Average But Inspired

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

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Dollar Store DIY Bunny Planters

 Sometimes life gets in the way of creative time, and that has definitely been the case for me recently!  Our bathroom remodeling projects (follow along with those on Instagram), coupled with work obligations and the kids’ spring break has pinched my crafting time. I finally made it a priority over the weekend (it helps keep me sane), and just LOVE these adorable Dollar Store DIY Bunny Planters that I am sharing with you today!  These cute DIY Bunny Planters are made with dollar store supplies! Get the project tutorial for this cute Easter craft in this blog post.

They are a speedy project, which is great when you don’t have a lot of leisure time.  Plus, they add a cute touch to your spring and Easter decor.

Supplies Needed

  • Small white planters (purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Pink and gray multi-surface acrylic paint
  • Small paint brush
  • Craft moss (purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Faux succulents (purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • White and pink felt
  • Fabric scissors
  • Multi-surface glue, like E6000 brand
  • Clothespins
  • Optional: bunny ear templates that you draw onto paper or card stock

How to Make DIY Bunny Planters

I started with the cutest little white planters that I got at Dollar Tree.  I just love these with their facets and iridescent shimmer!  They came in other colors, too, like pink and turquoise, but I think white is best for this project.

I used a small paint brush to paint a pink nose and gray whiskers onto the planter.  I used multi-surface acrylic paint to make sure it adheres well!  Transform a plain dollar store planter into an adorable bunny planter! It's a great Easter craft. Get the project tutorial in this post.

Next, I drew bunny ear templates onto scrap card stock and cut those out.  I drew a large ear and a smaller ear.  Then, I used the larger ear template to cut out two white felt ears.  I used the smaller template to cut out two pink felt ears.  Cut out felt ears to make a cute DIY Dollar Store Bunny Planter that's perfect for Easter or spring.

I glued one pink felt ear onto each white felt ear.  These felt ears will become bunny ears in this darling DIY Dollar Store Bunny Planter project.

Next, I placed a thin line of muli-surface E6000 glue around the inner rim of the planter.  I pressed the ears onto the glue, and held them in place temporarily with clothespins.  Once the glue hardened, I removed the clothespins.  Clothespins hold the bunny ears in place while the glue is drying on these DIY Bunny Planters.

I filled the planter with craft moss to help hold the faux succulent in place.  This stuff makes a mess, so have your broom or dust buster ready!  😉Fill the DIY Bunny Planter with craft moss prior to adding the faux succulent.

And for the final touch, I placed a faux succulent into the planter.  Learn how to make a darling DIY Bunny Planter for Easter or Spring in this blog post!

These little bunny planters make me so happy; I think they’re just darling!  They are a great spring or Easter craft project, and make for a sweet Easter hostess gift or addition to your spring decor!  

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love for you to pin this project to Pinterest and help spread the love!  So cute! Make these Dollar Store DIY Bunny Planters for Easter or spring! They're easy to make and such a cute spring craft!

And, if you are looking for other Easter or spring craft projects, maybe you’ll want to check out this Vintage Paper Mache Bunny Craft

Make a vintage paper mache bunny for Easter or spring decor.
or this Dollar Store Salt and Pepper Shaker Bud Vase Craft! 

Transform dollar store salt and pepper shakers into bud vases for spring.
-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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Finding Joy in the Christmas Decorating Process {More Merry, Less Stress: Week 4}

Welcome back to my seasonal series designed to help you ENJOY the holiday season and minimize stress! Don't be stressed out this holiday season! Learn how to find more merry and less stress this Christmas with these tips and tricks.

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

Over the past three weeks we’ve covered:

  1. Clearing things out to make room for gifts that will be coming into the house; 
  2. Planning things out, like appointments, reservations, and gift tracking; and
  3. Tips for taking great DIY holiday photos for cards and everyday life!

This week we’re focusing on finding joy in the holiday decorating process, and I’m sharing some of my colorful Christmas decor to help illustrate how I did just that, despite all the extra work it created during a time of year that’s already jam packed! 

I have a confession to make – I really dislike putting up and decorating the Christmas tree.  I know it probably sounds crazy, but I always get hot, dizzy from winding lights around the tree, and generally become CRABBY.  Aside from seeing some special ornaments, like this DIY Memorial Ornament in honor of my dad who passed away in 2015, I think I could do without having a Christmas tree! This sentimental ornament is a fantastic DIY memorial ornament to honor a loved one who has passed.

In order to transform decorating the tree from a chore to a wonderful experience, I put myself in my kids’ shoes and think about how important it is to them.  (My cute new tree skirt helps, too.)  I know it’s important because they get so excited to decorate the tree every year, and it is something they really look forward to.This colorful pom pom tree skirt is the cutest Christmas tree skirt!

FIRST TIP: Putting myself in others’ shoes is the KEY to being joyful despite having to do something I don’t really love.  Maybe there are things you don’t love about the holiday season that sap your joy.  See if you can find a way to change your perspective.  It might make a world of difference for you and those around you!  This colorful Christmas mantel is so fun! Filled with a mix of colorful, vintage finds and new items, too, it's an eclectic Christmas decor look to love!

SECOND TIP: Use what you have, but change things up once in a while!  You can use the same decorations you already have, but change up their look by putting them in different places or giving them minor facelifts!  For example, I’ve used the same trees on my mantel for YEARS (see them on the hearth last year, and in the same spot as this year back in 2013), but this year, they got a new look!  I wrapped the bottoms with colorful fabric and cut off their berries and pinecone accents to give them a less rustic look.  This colorful Christmas mantel is so fun! Filled with a mix of colorful, vintage finds and new items, too, it's an eclectic Christmas decor look to love!

The same is true for the books on the mantel.  They’re pretty much always up there giving items an extra boost, but for this mantel I wrapped them in adorable scrapbook paper for an extra festive touch.  This colorful Christmas mantel is so fun! Filled with a mix of colorful, vintage finds and new items, too, it's an eclectic Christmas decor look to love!

THIRD TIP: Decorate in a way that makes YOU happy!  You don’t have to decorate the way everyone on Pinterest is decorating.  Use decor pieces that make YOU happy!  The little 1960’s “Electrified Village” was a weird find at Goodwill, but it made me squeal with excitement when I found it!  This colorful Christmas mantel is so fun! Filled with a mix of colorful, vintage finds and new items, too, it's an eclectic Christmas decor look to love!

And the colorful pom pom garland and pom pom wreath made me smile and were exactly the handcrafted look I love in my home and wanted to achieve with my Christmas decor.  

FOURTH TIP: Take the sentimental route.  Finally, one of the best ways to find joy in the Christmas decorating process is to cherish those special pieces that you only get to see for a brief time each year.  I already showed you the special memorial ornament for my dad, but my newest sentimental piece is this vintage ceramic Christmas tree that my Grandma passed down to me.  Love this vintage Christmas decor. Such a festive space for holiday decorating.

It is so special to me and I am honored that she gave it to me!  These pieces, plus other special ones from my kids over the years, are the best part of Christmas decorating and help make the season so special.

If Christmas decorating makes you feel stressed, take a breath and think about ALL the reasons you’re doing it.  Realizing that there’s more to it than dragging boxes and more boxes out of storage (only to put them away again in about a month), will help you feel less stress and get the most out of your Christmas decorating from now on.  This colorful Christmas mantel is so fun! Filled with a mix of colorful, vintage finds and new items, too, it's an eclectic Christmas decor look to love!

Do you have any tips to add for minimizing the stress that holiday decorating can cause?  Let me know in the comments!  So pretty! This home is filled with colorful, vintage Christmas decor to love.

Now, get to work decking those halls!

-Bre

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My Favorite Things Gift Guide

Today’s post is making me feel like Oprah.  Not because I have bajillions of dollars or celebrity influence of any kind, but because I’m giving you a peek into my absolute favorite products of 2018 – all of which I think will make amazing holiday gifts for people on your list! If you need help with some gift ideas for everyone on your list, this favorite things gift guide is a great place to start! #holidaygiftguide #christmasgiftguide #christmasshopping

My Favorite Things Gift Guide makes me feel so happy because these items are ALL things that I own or have purchased for others, and are ALL things that I love!  I feel 100% confident recommending them to you.  They all make perfect gifts. And, I’ve teamed up with some blogging buddies to share their favorite things gift guides, too!  You’ll find links to their wish lists at the bottom of this post, with thanks to Knock It Off Kim for hosting!  

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

Okay, so here goes – my favorite things of 2018!

Nutri-Bullet High-Speed Nutrition Blender System

The Nutri-Bullet is my absolute favorite way to get good nutrition into my system.  It makes it so so so easy to whip up delicious fruit and vegetable smoothies, which I love drinking for lunch.  I pop spinach, banana, various fruits and/or seeds, and water into my Nutri-Bullet and have a tasty lunch in no time.  It’s super easy to clean, too, and makes “eating” fruits and veggies a lot easier for me.  


Women’s Suede Pom Pom Slippers

These suede slippers are like a dream with their suede upper and faux fur lining inside.  My favorite part is the hard-sole bottom, so I can take Jasper the dog out in the morning while still wearing them, and, of course, the pom pom detailing!  I am a total sucker for pom poms.  

Ryobi Cordless Glue Gun

Having a cordless glue gun is a game changer, and having one that gets super hot and bonds all the things is even better!  I adore my cordless glue gun from Ryobi and think it’s the best one on the market.  I’ve used other cordless glue guns and they’re all wimpy.  Don’t be a wimp.  

Nixplay WiFi Digital Frame

This isn’t your grandma’s digital frame, friends!  (Although it does make an amazing gift for grandma!)  This frame lets specified users email photos directly to the frame and it automatically updates.  With a built-in motion sensor, the frame turns on when it senses movement, and all new photos are automatically uploaded and displayed.  We gave this amazing frame to my grandma for her 90th birthday and she LOVES it!  Family from all over the country send new photos and her frame is constantly being updated.  This is a definite hit!  

Magnolia Table Cookbook

I do not enjoy cooking, but something about this cookbook makes it a little more fun.  Every recipe I have made turned out fantastic, and my family LOVES when I cook from this book.  The stories Joanna Gaines has woven throughout the recipes make it extra special to work from.  It’s filled with practical recipes that span breakfast to dessert, and I just love it so much that it sits on my counter every day.

  

 

Instant Pot

Since I’m not a fan of cooking, I’m constantly looking for ways to shorten my time in the kitchen.  The Instant Pot has done just that for me.  Although there’s somewhat of a learning curve that comes with it, once you get the hang of this device that speed cooks (as well as slow cooks, sautees, and more), you will love it!  It is really convenient and consistent and I am so happy to have it in my kitchen arsenal.

Lively Floral Water Bottle

I’ve been traveling a lot more this year thanks to a busier work schedule, and my reusable water bottle is a must wherever I go!  Staying hydrated makes me feel so much better when flying, and Rifle Paper Co. patterns make me happy.  This water bottle is a winner for sure!  

Leopard & Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt

I call this shirt my “mullet shirt” because it’s business in the front (with the stripes), and party in the back (with the leopard).  Such a fun combination!  This shirt makes me happy every time I put it on.

Accu-Cut Circular Saw Track

Prior to owning this saw track, every time I used my circular saw, the cuts would be wonky and unprofessional looking.  This amazing device solves that problem keeps the saw cutting straight.  It is a great buy for any person who loves DIY projects!

For the Kiddos: Design Your Dream Room activity book

My eight-year-old daughter enjoys watching HGTV and looking at my home decor magazines, so I bought her this activity book, which lets her punch out paper pieces and design rooms with them.  She LOVES it!  It has been such a great addition to our screen-free activity arsenal and would make a great gift for any child with a creative interest.  

For the Kiddos: LEGO Chain Reactions Book

At the same time I bought my daughter the interior design book above, I bought my six-year-old son this LEGO Chain Reactions book.  It lets him use the LEGOs he already has to create amazing contraptions.  Some of the projects are a little advanced for his age, but kids six and older who are into LEGOs will love this creative book!

I hope these favorite things of mine from 2018 give you some help with your holiday shopping list!  For even more great ideas, make sure to pop over to my friends’ favorite things posts, too!  I think you’ll love their ideas as well!

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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 […]