Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity with crafts, DIY, and home decor projects.

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May 24, 2016 by Bre

How to Get a Sea Glass Look with Paint

Before we know it, summer will be here!  I, for one, cannot wait for warmer weather and lots of sunshine!  The coming change of season also has me thinking of summer-inspired decor, like accents with a coastal touch.

One of my favorite coastal looks is sea glass.  But because I live nowhere near an ocean (and would likely only find garbage in the rivers and lakes nearby), there’s no naturally-made sea glass available for me to find and use in my home.  Womp womp.  Undeterred by my lack of sea glass sources, however, I decided to make my own sea glass look with paint!  Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

It’s obviously not the real thing, but these cheap glass jars from Dollar Tree look pretty coastal to me since they got their sea glass makeover.  They’ll do!

Supplies Needed for a Sea Glass Look with Paint

Some of these links are affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

  • Glass jars (or any type of glass surface)
  • Chalky finish paint (I used this color, this color, and this color)
  • Pearl Wax
  • Twine
  • Sea glass inspired beads
  • Chip brush
  • Lint-free cloth

How to Get a Sea Glass Look With Paint

First off, find some glass jars or glass objects that you want to try this on.  I bought my glass jars at Dollar Tree.  Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Wash the glass and dry thoroughly.  Then, apply chalky finish paint to the outside of your jars or other glass objects.  I used a really thin coat and left some of the glass underneath showing, but you could definitely do a solid coat!  Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

After the paint is totally dry, wipe on the Pearl Wax with a lint-free cloth.  I let the wax dry for about 25 minutes and then buffed each of the jars.Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

The Pearl Wax gave the glass a gorgeous and subtle iridescence.  I just LOVE it!  To make my jars look even more coastal, I tied twine around each of them and added some sea glass looking beads around the fronts.Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Even my husband noticed these cute little jars (and he usually never notices my projects – unless they’re big ones).  Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Since the paint is on the outside of the jars, they can still be used to hold things like flowers or food.  I’ve painted jars before but always painted the insides, which made them not as useable as these.  Bonus!

Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

See how easy it is to get a sea glass look with paint?  If you liked this project, please “Pin It” so you will remember to make your own sea glass later on!Sea Glass is so beautiful, so why not recreate the look on any glass object with this tutorial on how to get a sea glass look with paint. It's easy!

Well, that’s it for now.  “Sea” ya later!  (Ha!  Hilarious, right?)

-Bre

I Have a Feeling You Might Like These Glitter Glazed Glass Jars, Too!  How-to-make-glitter-glaze-jars-768x1024

March 7, 2016 by Bre

Spring Bunny Flower Pot Gumball Machine

Last Christmas I saw photos of tiny toy trucks and mini Christmas trees in old gumball machines.  They were absolutely adorable and it was an idea that I loved!  I have been hunting for the perfect gumball machine since then, but haven’t stumbled upon the right one just yet.  

But that’s okay because for my Easter decor I made my own flower pot gumball machines with the cutest little bunnies!  They’re so fun to make and just as cute as real gumball machines!  

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.

I mean, come on!  These are cute, right?

Supplies for Spring Bunny Gumball Machine

Some of these links are affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

  • Small flower pots
  • Small candy jars with lids  (I bought these at Dollar Tree.)
  • Small wood finials or drawer knobs
  • Strong, multi-purpose glue
  • Chalky finish paint (I used this kind and this kind)
  • Foam brush
  • Foam bunnies (I bought mine at Michaels but they don’t have them online.  Linked bunnies are similar.  Pull them off the floral pick stick for this project.)
  • Floral moss
  • Hot glue and glue gun
  • Decorative ribbon

Instructions for Making a Flower Pot Gumball Machine

Begin by painting the flower pot, candy jar lid, and wooden knob or finial with the chalky finish paint.  

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Next, place floral moss into the bottom of the candy jar.

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Put hot glue onto the bottom of the foam bunnies and press them into the floral moss that’s in the bottom of the candy jar.

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Put the lid on the candy jar, and glue the finial or knob to the top.  

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Flip the dry, painted flower pot over and cover the bottom with glue. I used this glue, which is my favorite for adhering all kinds of things – even glass and terra cotta!

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Press the candy jar onto the glue and let it sit, untouched, for the time indicated on the glue packaging.  This will make sure that the glass and terra cotta properly bond to one another.  

Add some decorative ribbon where the two meet for a cute, final touch!

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.

I just love this little project!  

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.
I kept one for myself and am bringing the other to my elderly neighbor this week. She will probably be like “what is this?!?” but hopefully it will bring her some Easter cheer, nonetheless!

Adorable! Make these bunny gumball machines for your Easter decor or spring decor this year! Click through for the full tutorial and supply list.

What do you think about my spin on the gumball machine decor idea?  Will you be making a flower pot gumball machine for yourself this spring?

-Bre

January 18, 2016 by Bre

10 Dollar Tree Craft Supplies You Need

One of my favorite things to do is wander the aisles of Michaels to see what adorable, new craft supplies they have.  It’s like an instant injection of happy for me, and I bet a lot of you feel the same way!  With every trip, my cart ends up with lots of fun finds and I leave with many new project ideas in mind.

But truth be told, there are certain craft supplies that I do not purchase from Michaels because I can get them from Dollar Tree for less (in some cases for a lot less).  Of course people have quality concerns about products from Dollar Tree, but I’ve personally tested all of these products time and again and can vouch for them!  

That’s why I’m spilling my secrets on 10 Dollar Tree Craft Supplies you can’t afford to skip!  (UPDATE: When you finish reading this post, make sure to also read my newest post on 10 MORE MUST-BUY DOLLAR TREE CRAFT SUPPLIES!)  Trust me – this list (and my follow-up post linked right before this), will save you money so you can buy more of those cute supplies at Michaels or Hobby Lobby! 

Save yourself lots of money with this post on the 10 craft supplies you should buy at Dollar Tree! These items are so much cheaper than at craft stores!

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

1.  Glassware (Vases, Mason Jars, Candle holders)

The selection of glassware at Dollar Tree is ah-ma-zing.  There are tons of shapes and sizes of vases, mason jars, candle holders – you name it!  And it’s all a dollar!  Comparable glassware at a craft store  typically costs five times as much.  

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project. Glass vases are a great Dollar Tree craft supply.

I’ve used glassware from Dollar Tree to create my sand art terrariums, etched glass votive holders, funky pilgrim vases, and cozy sweater gift jars, among other things.  I also use all different sizes of their vases and glassware for fresh flowers at parties.

2.  Twine (Jute, Bleached, and Baker’s Twine)

Jute twine adds a perfect rustic touch to any project, while bleached twine and baker’s twine can definitely add a cute and whimsical feel to a craft.  Dollar Tree has every type of twine you could need or want!

Find three packs of twine in the automotive aisle, and multi-packs of colored baker’s twine in the craft aisle.  

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project. Twine is a great Dollar Tree craft supply!

I have used twine from Dollar Tree on my vintage tin tile wall decor,  cozy sweater gift jars, printable glitter glue valentines, and moss bunny topiaries, among other things!  I also recently used Dollar Tree twine in my Facebook Live debut where I showed you how to make three cute holiday gifts with Dollar Tree supplies!

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

3.  Dollar Tree Floral Foam

Oh my gosh.  Floral foam is SO expensive when you buy it at the craft store.  And I can’t figure out why.  But at Dollar Tree it’s, yep, a dollar.  And it comes in lots of shapes and sizes, too!

This list of Dollar Tree craft supplies is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

Now let me tell you I am not doing a lot of floral arranging over here, but floral foam is really great for building height in projects or stabilizing items within a container.  I have used Dollar Tree’s floral foam in my moss bunny topiaries and patriotic paper straw centerpiece.  It’s great.

4.  Glitter

If you’re a crafter then you probably love glitter (until you have to clean it up).  For something so tiny it can be kind of pricey though, you know?  That’s why I like to purchase it at Dollar Tree.  They typically have a lot of colors in their craft aisle, and they come in packages or containers that have enough to get the project done without leaving me with a ton left over.    

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

Their glitter glue is also awesome for projects for adults and kids alike!  I have used Dollar Tree glitter or glitter glue on my glitter glue valentines and a guest post I did on another blog (that you’ll see later this year).

5.  Contact Paper

Most of you probably don’t think of contact paper as a craft supply, but it is awesome for making stencils on an electronic cutting machine (like a Cricut – check out my Dollar Tree DIY Gift Baskets Using  Cricut!), or even by hand!  And it is half the price at Dollar Tree than at the hardware store or a big box store!  

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

I have used Dollar Tree contact paper on projects like my DIY Modern Desk (that I BUILT myself!), child’s rocking chair, friendly stool makeover, and etched glass votive holders.

6.  Clothespins

Clothespins are another product that might seem like a strange craft supply, but you see them ALL over the craft stores.  And they are really versatile for crafting – from hanging banner pieces to making clips for signs or frames – they can be used in many ways.  At Dollar Tree you get a pack of 36 for $1, and you can find them in the home improvement aisle.  

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

I have used Dollar Tree clothespins on my DIY Christmas card holder and my magnetic chip clip holder.  And of course I have some of them on my drying rack in the laundry room.

7.  Foam Board

If you have kids of school age then you know that foam board can be kind of expensive for what you’re getting.  Hello, it’s a glorified poster board!  That’s why it’s so great to purchase it at Dollar Tree.  You will pay at least three times more at another store.  

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

I have used Dollar Tree foam board in my Mr. and Mrs. moss bunny topiaries, as well as other projects I have not blogged here.  If you want to check out the queen of foam board projects, you need to visit 3 Little Greenwoods because Ashley can turn a foam board into just about anything.  Search her site and you’ll see what I mean.

8.  Tissue Paper

Of course tissue paper is great for wrapping gifts, but it’s also a good product for crafting.  Dollar Tree sells 40 pieces of white tissue for $1, and smaller packs of colored tissue for the same price.  It’s the same quality as tissue paper I’ve purchased elsewhere and is not overly flimsy.

I have used tissue paper on my Tissue Paper Coffee Mugs, and think it would work great on home decor crafts, too!

9.  Popsicle Sticks

I know that popsicle sticks are generally more of a kids craft item, but I ALWAYS use them as paint stirrer sticks in my smaller chalky paint containers or as glue applicators. 

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project.

I keep them on hand at all times! I also used them in this “LOVE” popsicle stick craft that my daughter made a couple of years ago (pardon the photography; this was when I was still using my phone to shoot blog photos.).  They’re dirt cheap at Dollar Tree and a smart thing to have on hand!  

10.  Decorative Tape (Washi Tape, Duct Tape)

Finally, decorative tapes like washi tape and patterned duct tape are a great thing to buy at Dollar Tree!  $1 is so much less than you pay at the craft store!

I don’t have any blogged projects that use washi tape or duct tape, but I have purchased these items from Dollar Tree and can attest that they work just as well as others that I’ve purchased elsewhere.

11.  BONUS UPDATE – Paint Brushes

{UPDATE as of September 2017):  I was so pumped to find 8 packs of foam brushes and synthetic bristle paint brushes at Dollar Tree this week!  The prices on these brushes is so much lower than you pay at the craft store or home improvement store!  Get some!  A reader also gave me a tip that the $1 makeup brushes at Dollar Tree work great for decoupage.  Keep that in mind as well!

This list of ten craft supplies you should be buying at Dollar Tree is great! Hopefully it will save you a lot of money on your next project. Foam Brushes in 8 pack sizes are now available at Dollar Tree!

I hope you found this post helpful!  If you did, I’d really appreciate if you’d share this image on Pinterest or share the post on Facebook or somewhere else!

Save yourself lots of money with this post on the 10 craft supplies you should buy at Dollar Tree! These items are so much cheaper than at craft stores!

Well now that you’ve seen my list of craft supplies that you should be buying at Dollar Tree, what do you think?  Do you have any others to add?  Comment below, and don’t forget to check out the newest post on Dollar Tree Craft Supplies, which has TEN MORE CRAFT SUPPLIES YOU MUST BUY AT DOLLAR TREE!

-Bre

October 30, 2015 by Bre

Dollar Store-ganization: Binder Ring Organization Ideas

Welcome to Part 3 of my series, Dollar Store-ganization, where I share tips and tricks for getting organized with products from the dollar store.  The goal of this series is to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your life (or stuff!), in order!  Binder rings are awesome little tools for organization and are so CHEAP! This post has great ideas on how to use them to organize everyday items.
Last month I shared ideas for getting organized with mesh laundry bags, and previously it was all about plastic bins.  This post is all about the mighty binder ring – the often overlooked but oh-so-valuable binder ring.  Seriously.  Binder rings are awesome little tools for organization and are so CHEAP! This post has great ideas on how to use them to organize everyday items.
[Read more…]

April 8, 2015 by Bre

Dollar Store Magnetic Chip Clip Holder

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be back in action with the Monthly DIY Challenge! (If you’re new here, every month some of my favorite blogger friends and I team up for a creative challenge that involves the same basic DIY supply or an item that comes from the same store.)  This month we hit up the DOLLAR STORE – dolla’ holla’! dollar_store_graphic

I had to sit last month out, but I am ready to rock this month’s dollar store challenge with my magnetic chip clip holder!  This is such a great idea! Quickly update a dollar store burner cover into a magnetic chip clip holder. Never be without a chip clip in your pantry again! [Read more…]

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Hi, I'm Bre! I believe in working with what you've got to create a home you love. I hope to inspire you to do the same!

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