Crafts

DIY Etched Glass Candle Holders

December 1, 2015 by Bre 34 Comments

Glass etching is such a fun and impactful craft! Learn how to make these DIY etched glass candle holders with dollar store supplies. They look much more expensive than they are!

The season of giving is upon us, and at times, that can be overwhelming! So many people to shop for and so much money to spend! Luckily, I have an AWESOME DIY gift idea for you that is inexpensive to make but so fun, too!

DIY etched glass candle holders are a really simple project, and they can actually be used in a few different ways (which I’ll fill you in about below).

DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

Supplies Needed to Make Etched Glass Candle Holders

These are the supplies I used to make the etched glass candle holders shown in this post. Feel free to substitute anything to create a project of your own!

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Small square candle holders
Armour Etch glass etching cream
Plastic knife
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton balls
Electronic cutting machine (like the Cricut Joy) and removable vinyl or contact paper. Alternatively, try Christmas glass etching stencils.
Paper towels
Vase filler stones
Votive candles

Glass Etching Tutorial

First up, clean the glass candle holder to make sure it’s free of any oils or residues. Gently wipe it with a cotton ball that’s been soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it dry.

Next, if you’re creating your own stencils on an electronic cutting machine, like a Cricut, make your designs and measure them to fit the front of the glass vase.

Simple shapes are best. I used seasonal silhouettes, state shapes, and monograms. Mine were just about 2″ wide and high.

Cut them from removable vinyl or contact paper, and press them onto the glass. Make sure they’re firmly pressed down along all edges!

If you’re going to do your etching with a premade glass etching stencil, make sure to follow the directions on the stencil package.

Apply the glass etching cream, using the plastic knife or palette knife, and make sure to cover the entire area to be etched.

Let it sit according to the directions on the package (mine took about 15 minutes).

After the proper amount of time has passed, use the plastic knife or palette knife to remove the etching cream from the glass. The directions on my etching cream said I could reuse that cream, so I put it back into the container.

Rinse off the excess etching cream and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Pop in your votive candles and enjoy!

I Think You’ll Enjoy These Other Christmas Crafts, Too!

DIY Jingle Bell Garland

DIY Holiday Simmer Pot Gift

I also filled some of the space with floral accent gems, but that’s optional.

This was my first time using glass etching cream, but I am OBSESSED. It is like magic in a jar! I honestly did not think it would work, but it did, and I love it!

One good thing to note is that the etching is dishwasher safe, too!

I will be giving my DIY etched glass as votive candle holders this holiday season, but I think you could easily give them as makeup brush holders or vases, too!

Pretty cute, huh?

DIY Cork Napkin Ring Place Cards

November 11, 2015 by Bre 16 Comments

Hello there! Happy Monthly DIY Challenge day! For those of you who are new here, the Monthly DIY Challenge is when a group of awesome bloggers and I get together and create projects that center on a common product or theme. This month we’re all using cork to create unique projects that you can do, too! Each project is linked at the bottom of this post! But first, here’s a sneak peek!

Since entertaining season is right around the corner, I used cork to make cork napkin ring place cards. They’re a quick project that add a unique touch to any table!
[Read more…] about DIY Cork Napkin Ring Place Cards

Dollar Store-ganization: Binder Ring Organization Ideas

October 30, 2015 by Bre 4 Comments

You’ll love these smart binder ring organization ideas! Get your daily life in order with these genius binder ring uses.

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!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

In case you missed it, Part One of this series was all about mesh laundry bag organizing ideas.

And, Part 2 focused on utility closet organization with dollar store items.

This post is all about the mighty binder ring (aka looseleaf ring or book ring) – the often overlooked but oh-so-valuable binder ring. Seriously.

I’m sure you’re thinking that the binder ring can’t really be that useful, but it is! And because you get six book rings for $1.25 at Dollar Tree, you’re about to fall in love!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use these babies!

Binder Ring Greeting Card Organization

If you save cards that you receive, they can quickly accumulate and become difficult to contain. I used to keep mine loose in a box in my closet. And it would fall on my head all.of.the.time, sending cards flying everywhere. SO ANNOYING!

Now I pop them onto binder rings, which keeps them together and makes them easy to look back at.

I put mine on different rings depending on the occasion and/or sender. Now if the box falls on my head, at least the cards do not fly everywhere!

P.S. this is a perfect way to organize Christmas cards you receive! At the end of the holiday season, punch holes in each card and slide them onto a binder ring. You’ll have a fun card keepsake.

Organize Paint Chips with Binder Rings

Binder rings are the PERFECT place to corral paint chips!

Put the colors you already have in your house on one, and the colors you may want to use in the future on another! This makes it easy to pop them into your purse and match with home accessories on the go!

Plus, having them in one spot means you’ll be less likely to forget what color your living room is painted (ahem, ahem . . . not that I’d know anything about that).

This would work equally well for fabric swatches!

Corral Ponytail Holders with Binder Rings

Life changing, this one is. Keep all of those ponytail holders in one spot on a binder ring!

This is the best way to have ponytail holders on the go (like in your purse or car), or even at home (like in your makeup bag).

You’ll never be hunting for ponytail holders in random places again if you put them on a binder ring! (I was a chronic “I bet I can find one in my jeans pocket!” girl before I started this method of keeping them together!)

Takeout Menu Organization

If you order delivery or takeout a lot, then you probably have lots of restaurant menus at home.

Putting menus onto a binder ring will keep your junk drawer organized and make your pizza delivery order stress-free since you’l never be missing your menus again!

Organize Scarves with Binder Rings

Clip binder rings through a hanger and then weave your scarves through them for an instant scarf organizer!

You’ll be able to see your scarf collection clearly and avoid having them fall all over the floor!

I’m sure there are tons of other ways to use binder rings to get organized – let me know if you have any ideas to add to this list!

Scrap Fabric Project: DIY Braided Fabric Sign

August 12, 2015 by Bre 24 Comments

Whether you’re a sewing fanatic or a run-of-the-mill crafter, chances are you have some scrap fabric lying around.

And, chances are also that you’re in need of scrap fabric project ideas to help pare down that fabric stash.

I’ve got you! Why not make a braided fabric sign? It’s a great scrap fabric project that you can customize to fit your taste and needs.

I created this adorable braided fabric scrap sign with some leftover fabric that my kids tie-dyed a few weeks ago.

This cute braided fabric scrap sign is already hanging in a gallery wall in my basement. It is the perfect addition to the wall, and I love that it brings some texture and dimension to the arrangement!

Scrap Fabric Project Supplies

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Instructions to Make a DIY Fabric Scrap Sign

So first off, you’ve got to find some scrap fabric. If you want a colorful, tie-dyed look like I have, then I recommend you find yourself some kids to do the dirty work for you.

Luckily, I had two that were more than willing to dye my plain, linen fabric after they’d finished making themselves some t-shirts. Notice that in addition to dyeing the fabric, they dyed their skin. Super.

Once you’ve selected the fabric, cut a big pile of fabric strips that are pretty darn long.

And then (shocker), braid them. Yep, tie a knot at one end, braid them, and then tie a knot at the other end.

Once you’ve got the fabric part of this project together, spray paint (or brush paint), your unfinished wood sign however you like!

Once the paint has fully dried, lightly write out the word you want on your sign. I tried to photograph this, but my writing was so light you couldn’t even see it.

Then, work in small segments and lightly cover your written letters with a thin, even coat of glue. Press the braided fabric down onto the glue as you go.

To help keep the letters in place and attach them to the wood board, use small, heavy objects. These full food cans worked perfectly for me!

If you end up with braided fabric that is too long for your sign, just untie the knot at the end, tie a new knot, and cut off the excess fabric. Easy!

Make sure to let the glue thoroughly dry before hanging. You don’t want the letters falling off!

This project is really pretty and a perfect way to use up any scrap fabric that you have lying around.

DIY Flower Girl and Ring Bearer T-Shirts

August 10, 2015 by Bre 12 Comments

Last weekend my brother got married! It was a totally gorgeous wedding out in Laramie, Wyoming, and we had the best time celebrating with family and friends. The best part of it all is that I now have another sister, whom I adore. I was a bridesmaid, and my kids were the flower girl and ring bearer.

And because I like to make a lot of extra work for myself and create unnecessary stress, the day before we left town, I decided to make my kids some totally cute t-shirts to help notify everyone they were part of the wedding party.
[Read more…] about DIY Flower Girl and Ring Bearer T-Shirts

DIY Indoor Vertical Wall Planter

July 30, 2015 by Bre 4 Comments

If you have kids, grandkids, or just know any kids, you’re probably familiar with Melissa & Doug toys. Not only are their toys great, but they package them in amazing wooden containers that are TOO nice to throw away! Let me show you how I turned them into a DIY Indoor Vertical Wall Planter!

And don’t worry – if you don’t have any of these toy containers lying around, you can use any wood box with compartments (I even linked one in this post for you)!

Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Indoor Vertical Wall Planter

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

Melissa & Doug toy containers (or empty wood box with compartments)
Paint (chalky-finish paint, acrylic paint, or latex paint will work)
Paint brush
Scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Foam brush
Faux succulents
Faux moss
Hot glue
Floral foam
Sawtooth picture hanger

How to Make a Vertical Wall Planter

You’re not going to believe how quickly you can make a wooden container into a super cool vertical wall planter!

Step One: Get Painting!

First, paint your empty wood boxes however you like.

I painted mine with black chalky-finish paint first, and then layered a turquoise acrylic paint on top for a slightly rustic look.

Step Two: Add Decorative Paper

Next, cut scrapbook paper to fit the compartments in each container. This may take some trimming and more trimming and even more trimming. It’s okay – you’ll eventually get the size right!

Then place a thin coat of Mod Podge into each compartment and press the scrapbook paper on top.

Once dry, cover each piece of scrapbook paper with more Mod Podge. This will ensure that everything is sealed really well!

Step Three: Get The Vertical Planter Boxes Ready to Hang

If you want to hang these on the wall, this is the time to add sawtooth hangers to the backs of your empty toy containers.

If you want to set them on a table, no need to do this.

Step Four: Add Faux Plants and Moss

Next, put faux succulents or other small faux plants into small pieces of floral foam that are cut down to size.

Hot glue those into various compartments of the toy containers.

To hide the foam, hot glue faux moss all around the succulents. Prepare to make a MESS.

Once all the moss is in place, you’re ready to hang your new vertical wall planters!

While these look great hanging on the wall, they’d also be super cute just sitting on a shelf or a table, too!

The best part is that no watering is required! Perfect for black thumbs like me.

If you have any of these Melissa & Doug toy containers sitting around, think about putting them to good use, even if it’s not as an indoor vertical wall planter!

– Bre

This post previously appeared on Kaleidoscope Living as a contributor post.