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Arts & Crafts

Rainy Day Rescue

What’s worse than getting caught in the rain? Having to endure the awkward moment when you, bone dry and under your umbrella, must walk past an unfortunate soul who has forgotten his or her own! There’s a terrific opportunity for April altruism here. Play the part of the silent hero (bonus points if you have a trench coat) and use the opportunity to hand-out a poncho. Stock your purse with some inexpensive “emergency” solutions and [...]

Easy-as-Pie Thanksgiving Placemats

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History unfolds right before your pies, with this precious pop-up placemat idea! We love how PubliQue Living transforms plain sheets of recycled paper into charming table pieces for every occasion. But in the Pilgrim spirit of “making do,” this Thanksgiving, we just had to try the idea ourselves… DIY-style!

We armed Intern Steph with some Bristol Paper and an X-Acto knife, and told her to re-create the Mayflower for our Thanksgiving table… After a good cry, she got right to work and this was the result! Say what you will of her historical accuracy (or the judiciousness of giving an intern a knife), we think Stephanie did the pilgrims proud on this one, and here’s how you can create your own!

Materials:

• Large sheet of bristol paper or poster board
• X-acto knife
• Pencil

Fast n’ Festive Halloween Favors

Halloween Party Favor Bags

Think quick! It’s almost Halloween and you’ve pretty much wolfed down your colossal candy stockpile. All that’s left for your guests is one measly bag of morsels. Don’t just stand there! Today we’re making these festive, fun-sized candy bags. With these cute little favors, your guests might just overlook your stinginess with the sweets…

DIY Travel Map!

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Photo and instructions courtesy of Design*Sponge Have you been hit by the travel bug? Here’s an easy but brilliant craft that will help you keep track of all your trips – past, present, and future! Your trips in America, at least. Of course, you can totally make your own templates for other countries! We think color-coding the flags would also be a great idea. Tools bandsaw (optional) Xacto knife and blades scissors tape wood glue [...]

Save Your Pretty Buttons!

Photo and instructions courtesy of Obstinate Pursuit Pick those long-forgotten buttons out of the craft box and turn them into a piece of jewelry!If you’re a crafster, you probably collect your share of cute buttons that are just sitting around waiting for a project like this. To make something that goes with any outfit, we recommend using different sized buttons but staying with one color palette, like this Victorian-inspired bracelet is truly greater than the [...]

Save a Trip to the Spa!

Has spring cleaning – or the idea of it – been stressing you out? Kill two birds with one stone by making this sea salt body scrub! The natural minerals will exfoliate dry skin and give your body a glow just in time for Spring! They’re ten times cheaper than the store-bought version, and you probably have all the supplies at home already. Essential oils will calm the mind and in no time, you’ll be [...]

A Great Green DIY Air Freshener!

Photo and directions courtesy of Design*Sponge This cute mini-project is not only green for the environment, but appropriate for St. Patrick’s day! Fill your room or car with the natural smell of flowers or pine instead of the chemical stuff you buy at the gas station! Materials wool fabric scissors needle and thread fabric marker or pencil 2 ½ inches of thin ribbon of choice 15 inches of ribbon of choice dried lavender printed template [...]

Make a Mini Bistro Chair Out of Thin Air!

photo and instructions courtesy of Design*Sponge Want to impress your date with a twist of the wrist? Save the tops of your champagne bottles for this party-trick that turns them into a mini bistro chair! Little crafts like this that both recycle your garbage and are easy enough to drink even after a bottle of champagne are the best! Materials wire cage from a bottle of champagne wire cutters or heavy duty scissors Instructions check [...]

Warm Up to DIY House Slippers

Keep your feet and toes toasty this winter with this project that reuses old wool sweaters! If you’re retiring some of your old wardrobe for the new year, think twice before you toss those wool pieces in the trash! These homemade slippers are just challenging enough for the novice craftster, and all the materials can probably be found in your house. So heat up a warm drink, find your favorite chair, and you’ll have an [...]

New Year’s Champagne Cozy

Whether you’re decorating for a New Year’s bash or whipping together some gifts to bring to a party, these silver champagne cozies will be welcome at every dining table! They look glamorous and help you avoid drips and slips until you’re ready to pop the cork at midnight! They remind us of wine bottles wrapped in simple napkins at fine restaurants, with a bit more pizzazz. Photo and instructions courtesy of BHG Materials 1 silver [...]