Tag Archives: Décor

This DIY craft is a really easy way to personalize either a toy for a little one, or room décor for a love one using printable film. It can turn a lovely vintage find into something truly extraordinary, because of the care it takes to go that extra mile and upcycle a gift just to really suit someone. I think it’s that willingness to spend time and energy to deliver happiness is what makes crafting so special.

With all of that being said, I really must state that I can’t take the credit for the spark of this idea. My delightful neighbor and her daughter-in-law found a metal plane and wanted to personalize it for the piloting patriarch of the family. I was asked if I could help out… well of course I would!

I just needed to find something that would adhere to what appeared to be lacquered looking high shine industrial enamel paint. After doing some useless internet research, I decided to wing it. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun.) I thought I’d try “Jewelry Attitude” which claims to adhere to a plethora of surfaces including metal. If it works on smooth shiny metal, why wouldn’t it stick to shiny paint?

I ordered a package online, and went to work on producing the requested moniker in a suitable typeface. I actually found a Star Trek font (at daFont) online for free. I typed out what I needed on a Word Document, imported it to a Corel Program to resize, and then mirror flip it so as to print in reverse. This is only necessary when printing words, in order to keep them legible after completion.

I also imported other images to print with it. There is no need to waste money by only printing one project at a time. Organize future projects and print them on the same sheet. You can just cut out the one you need now, and put aside the rest until you’re ready to undertake them. I have a bunch of fun jewelry projects planned with these which I’ll share with you in the future! I continued by organizing my images by moving them around on a print layout page so as to maximize every centimeter of space. I’m obviously big on getting big bang for my buck. I selected color photo printing on glossy paper. They suggest loading each sheet individually and also to avoid touching the glossy side. This is exactly what I did. It prints glossy side up, so I suppose lotion or oil from your hands might smear the inkjet ink being laid onto it. They also suggested doing a trial run by printing on paper before using up your film, which is actually a good idea if you’re unsure with your computer skills. I just didn’t want to waste any ink, so I flew by the seat of pants as usual. It looked great with all the words backwards. I was supposed to let it dry for 2 hours. I waited 4… just in case. I actually wished I had waited overnight because the ink appeared a tad smeared after I used the permanent glue-stick on it. That’s how you attach it, with a simple non-toxic glue-stick.

I cut out the words carefully, then applied glue to the ink side, and peeled off the backing as directed. I’m not sure why I couldn’t just peel it off after I stuck it the plane instead of before, but I did it the way it said since this was for someone else’s gift. Next time, I’m going to experiment a little… of course. If you try this yourself, be really careful not to let it flop onto itself. It really sticks hard! I smoothed them onto both sides of the tail section.

It sets immediately, so there is absolutely no repositioning. It stays where you put it whether you like it not. This actually reassured me that it wouldn’t get messed up later by handling. I decided to let it dry fully overnight before pronouncing my final judgment of the product though. And what do you know… it was successful!

Don’t be intimidated by the digital work, it really was easier than the directions make it seem. I’m sure my next try at it will surely be a breeze. And hey, if you do need help with the computer stuff… well, maybe you have a crafty neighbor too!

Merry Christmas to All Y’all!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. I just couldn’t resist dressing it up for Christmas and adding a gingerbread wing-walker for the photos.

Arts & Crafts, Parties & Tablescapes

Frozen Winter Wonderland Themed Christmas & New Year’s Eve Dinner Parties (+ Optional Crafts)

December 12, 2014 Leigh

With New Year’s Eve trailing behind Christmas so closely, I wanted to create a dinner party theme that could easily be converted from one to the other without spending any more money or time. I’ve seen all of the decorative components in variation at stores ranging from high end home goods to budget craft supply. I’ll even describe how you can craft your own easily and inexpensively. I’ve chosen a winter wonderland theme as a visual narration of the “Frozen” movie that celebrates family and friendship. It makes an enchanting setting for the adults, and provides an extra dose of holiday magic for the kiddos with frozen-fever. And, hey, you can always pick up items on sale this year to use the theme for next year’s festivities!

For each of the table-scapes, I set the base of the stage with a gold and ivory harlequin tablecloth found previously at an after Christmas sale. If you see something on your shopping trips that might work for next year’s theme… snap it up! This is how I manage to satisfy my high end taste while sticking to my tight budget. It’s really easy to fill in from there, just before the celebration. I did this with beautifully beaded cones in gold, silver, and pewter from Pier 1. (I have seen other versions of these at many of the stores I been to this year.)

If you’d like to make your own last minute, you have two easy options. One is to buy glitter wrapping paper and double-stick tape it into a cone shape. You can just cut different sizes of paper and wrap each into a tube shape, then tighten one end into a point and tape it down. This only takes a few minutes and is affordable for everyone. The best part is that the paper can be reused for gift wrap later! Another option is to spray inexpensive Styrofoam cones with Krylon Glitter Blast spray. (I really like this stuff. It comes in many colors and is so easy to turn out matching crafts out of very different materials. I’m planning on showing it in use for my next Valentine project.) If you’d really like to go all out with the “Frozen” movie theme, just set the table in aqua blues, silver and white. It would even make a fantastic birthday party for a fan of the film. I topped my harlequin tablecloth with an inherited vintage mesh cloth with golden embroidery. (This layered look is easy to emulate with all of the various sparkly mesh fabric available. I previously purchased some myself from Joann’s with a 40% off coupon.)

For each place setting, I used my grandmother’s ivory dishes with gold trim atop gilded round placemats that served as a form of plate chargers. I also made use of my daily Oneida silverware, but switched out the butter knife for vintage steak knives with ivory scrolled handles. I love mixing and matching seamlessly!

I already had two lovely sets of napkin rings that would work beautifully, so I decided to go with vintage brass ones for New Year’s, and those with golden threads for Christmas. I placed extras of these beneath beaded Christmas ball ornaments as tiny stands, with the metal eyelet hooks hidden inside the rings. (I’ve formerly employed this idea successfully with marble Easter eggs.)

In the New Year’s setting, I placed ivory satin ribbon emblazoned with gold foiled champagne flutes and the exclamation “Toast”. (This ribbon from Joann’s would be equally lovely for a wedding as well.)

For Christmas, I topped the salad plates with large gold glitter snowflakes. I set more of these vertically throughout the centerpiece. (These can be found at numerous stores or may be homemade with chipboard or wooden snowflakes glittered with spray.) Lastly, I added inherited vintage glassware with pewter and golden touches. (Clear vessels would also be lovely in their place.)

Both table-scapes had golden scrolled embossed glass votive holders lined with plastic wrap to safely contain white “snowball” candies. Each of the centerpieces also had LED candles covered in gold sequins.

I added further glow to the New Year’s version with real votives in gold beaded holders. This table was finished off with large foil confetti of silver squares and gold stars. (Another easy addition would be to include metallic noise makers to ring in the New Year.)

For Christmas, pale gold glass trees were nestled between the cones. (I’ve seen different types of metallic glass trees at both department and craft stores.)

All of this was surrounded by a chain garland with opalescent bead “icicles”. (This can be made by anyone with jewelry skills using eye-pins, seed beads, and bulk chain. For everyone else, I’ll probably demonstrate this in the future!)

If your chandelier dips too low (as mine did) to accommodate the center cones, there is a simple solution. Use a small S-hook from a hardware store to hitch up a lower link to a higher one in the chain. Start by setting the S-hook on a link at the height you prefer, then lift the chandelier up, and lastly set a lower link onto the hook. (The photo really illustrates this better than I can describe.)

You might wait to try this until you have help to lift it while you relink it. The linking isn’t noticeable in person, and it really looks better to not have the chandelier visually conflict with the centerpiece.

Whether or not you choose one or both of these table-scapes for your next fête, for this year or the next… the idea of making simple changes to perfect your party for its holiday is a notable one if simply for its low cost and ease of transition. Most importantly, it leaves more time for family and friends. Have a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Be sure to check out my Fast & Easy DIY Hand-stamped Polka-dot Gift Wrap & Matching Gift Crafts!

Parties & Tablescapes

Last Minute Cocorico Rooster Theme Dinner Party Décor Ideas (+ Free Printables)

November 24, 2014 Leigh 2 Comments

With the winter season so turkey saturated for the holidays, I thought I’d utilize my overabundance of rooster décor and host a cozy dinner party by the fire. I used my Healthy “One-Pot” Cocorico Roasted Chicken (or Turkey) & Root Vegetables Recipe as a family-style centerpiece of food. And with my printable place-cards, it’s an easily emulated dinner party that offers a warm welcome for out-of-towners in for the holidays! I love the idea of taking dinner out of the dining room, especially in winter when there is a cozy fire available. So, my first task was to move the couches into a dining configuration. I have a large round antique coffee table that is mechanized to pop up to dining height. To accommodate more guests, I topped it with a $12 precut 4’ x 4’ plywood square from a chain hardware store. The edges of this were taped to avoid snagging the tablecloth. A card table is another easy option. Layering fabrics is a quick and easy way to add warmth to a gathering, so I draped layers of tablecloths over the square. The first layer was chocolate brown, then beige burlap with added trim, and a fall paisley print over the top. I exchanged the usual living room décor with various bits of rooster ephemera. I set a ceramic chicken on a side table next to cranberry colored candlesticks, and tucked feather tassels under the large candles. By the fireplace, I placed a rooster painting on an easel atop an old burgundy leather suitcase. Another served as a base for a spiral topiary. It was housed in an inexpensive and lightweight cranberry pot meant to simulate glazed pottery. In front of that, I positioned a small vintage brass rooster doorstop. I actually have many more roosters, but I was able to (somewhat) contain myself. I gathered sage and chocolate colored throw pillows to coordinate with the linens and dishes. These softened the deep chocolate leather sofas. Switching out small elements of your décor for an evening is an easy way to experience a change of scenery without breaking the bank. I set the table with wood-handled flatware and layers of dishware in various patterns. This included wooden plates as chargers, sage green bordered dinner plates, and a selection of chicken and rooster plates. Though completely untraditional, I figured these could be set to the side for bread later… they just looked too cute stacked this way! I actually found these little gems for $3 clearance at Dillards. Now they’re a part of my last minute rooster dinner party arsenal. My other go-to elements are antique chicken salt and pepper shakers from my grandmother, and vintage multicolor rooster stemmed glassware from my mother. It’s really great to have coordinating pieces that can be thrown together without much forethought, while having the appearance of effort. In this way, a simple chicken dinner is elevated to a special evening. Make a point of collecting what you like, and pull it out for your get-togethers. Another component which you can make for yourself is my DIY Rusted Rooster Chicken Wire Votive Holder Craft. Because they were so easy, I actually made many more than I used in the pictures. (These can be made with any shape you like, fall leaves for example.) They really added a beautiful glow to the table. I transformed, recolored, combined, and resized vintage images to make 3 free printables for invitations, labels, signs, menus, food tents, name place-cards, recipe cards, etc… (These are free for personal use only.)

These are available at the end of the article (simply right click on each image, and print in color and on photo settings on cardstock). Then just cut out your place-cards as needed… or enlist a significant other or kiddo to do it while you prep for dinner! The last step was to add the food… artisanal rosemary bread in terra cotta to compliment the Cocorico, compound butter in a rooster dish, mixed olives seasoned in flavored oil and spices, and the off-center centerpiece of roasted chicken and multi-colored root vegetables of carrots, beets, parsnips, radishes, and fingerling potatoes. Cocorico roasters are perfect “one-pot” wonders that deliver beautifully from oven-to-table. Root veggies may be peeled and seasoned the day prior to an after-work gathering if need be. Simply pick up bread and dessert to accompany your meal. Or, try out my Easy No Cook Layered (N)ice-Cream Pie with Nut Crust (Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) which may also be made with traditional ice cream, and can be made and frozen well in advance. Happy Fall Y’all! (…I couldn’t resist.) Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

DIY Rusted Rooster Chicken Wire Votive Holder Craft

November 24, 2014 Leigh

These votive holders were made to complement my Last Minute Cocorico Rooster Theme Dinner Party Décor Ideas, but you can easily craft them with plier/cutters and glue. The base is made of pre-rusted chicken wire “ribbon” (which may be substituted with chicken wire from the hardware store). Atop that are rusted rooster shapes (which are available online and at local craft stores… or made from scratch if you’re feeling super crafty). They can be lit by candle filled glass votives or LED tea-lights. It’s actually a very easy DIY project that just takes a little patience and elbow grease. Once made, they are lovely elements that can be pulled out anytime you need last minute dinner party décor to complement a simple chicken dinner.

Using a single roll of pre-rusted chicken wire “ribbon” saves time, because it already has 2 smoothed edges. If you can’t find this, regular chicken wire may be cut and bent over (toward the inside) at the top and base. Keep it naturally gray metallic or rust it with a liquid chemical solution. (There are several brands of liquid rust that may be found online or at a craft store.)

Use a glass votive as a measuring guide for wire length. Loosely wrap the chicken wire around the glass, overlapping it, and then cut the wires in a straight line. The extra length is needed for the tightening that occurs when joining the ends together later. This cut section may be used as a guide for cutting the rest. (The process would be the same for an LED tea-light candle.)

The next step is to twist the ends together, just as you would begin tying a shoelace, with one end over the other. Begin at one corner and continue the rest of the way, closing the cylinder like a zipper. (This was the part that took patience, so I “multi-tasked” by watching a movie while I twisted.) Pinch these joined ends together with pliers to completely tighten them.

I found many dozens of reasonably priced pre-rusted shapes online. There is a shape to suit any theme. Also, feel free to cut your own out of thin metal. I’ve cut butterflies from various types of thin sheet metal and also up-cycled shapes from aluminum cans. These can be painted to mimic rust. In the future, I’ll show you how to make “metal” shapes from paper (these of course would need to be used with LEDs). If you need a rooster shape for a template, just cut it out of the free invitation PDF from my Cocorico dinner party.

Glue the joined section of a wire cylinder to the underside of your rooster. Let this sit face down overnight. I used E6000 glue, because I wanted to ensure that it stuck together despite the rust. This stuff has glued down everything I have ever tried it on, so it’s a go-to product where other glues have failed. It does have fumes though, so use it in a well-ventilated space.

Slide candles into your newly handcrafted wire cages, and set on your table. Then light to delight!

Faithfully yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Quick & Easy Informal Gathering Fondue Dessert Party Idea

November 8, 2014 Leigh 1 Comment

One may easily spend the fall and winter bouncing from one holiday into the next, and often those celebrations are hosted at someone else’s abode. Why not extend thanks by inviting those friends and family to a small gathering that doesn’t involve candy, pumpkins, or trees. This easy fondue theme can be quickly pulled together the evening before. See my accompanying Quick & Easy Chocolate Coconut Fondue Recipe here. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare just before everyone arrives. It is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free so no one has to be left out. (Just be sure to buy or prepare gluten and dairy-free items to dip also.) An informal dessert party can accommodate a larger number of people without adding more work, which is great not only during the busy holidays but at any time of year.

I chose the warm and inviting colors of purple and green in order to distance my theme from those traditionally used for the holidays. They were a lovely contrast to the ivory dishware and dark brown of the chocolate and leather. Color accents were seen in the throw pillows, trays, glassware, dishes, and even the foliage. It extended to the cloth napkins that were set on the coffee table and lazy-Susan. Adding the rotating tier not only eased food accessibility, but also created separation between the serving and eating areas which was visually more appealing.

Seated on an end table was a painted tray that contained a basket of coordinating napkins in wood beaded rings, a glass holding fondue skewers, and Portmeirion Pomona plates.

I only used the plates with the pear and fig motif because they matched so perfectly, but even pretty paper plates would be fine for such an informal gathering.

Another table held a larger tray with purple bubble glasses and a matching pitcher seated on a wooden riser. An ice bucket was placed on a taller stand behind that. A cloth napkin was draped to preemptively contain any spills. Preserved lavender sat in a painted pot to soften the visual edges.

All of the furniture was rotated, for the evening, in order to accommodate an easy flow. An ottoman and a ceramic stool added seating to the arrangement, without blocking pathways. Pillows in coordinating colors were pulled from other rooms, to temper the masses of brown leather. For a smaller group, one could even pull furniture from the room, and just use stacked floor cushions around a coffee table.

Even the rock fireplace was included as a focal point with the addition of candles on green glass. These were placed at varying levels by means of a trunk and upturned basket. Statuary, a birdcage, and small trees added height and interest. Why not switch accessories for a night?

The serving pieces are actually comprised of two different sets of dishware. The center group is a small fondue set placed on a wooden stand for height. The ring of dishes surrounding that was actually meant to coordinate with a plain bowl for hors d’oeuvres, but worked beautifully to present a larger volume of food. Round bowls would also have been lovely surrounding the chocolate center.

Whether you choose to serve on paper plates or fine china, change up your décor or leave it all the same, bake your sweet treats or buy them at the store… your guests will be treated to a relaxing evening filled with delightful confections and camaraderie.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Themed Thanksgiving Tablescape Décor Ideas

November 3, 2014 Leigh

When I think of fall, images of brightly colored leaves and plump pumpkins immediately fill my mind’s eye. This was the initial inspiration behind this tablescape for Thanksgiving.

I craved more color than is typically seen in fall décor, and so added a tablecloth with a denim background.

The blue color perfectly balanced the orange of my pumpkin topiary crafts that I made for place-card holders.

More color was added with green plates and green crystal votive holders.

Deeply stained wooden bowls and chargers were utilized to reflect nature. Turning some upside down made stable pedestals for serving pieces.

I chose terra cotta to echo the pots of the topiaries and because the covered dishes would better retain the warmth of the meal. Little tassels tied to the handles softened the hard look of the pottery.

Wooden stands added interest and height to the tableware, thereby making the food the centerpiece. Bringing the floral out and the food in, contributed further to my untraditional Tablescape.

The silverware and golden basket weave glasses provided the finishing touches for the table, just as one would finish an outfit with jewelry.

After the salad course was served, the wooden pedestal hosted turkey slices that had been carved in the kitchen. This is a lovely alternative for round tables where the turkey would make up the entire centerpiece otherwise. This way, no one has to look at the carcass for the remainder of the meal, which is a blessing to any vegans who were invited.

This is my healthy quinoa pilaf stuffed patty pan “mini” squash recipe which is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free so that everyone may happily partake of the meal. Ground meat may also be added to make a complete meal.

This is my quick and easy heart-healthy “shortcut cauli-potatoes” recipe that is also Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free. It’s great year round because it’s so healthy and so fast to prepare.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

Fabulous Fall Leaf & Pumpkin Décor Crafts (Place-card Holders & Easy Remade Basket)

November 3, 2014 Leigh

I’m combining what are essentially two projects, because they entail exactly the same easy process of hot gluing your way to a fabulous fall! With so many beautiful options in faux foliage available, you can keep your creations to display again. The pumpkin topiaries may be placed throughout your home or office as small floral elements, or used as place-card holders as I have for my Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Themed Thanksgiving Tablescape. And though I used a vintage pumpkin shaped basket, I’ve seen similar variations of it at several craft and party stores that are just begging for embellishment.

For those of you who are brand new to this kind of thing… always buy fall foliage on sale (and there is always a sale somewhere). There are a plethora of leaves, sunflowers, berries, twigs, and mini-pumpkins available in fall colors. Rip off (or cut) the pretty bits from the largest stem.

Make curlicue vines by first wrapping brown floral tape around wire (pulling as you go). Then take that and twirl it around a pen. Pull the pen out, and you’re ready to use your newly made vine.

Now glue, glue, glue to your heart’s content. For the basket, start with leaves in order to form a base platform (at the junction between the handle and bowl of the basket). Then glue the larger elements on top of that blanket of leaves (without covering them completely).

Add smaller elements like berries, by dropping glue onto the stem ends, then tucking them in behind the biggest center element. Lastly, glue the vine ends (in the same way as the berries) and tuck those in wherever you see empty spaces.

It’s just that easy! You may now fill your creation with anything from candy to potpourri. To see it action, check out my “Glitter-Ween” Halloween Party Theme Decorating Ideas (With DIY Links).

As for the pumpkin topiaries… simply start with small terra cotta rose pots (because they are taller than regular pots). Fill these with floral styrofoam cut to size (not squishy “oasis” as that is made for wet arrangements). Next, hot glue a stack of tiny pumpkins (with a leaf in-between each) onto the top’s center. Cover the styrofoam with a layer of green moss. Then add a leaf or stem of berries here and there. Voila!

If you’d like to turn these into place-card holders… simply make flags out of toothpicks and washi tape, by using a ruler as a guide to cutting similar lengths.

Or… you can use floral tape, like I did, so long as you stretch it as you smash it between your fingers. A permanent marker writes the name well. You can also do this for your décor, to add a message like, “Happy Fall Y’all!”

See more of these here: Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Themed Thanksgiving Tablescape Décor Ideas.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

“Glitter-Ween” Halloween Party Theme Decorating Ideas (With DIY Links)

October 30, 2014 Leigh 1 Comment

This year’s Halloween party theme was “Glitter-Ween”! This gave me a plausible excuse to paint, spray, or glue… orange, purple, green, and black glitter to my heart’s content… at least until February that is. Here are some decorating ideas from my glitter-splosion event!

The black painted console was the perfect stage for the “candy-bar” buffet. One small glittered bell wreath kept it from appearing too top heavy. An orange spider-web runner lined and protected the painted top.

My glitter garland remade craft filled in the background of the smorgasbord. Candlesticks held glittered pumpkins at visible heights behind witch-cats who guarded the sweets.

Theme colored candy filled bowls were accented with pumpkins, ghosts, and bats from my foam puppet / food pick craft. LED candles eerily lit the scene safely, where no normal candle would have dared been set.

Spiders climbed the treat tower hung with their “spider-web” doilies.

Monochromatic jelly bean cups sat next to a variety of cupcakes on various lifts and levels.

Glittered brooms camouflaged another treat tower’s sides while a shimmering welcome beckoned at the top.

In the breakfast room, a wooden tree painted black, was trimmed with my garlands craft and my ornaments from scraps craft. The tree skirt of shimmering purple fabric was repurposed from Mardi-Gras. The tablecloth had hand-sewn bead and fringe trimming.

The centerpiece tree was flanked with hand-painted papier-mâché witch hats, and the felt ones featured favors from my foam shapes craft.

The chandelier was trimmed with ribbon and my friendly bats craft, and then draped with my pumpkin tassels craft.

Another pumpkin tassel dangled from lamp. The pictured pumpkin basket will be featured in an article very soon.

Glittered pumpkins sat snugly in a ficus tree, next to a window hung with glittered “BOO” signs.

Another window framed my suspended “BOO” wreath craft that featured some of the same glittered shapes as the garland in the living room. (It was merely outlined in the photos due to conditional backlighting which is why this picture is here.)

A side table held a glitter pick arrangement and pumpkin lamp that’s been glowing since my childhood. Fabric witch feet were tucked into a vintage basket held with treats. My foam shape sign craft hung in the background.

Another surface in the room featured more of the friendly witch menagerie guarding one of my mixed media paintings. Changing up your artwork seasonally is a great way to feature your whimsical creations.

The ceramic pumpkin was made before I was born. It’s easy to add personal touches with mementos by nestling them into your themed décor.

Even the staircase was decorated with foot wide green mesh ribbon, more glittered garlands, glowing luminarias, flying bats, and crawling spiders.

Have a Safe and Happy “Glitter-Ween”!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

DIY Easy Last Minute Halloween Ornament Décor Remade From Scraps Craft

October 30, 2014 Leigh 1 Comment

Is your spooky Halloween tree décor looking a tad too bare, and your budget’s already blown on candy and costumes? Then do what I did and use ribbon scraps, felt stickers, plastic rings, $1 felt garland, cupcake picks, and felt from a card found around the house to craft cute ornaments! So easy that it can be done last minute, and it makes an interesting artistic scavenger hunt for the kiddos… “Find as many things as you can, in 10 minutes, to turn into ornaments.”

Take a dollar bin felt garland, and cut the ribbon joining the shapes into sections. Tie a knot to form a hanging loop. You can stop there, or add bows made from glittery ribbon (also from the dollar bin) or from leftover pieces from your other crafts. Cut the ring part off the plastic spiders (that outnumber those treat bags).

Hot glue those elements, at various angles, onto your new one-of-a-kind ornaments.

Remove felt decorations (in this case a house shape) from cards. Cut the spikes off of leftover plastic cupcake picks. Pull the sticks out of floral arrangement decorations (the pumpkin people in the picture). Cut lengths of ribbon or tinsel twine to serve as hanging loops. These don’t stick into tiny fingers like hooks would, and they pack better too!

Hot glue the ends of the ribbons to the back of the shapes to make loops. Glue any decorations to the front sides. Then take fabric or ribbon (or in this case the thick orange paper that came with a floral arrangement) and glue the ornaments onto it. (The stickers will obviously just stick to it.)This makes for a prettier back that hides the hanging loop ends.

Hang your newly crafted ornaments as proof positive that cute doesn’t have to mean expensive or time intensive!

Happy Halloween!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

DIY Easy Last Minute Halloween Décor Kid Friendly Foam Shape Crafts

October 30, 2014 Leigh 1 Comment

This project began with the question, “What on earth do I do with that sack of foam shapes that didn’t get used up in that last project?” My answer was to make holiday signs, spooky garlands, not-so-scary ornaments, favor necklaces, and puppet favor / food picks! So without further ado, here are some quick and easy kid friendly craft ideas that are great for last minute fill-ins for your décor this Halloween.

Glue colored twine in between two foam shapes to make any length garland you chose. Adults can use hot glue and a ruler as a distance guide. Kiddos can use foam glue and make it as crazy as they like!

Drape it along a spooky Halloween tree, or loop the ends and hang them on the wall with tacks.

Using the same technique, make favor necklaces for the little ones. Wrap them around mini felt witch hats for party hat dress up that doubles as décor. A barrette turns them into a grown-up witchy fascinator.

Glue the shapes back to back with a new popsicle sticks in-between.

Stick those little puppet favors into candy stashes for an extra dose of Halloween fun.

Some shapes can double as letters for a thrifty but cute holiday sign.

A block of wood or small canvas backed with a ghost cut-out, may be topped with eyehooks for a wire handle.

Glue on small letters plus pumpkins for O’s, armed ghosts for T’s and K’s (when an arm is cut and added as the kick in the K). Bats can just swarm the whole project!

A coat of glitter paint (or glue) unifies the whole project, making the foam indistinguishable from other materials. The whole thing can actually dry on the wall (so long as wee fingers are out of reach).

Thread an intentionally random mix of seed beads to a thick wire handle, and twist securely into a hole or eyehook.

Voila, super-cute… super-cheap… super-fun!

Happy Halloween!

Faithfully yours,

Leigh

Tag Archives: Décor

Easy DIY Upcycle Décor or Personalized Toy Using Printable Craft Film

Frozen Winter Wonderland Themed Christmas & New Year’s Eve Dinner Parties (+ Optional Crafts)

Last Minute Cocorico Rooster Theme Dinner Party Décor Ideas (+ Free Printables)

DIY Rusted Rooster Chicken Wire Votive Holder Craft

Quick & Easy Informal Gathering Fondue Dessert Party Idea

Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Themed Thanksgiving Tablescape Décor Ideas

Fabulous Fall Leaf & Pumpkin Décor Crafts (Place-card Holders & Easy Remade Basket)

“Glitter-Ween” Halloween Party Theme Decorating Ideas (With DIY Links)

DIY Easy Last Minute Halloween Ornament Décor Remade From Scraps Craft

DIY Easy Last Minute Halloween Décor Kid Friendly Foam Shape Crafts

Living Faithfully ~ Embracing Creativity