SPRING Blocks

Spring will be here before we know it!

 Here is an old guest post tutorial I did last year that I never shared here at At Home With K.

Today I'll be showing you how to make these fun spring blocks.

Supplies you will need:

scrap wood

scrapbook paper

Pencil

Scissors

Mod Podge

Old Brush or Foam Brush

Sandpaper

Paint

Stencils

Stencil Brush

Old English Scratch Remover-optional

First, you will need 6 small pieces of wood. They can be random sizes so don't worry about measuring. I used all leftover pieces of scrap wood I had.

Then get out your scrapbook paper. I used 3 different designs for my block set. You can use only one design or multiple designs. Whatever you like. Take a pencil and trace the sprapbook paper around the wood. It doesn't have to be perfect. Remember, no measuring. :) Then cut the paper where you traced.

Now we're ready to glue our paper down to the wood pieces. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on the wood then apply the paper. Smooth down the paper to get all the air bubbles out.

**If you don't have Mod Podge on hand then I like to mix 50/50 water and school glue and use that instead.

When all the paper is glued down to each wood piece then stack some books on top to secure the paper to the wood. I wait about an hour before going to the next step.

After the glue seems dry, then it's time to stencil your letters. I do this very random. Just like the blocks, the letters will also be staggered. If you don't want to stencil letters, you can also use letter stickers. OR if you are lucky enough, you can use your Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut out some letters for you. I don't, so I'm sticking with my stencils.

After my stenciling is dry, I take my sandpaper and sand down the edges of the wood/paper. If you really like the distressed look then you can sand the entire scrapbook paper to give it a more worn look.

This is an extra step but you can add some distressing ink to the edges of the paper. I used Old English Furniture Scratch Cover to the edges.

An easy project to create for your home or a gift.

Create a set for each season or your Favorite Inspirational Word or your Child's Name...the ideas are endless.

Are you ready for spring?

Linking up HERE

Chevron DIY ART

I love the popular chevron art all over design and blog world. But I was kind of unsure for my home and style. So with our bright craft room makeover, I thought it would be a good opportunity to whip up a little art for our bright and cheery room!

I went to my wood stash and found 2 (approx. 7 inches wide) pieces of wood that are 26 inches long.

I connected the the 2 pieces of wood with 2 short firring strips of wood with just a nail gun. You could also use glue or screws.

I painted the front side only with white craft paint.

After it was dry, I used painter's tape to create my own twist to the chevron pattern. I didn't take a picture of that part because I did it more complicated than it should of been. LOL

I then stenciled my boys' names using their favorite colors.

After the paint was all dry, I sanded down the surface and edges with sandpaper to give it a worn look.

I stained over the paint and sides with Early American MinWax Stain, to look a little more worn. :)

I purposely didn't paint the sides of the sign, I like the look of the wood/paint contrast.

It looks super cool in our vivid turquoise craft/kid room!

I was about to pull out my hair creating the chevron pattern, but I love how it turned out. Adding a little fun design to our fun room!

And best of all, this project was free! Now who doesn't like free?!

Let's stay connected!

Linking up HERE

Haul Out The Holly: Christmas Tree Twig Art

I'm so excited to be a part of the Haul Out the Holly Event again! I had a great time making my felt poinsettias for last year's event!

This year, my project is going to be just as easy and thrifty.

I'm going to show you how to make Christmas Tree Twig Art

I first started with 3 pieces of scrap beadboard I had on hand. Now you can use anything you have available at home. 1x3 pine pieces would work great as well, like I did HERE.

I cut them equal length:16.5 inches

You can use any desired length of your choice

I then took 2 pieces of lathe wood to secure the 3 pieces of wood. I used Gorilla Glue and then nailed them in place. If you have a nail gun, then that is a nice time saver! I love mine! Don't know what I would do without it!

I wanted to create a simple frame around the edge of my beadboard for a more finished look so I cut up a 1/2 inch x 1 inch trim piece in 4 pieces. Mine were approx. 10.5 inches (2) and 15 inches (2) long.

I painted the beadboard an off-white color and then painted the trim pieces a dark red.

While your wood pieces are drying, go out in the yard and start searching for some twigs for your art piece. This is a great opportunity to get your kids involved.

After the paint was dry. I sanded down the edges of the painted wood pieces and added a little Early American MinWax Stain to give them a worn look that I love.

After they were dry, then I glued down the 4 trim pieces with Gorilla glue and a nail gun around the perimeter of the the beadboard. It gives it a nice finished look.

Now the twig tree is so easy. You just start breaking up your collected twigs. I started from the bottom with the longest piece and worked my way up...getting shorter and shorter, until I reached the top. I used 3 small twigs for the trunk. I simply used a hot glue gun to secure the pieces on the beadboard.

For the star, I used skinny twigs all broken in 5 even lengths. I made a star figure and secured the ends with hot glue. I wanted to add a little more interest to the star so I wrapped thin twin around the points and glued them to secure them. They are more for looks than function. :)

The power of scrap wood, nature and a glue gun to create your own Christmas Art!

Thanks so much for visiting today. And a big thanks to Gwen from Gwenny Penny for having me join in on the the Haul Out The Holly Festivities!

Now the event continues for 3 weeks! There will be a featured blogger each day showing off a fun Christmas craft tutorial that you can make, too!

Linking up HERE
Best DIY Projects of November-Beneath My Heart
Christmas Linky Party at Someday Crafts

Wire Picture Hanger

Today I’m going to share how to make a wire picture hanger.

It’s super easy. This what you will need:

 

Piece of wood-You can use your imagination here. In this tutorial, I’m using a piece of old trim I got at my local salvage center for 10 cents. If you can’t find old trim, buy some new trim at any Home Improvement Store. Or just use some scrap wood. Paint it any color you like.

Wire

Wire cutters

Drill/drill bit

Heavy duty stapler

Small clothespins

Sawtooth Hanger

 

What you do first is mark where you want your wire to go on both ends of your piece of wood. Then drill with a small drill bit.

 

A good tip while using a drill. Use a scrap piece of wood under what you are drilling, so you don’t drill your table!

 

Next comes the wire.

You can use whatever you like. I have 2 different types. The small wire on the left is actually floral wire I got at Michael’s. The big role of wire is from a Hardware Store. Either one is fine. I like the bigger role because it’s black. But the floral wire is thinner and is easier to work with in small projects like this.

 

Insert the wire in the holes. Make sure you cut your wire a little longer than what you think you need. You can always trim it later.

 

After the wire is inserted in both holes, I like to give them a little tug with the wire cutters or a pliers to make the wire tight.

 

Then I take the heavy duty stapler and staple down the wire.

 

I also added a sawtooth hanger on the back for easy hanging.

Next you will need some mini clothespins. You can find these at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby for cheap! 40 in a package for less than $1.25 with a coupon.

 

You can leave the clothespins “plain” or you can paint them. I find spray painting is easier.

And there you have it! An easy project to display your fun pictures or art!

This project cost me literally pennies to make.

Do you have a fun way to display your photos?

Snowflake Candle

I'm going to show you an easy way to dress up an ordinary candle for the holidays.

You can use any kind of jar candle.

I'm showing this candle because this is one of my new "cheap" favorites. You can find Better Homes and Gardens candles at Wal-Mart. I got this big one for $6. They smell wonderful!

Plus they got a cute metal lid.

All you need is a snowflake stencil, paint, stencil brush and glitter.

I found this cute snowflake stencil at Hobby Lobby for $3-full price. You can get it cheaper with your 40% coupon!

On my particular candle the label peeled right off! If you have a hard time removing a label, I heard Goo Gone is really good!

Then all you do is stencil on your snowflake. I mixed some cream and light blue paint together so the snowflakes stood out from the white candle.

While the paint is still wet, add a pile of glitter to the snowflake.

Let it sit on there for a minute or two and then shake off onto a piece of paper. Don't want to waste any glitter. :)

Do this same process all around the jar at random.

Light your candle and enjoy!

A simple embelishment to add to your decor or gift!

I just used basic craft paint and the paint worked fine on glass. My candle will be up and away from hands so I don't have to worry about paint scratching off. If you are worried about that then a simple clear spray sealer would work great! Or there is also glass paint found at your local craft store.

This would work great on any glass container!

Wouldn't this be a fun and easy gift for a teacher or neighbor? Do you plan to do some homemade gifts this Christmas?

Fall Makeup Tutorial

Kristie (a.k.a. Blushing Basics) is a lover of all things artistic, makeup just happens to be one of her favorite mediums. Working as a makeup artist she had several requests on this topic so she began posting video tutorials on how to apply make up here. Included in her blog are also tips, product reviews, and of course a little frugal fashion advice.

Kristie is here today to give a great fall makeup tutorial!

Thanks so much Kristie for that great tutorial!

Go on over to Blushing Basics to check out more great videos and tips!

Americana Wood Flag

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

I hope you are all having a safe and happy Holiday weekend!

Just in case you missed my guest post over at Chicks Dig Deals, here is fun Americana DIY project you can whip up this summer!

I really heart this wooden flag from Pottery Barn. But not for $129! Ouch!

I thought I would make one of my own with stuff I already have at home.

I cut lathe wood to the length I desired. I wanted to make my flag light weight but you can make it with any kind of wood your prefer.

Lathe comes in a bundle for probably around $6-$7. I am still using my bundle of lathe from my purchase more than 2 years ago. So it lasts a long time.

Here are the measurements that I used but you can use any length/number you choose.

6-10 inches

6-26 inches

7-36 inches

I went ahead and painted the pieces red, white and blue. And also stenciled on stars. Hobby Lobby and Michael's both carry cheap star stencil sheets for around $2-$3. If you don't want to stencil then you can hand paint. Since I love the distressed look, I sanded the wood and added Early American MinWax Stain.

After the stain dried. I attached 3 pieces of lathe to the back of the flag with Gorilla Glue. I love Gorilla Glue! It's strong and waterproof. I then stacked some heavy boxes on top and let dry overnight. 

Then at one end of the flag I attached one 1x3 with glue and nails. I'll be hanging the flag vertical with wire so that is why I added the 1x3 for added support. If you want to hang horizontal then you don't have to do this step.

I want to hang my flag with wire, so I drilled two holes at the top of the flag through the lathe and 1x3.

I cut 2 pieces of wire from my bundle I have below. You can find wire at any home improvement store.

Before I show you the reveal...I wanted to show you my daily frustration with my outdoor flags. They always look like this. :( I'm always unraveling them. They're supposed to unravel themselves. So I was tired of the daily battle. LOL

A light weight wood flag looks so much better! Great for summer! Plus it was Free for me!

Thanks for visiting today. Be sure to come back for Terrific Under Ten Tuesday!

*UPDATED*

How to Hang an American Flag 

Stars always on the left

Linking Up HERE