Average But Inspired

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

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How to Make Scrap Wood Nesting Houses for Decor

On Saturday I made my weekly pilgrimage to Dollar Tree.  (Don’t laugh – that place is thebomb.com (yes, I’m bringing that expression back)).  While there, I found a NEW and EXCITING product – moss sheets!  I know that sounds funny, but moss sheets for crafting are typically expensive, so I was ecstatic to find them at Dollar Tree!  I got them home and immediately put them to use on an adorable DIY home decor project – Scrap Wood Nesting Houses!  Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

These little moss sheets, combined with scrap wood left over from my IKEA Rast Bar Cart Hack, made for one cute project!  Let me show you what you need and how to make them.

Supplies Needed for Scrap Wood Nesting Houses

  • Scrap wood
  • Saw (I used my Ryobi circular saw, which I adore)
  • Sandpaper 
  • Paint (I used brown acrylic, creamy white acrylic, and red chalk paint (but acrylic would totally work))
  • Paint brushes
  • Moss sheets
  • Hot glue gun
  • Twine
  • Scissors

How to Make Scrap Wood Nesting Houses

Not pictured in this post is me cutting my scrap wood into house shapes.  It’s hard to use a saw and photograph yourself, you know?  Just understand that I used a ruler to draw simple house shapes on my board and then cut them out.  

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

I gently sanded around the edges to make sure I didn’t give myself a splinter.  Then I painted the houses with brown acrylic paint so that I could do a distressed finish on top.  The brown is the base layer, intended to give some contrast.  Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

After the brown paint dried, I dry brushed some off-white acrylic paint on top, making sure to leave some of the brown showing in parts so that the nesting houses would have a slightly worn finish.  

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

Next, I cut one moss sheet into strips and hot glued them onto the tops of the scrap wood so that the pieces would look like little moss covered roofs. 

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

For a little decorative detail, I tied twine at the roofline of each house.

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

The scrap wood nesting houses were cute like this, but I felt like they were a little plain.  Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, I decided to paint little hearts on them.  You could skip this part or paint different details!

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

I gently sanded over the hearts, once dry, to give them an equally weathered look as the houses’ paint finish.  Then they were ready for their close ups.  🙂

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiyGrab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

OK back to the moss sheets from Dollar Tree.  You might be wondering why they’re a big deal, as opposed to bagged craft moss.  The reason is that they make so much less of a mess!  And they let you get straight lines with your moss, which can be tricky when you’re gluing moss on certain projects.  

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

For those reasons, I bought all five packages my Dollar Tree had.  #sorrynotsorry

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

I’ve got another moss project planned for next week.  I can’t wait to share it with you.  In the meantime, I’d love for you to share this project with a friend who might like it!  

Grab some wood from the scrap pile and learn to make adorable scrap wood nesting houses for decor! They're so easy to make and add a cute touch to your space! #scrapwoodprojects #scrapwoodcrafts #scrapwoodprojectsdiy

-Bre

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How to Make the Cutest Paper Christmas Tree Garland

I don’t know about you, but Christmastime brings out my desire to craft like no other time of year!  Whether it’s making decor for my house or gifts for someone else, I just want to make make make!  Unfortunately the added time constraints of this season can leave little time for crafting, but as creative people, WE MUST MAKE! 

So, for this week’s edition of the More Merry, Less Stress Holiday Action Plan, we’re taking time to indulge our inner craft gods and goddesses and create something special – even if it’s a super quick craft like this adorable Paper Christmas Tree Garland I’m going to show you how to make in this post!  Taking a little bit of time to create will help you feel more fulfilled and less stressed – trust me.Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Supplies Needed for a Paper Christmas Tree Garland

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

How to Make a Paper Christmas Tree Garland

Okay, I was so creatively uninspired and sorting through my craft supplies (since I vowed not to buy any additional craft supplies until 2019), to see what I could make for a Christmas craft.  I found a whole bunch of 8.5″ x 11″ rainbow cardstock that I bought for who knows what reason.  I grabbed it and my paper cutter and started messing around.  A little while later, I figured out how to make these adorable paper Christmas trees and I decided to make this garland.  It’s so easy!

Begin by cutting four, 11″ long and 1″ wide strips of cardstock.  If you have a paper cutter, this is SUPER easy!  (If you don’t have a paper cutter, you need to get one!  I bought mine back in 2005 when I was wedding planning and I have used it so much since then!)  If you don’t have a paper cutter, you can either measure with a ruler and cut with scissors, or just eyeball it and cut freehand.Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Next, shorten these strips of paper as follows:

For larger paper Christmas trees: keep one strip 11″ long, cut one down to 9″, cut another down to 7″, and cut the last one down to 5″.

For smaller paper Christmas trees:  cut one strip down to 9″, cut one down to 7″, cut another down to 5″, and cut the last one down to 3″.  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Next, use the Glue Dots or double-sided tape to attach each strip together at the ends to form rings.  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Then, take the largest ring and press it down in half, so that the folds are crisp.  Place more of the double-sided tape in the middle.  Repeat this process with the other rings and stack them one on top of the other.  For the smallest ring, push it into a point at the top so that it looks like the top of a Christmas tree!Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Repeat this process until you have a forest of paper Christmas trees.  At this point, adorn the tops of the trees with chipboard stars, add glitter to the edges to look like snow, glue on sequins to look like ornaments – whatever you want!Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

After the trees are complete, tie them together with twine or string to create a darling paper Christmas tree garland.  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

This garland is so unique!  I haven’t seen any like it online, and I love the festive touch it adds in my kitchen.  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

This simple project did not take much time at all, and I’m so glad I made it a priority because crafting is what lessens my stress!  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

Taking time to do things I enjoy is part of what helps me keep my head on straight during the hectic holiday season.  I hope you will do the same for yourself!  Adorable! Learn how to make the cutest paper Christmas tree garland in this post. It's so easy to create a cute Christmas garland! #papergarland #diygarland #christmastreegarland #papercrafts

If you would like to catch up on the past weeks of the More Merry, Less Stress holiday action plan, please check them out here:

Week One: Clear It Out (Making Room for More “Stuff”)

Week Two: Spreadsheets, Lists or Apps, Oh My! (Keeping Track and Planning)

Week Three: Getting Christmas Card Ready (Holiday Photo Tips)

Week Four: Decorate It! (Finding Joy in Christmas Decorating)

-Bre

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How to Make a Beautiful Wreath Bow {Video Tutorial}

What’s a wreath without a bow?  (Probably still a beautiful wreath, but humor me here, OK?)  I think we can all agree that the cherry on top of most wreaths is a pretty bow.  For years my DIY wreaths had, being completely honest, stupid and wimpy bows.  But after fiddling around with my ribbon stash for a while, I finally figured out how to make a beautiful wreath bow, and it could not be easier!  Learn how to make a beautiful wreath bow with this video tutorial! You can make gorgeous bows in just two minutes. It's so easy! Add these DIY wreath bows to any type of wreath for a high-end look! #wreathbow #christmaswreath #diywreathbow #wreaths

The best part is that aside from the ribbon you need to make the bow, you probably already have the other two supplies you need: a stapler and scissors.  Learn how to make a beautiful wreath bow with this video tutorial! You can make gorgeous bows in just two minutes. It's so easy! Add these DIY wreath bows to any type of wreath for a high-end look! #wreathbow #christmaswreath #diywreathbow #wreaths

Seriously.  With just three supplies you can make a full, floofy, fantastic wreath bow in under two minutes!

Because it’s easier to SEE how it’s done in real time, I made a video to show you how to make your own wreath bow.  I think it’s simpler to “get” the process this way than with step out photos.  So here you go – watch and learn!  

 

Can you believe it?  Did you know it was THIS easy to make a gorgeous wreath bow?  Now that you know, just say no to those premade plastic bows and make your own.  Your wreaths will thank you for it!  Learn how to make a beautiful wreath bow with this video tutorial! You can make gorgeous bows in just two minutes. It's so easy! Add these DIY wreath bows to any type of wreath for a high-end look! #wreathbow #christmaswreath #diywreathbow #wreaths

You May Also Like This No-Sew Coffee Sleeves Project!  

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How to Make Leaf Stamped Tea Towels (With Real Leaves!)

Over the weekend I took Jasper (my pup) for a nice walk and couldn’t help but admire all of the beautiful fall leaves on the ground.  I scooped up a few of my favorite maple leaves and brought them home because I knew they’d be perfect for a craft project.  After checking out the craft supplies in my desk, I knew exactly what to make – a leaf stamped tea towel!  It’s an easy project and adds a nice fall touch to my kitchen!  This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

Supplies Needed for Leaf Stamped Tea Towels

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

How to Make Leaf Stamped Tea Towels

Begin by mixing acrylic paints so that they’re mottled and a blend of shades you see in fall leaves.  Then, flip over a leaf and paint the underside with a thin coat of paint.  You want to paint the underside because the leaf’s veins are more prominent and will leave more of an impression on the tea towel.  This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

Flip the leaf over and place it paint side down onto the tea towel.

Cut a piece of wax paper and lay it on top.  (The wax paper prevents any paint that squishes out from under the leaf from getting on the brayer and making a mess on the tea towel.)  Then gently roll the brayer over the leaf and remove the wax paper.  Repeat this process until the entire tea towel is covered in leaf prints.This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

Once the paint has dried, attach decorative trim to the bottom edge of the tea towel with permanent fabric glue.  This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

That is just how easy it is to use fall leaves to make a beautiful leaf stamped tea towel for your kitchen! This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

You could also use this method on pillows, tote bags, or anything else that’s fabric!  This fall craft project idea is so fun! Create leaf stamped tea towels with real leaves from your yard! What a pretty fall decor project.

PRINTABLE TUTORIAL

If you’d like to print or save this tutorial, here you go!  Please let me know if you find this new feature useful!

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How to Make Leaf Stamped Tea Towels (With Real Leaves!)

How to Make Leaf Stamped Tea Towels (With Real Leaves!)

Use real leaves to make a beautiful leaf stamped tea towel for your kitchen! Bring the beauty of nature indoors with this pretty leaf craft project.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $3

Materials

Instructions

  1. Begin by mixing acrylic paints so that they're mottled and a blend of shades you see in fall leaves.  
  2. Flip over a leaf and paint the underside with a thin coat of paint. You want to paint the underside because the leaf's veins are more prominent and will leave more of an impression on the tea towel. Flip the leaf over and place it paint side down onto the tea towel.
  3. Cut a piece of wax paper and lay it on top. (The wax paper prevents any paint that squishes out from under the leaf from getting on the brayer and making a mess on the tea towel.) Then gently roll the brayer over the leaf and remove the wax paper. Repeat this process until the entire tea towel is covered in leaf prints.
  4. Once the paint has dried, attach decorative trim to the bottom edge of the tea towel with permanent fabric glue.
© Bre
Project Type: Home Decor / Category: Crafts
Have you tried stamping with real leaves before?  It’s pretty amazing how well this process works!

-Bre

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DIY Vintage Bug Halloween Decorations

Forget mummies, witches, and skeletons – the thing that scares me most at Halloween is the plethora of creepy crawly insects at every turn.  From spiders to centipedes, those little buggers are enough to make me squirm.  I overcame my fear of these pests to make some Creepy Crawly Vintage Bug Halloween Decorations to add to my interior decor (you saw my outdoor decor in my Halloween porch post last week), and think they turned out too cute not to share!

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Thank you to DecoArt, Inc. for providing the paint used in this post.  The project is all my own.  Also, this post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Supplies Needed to Create Vintage Bug Display Halloween Decorations

How to Create Vintage Bug Display Halloween Decorations

Begin by painting the edges of the unfinished wood plaques with gold multi-surface paint.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Then paint the tops of the wood plaques with ivory multi-surface paint.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Once the paint has dried, use stencils to add pattern to the plaques with black multi-surface paint.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Set the plaques aside to dry.  Paint the plastic bug toys with gold multi-surface paint.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Once that paint has dried, highlight the details on the bug toys with bronze multi-surface paint.  This will make the bugs look aged.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Next, add metal label holders and labels to the wooden plaques.  I printed my labels out on regular printer paper.

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Finally, glue the bugs to the plaques with glue that attaches plastic to wood.  E6000 is my new favorite multi-purpose glue!

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Display the Vintage Bug Decorations with plate stands or tiny easels (I’ve even seen them at Dollar Tree)!  Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Super creepy and also super cute!  Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages.

Please PIN this image to Pinterest to help others find this fun Halloween craft project!

Cute and creepy! Make these vintage bug Halloween decorations with inexpensive craft supplies! They're a fun Halloween craft for all ages. #halloweendecorations #halloweencrafts #halloweendecor

-Bre

P.S. You Might Like this Halloween Wreath Craft Video, Too!

Stenciled Chair Seats – A Thrifty and Fun Kitchen Chair Makeover

Thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for providing the stencil used in this project and the prize to be awarded in the giveaway.  The project and opinions are all my own. One thing I love is giving a plain object new life and personality with a simple change.  Stenciling the seats of my beat up kitchen […]

Two-Tone Painted Dresser Makeover in Cypress Vine Green and Wood

Have you ever had a vision of how something would look in your home – and you were convinced it would be awesome?  That’s what happened to me when I purchased this antique tall dresser in a Facebook resale group recently.  I knew it would be gorgeous in my living room (to take the place […]

Chalk Painted Drop Leaf Table Makeover

Several weeks ago my kids and I were driving when I spotted a table in the alley behind our church.  Like the dedicated furniture hoarder that I am, I immediately threw the car into reverse and backed into the alley to check it out.  It was an old drop leaf table that hadn’t sold at […]