Easy Ways to Decorate Plain Dresser Drawer Knobs

If your bedroom furniture hardware is drab or outdated, do not replace it before considering an easy way to add color and style. The knobs can be removed and decorated in stylish new ways. With a few simple changes, they can look far more unique than anything sold in stores. Best of all, you can do it for less than something new. Use these easy ways to decorate plain dresser drawer handles. You will be amazed by what you can do with tissue paper, faux gems and more.

Use Decoupage Medium, Tissue Paper and Clear Acrylic Sealer

Almost anything can be decorated with paper and coated with decoupage medium, even wooden dresser drawer knobs. Cut or tear art-quality tissue paper into small pieces, and apply it to the handles using Mod Podge. Let it dry completely, and instead of coating the top with decoupage medium, give it two or three coats of high-gloss acrylic sealer. The pulls will look great, and the new design last for years.

Add Initials Using Stencils and Enamel Craft Paint

Monogrammed dresser drawer knobs are highly desirable, and they are also very easy to make. Buy peel-and-stick stencils in a font of your choice along with enamel craft paint. Squarely apply the stencils to dresser drawer knobs, and paint them using a fine-tipped brush. Let the paint dry completely before removing the stencils. When using peel-and-stick stencils, the edges will turn out perfect every time, and the pulls will look professionally designed.

Attach a Faux Gem to the Dresser Drawer Knobs

Dresser drawer knobs that are already decorated but in need of something more can be beautifully decorated with cut crystals or faux gems. As the photo shows, even a single gem can make an ordinary knob far more eye-catching. Use super glue to attach a single faux gem or crystal to the center of each one. If desired, surround the gem with an ultra-thin line of metallic gold or silver enamel craft paint. It will look stunning, especially in a bedroom with elegant style.

Add Colorful Polka Dots, Stripes or Flowers Using Enamel

It is very easy to make colorful polka dotted or stripped dresser knobs using enamel craft paint and narrow trim tape. The tape is designed for adorning decorative items, but it also makes a fantastic cover-up tape for painting narrow stripes. Evenly apply the tape before filling in the stripes with enamel craft paint.

If dots are more your style, use a pencil eraser dipped in enamel craft paint. The same dots can be turned into flowers very easily by surrounding them with dots. The centers can be decorated with yellow or orange faux gems. Either way, the finished knobs will look more unique than anything from a store, and they can be decorated to match any bedroom color or decor.

Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience

How to Make a Fragrant Wreath With Star Anise Pods: Easy DIY Wall and Door Decor

Most wreaths are made with flowers or pine cones, and although they can be very pretty, they are not usually very unique. They are also quite costly when assembled by an artist. If you want an exceptionally stylish work of natural art for a wall or a door, make a wreath that includes star anise pods. It is a fragrant spice that looks as great as it smells. Despite the name, it is shaped like a flower. Use these easy instructions to make one for your home. It will look and smell amazing.

Necessary Supplies

Before getting started you will need a 12" foam wreath, brown duct tape, a hot glue gun, dozens of medium-size woody pine cones, a dozen star anise pods and six fresh cinnamon sticks. You will also need faux pine sprigs, sharp scissors and a wire for hanging the wreath. Star anise can be found online and in stores that sell a wide variety of spices. Everything else can be purchased online or in a local craft store.

Procedure

Begin by plugging in the glue gun. While it is preheating, attach a wire hanger to the wreath. Wrap it through the center, and twist the two ends to create a small loop in back. Completely wrap the foam with brown duct tape, and be sure to cover all of the wire except for the loop.

Next, cover the front and sides of the foam with pine cones. Attach them closely together in various directions, and glue pine springs in between. Any remaining openings will be camouflaged by the brown duct tape. They will also be covered by cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Attach the cinnamon sticks next. Evenly space them around the front of the wreath in a variety of directions. Use creativity when placing each piece. Try to cover any remaining openings.

Attach the star anise pods last. Glue them on top of the pine cones with the openings facing outward. Complete the wreath by evenly spacing the pods. Additional embellishments are optional.

A Colorful Addition

If you want a more colorful wreath, consider painting the star anise pods to look like wildflowers. Apply a thin coating of acrylic craft paint in one or more colors. Add details as desired. For something more glitzy, glue a round yellow faux gem to the center of each pod. With or without faux gems or painted pods, your finished wreath will look fantastic on a wall or a door.

Ideas for Decorating With Wall Plates in an Eat-In Kitchen

Plates are good for more than just holding and serving food. The most gorgeous varieties are designed with decorating in mind, and many have never held a crumb. Dish displays these days go beyond notched wall shelves, hutches and wire plate stands. They are creatively placed arrangements that encompass all sorts of vertical spaces, and they look nothing short of spectacular. Consider the following creative and stylish ways to design a plate wall in an eat-in kitchen. You can transform a bare space into a showplace for your favorite collectibles and more.

Sweep a Bare Wall with a Collection of Plates

If you have a collection of at least eight plates that have something in common, consider displaying them on a wall in your eat-in kitchen. Securely mount them around the doorway or window, or sweep a bare space with a wave of eye-catching dishware. Create gentle curves that rise and fall along the wall. The arrangement will look like a free-form work of designer art.

Add Visually Interesting Tiles in the Same Color Scheme and Theme

When creating a plate wall in an eat-in kitchen, you can add more than just plates. Glazed clay tiles can be incorporated into the display. The sharp corners will break up the visual monotony of the rounded edges. Keep in mind that tiles of the same subject or theme are not required. Color alone gives them something in common.

Add a Back Splash of Gorgeous Plates

Back splashes are usually comprised of glass, metal, glazed clay or composite tiles. Consider lining your backsplash with plates. Create an eye-catching plate wall over the kitchen sink. If the area includes a view of the outdoors, take it around the top of the window. Grouted or fitted tiles are not required to create a stunning eat-in kitchen backsplash.

Create a Layered Display

Another creative way to create a gorgeous plate wall in an eat-in kitchen includes careful layering. Start with a single stratum of less than exemplary plates. They are still worth displaying, especially when they will serve as a backdrop for prime pieces. If vibrations are a concern, use museum putty to cushion fragile dishes. It will keep them firmly in place while they beautifully grace your eat-in kitchen wall.

Source: Advance Crafting Education and Professional Home Decorating Experience

Unique and Creative Ways to Use Cricut Decals in a Kitchen

A Cricut brand personal cutting machine is an advanced electronic tool for crafting enthusiasts. Those with a flair for creating paper or vinyl works of art can easily make all sorts of unique items to keep, sell or give as gifts to family and friends. The device is revolutionary. It saves a considerable amount of time and money, especially when making decals that would cost more than ten times the price in stores. Best of all, just about any design imaginable can be crafted within minutes, and without a single flaw.

Before deciding that you cannot use peel-and-stick appliques, they are good for more than just decorating walls. Consider these unique and creative ways to use Cricut decals in the kitchen, and give your small appliances, cabinets and other home accessories a unique new look for less. You will likely come up with many more crafting and decorating options.

Hang Real Cup Hooks and Cups from Shelf Decals

When looking for creative ways to use Cricut decals in your kitchen, consider making peel-and-stick appliques that look like country cottage shelves. To add realism and dimension to the display, top the edges of the adhesive shelves with evenly spaced cup hooks. Hang your favorite cups or mugs from the hooks for a unique and visually appealing work of art.

Buy Chalkboard Vinyl for the Cricut Machine

Sheets of chalkboard vinyl are available for making peel-and-stick decals. They are ideal for decorating a kitchen since they can be used for posting chalk-written notes. Many design options are available. Apply the finished applique to the side of an upper cabinet, and hang a small wooden plate shelf just below it. Use the shelf to hold a felt eraser and a stick of chalk.

Decorative a Stand Mixer with Vibrant Flowers or Baking-Related Text

As a Cricut owner, you can make perfect flower silhouettes in a rainbow of colors. Words in a variety of fonts are also easy to make. They can be used for more than just decorating a wall. If you have a stand mixer, dress it up with decals in a style of your choice. Consider covering it with gorgeous blooms that coordinate with the color of the appliance, or decorate it with baking-related text of your choice. It will look like an exclusive item, but it will not be available in any store.

Sources: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience

Creative Ways to Repurpose a Two-Drawer Nightstand

A two-drawer nightstand that is no longer wanted is still worth saving and reusing. Just because it is not needed in the bedroom does not mean that it cannot be used somewhere else. It will have to be reworked to be reused in a completely different way, but the outcome is well worth the effort. In many cases, all that it takes is the removal of a drawer. When household items are repurposed, money is saved, and the results are completely unique.

Create a Comfy Covered Bed for a Small Dog or a Cat

Dog and cat beds come in all shapes and sizes, but most have one thing in common: They are not cheap, at least not in the monetary sense of the word. Instead of buying an overpriced piece of furniture for your small dog or cat, repurpose a two-drawer nightstand in a very unique new way. Remove the bottom drawer, and tuck a thick and comfy pillow or cushion into the opening. Use the top drawer to hold a few pet supplies, and give Fluffy or Fido a comfortable new place to sleep.

Make a Mini Craft Station

Crafts can take up a considerable amount of space, and any amount of extra room for storage is beneficial. Remove the drawers from your two-drawer nightstand, and fill the openings with partitioned baskets. Baskets are ideal for holding yarn, sewing supplies, markers, glue and all sorts of things for crafting. To create something even more useful, attach a permanent piece of painted wood to the top of the nightstand using L-brackets. A furnishing that was once a bedside table can become a mini craft station.

Use the Nightstand as a Side Table

A nightstand is really just a side table in disguise. Repurpose it in the living room or family room after making a few easy updates. Remove the second drawer, and prime and paint the entire piece in a color that will coordinate with living room furnishings and decor. Line the interior where the drawer once was and the area just below it with peel-and-stick paper. Replace the second drawer with a woven basket. Top the repurposed furnishing with a table lamp and it will look like it was always a unique and stylish side table.

Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Professional Home Decorating Experience

Unique Items to Add to DIY Mosaic Glass Tile Designs

Tiles can be used to create all sorts of colorful mosaic designs around a fireplace, a kitchen backsplash, a shower wall and other appropriate locations. They do not have to be made entirely out of whole or broken glass squares. Some of the most gorgeous designs include all sorts of other things, and some could be regarded as highly unique. Consider these unusual additions that can become part of your DIY tile designs, and turn an ordinary project into a stunning work of grouted art.

Add a Few Skeleton Keys

Skeleton keys are good for more than just opening vintage locks. Those that are no longer used can become part of a mosaic tile design that is sure to impress. Incorporate a few old skeleton keys into the tile arrangement. They will add a touch of mystery and old-time charm to your DIY display. For something really unusual, add a few glass doorknobs. In the right setting they can be used instead of hooks.

Include an Array of Indian Arrowheads

Indian arrowheads are highly desired by those who collect Native American artifacts, and they can be successfully used when creating unique DIY mosaic tile designs. Consider creating colorful glass mosaic symbols, and use an array of arrowheads to add historic beauty and significance to the display. Look up Native American symbols before getting started, and substitute arrowheads for lines in the DIY designs. When carefully placed, they will look amazing.

Consider Using Limestone Fossils

The average DIY home decorator does not usually think of fossils of any type when trying to come up with mosaic tile designs, but they are a unique option that can be grouted along with whole or broken glass tiles. Look for visually interesting fossils in marble-sized pieces of crushed limestone. They can be found in alleys, driveways and on all sorts of rock paths. If milky gray stones are not eye-catching enough, paint them with acrylic craft paint. Coat the painted rocks with clear acrylic sealer before adding them to grouted tile designs. They will become conversation pieces, especially if your tile designs are unique and artfully crafted.

Grout Random Metal Treasures

If you have a jewelry box drawer full of broken lockets, old watch gears, interesting coins and other metal treasures, put them to good use. Miscellaneous metal items are great additions to grouted glass tile creations. They add visual interest and decorative appeal to all sorts of tiled surfaces. Best of all, they lend a unique and personal touch to otherwise ordinary DIY designs. They can make your creations look phenomenal.

Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience

How to Make Mosaics With Pebbles and Concrete Pavers

Not all outdoor craft projects are expensive. Those made with natural supplies are some of the cheapest of all, but they are also some of the most impressive. Pebble mosaics are especially striking, and you do not have to be an artist or a craftsman to create something amazing. Smooth stones can be found in a wide variety of gorgeous hues, and they can be used to make phenomenal designs. Look for perfect specimens at landscaping stores, or comb the shore of a local lake. You will be surprised by what you can create to enhance a patio, a sidewalk or a simple garden path.

Necessary Supplies

To make pebble mosaic concrete pavers you will need a tub of ready-mixed cement. You can mix it yourself, but the premixed variety is easier to use and not nearly as messy. If the lid is firmly in place, it will last for months on end. You will also need smooth pebbles in natural colors of your choice, plain concrete pavers, a simple wooden frame made with two-by-fours, a small trowel, a large bucket of water and a heavy-duty sponge.

Procedure

Begin with a pattern in mind. Use the photos as a guide, or come up with your own designs. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, surround the first concrete paver with a basic wooden frame. It will keep everything in place as the cement dries.

Next, apply a thick layer of wet cement. It does not have to be perfect, but it should be as even as possible. Working from the center outward, form designs with choice pebbles. Choose the stones according to size, shape and hue to create a gorgeous mosaic.

After all of the stones have been placed, carefully top the design with thin layer of cement. The tops of the stones should be visible. Gently remove the excess material with a trowel, and use a damp sponge to wipe the rest away. Go over the pebbles as often as necessary to reveal your beautiful designs. 

Give the Pebbles a Wet Look

Wet stones are naturally more vibrant than dry ones. The details are clearer, and the colors are brighter. To give your mosaic pavers a wet look, coat the pebbles with a generous layer of clear acrylic sealer after the cement cures. After the sealer dries, the finished pavers can be placed in a yard, garden or flowerbed and used as intended.

Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience

Three Things You Can Make with Aluminum Pipe

Making things for friends is a lot of fun, especially when those items are functional, inexpensive and durable. Some of the things on my list to build are projects that can be used all year long. The materials are available at most DIY stores, some can be obtained from friends, at flea markets or at building material supply centers.

Using aluminum pipe is easy; it's a lot like building with grown-up erector set pieces. You can use lightweight aluminum conduit for some projects; it is both lightweight and inexpensive. For projects that require extra strength and durability, use schedule 40 aluminum pipe. It is a little heavier and a little more expensive, but will stand up to weather and weight loads better. Both pipes are sold in 10-foot lengths.

Here are three things you can build with aluminum pipe. Each project may require additional materials; these will be listed under the item's heading.

You will need the following items:

• · Sandpaper to remove metal burrs
• · Hacksaw
• · Colored electrical tape (optional)
• · Metal primer and paint (optional)
• · Aluminum connectors- either the screw-type or cold solder (sp) type. The screw-type has two small screws that when tightened, holds the pipe in place securely.
• · Alternative connectors include those for PVC pipe and all-purpose cement or hose connectors such as those made for repairing black plastic water lines.

Garden Trellis

The easiest garden trellis is to use two lengths of pipe; there will be a five-foot section left over. You will also need garden netting, string, scissors, two two-foot lengths of ½" rebar, a hammer and two 90° connectors. Square or rounded connectors are a matter of taste.

Cut both pipes in half. Attach connectors at each end of one pipe, and connect a pipe to each end. It will look like a large "U" shape. Measure the distance between the pipes and drive the rebar one-foot into the ground. Mount the frame onto each rebar stake. Beginning at the top, attach the netting to the frame and stretch it out on each side. Tie the netting to the side bars every four to six inches down each side and trim off the bottom with the scissors. This trellis is strong enough to hold various types of flowers, fruits and vegetables that grow on vines, including watermelons. It will not blow over in most winds.

Alternatively, attach wooden or PVC lattice to the frame to create a mobile trellis panel that you can move anywhere in the garden. Use these panels to create focal points around benches, enclose patios, garden ponds or shade for windows.

Awnings

Awnings can be used to shade doors, patio areas, windows and create visual interest on homes or RV's. Measure the window or door and if desired, including the trim. Cut a length of pipe to fit and attach two corner connectors. Decide how long your awning will be and cut enough pipe to fit inside the connectors and add two inches. Use a hammer to flatten two inches of length at the end of each pipe and bend it to the outside. Use a drill fitted with a metal and drill a hole one inch from the flattened ends on each pipe. Bolt the frame to the house through the holes. There are two ways to support the awning:

• · Rope, cable or chain can be attached to the front or side bars to hold the awning in place.
• · A support bar with one end flattened at an angle and drilled mounting hole (or a flagpole mount can be used), and the other end attached to the top bar with a 45° angle piece inserted in the side bar. A sliding PVC T-connector can also be used.

Cover the awning with outdoor fabric and embellish with desired trims or decorations. Remember to take the awning down when storms, high winds or snow is predicted to prevent damage.

Portable Screen Room/Tent/Utility Area

It's always fun to have a versatile utility room to use outside, but many PVC models do not hold up well to being assembled and disassembled. Models made with metal are often expensive, odd sizes or very heavy. Accessories such as walls or screens are especially expensive.

Begin by drawing out a plan. This will allow you to customize the size of your structure. To strengthen my structures, I use one vertical pipe for every four feet of distance. For example, for an eight-foot wide wall, I'll have a pole at each end and one in the middle, connected with a four-way connector. Some of my rooms have framed doors and at other times, a screen or fabric wall with a zipper door works well.

I being by cutting the verticals four feet long each, so there's two pieces to each vertical. I cut four-foot long horizontal pieces that will brace the walls and make the structure stronger. You can brace one, two or three walls, depending on your needs.

At the top of the poles, the middle poles are topped with T-connectors and the corners with three-way connectors. Horizontal poles, cut four feet long, are inserted to create the wall's top.

For my roof, I like to use PVC pipe. I attach the top poles with slip T-connectors. These do not glue in place, they simply slip over the horizontal poles. PVC four-way connectors at the top allow a PVC or aluminum ridge pole to be inserted.

I know it sounds like a lot, but it is easier to build than to describe. I built mine based on pictures of greenhouses built using PVC pipes and connectors.

Measure and sew a roof and walls that attach to the frame with ties, buttons, zippers or other attachments. If you have a friend that sews, you can build a structure for the friend in exchange for sewing. Outdoor fabric with UV protectants and waterproofing is the best to use. Create walls with solar screening, outdoor fabric or other materials.

The sides can be anchored with tent stakes and ties or add horizontal bars to the bottom and place sandbags or anchors. I have tied PVC-covered trellises to the sides for weddings, surrounded by white gauze and silk fabrics. It was beautiful.

These items can be made as gifts or to make your home and landscape as versatile as possible.

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse subjects and skills such as DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV'ing and a consummate movie fan.

Unique and Creative Ways to Use and Display Bell Jars

Bell jars are domed glass covers that are used to keep dust off of food, collectibles, trinkets and plants. However, they are more than just dust covers. The gentle curves of the glass are designed to beautifully highlight the items they protect. Many people are unaware that they can be used outdoors as well as inside, but they work just as well outside. Consider these unique and creative ways to use them, and turn ordinary displays into something far more impressive.

Double the Jars for a Gorgeous Display

Bell jars do not have to be individually displayed. Some of the most gorgeous displays are doubled or even tripled. Place items of your choice under the smallest jar, and top it with a larger one. For example, if you want to display beautiful seashells, place them on a platform beneath the smaller dome. Before topping it with the largest one, surround the dome on the inside with dried seaweed. The arrangement will look outstanding.

Fill It with Timeworn Treasures

When looking for unique and creative ways to use bell jars, consider creating memories. With help from an extra pair of hands, turn it upside down and carefully fill it with small treasures of your choice. They might be toy cars, little dolls or something else with meaning. Top the overturned jar with a piece of finished wood before carefully placing it upright. The contents can be beautifully preserved and displayed for years to come.

Display a Stack of Teacups

If you want to display something lovely and unexpected, consider exhibiting a stack of delicate teacups beneath a dome of glass. To prevent them from taking a tumble, use museum putty to hold each one firmly in place. Poster putty will also work. They might look precariously stacked, but they will not fall and break. Best of all, you will free up storage space in a kitchen cabinet.

Make a Unique Mini Bell Jar

Bell jars can be used to protect young plants and seedlings from frost. If you have a broken wine glass or goblet, turn the cup into a unique mini bell jar. If the stem is still long, break it off further by wrapping it in thick cloth and tapping it against something hard. Apply E6000 adhesive, and wrap the glass stub with jute twine. Finish by creating a small jute twine loop before gluing the end in place. Alternately it can be topped with a glass marble or pebble. Bell jars do not have to come from a store. DIY varieties are often the most gorgeous of all.

Source: Professional Home Decorating Experience

How to Make Unique Paper Doily Coasters

Supplies: 

Paper doilies 

Rubber stamps or pictures cut from magazines (and white glue) 

Permanent markers (optional)

Doilies used to be about a dime dozen; that is, they were affordable and easy to come by. Nowadays, though, some people have discovered the many things that can be made from doilies, and are selling them for more than what they're worth. But there's one type of doily that is really cheap and it's a paper doily. What can you do with that? Make a coaster - well, a set of them. Paper doilies make wonderful coasters and they can have your choice of themes.

Most paper doilies are made to look like lace and often come only in the color of white. A dollar-theme store is probably the cheapest place to purchase a pack of them. Packs sometimes contain 10, 25, or 50 doilies. The perfect doily for making a coaster is one that has an unbroken circle in the middle. The paper circle is the area where you will create the theme that you desire. The complete doily should be about five inches in diameter.

One way to make an image in the center of the doily is to use a rubber stamp. Another is to cut a picture out of a magazine, a calendar, a poster, or a similar source. Cut the picture to be a tad smaller than the actual circle in the middle of the doily. Use white glue to affix it.

You can protect the coaster by using clear tape - like packaging tape - over the top of the image. Or, laminate the whole thing. The coasters are inexpensive and easy to create so it's not a big deal if you dispose of them after use. But if you laminate them, you can use them for a lot longer before having to throw them away and make more.

You can further create the theme of the doily coaster by using a gold or other marker around the edges. Gold helps to create an elegant look where red, blue, or yellow, might help to create colorful coasters for a child's room. Use the markers, or don't, depending on the look that you want for the coasters.

Make coasters with images of cars, cartoon characters, lighthouses, shells, horoscope signs, monograms, or your own designs. So, you've grown fond of doing doily crafts and now the doilies are outrageous in price? Continue looking for them at thrift stores and secondhand shops. But for now, get some paper doilies. They're actually quite beautiful and make useful coasters for any room in the house.

Personalize Your Clothing Lace Inserts

Supplies: 

Sharp knife 

Scissors 

Cardboard 

Garment 

Lace 

Sewing machine or needle and thread

Some of your favorite clothes - or some of your least favorite outfits - can be changed to please you when you cut them up. You won't cut the clothing so that they're ruined; that would be ridiculous. Instead, cut out certain sections of clothing and replace them with lace. You can make an old outfit look new or make a plain item of clothing look much more elegant.

Clothing cutouts can be done on tees and other shirts, jeans, dresses, and more. What's required is that you choose a place on the outfit, cut it out, and sew lace in to replace that cloth. A piece of cardboard can protect the table as you do the cutting. Lay the garment out flat, slide the cardboard between the layers, and cut the desired area with an Exacto knife, or a sharp craft knife.

Clearly, you can't just make a cut anywhere on the outfit. Some good places to cut a tee or other shirt can include a slash from the front of one shoulder, across the chest, and over to the opposite side - just above the breast. Another place that a cutout can be done on a shirt is across the back. On jeans, a cutout can be done on the front of one of the legs.

Cut the area that you want and then trim a bit off of each cut edge. The trimming will open a wider hole so that more of the lace replacement will be seen. Cut a piece of lace to be slightly longer and wider than the actual cutout. Pin the lace to the back of the garment area and then sew around it. Use a straight stitch and stay near the edge; sew around the cutout and then cut away any excess lace.

The cutouts that you do on the chosen clothes can be random or more defined. You can make a slit across a tee shirt or create a heart on the back of a dress. Make random cuts on a pair of jeans or a design of your own on any chosen article of clothing. The lace insert can be sewn by machine or by hand.

It's fun to take clothes that everyone has already seen and change them to look new again. You can do that when you create cutouts and lace inserts that give the garments - and yourself - a whole new outlook.

How to Make an Easy No-Sew Felt Flower Brooch

Felt might seem like crafting material for children, but it can be absolutely beautiful when artfully cut and skillfully arranged. It can be used to make gorgeous items including no-sew jewelry. It is easy to make a gorgeous flower brooch that has layers of perfectly formed petals. The results can be stunning. The beauty of the finished piece will rival that of a real bloom. Use these easy instructions, and make beautiful fabric pins for yourself, to give as gifts or to sell for a profit.

Necessary Supplies

To make an easy no-sew flower brooch you will need 3 squares of heavy felt in three coordinating colors. Consider using three shades of the same hue. You will also need a sharp pair of scissors, a fabric pencil, 16 spring-style clothespins, clear-drying fabric glue, E6000 adhesive, a pin backing and a flat yellow or orange button of the appropriate size.

Procedure

Begin by cutting out the first felt petal. The size will depends upon the desired dimension of the finished brooch. Create one perfect petal, and use it as a stencil for the rest of the petals to give the finished flower a uniform appearance. You will need to cut out six of each color. Be sure to trim them on or just past the stencil lines to keep the marks from showing.

Next, apply a dot of glue to the base of each petal, and clip both corners toward the center. Gluing and clipping them will create gentle curves and add realism to the blooms. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on.

To assemble the felt flowers, glue the first layer of eight petals together in a circular configuration. Attach them as evenly as possible to create a flawless circle. Create a second circle with the remaining petals. Glue the two layers together. The petals in the second layer should show in between the first ones. To insure a good bond, use a few clothespins to hold them in place as the glue dries.

After the fabric glue has completely dried, use E6000 adhesive to attach the metal pin to the back of the flower and the flat yellow or orange button to the center of the front. The button should be large enough to cover the glued areas. The sunny center will complete the felt flower brooch. If desired, use a fine-tip permanent black marker to add your initials to the edge of the button. The finished piece will look like a designer work of wearable art.

Source: Advanced Crafting Experience

Ideas for Home Decorators: Border Art for Walls and Floors

Home decorators were one of the first target audiences I ever wrote for. Back when I was writing copy for an interior decorating entrepreneur way ahead of the coming curve of Martha Stewart and HGTV, I learned quite a bit about decorating. One job that seemed to keep coming up over and over again was instructing home decorators in the ease of taming interior design problems with a solution consisting of borders applied to walls and floors.

Wall decor ideas and floor decorating don't get much more stylish on a lower budget than what can be accomplished with borders. And what many home decorators out there may not realize is the wealth of options out there for giving their interior design a little boost with attractive borders on their walls,floors or both.

Wallpaper Borders

Wallpaper borders are essentially just strips of pre-pasted paper that can be applied to the wall in any fashion you see fit, although home decorators will typically apply borders near the intersection of wall and ceiling. Wallpaper borders are popular with those looking for interior design ideas because they are cheaper and less time-consuming than decorating with full-size wallpaper. The exceptionally smaller and easier to handle wallpaper borders can make just as dramatic an impact as the full-sized option. This already low-budget decorating idea becomes even more affordable by shopping at discount wallpaper stores. And perhaps the best thing is that the very same interior design options available for plastering entire walls is also available when just using wallpaper borders. From traditional country wallpaper designs to leathery black wallpaper border to everything in-between, home decorators can find a style somewhere that is perfectly suited to match their grandest plans for interior design.

Vinyl Wall Borders

Vinyl wall borders are a terrific option for home decorators faced with the prospect of their greatest interior design ideas exploding in the reality bomb that is the dirty fingers of small children. Vinyl wall borders combine the advantages of durability and easy cleaning. For this reason, interior decorating ideas utilizing wall borders should naturally veer toward vinyl in the bedroom of kids. And even home decorators who have no kids should consider using vinyl wall borders to decorate kitchens where the grime of cooking is easily wiped away. The peel-and-stick quality of vinyl wall borders also makes for a very quick way of transforming the interior design of any room. The one drawback is that you may need to enhance the adhesive with a special glue if you are placing vinyl borders over existing wallpaper.

Stenciled Borders

Get yourself a stencil at the paint, hardware or decorating store and use paint to create a hand-drawn border when you can't find wallpaper borders to fulfill your interior design desires. The great thing about stenciled borders is that they also beat out the potential held by wallpaper borders by virtue of working just as well for floor art, If you cannot find a pre-made stencil design that matches reality to your dreams about all those interior decorating ideas bouncing around inside your head, then you always have the option of creating your own stenciled border design from scratch. Find an image you want to create as stencil border, print it out and then cut out the design for use on your walls or floors. Home decorators tend to know which home decor stores offer stenciling kits that can assist in creating customized stenciled wall and floor borders. If you aren't sure, just hit every craft store in town.

Stamped Borders

Stamped borders for walls and floors are similar to stenciled borders except that you use a rubber stamp to apply the design rather than painting through a stencil. Stamped wall and floor borders are available at art supply and craft stores, but committed home decorators can also make their own by transferring any design onto a large rubber eraser.

Seven Steps to the Perfect Wood Finish

Wood is a wonderful material to work with and it can be manipulated to create all sorts items ranging from small décor materials to huge pieces of furniture to an entire house. But without a good protective finish, no matter how big or small your woodworking project is, it's not going to last long unprotected. Follow these seven steps and you'll be sure to get the perfect woodworking finish every time-all the time.

Prep

Before you begin to sand the project, you're going to want to inspect the piece for any glue or other adhesive materials that can affect the final finish. Glue and other adhesives will show up as a blemish even if it's been stained over. Rub mineral spirits over any bare wood surfaces prior to sanding to spot any glue. Of course, if you haven't used any glue, then you can skip this step.

First Sanding

Whether you use a powerful belt sander or you roll up your sleeves and use a little bit of your own elbow grease, sanding is an important step in the process. Sand in three progressive steps: heavy grit, medium grit and light grit stages. Sand diagonally against the grain with the first two heavy and medium grit sandpapers, then follow up with the finish sanding using the fine grit and sanding with the wood grain.

Wood Putty

Apply any wood putty to patch any holes, dings, dents or scrapes that should now be visible after the first sanding. For larger holes, dents, dings and scrapes, fill in the hole partially before the first sanding and then fill it in again before the next step: hand sanding.

Hand Sanding

The next step takes a little elbow grease but it is well worth the effort and it really pays off in the final finish. Hand sand the wood with aluminum oxide sandpaper of 220-180 grit. I prefer to wrap the paper around a sanding sponge and gently sand the wood to a smooth finish. Vacuum or dust the wood once sanding is complete. Use a sponge filled with clean water and wipe the wood so that it gets very wet. Dry it off and let it dry overnight. Sand one more time very lightly with 400 grit sandpaper to remove what is called the "fur".

Staining

Coloring the wood with stain is a great method for not only making the wood look its best, but also to help protect and condition the wood. Staining is a simple process: flood the stain onto the wood and wipe it away with a dry cloth while it's still wet. The longer the stain sits, the darker the color will be. If you're going for a smooth as glass finish, you may want to use pore filler for an even and smooth finish.

Sealers

In some cases, a special wood sealer is used to protect the wood from excessive moisture before the first coat of finish-like a bar countertop. In most cases, you'll just need to apply a good coat of finish to the wood and allow it to dry.

Top Coats

Apply as many top coats of finish as desired to achieve the perfect smooth finish. You should allow the top coats to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat. Buff the final coat with a buffing towel or wool cloth to get a mirror like finish on any woodworking project every time.

How to Create a High Impact Powder Bath

You may call them powder baths, powder rooms, guest bathrooms, half baths, etc. but they are all the same--the tiny closet where our guests go to use the restroom. A powder bath can be tricky to decorate; they are small and most of the space is taken up by the toilet and sink. The two keys to creating style and grace in the otherwise utilitarian space of a guest bathroom are High Impact Colorand High End Accessories.

High Impact Color

Just because the space is small, don't shy away from high impact colors. A half bath is the perfect place to be more daring in your décor. Pick a bold color scheme that coordinates with the rest of your décor but that is much bolder. Maybe pick a bold color that you use as an accent in your living room and make it the star of your powder room. Some great, bold color combinations are red/black high gloss trim, chocolate brown/cream trim, royal blue/bright white, or metallic grey/black. Check out House Beautiful's recommendations for color combinations for more ideas. 

The small space of a guest bathroom is the perfect space to try out fun techniques on your walls. Faux finishes will add texture and color (see the DIY network for some great faux painting techniques).Wall murals and wall decals are another way to create dramatic special effects on your walls.

High End Accessories

This is one room where it is best to splurge a little (or at least seek out the best deals on the highest quality products you can find). Your guests are going to have time to stare at your things. A cheap, discount knock-off might not be as noticeable in other parts of the house but under intense scrutiny will be more apparent in the small space. The powder bath is small and won't require many accessories, so make sure that the accessories you do select are top of the line. High quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive; there are plenty of resources for high end products at good prices. A few good places to find high quality accessories for good prices are HomeGoods, Stien Mart, and Nordstrom Last Chance.

And don't forget to check out handmade finds. Search for unique statement pieces from local artisans to showcase in your guest bath. Local art and craft sales and Etsy are perfect sources for one of a kind accessories.

Decorating the Kitchen to Beat the Winter Blahs

When winter seems to drag on and on, and when glimpses of sunshine are rare, many people begin to feel the negative effects of the season. Even those who get out on a daily basis can begin suffering with bouts of seasonal depression. It is possible to beat the winter blahs without traveling to a warm and sunny location. It can be accomplished through creative decorating techniques in the heart of the home. Consider these stylish kitchen additions that lend a touch of spring and summertime flair, and give yourself something to do while awaiting the onset of spring.

Add Splashes of Leaf Green

Yellow is generally the first color that comes to mind when contemplating cheerful ways to decorate a kitchen. It is a warm and inviting hue, but green is also a great choice, especially when trying to beat the winter blahs. Green is the color of grass and emerging spring leaves, and it is the color of flower stems and foliage. When paired with a warmer hue, it is exceptionally welcoming and cheery. Add splashes of leaf green to your kitchen decor. Canisters, a vase or even a bowl of fresh Granny Smith apples will make a tremendous difference.

Employ Sunny Glazed Pitchers as Vases

Vases are designed solely for holding flowers, but just about any vessel that holds water will work as a vase. Beat the winter blahs by employing sunny glazed pitchers as vases. Select three pitchers of the same style but graduating sizes. Fill each one with water and vibrant flower cuttings from a local florist or discount store. Choose fragrant varieties to appeal to your sense of smell as well as your sense of sight. It is amazing how bouquets of fresh fragrant flowers can almost immediately chase away wintertime doldrums.

Nurture an Array of Bulb Flowers

Even if your kitchen windowsill is not very sunny right now, you can banish the winter blahs with an array of blub flowers. Grocery stores often stock planters of bulb flowers during the long winter months. Buy two or three pots of forced hyacinths, daffodils or amaryllis plants. Having something to nurture when spring seems to be light years away will make a tremendous difference in the way that you feel.

Source: Professional Home Decorating Experience

Make Your Own Homemade Wood Putty

Wood putty in general is not an expensive item, so why the heck would you be willing to make your own when you can easily buy cheap wood putty from any hardware store in town? Because those wood putties are dyed a particular color to make the match. They will never really match the true color of your wood since every piece of wood is inherently different in color, texture and shade. To get a perfect matching color for your wood putty, you actually need the wood dust from the wood piece you plan on using the wood putty for.

What you Need

The easiest way to get the wood that you need to make the wood putty is by attaching a sawdust catchall bag onto your sander, saw or other power tool you're working with. Wood chips and saw dust flakes won't do the trick; you need as fine a wood dust as you can get. I like to save all of my dust from sanding just for this purpose.

Besides a good handful or two of some fine dust from your sander or saw dust bag, you'll also need a good product to bond the materials together with. And that calls for the best wood fastener available-good old fashioned white Elmer's glue or equivalent clear drying wood glue.

Last but not least, you'll need to mix all of these materials safely. I like to use an old piece of wood or cardboard. Basically you can use whatever materials you like, but just keep in mind that it's going to get ruined in the process and should be something you don't mind throwing away.

How to Make Homemade Wood Putty

Creating your own wood putty is easy enough, but the materials will dry quickly and must be used right away. It's also important to mix a little more than you'll need. This way, you won't run out in the middle of filing holes and have to make a new batch that could be a slightly different shade than the last.

Take a small handful of fine sawdust and remove any large pieces of debris or shavings. Pile the mixture onto your cardboard (or other throw away material) and make a small indent in the middle of the pile.

Add a small splotch of wood glue into the indent and mix the materials tighter using your fingers. Add small amounts of glue to the pile of sawdust and mix them together until you achieve a putty like consistency. In other words, you should be able to roll the glue and sawdust together into small balls that you can roll between your fingers without it sticking too much.

Fill the hole with the putty until the putty fills the hole and then some. Allow the putty to dry for a minimum of four hours before sanding, but I like to let it dry overnight. Use a light grit sandpaper to remove the excess putty.

While this wood putty will work well in most situations, it's not really strong enough for larger gaps and cracks. Fill these larger voids first with manufactured wood putty, and then follow up with another layer of your homemade putty to make the perfectly blended wood filler.

Autumn Decorating Ideas Using Fall Leaves

Each Autumn I enjoy pulling out my stored away plastic tubs full of decorations and creating a whole new look. I love the burnished splendor of the season and it is my favorite time to decorate and bring the warm colors of the outdoors into my home.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to do that, is to decorate your table. Gather colorful leaves you like from the trees or yard outside. Pile the leaves in the center of the table and set a pumpkin, candle or other centerpiece in the midst of the pile. Some people also enjoy using just a few, just laying them sparingly around the table. Either dry or pliable leaves will work depending on the look you are going for.

For something more lasting, consider using clear glass jars or old drinking glasses. Gather a blend of your favorite fall colored leaves; press and dry them overnight. Make sure your glassware is clean and dry before you begin and then coat the outside of the glass with Mod Podge. Place leaves around the outside in any pattern you desire, pressing to get rid of air bubbles and then re-coat with another one or two layers of Mod Podge. If desired, you can also spray on an acrylic sealant for good measure. Use your finished creations for candle holders, vases, or as decorative window pieces.

I have always enjoyed using fall leaves and one way to make them last is to frame them, so I can enjoy them over an extended period of time. It is a project the whole family can get involved in.

After gathering the leaves you intend to use, press and dry them for a few days. Using a press works best, but you can also put them between wax paper and then under a heavy book. Note: Make sure the leaves are thoroughly dried before use to avoid mold or moisture issues. Once dry, find a picture frame you like and cut a piece of heavy paper or cardboard to fit. This will work as your backing.

Arrange each leaf on the page as you would like it to look, leaves can overlap or be separated, it's up to you. One option is to find a stem full of leaves you like and use the whole thing on your page. Once you have a pattern you like, carefully pick up each leaf and brush on a light layer of white or craft glue, then replace on the page. Once all the glue has had time to dry, place in the frame and display.

Bringing the warmth of fall hues into any room adds a colorful décor that can be enjoyed by all.