Spooky Chandelier

I know, it doesn’t make sense, but I’m bananas for Halloween. I think it is so fun. And when I saw this picture {via Curious Sofa Diaries}:

You see how I HAD to make these. Okay, now showing these make mine look a little wimpy, but here’s the deal: I scoured Craigslist and wasn’t willing to drive 40 minutes for a $20 chandelier to make this work. I’m too cheap and too busy. So I created one out of balsa wood and cheesecloth.

The best part? You can store mine easier!

Neener neener. I can take mine apart and stuff it in my storage box {I’m making a big deal out of this because I’m suddenly embarrassed at what mine looks like in comparison to these super-cool ghosty chandeliers}.

So, here’s what I used:

  • 2 pieces of balsa wood from the craft store {about $1.60 each}
  • 1 pkg. cheesecloth from fabric store {about $5}
  • black and white spray paint {hopefully you have something close to this left over from other projects}
  • hot glue
  • twist ties {you can use string or zip ties, or…}
  • chain from the hardware store
  • 4 battery operated tealights

Here’s how I did it:

Clear out four containers of baby food, pudding, applesauce, or similar container. I saved these from my baby’s breakfast and dinners, and the way he eats, it didn’t take long. But I also like the idea of getting chocolate pudding cups, popping in a movie and getting your containers that way.

I trimmed them to make them shorter {and a little wavy}, glued them to the ends of the balsa wood and spray painted them white {you see four sticks here because I made 2 chandeliers… I used the container lids for one of the chandeliers}.

And while you’re at it, lay out the cheesecloth and spray paint it unevenly with the black to get a ghosty look, and hit the chain with both black and white.

Shred the cheesecloth by ripping it to get those cool edges, and hot glue to the sticks, leaving them open in the middle so you can connect them.

Mark the center of the two sticks, stack them, and use twisty ties or string to connect them. I used the chain in five pieces so it would hang evenly, using twisty ties for this part too.

BOO!

Wicker Chair Makeover

My mom did a chair makeover this weekend, and she sent over some before/afters. Because my mom has a self-proclaimed passion for “topstitching and piping,” her sewing always turns out completely tailored. Check out how she matched the fabrics to keep the tulips moving in the same direction. She said had she done curtains, the tulips would have faced up, but since it was a chair, tulips facing up would have given you a view of the stems. Not quite as pretty! She always has the patience and vision in the details, something I severely need to work on.

And of course, check out the chair topped with one of her infamous pillows!

Round Vinyl Tablecloth

My friend and I decided to make another vinyl tablecloth since I’ve been enjoying mine so much.

Problem: Her table is round.

Solution: Go get a bikini wax, because that would be less painful than making a round vinyl tablecloth.

I was going to do a tutorial, but after a lot of pulling, tugging and restitching, I decided you should just buy a rectangular table instead. {fabric is Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey, laminated cotton}

Love Prints on the Cheap

I’m Spreading The Love!

I’m ready to offload some inventory, my uber-neutral “Love in Tan” prints are selling for $5 each! {+ $3 shipping}. They are 11″x14″, frame not included {Thanks Ashley!}

What I love about this print is that it can go ANYWHERE. I especially love it as a part of a grouping:

And the softness of the colors compliment the softness of the message; “Love is how we got here.” These have been the best back-pocket gift for bridal and baby showers!

Soak up the love! Order your $5 prints by clicking the “buy now” button below {RSS readers may have to view the full post here}.


Enough With The Pillowcases

I know. We’re not even half-way through September… but look how cute this one turned out?!

{Joann fabrics: Dancing Skeletons and Halloween Plaid}

Why so many pillowcases you ask? I had an itch to make them, and I don’t know when my little bug is going to be old enough for a pillow {3?}, so these are for family. Oh, and we just got the baby a jumper and he’s been in it for an hour and he’s still smiling away, so I’m keeping busy!

I also saw that Martha has some awesome halloween products this year: http://shop.marthastewart.com/. I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

Halloween Pillowcases

It was a tradition for me and my siblings to pull out our halloween pillowcases for the month of October, use them for trick-or-treat candy collecting, then file them away until next year. I am excited to pass on this tradition… and it’s a fun quick project to make the pillowcases. {How did this tradition start, mom?}

Supplies

  • 3/4 yard fabric for pillowcase
  • 1/4 yard fabric for cuff
  • iron
  • sewing machine

How to Make  a Pillowcase {20 min. project}

Lay the 1/4 yd. fabric face up on top of the 3/4 yard fabric {also face up}. Sew the top edge.

Open the cuff fabric and iron the seam flat.

Fold the cuff over and iron 2 edges, one that will tuck under the seam so no fringe is seen, and one that will become the edge of the pillowcase. I don’t pin because I’m lazy, but you could pin this to lay flat for you while sewing.

Sew the folded over cuff so it stays in place. I forgot to do this on the first pillowcase and did it as the last step instead. Either way.

Trace a regular pillowcase so you can sew two straight lines to finish.

Trim, flip inside-out, and voila!

Diana wins the WhipperBerry WhipperKeeper

Congrats Diana!

Drool… Beautiful Furniture on Etsy

Stumbled on this original furniture somehow on Etsy, I don’t have the money for it, but I love it. The “distressed” doors are painted using oils. Beautiful! Find them Wheelers Studio.

Halloween Jars

After collecting jars for the “Cute as a Button” baby shower I threw, I wasn’t sure if I needed to keep them… and then I saw this from Chica and Joe {via Google Image search}. Looks like I have an easy Halloween project ahead of me. So cute!