants. I knew I needed to share my art too. The day began early, around five in the morning. I had just fed my two-month old daughter and she was snoozing contentedly. Instead of rolling back into bed, I sat in the living room at my great-grandmother’s writing desk. I watched the sun rise, captivated by the soft morning light as the breeze shook the leaves of the trees. Inspired, I painted a few monochromatic green leaves. Suddenly, I felt that someone needed to hold the plant I had just painted. In those quiet hours, my character “Florence” was born. She came to life, embracing leafy eucalyptus boughs in a large vase, her face hidden by the greenery. I loved the contrast of the watercolor plant with the simple, ink lines of her body. Next, I drew Florence holding one of our chickens. I knew I had to share her, but I still remember the vulnerability I felt as I hit “post,” sharing a piece I cared about with an audience for the first time.

Sharing your art with other people is vulnerable. On social media, or just with a close friend over coffee. A work of art comes from your own two hands. As you share it—or even think about sharing it—your heart beats faster and a negative voice may whisper in your ear, telling you all the reasons you are silly and unworthy to share your creation.

But I truly believe this: sharing your work is good for you. Even when you are scared, even when you are giddy with excitement. These emotions show you, that you are alive. I often think that the creation of art is most like a deep sense of longing. A feeling that needs to be communicated – but in its own unique language. Our spoken language often falls short of the notes, colors, saturations and swoops that a filled paintbrush can say, joyously rioting across the blank page. The liminal spaces we gleefully enter as we suddenly wake up from that delicious flow state and realize – something just happened and it felt like magic. 

But if you never share your discoveries, your expressions of the truest you…you miss out on others reflecting their feelings back to you, and the creative process growing into something even bigger than yourself. I would love to encourage you here. Be bold. Be brave.  Step through your feelings of vulnerability to the other side. Embrace the process, play with paint, trust the artist inside that has original suggestions. And when you do choose to share, the community that surrounds you and the joy you feel is so much stronger than the vulnerability or fear of sharing ever was.

What are three words to describe your style?

Botanical. Whimsical. Gentle-but-confident.

My work carries a light, storybook quality — as if it belongs in a secret garden or tucked inside a beloved heirloom book. There’s a quiet sense of wonder woven through it. I want it to feel beautiful and enchanted, but never overly precious.

There’s a softness in the way I try to observe the world. I want my lines to feel attentive, never rushed — to hold a quiet affection for the subject. I’m not just trying to depict something; I want to honor it.

Rooted in real gardens, real growth, and careful observation, my art is grounded even in its whimsy. And above all, I never want it to feel intimidating. My hope is that it feels like an open invitation — that you’ll pick up your paintbrush or pen and join me. 

What is one project that you are especially proud of and why?

I’m especially proud of and always excited for our yearly “A Creative Way Art Retreats.” 

A Creative Way Retreats are truly something special: immersive, soul‑nourishing creative getaways designed for artists of all levels to slow down, reconnect with wonder, and make meaningful art in beautiful places. Whether we’re gathered in the peaceful light of a French chateau in the Loire Valley or at a thoughtfully curated domestic retreat in Seattle, Washington or outside of Charleston, South Carolina, every retreat is crafted to inspire deep creative flow, joyful connection, and unforgettable memories.

These retreats are more than art workshops; they are intentional creative experiences. Over the course of several days you’ll paint, sketch, and explore together in a supportive community, with expert guidance and ample space to develop your skills, refine your artistic voice, and most importantly, fall in love with the act of creating again. There’s time for structured learning, gentle exploration, and moments of quiet inspiration in environments that naturally awaken curiosity and wonder.

What makes A Creative Way extra magical is how thoughtfully everything is prepared. I am so intentional with the selection of  high‑quality art supplies, curated just for you, all meals are shared around table conversations that grow into friendships (and I LOVE good food, so we always have a positively incredible chef feeding you!) and even little excursions to soak in the place we are spending our days in. It all becomes part of the creative rhythm. For many attendees, the retreat becomes a turning point in their art practice, and for some, their lives: a place where confidence grows, inspiration blooms, and creative habits take root.

I’m so proud to be able to host these retreats because they are exactly the kind of creative experiences I wish someone had invited me into earlier in my journey. They remove obstacles: the intimidation, the isolation, the fear of not “being good enough,” and replace them with encouragement, connection, and abundant creative possibility. I love witnessing artists show up curious and leave confident with new skills, new friends, and a deeper sense of creative belonging. I’m proud because these retreats honor creativity as a joyful, communal, life‑giving practice —  a fresh and abundant way of seeing the world, together.

2026 Art Retreats 

(Spring offerings are sold out, but here are links to Fall 2026, and if you are interested in joining us for an international trip, you can visit themintgardener.com/links)

Art Retreat Seattle FALL Oct 15-18

Art Retreat Flowertown FALL Nov 5-8

You can find The Mint Gardener:

On her website
On Instagram @themintgardener

The post Becoming: Sarah Simon of The Mint Gardener appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

Valentine Exchange party

I threw my annual Valentine Exchange party last week and I have to say that this year was completely epic. I set aside more time for prep and I think it really paid off. Everyone said they had an amazing time especially this year. Woot woot! I love throwing an exchange party because I have so many creative friends and they apply their creativity in such fantastical ways. Plus, with the way of the world right now, we could really use some uplighting, huh?

Here’s what I did this year that really worked!

1. Fresh florals

Our best local floral shop, Foxglove Flowers, provided some gorgeous bouquets for the event including two centerpieces and 6 bud vases. They have a Valentine collection that they are prepping for, so if you’re local in Utah (they have a Provo and Murray location) then send this to you SO as a hint. They have the best arrangements!

2. Red heart foil balloon arch

This year I gussied up the arch walkway in my home with some red foil heart balloons in various sizes. I took a note from our balloon arches from the past but decided to use only velcro strips to attach them to the walls. If you’re looking to create the same, here’s where you can find all the supplies!

3. Circus tent streamers

I showed my tricks and tips for this circus tent streamers, but man, I still love it so much! In fact, I’m typing under it’s warm glow right now! Guests said that it was so unexpected and created such a beautiful ambiance and feeling to the space. One guest even remarked that she was so entranced that she lived with that feeling for a week. Gah! Ultimate compliment!

4. On theme serving serving ware

I’ve been collecting pink and heart shaped serving ware for a few years and I love being able to pull it out for this party. I used all my pink and white checkerboard MacKenzie Childs serving ware and my heart wood tray for the chocolates.

5. Drinks in the perfect colors

I found the perfect shade of drinks in this Poppi pack at Costco. Of course, we had to set them out in the shape of a heart. You can also find them here.

At the end of the day, a Valentine’s party isn’t about romance, for me at least. It’s about celebrating affection in all its forms — friendship, community, creativity, and the simple joy of gathering together in the middle of winter.

And maybe that’s why I love it so much. Valentine’s Day gives us permission to be a little extra, a little sentimental, and a little playful. To decorate for no reason other than delight. To tell people we love them out loud.

And honestly, we could probably all use more of that.

The post 5 tips for your next Valentine Party appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

There are certain party decorations that quietly do all the heavy lifting. They transform a space, set the mood, and make people feel like they’ve stepped somewhere special — without requiring a massive budget or complicated setup. For me, crepe paper streamers fall squarely into that category. They are severely underutilized and rarely used to their potential, which is why I dreamed up this crepe paper circus tent idea for my Valentine Exchange party.

Streamers sometimes get dismissed as elementary-school décor, but I’ve always believed they just need a little imagination. When used intentionally, they can feel theatrical, nostalgic, and surprisingly elegant. For my recent Valentine’s exchange party, I wanted something immersive — something that made people look up when they walked in. A circus tent ceiling felt playful, romantic, and just dramatic enough. And the best part? It cost less than a bouquet of flowers.

Today I’m sharing exactly how to create your own circus tent effect using crepe paper streamers. This is one of those projects with maximum impact and minimal stress — my favorite kind.

Why Crepe Paper Works So Well

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why this works.

Crepe paper streamers are lightweight, flexible, and forgiving. They drape beautifully without needing perfect tension, and the slight crinkle adds texture that fabric often lacks. Because they’re inexpensive, you can go big without worrying about waste. And unlike balloons or heavier installations, they’re easy to hang and remove without damaging ceilings. Originally I thought I was going to achieve the look using the Christmas trend of the season–paper chains, but after spending too much time cutting strips before even assembling them, I decided to go with my tried and true.

The result feels festive and atmospheric.

Color-wise, you can go traditional circus with red and white, or lean into your party palette. For my Valentine’s party, I used shades of pink, red, and cream for something that felt romantic instead of literal.

Tips for success

Because you know I can’t help myself:

• Lighting matters. Warm string lights or soft lamps make the crepe paper glow beautifully at night.
• Stick to a palette. Even bold colors feel elevated when they’re coordinated.
• Go all the way to the edges. The illusion works best when the ceiling feels completely transformed.

And most importantly — don’t overthink it. The charm comes from the handmade quality.

Why I Love This Kind of Decoration

There’s something about a temporary transformation that feels especially magical. You spend an afternoon turning an ordinary room into something unexpected, everyone gathers underneath it for a few hours, and then it disappears again. It’s fleeting in the best way.

I think that’s why I keep coming back to streamers. They remind me that beauty doesn’t have to be permanent to be meaningful. Sometimes the joy is simply in creating a moment — a ceiling that makes people smile when they walk in, or a party that feels like stepping inside a memory.

And for the cost of a few rolls of crepe paper, that feels like a pretty good trade.

If you try this for your next party, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Instagram so I can admire your circus tent from afar.

The post Make a crepe paper circus tent appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

Add a chocolate!

Garet on our team mentioned she will be adding a little chocolate inside hers as a little bonus! I love that idea! Something small would work perfectly inside with the ribbon closure so that it stays put.

Let us know if you make it! Would love to see them all over on our #LarsLovesLove or #LarsValentineExchange tag!

The post Victorian Heart Valentine Printable appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

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This is the perfect craft for decorating for Valentine’s Day, hosting a Galentine’s get-together, or creating a thoughtful gift your friends will love. Having the template really does take the pressure off because you don’t have to try to think of your own design! You can just enjoy the crafting while you watch a rom com or chat.

Before we get into the tutorial, I have a few notes. After trying every single tin embossing metal we could get our hands on, here are our key takeaways! For silver, this one is the holy grail. We found that it was way easier to make these in silver than in gold. The gold often was too flimsy and didn’t emboss well. That being said, we did test a bunch of gold options. This one or this one are the two best options! This one worked okay, but is more expensive than the others. We tried this one, this one, and this one and none of them worked – I would not recommend buying those. We also did some of these in pink! Here is that link.

Also, I truly think that using a ballpoint pen is the easiest way to do it. You can purchase a dotting tool if you would like (it was helpful on the pomegranate to have one), but a ballpoint pen can absolutely do the trick!

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The post Tin embossed hearts appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

When we first moved here to Utah (about ten years ago now!), I was invited to an in-person Valentine exchange. I made these leather heart pouches and met some of my now closest friends there. It was such an important event and I loved seeing what everyone made.

I thought it might be nice to do in with our dear Lars community because if anyone can make a mean Valentine, it’s you! But even if you aren’t a “maker”, you’re still invited to participate.

Victorian Puzzle Purse

This year we are thrilled to announce the Fourth Annual Lars Valentine Exchange. Last year we had hundreds of fellow creatives join in making a handmade Valentine. It was too much fun, so we had to repeat it. We announced it over on Instagram today (do you follow us there?!) and you can sign up on our form over here.

Last year we also made this beautiful printable Victorian puzzle purse to serve as inspiration for it. And the good news is that you can print it off and make it yourself (available here).

What’s a Valentine Exchange?

A Valentine exchange is just what it sounds like: you make a handmade valentine and someone else makes a valentine and you will exchange them. Simple enough? Ha!

How will the valentine exchange work?

1. First, fill out this form indicating that you would like to participate by 5 pm MST on Thursday, January 8th.
2. We will email you you a name and address via email of one person to send a handmade Valentine to on Friday, January 9th.
3. Send out your handmade Valentine by January 26th (international) or February 2nd (domestic).
4. You will receive one Valentine in the mail from someone else.
5. We will also be sending a discount code to our Valentine shop in case you’d like to use any of our templates for it.

What should you make for a Valentine Exchange?

The big question–what to make! This is really up to you! You can go as big or a simple as you want to go. The goal here is to share the love! It’s not a competition! Whatever you think you would be excited to receive is probably what other people would also like to receive. If you want to see what people made last year, check out this IG highlight and this one.

If you’re still stumped, I put together this handmade Valentine card list with some great ideas to get you going. You can also check out our Valentine Pinterest board for more inspiration.

Note about Valentine’s Day

Last year on Insta stories I asked about your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions. A lot of of people wrote in saying how much they despised Valentine’s Day because it made them feel sad and lonely. I totally get it. It can be triggering. While I totally think that we should talk about that and hold space for it, I also want this to be a space where we can all express a shared love, independent from romantic love. In fact, I’ve totally disassociated it from romantic love because I think it should be a day to say “hey, you exist and I love you”. To me, it’s about caring and sharing. I talked more about that in this IG reel today!

I realize it may not mean the same thing to everyone, but I think that’s precisely why we need this!

Share in the love

I think it will be very cool to see what people are making and where they are making it from. Tag any process photos or video along with your final card with @houselarsbuilt on IG & #LarsValentineExchange so we can all see it happening. I’m so excited to see where everyone is from and what you’re making!

Link to sign up for the Valentine Exchange

The post Valentine Exchange 2026 appeared first on The House That Lars Built.

Happy New Year! What a year we’ve had. I don’t know about you, but I’m embracing 2026 with my arms wide open. It’s the year of the horse and as a tarot reader recently told me, “Brittany, you are a horse charging forward!” By golly, if I haven’t heard anything more true! 

For me 2025 was one of major life changes. I got divorced, started dating, and adjusted to a life with my two boys in tow. Life is a work in progress and I’m learning one lesson after another every day (I started a Substack with this very theme in case you’re interested in a more personal account of what’s going on).

As a team, we had our biggest year in 2024 and after seeing the influencer marketing landscape drastically dry up come January/February, I was feeling very unmotivated and fearful for how the year would play out. I began bracing myself for major business pivots, à la 2020, but instead, we experienced a 4th quarter miracle and one of our old projects in our shop went absolutely viral and saved the day. 

We have so many fun things planned for 2026 and I can’t wait to share them with you so soon including our 4th annual Valentine Exchange, which will be launching next week. 

I’m feeling a hope and excitement that I haven’t felt in a long time and I really hope you’ll join us on Instagram and stories and the blog (still there!), and now Substack, where we will be sharing more. 

I’ve now been online for 18 years and I’m baffled that I still get to do this. I have the best team, the best community, and am grateful for your role in all of our work. You inspire us to continue creating beauty. Thank you for being here for the ride.

With love,

Brittany

Now, without further ado, here’s Lars Wrapped–the best of the year!

Most viewed blog posts of the year

These are the most read posts from the year. Some are a few years old that magically got seen again. You went most bananas for our Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade tablescape!

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade tablescape
2. How to make a fake cake
3. Tootsie pop cherry valentines
4. DIY bookmark tassels
5. Guide to Thanksgiving napkin folding
6. Flower pounding on fabric
7. Family photo heirloom ornaments
8. Heart friendship bracelets
9. Paper flower gift topper
10. Why I only wear dresses and where I buy them

Top projects from the year

This year I updated my guest room with a French-inspired canopy bed. Also, we became obsessed with tin embossing last year.

• Tin embossed ornaments
• My French-inspired guest room
• Emerald city tablescape
• Easter bunny hats
• A new Victorian puzzle purse valentine

Top moments of the year

This was a big year for trying new things! We celebrated with a team retreat in Savannah, Georgia.

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A post shared by Brittany Jepsen — The House That Lars Built (@houselarsbuilt)

• Our Nikki Chasin x Lars collection
• Team Lars retreat in Savannah, Georgia
• Our first ever, Lars Craft Camp!
• Launching our new shop website
• Starting my substack: Lessons I’m learning

Top sellers in our shop

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tablescape, PDF Printable
2. Heirloom Ornaments, E-book
3. Tootsie Pop Cherry Valentine, PDF Printable & Template
4. Tin Christmas Ornament, PDF Template
5. Victorian Puzzle Purse, PDF Printable

Collaborations we launched

We have several in the works, but this year we launched one incredible collaboration with Nikki Chasin!

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A post shared by NIKKI CHASIN (@omgnikkic)

Top Instagram posts

I leaned into the IG Carousel round up this year!

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A post shared by Brittany Jepsen — The House That Lars Built (@houselarsbuilt)

1. How I’m prepping for the holidays
2. Halloween witch party recap
3. Reminiscing on decorating the White House
4. If you do one craft this year, let it be this!
5. A big life update

Top Pins

1. Tootsie pop cherry valentine
2. Tin embossing
3. Classic Halloween costumes
4. Make a paper holly garland
5. Halloween garland

Top boards on Pinterest

1. Products
2. The House That Lars Built
3. Christmas

Favorite creative books and magazines

We love curating a great library of inspiring books and magazines in our Lars Library. Here are some that were our staples last year.

• Interiors: Styled by Mieke den Have
• New English Interiors
• Wicked (those sets!)

Favorite crafts for kids

• Fabric covered bulletin boards
• Tin embossing
• Flower pounding

Best creative resources

• Create Academy–my favorite classes are from this platform.
• Great Artists and Drawing Flowers from our School That Lars Built
• Oh Joy! Academy

Favorite things bought on Amazon

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A post shared by Brittany Jepsen — The House That Lars Built (@houselarsbuilt)

• The best aluminum foil for tin embossing – silver & gold
• Our holiday Reynold’s Wrap collab
• Such a good red sweater
• Cyanotype kit
• Sticker book

Favorite clothes

This year I got really into sharing dress try-ons, outfits, home items, and decor on my LTK. Be sure to follow along there if you aren’t already!

• This dress from our Nikki Chasin collab
• This outfit from Shop Tea Time
• They are sold out, but I’m linking just in case they come back. These flats!!!
• Also sold out, but this pink & red dress brings me so much joy.
• The perfect floral dress

The post Lars Wrapped 2025 appeared first on The House That Lars Built.