{D.I.Y.} Nature Bookmarks

{D.I.Y.} Nature Bookmarks

This is the perfect activity in which you can collect embellishments right in your very own backyard! The fun part is using sustainable material to decorate with. Of course, not only bookmarks can be made, but cards, and any other ideas you come up with! This also makes for great and easy gifts, just as much.

_________________________________________________________

Materials Needed:

• Recycled Paper Shopping Bags / Solid Colored Cardstock
• Old Book / Newspapers / Magazines / Graphic Printed Paper
• Clear (Peel and Stick) Contact Paper
• Glue Stick
• Mod Podge / Set Adhesive
• Hole Punch
• Yarn / String / Ribbon
• Pressed Flowers, Leaves, Etc...
• Natural embellishments should be pressed in heavy books between wax paper, prior to project by at least two weeks.

How To Create:

1. Measure and cut solid colored paper to your liking. (Approximate sizing: 2.5 inch by 5 inch.) Take your graphic paper or other background and cut in length small enough to leave base paper be the frame for the bookmark. (1.5 inch by 4 inch.) Glue stick background to base, respectively.
2. Next, arrange where you wish the pressed plants will be placed.
3. To secure arrangement in place, paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the framed bookmark. Place plant where you had arranged it to be and paint another thin layer over top. Wait around 10 minutes until completely dried.
4. Cut out a piece of contact paper that is a tad larger than of the entire bookmark itself. Adhere sticky side down over the plants and paper. Smooth out trapped air with your finger, removing any bubbles.
5. Trim excess contact paper along sides being careful of edges.
6. Add thin yarn, string, or ribbon to hole punched on top bookmark. Tie a knot, otherwise, you can braid three strands of yarn or string then tie off for a fancier look. Another option is creating a tassel with string, instead.

_________________________________________________________

Source:

www.SproutingWildOnes.com

Last Minute Gift Guide

 

Last Minute Gift Guide

We are all wrapped up in this chaotic season for celebrating and sometimes we get caught up in the festivities, forgetting a thing or two. No shame! It happens to all of us. Presents can be the last thing on our minds so last minute shopping does the trick! But what if we don't know what to get? Here' s a list that might help you out when purchasing quick Christmas/Holiday gifts. Don't be shy to add your ideas in the comments. Oh, and these can be helpful for birthdays just as much!

_________________________________________________________

Fashion •Graphic Tees •Sweater •Pajamas

Accessories •Hat •Gloves/Mittens •Earmuffs •Headband •Scarf •Socks •Slippers •Sandals •Belt •Bag/Purse/Backpack/Duffle

•Wallet •Sunglasses

Jewelry •Necklace •Bracelet •Earrings •Rings •Watch

Beauty •Eye Shadow Palette •Mascara •Lipstick/Lip Gloss/Lip Balm •Blush •Makeup Brush Set •Applicators •Nail Polish •Lotion •Soap Bar/Soap Bottle •Cologne/Perfume •Hair Brush/Comb •Loofah •Shower Caddy

Stationary •Book •Bookmark •Notebook •Journal •Planner •Medium Specific Paper •Sketchbook •Coloring Book •Paint •Painting Supplies •Pens •Markers •Pencils •Colored Pencils •Crayons •Highlighters •Erasers •Scissors •Scrapbook Supplies •Stickers •Calendar •Button Pins •Magnets •Magnifying Glass

Tech

•Phone Case •Phone Charger •Laptop Carrying Case •Tablet Case •Speaker •Earbuds/Headphones

Entertainment •Movie (DVD) •TV Show Set •Streaming Subscription •Video Game •Card Game •Board Game

Sports •Water Bottle •Yoga Mat •Sport Specific Ball •Dumbbells

Interior Decorating •Plant •Flowers •Vase •Small Rug •Candle •Alarm Clock/Wall Clock •Throw Blanket •Decorative Pillow •Travel Pillow •Plush Animal •Wall Art •Picture Frame •Ornament •Decorative Tray •Collector Plates •Wall Hooks/Over the Door Hooks •Bulletin Board •Baskets •Fairy Lights •Soap Dish/Decorative Soap Dispenser

Pet •Clothing •Toys •Pet Bed •Harness •Leash •Pet Specific Treats

Kitchen

•Mug •Beverage Tumbler •Measuring Equipment •Timer •Hot Mitts •Dish Towels •Napkin Holder/Paper Towel Holder •Salt and Pepper Shakers •Mortar and Pestle •Kitchen Specific Tool (such as Cheese Grader or Pizza Cutter)

Food and Beverage •Homemade Goods •Cookies •Brownies •Pie •Chocolate •Bag of Candy •Cheese and Sausage Tin •Bag of Chips/Snacks •Sparkling Juice •Soda •Hot Chocolate Kit •Eggnog

Currency •Cash/Check •Gift Card

_________________________________________________________

Source: N/A

Ideas for Decorating with Christmas Lights

 

Ideas for Decorating with Christmas Lights

We all know about lighting up our trees and putting lights up outside of our living spaces (if we can) but today, I wanted to share some more ideas using these lights. This tip is specifically for the Christmas/holiday season but some can be carried out into every day, too! Really, it's all about being creative and having fun. Enjoy! :)

_________________________________________________________

Garland/Wreath Wrap a string of lights around a garland or even a wreath. Lights add a fun way to display the garland/wreath instead of being boring green. It's a simple fix to amply the festive season! For the garland, an idea is using as a table runner or placed over door frames, arch ways, or of course, outlining picture frames and mirrors.

Picture Frames and More Place lights around picture frames, mirrors, or other hanging decorations. Gives some flare to the masterpieces you've got.

Curtains

Create a rain drop effect with your Christmas lights! Just run them up and down along the inside of your curtains (near the windows). Then when the curtains are closed for the evening, turn them on and the spectacular glow gives off the feeling of being in a snow globe!

Ornaments/Terrariums If you're anything for crafting then this is for you! Take a clear ornament and put in a string of fairy lights! That's it. Well, unless you wish to add any other decorations inside the tiny space with the lights. And of course, you can always add some stickers or design the outside of the bauble with anything that pops into your mind! For terrariums, it's the same thing but without the plants unless you choose to add a faux tree, which is totally fine! Overall, this is an easy diy that can be used as a decoration such as centerpiece on a table or to place on shelves.

 

Selfies Okay but, you can't forget to decorate your Facebook feed or Instagram profile! Gently wrap some lights around your body. Turn them on and snap a pic! Easy but so festive. Go ahead and try this on your pet, but be gentle and be careful not to wrap so tightly. Great pictures, right?

_________________________________________________________

Source: N/A

{D.I.Y.} Shirt Collar Necklace

 

{D.I.Y.} Shirt Collar Necklace

Recently saw this idea on a Dhar Mann video from YouTube and had to share it with you all because I'm literally obsessed! It's a creative idea which finds a new use out of old collared shirts. It's simple yet stylish; a great way to reuse what we have left in our wardrobes or from thrift store finds!

_________________________________________________________

You Will Need:

• Collared Shirt

• Seam Ripper • Thread and Needle or Sewing Machine • Button (Scissors), Snaps, or Clasps • Embellishments (Examples:) Decorative Buttons, Beads, Sequins, Gems, Embroidery Patches...

Instructions:

01.) Using a seam ripper, carefully remove shirt collar from shirt.

02.) When the collar is removed there will be two sides, a raw side and clean side to the collar. With matching thread to fabric (as close as possible) hand sew or use machine to sew raw side. Fold raw edge to create a small seam allowance much like the clean side. Pin down raw side if needed when sewing.

03.) Next, sew a button, snap, or clasp to the top left corner flap of the collar. Cut a small hole for a button and sew edges or place other snap/clasp on opposite flap corner (inside facing neck) so the edges connect.

04.) Now comes the best part! Decorate as you wish using your imagination. Even leaving the collar as is can always make a statement to your outfit! Possibilities for this easy necklace idea are endless! First, iron the collar if possible so decorations adhere better. Then glue or sew embellishments to the jewelry piece.

For Visual Creation (Instructions with Pictures): {DIY} Shirt Collar Necklace

_________________________________________________________

Sources: www.DharMann.com & www.WeHeartThis.com