Showing posts with label decorations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decorations. Show all posts

3 Upcycled DIY Ideas for Cute Photo Frames

On: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

It's spring-summer time! The season of traveling and family time: LOTS of memories to keep, share and decorate your home with.

Here are three fresh ideas to create upcycled photo frames to store and display your cherished memories:

Old tart pans (old flan tins) into picture frames


Very neat and touching idea: Collect your memories! These could be good for family pictures, food photos, your fitness tips or your memories captured through Instagram.

(Couldn't find the source!)

Metal trays into magnet boards


Turn those old trays into your family message board! Exchange notes with kids and clip your to-do list here. This looks cuter than a fridge!
Source

Clothespin DIY Frame

The beauty of this clothespin DIY frame is that you can change the pictures as often as you want! Plus it looks really neat:


Happy decorating!

More photo frames:

Crafts from Trash: Scrapbooking with Found Objects by Christy Strickler

On: Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Welcome to our next edition of "Featured Readers' Crafts"

Today we are featuring a great series by Christy Strickler over at MyScrapbookEvolution.com

Christy uses all possible items she can find (including shopping bags, plastic lids, and metal pop tab lids) to add texture to your papercraft projects and create awesome-looking crafts!

Please check out Christy's series here: Scrapbooking with found objects

Here are some great scrapbooking supplies:

From Shopping Bag to Layout:

From Scraps to Woven Layers:


DIY Stencils from Lids:



Thanks for sharing these with us, Christy!

Old Sweater into a Bottle Decor #Homedecor

On: Friday, July 18, 2014

We've seen lots of great ideas to pimp your interior with bottle decor including Wine Bottle Chandelier, Bottle Christmas LED Lights, and Wine Bottle into the Garden Borders.

This time I am sharing an even more original idea: Sweater vases!

You take a bottle, add your old unloved sweater and get unique home decor!


Here's a detailed tutorial and here are more ways to upcycle sweater crafts!

5 Winter Upcycled Hacks

On: Sunday, December 1, 2013

Winter is a season of many things, the holidays coming in first and foremost among them for most of us, presenting us with nearly unlimited opportunities for useful and beautiful crafts and hacks for our homes, both inside and out.

Whether you're looking to create a festive atmosphere, or you simply want to get the very most out of some unused items when you've got the time to transform them during the chilliest months of year, check out these five winter upcycled hacks, for yourself and to gift:

1. Arm Warmers

Arm Warmers

Turn an Old Crib into a Craft Shelf, Art Table, Wall Decor + 7 More DIY Ideas

On: Friday, January 4, 2013

There are a lot of cribs out there these days that act as a full sleep system. They go from a crib to a toddler bed, and sometimes even to a base for a full twin later on. But not all of them do this, or live long enough to make it into all three incarnations.

I know both of my kids brother their cribs long before they could become even a toddler bed. Which should tell you something about my children.

For those leftover pieces, you might not know what to do with them. If the crib is intact you can always try and sell it, or maybe offer it in freecycle. But most are leery about taking a used crib, especially with all the recalls to hit the baby industry in recent years. You may not have as much success as you hope for.

Instead, why not get creative? Pinterest, home of all things DIY, has a ton of awesome ideas for upcycling cribs. Stylish, interesting and functional additions to your home are just a project away.

1. Wall Decor

Wall Decor
You could do a lot with this idea, because it is entirely based around your personal tastes for decor and art. I like the concept of converting the grip springs into a canvas board, because it is light weight and yet would easily hold different items. You could probably come up with some other ways based on this principle.

5 Coolest DIY Christmas Gifts

On: Monday, December 17, 2012

We are now far enough into the Christmas holiday that we are all burnt out from shopping, hungover from parties and sick to death of the music, am I right? It may only be December 7, but it all starts so early these days that I feel as though it is all almost over. Even with weeks to go before the big day is really here. A point that I am constantly reminded of every time I look at the list of presents I still have to make.

I never do big gifts for most of my list. Friend, coworkers, neighbors, my kid's teachers and extended family members are usually on a separate list. One where the main point isn't to give them something so much as it is to show I am thinking of and appreciating them. This is best done (in my opinion) through things I made myself, rather than anything bought from the store.

But what to give? I try to break everyone up into two categories: edible and non-edible. People closer to me go with the former, as it takes more effort for me to make those. The latter are given edible gifts that I can make in bulk and wrap up nicely.

Our previously featured DIY hacks:
This year, myself and my kids will be working together on presents. So I thought I would find some new ideas of DIY Christmas items...here are the five I like most.

Christmas DIY Ideas: 5 Ways to Decorate Using Candles and Glass Jars

On: Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I have so many glass jars! Seriously, I have an entire cupboard full of them, most of them from old food items like pasta sauce, salsa and olives. I don't know what to do with them and I never have. While I recycle, my local place doesn't take glassware and I would have to go clear into another county to get rid of them. Which isn't exactly eco friendly when you consider the driving involved to get three hours out of town to the nearly recycling facility that takes glass.

As a result, I tend to take a fair number of them to reuse as water glasses. You know, the big ones you put on the bedside table to combat the effects of winter dryness, and all that. A couple of others have been filled and used as vases, though fresh flowers aren't much of an option now that winter has arrived. My kids have even each used one for their 'rewards jar', which they take a prize from at the end of each week as an allowance for doing their chores.

I have run out of ideas on what to do with these multiplying menaces. I learned how to make my own sauce and salsa in order to avoid acquiring anymore. But what to do with the few dozen still crammed into a cupboard in my kitchen...I could use the space!

This past weekend I sat down and started to really search out things to do with them. The holidays are just around the corner, so it seems like a good time to put them to use. I was relieved to find many struggle with this question, and some pretty cool ideas have come out of upcycling needs. As you would expect, a whole lot of these people had gathered on Pinterest. Man, I love that site.

Here are five of my favorites glass jar upcycling ideas for Christmas (psst: Don't forget to check out our previous glass jar DIY projects: DIY Glass Jar Lanterns and DIY Sun Jars).

1. Table Decorations

Table Decorations

A Mason Jar + a Shelf = "Fresh Cut Flower" Shelf

On: Monday, January 16, 2012

A Mason Jar Fresh Cut Flower Shelf

We love having lots fresh herbs, plants and flowers at home. They freshen up our interior and make us feel comfortable and uplifted.

We have already shared a few unique upcycling ideas on indoor plants: here's a cool upside-down planting hack and here's an awesome light bulb mini-greenhouse.

Today we share another cool idea: "Fresh Cut Flower" Shelf. Here's a detailed instruction to print out.

It is a great way to turn your boring wooden shelf into something unique and fun!

Enjoy!

A Mason Jar Fresh Cut Flower Shelf

Light Bulb into a Mini Green House

On: Monday, July 18, 2011

lightbulb plant
If you are into in-house planting, you'll love this fun idea: turn a light bulb into a tiny greenhouse.
Here's the detailed instruction (and make sure to look though the comments as well).

I am not sure what happens if / when a plant outgrows the bulb - but I guess there's a way to find a really tiny plant for it to grow inside for a long time.

Ideas?

lightbulb greenhouse
Here are a few interesting takeaways from the comments:
  • Will the plant need air?

    If you give the plants an airtight house, you create a mini ecosystem and the water that's inside will eventually evaporate to the top, condensate on the glass, and fall back down like rain.  It will keep doing that over and over, and you end up hardly ever having to water
  • Do the plant grow, and does it stop growing?

    The plants don't really grow much- a little bit, but they have stayed small enough to not outgrow the terrarium.  A few of the little fern babies have doubled or tripled in size over the course of many months, but they were very tiny to begin with.
More plants in a bulb:

lightbulb plant
lightbulb plant
lightbulb greenhouse 


More greenhouse and planting gadgets:

Vinyl Record Covers into a Box

On: Thursday, July 14, 2011

Vinyl record cover box

We have had quite few DIY ideas on how to recycle vinyl records including several projects in upcycling them into check bags and purses (Stylish vinyl records purse and cool vinyl records bags) as well as other, more creative ideas (like cool vinyl records bags and vinyl record into a cool necklace).

But how about the vinyl record covers we all store at home? How can we reuse them as well?

Here's a fun and very useful idea: vinyl record cover box (find the full tutorial here).

Gotta love the stylish design that would make a perfect match into a retro interior! And it looks like a useful storage utility too! On top of all, it looks easy to do and is absolutely free.

Vinyl record cover box
Thanks to Kate of Silver Prices Today for sending this cool tip!

Rolled Recycled Magazine Pages into the Mirror Frame

On: Sunday, July 10, 2011

Recycled magazine mirror
We have already covered a few fun DIY projects based on rolled magazine pages: rolled magazine table and magazine paper photo frame.

Today's idea is another brilliant one! The radiant rolled magazine wall mirror looks fantastic!

I don't know what all the pieces are attached to, but use it for inspiration!
Recycled magazine mirror

Do-It-Yourself New Year Round-up!

On: Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I am sorry I haven't been updating my blog for a while but I felt obliged to post at least something to round-up this exciting year.

Great winter holidays DIY projects: enjoy!

Plastic Cups Snowman

This snowman will never melt and it will serve as the holiday decoration for your home throughout many years!

Plastic Cups Snowman

Recycle Gift Cards into Christmas Tree Ornament

I am sure it is fun to create too! And depending on your gift card providers, can be various colors!

Recycle Gift Cards into Christmas Ornament

Plastic Bottle Candle Holder

These will come in handy for any winter holiday including st Valintine's day and New Year:

Plastic Bottle Candle Holder

And don't forget these CD candle holders as well!

Drinking Straw Light Fixture

I am pretty sure this one can be used as the holiday decoration!

Drinking Straw Light Fixture

CD Christmas Tree

OK, it is a bit late now but why not save the page for the next year?

CD Christmas Tree

CD Photo Frame

A great last-minute February 14 gift idea!

CD photo frame

CD Disco Ball

Can also be turned into awesome holiday decor!
CD disco ball

LED Lights in a Bottle

Beautiful decor idea for the holidays!
Christmas LED Lights in a Bottle

Ping-Pong Balls into Diffused Party Lights

Wow!
Ping-Pong Balls Lights

Light Bulb Christmas Tree

Made of used light bulbs this tree looks awesome and is absolutely reusable and environment-friendly!

Light Bulb Christmas Tree
I hope you feel inspired! Happy Holidays and see you in 2011!

Most Bizarre DIY Magazine Rack Designs

On: Wednesday, November 24, 2010

First, a few inspiring examples:

A cheap wire hanger into a magazine rack:

DIY magazine rack
source

Magazine magazine rack (click the image to go to the original post):


Fancy mags (or anything similar) into the tube magazine rack:

DIY magazine rack
source

Bizarre Magazine Racks?

What the heck? Why would anyone be interested in magazine racks, much less bizarre ones? Of course, people read magazines, and they probably need a place to put them when they are not reading, but still...magazine racks?

Well, after searching around for some really offbeat magazine racks, you may come to the conclusion that these rather unnoticed and un-thought of household items can actually be really cool! In fact, there are some magazine racks that are incredible artistic achievements in beauty and sculpture, with a value to match the artwork.

A World of Unique Magazine Racks

Magazine racks aren't only for professional offices. There are decorative magazine racks that look like suns, moons, or stars. Some designs look like an assortment of cute puppies or kittens. Some handmade racks are actually cup holders or plastic water bottles that hold rolled up magazines. There are even magazine racks made out of magazines!

Professional magazine racks range from the plain to the decorative to the sublime. Some racks are virtually invisible; the only way one can tell it is a magazine rack is because of the magazines that seem to be holding each other in place. Some of the racks are huge and are actually a real and beautiful piece of furniture. Some are antique in look, made with beautiful woods or metal; others are fancy baskets woven into special shapes as magazine holders.

Magazine Racks are Part of a Winning Atmosphere

The most professional businesses in the country decorate with beautifully designed, and admittedly bizarre, magazine racks. Places, from bank lobbies to doctor’s offices and from television stations to classy modeling agencies, all sport the best in magazine racks. Not only do people use the racks to hold magazines, but they also use them as display shelves. The racks are extremely eye-catching for promotions materials and upcoming events.

A Special Magazine Rack for Your Home


Until you begin searching for bizarre and out-there magazine racks, you may have no idea how fun and useful they are. Not only that, but they truly can be a work of art. Just think of one of your primary interest in life and then picture a rack that expresses that.

You could have magazine racks that look like the following items:
  • Music Stands
  • Art Palates
  • Fine China
  • Oriental Fans
  • Peacocks
  • Gold Fish
  • Rainbows
  • Ships
  • Model T’s
You see? The list is endless. And, this list doesn’t begin to account for the beautiful and well-designed modern magazine racks that can also grace one’s home or personal office.

Find the Design of Your Dreams

Whether you decide to find one of those bizarre magazine racks, or you prefer an elegant style, there are enumerable choices literally at your fingertips. Your computer search engine will take you to some of the most artistic and fun sites, all for magazine racks.

And, if you are really inventive, you might just come up with a design all your own. Who would have thought that a magazine rack could be so exciting?

3 Fun Ways to Recycle Plastic Gift Cards

It seems like any retailer offers gift cards nowadays, so it’s most likely that you’ve accumulated several of them. Have you ever wondered how to recycle them? Well, for you not to search any longer, here are are three fun ideas (and gift ideas as well!):

Recycle Gift Cards into a Bracelet

Seems like it takes some time and effort - but looks lovely!

Recycle Gift Cards into a Bracelet
Via

Recycle Gift Cards into a Notebook

It looks cool and will fit even the tiniest purse!

Recycle Gift Cards into a Notebook
Recycle Gift Cards into a Notebook
Via

Recycle Gift Cards into Christmas Ornament

If you are one of those (us) who is going to celebrate this Christmas on budget and the eco-friendly way, you will love this idea. And it doesn't seem to be to hard to create!

Recycle Gift Cards into Christmas Ornament
Via

Pst... Holiday tip: you can buy gift cards for this holiday season with Gift Card Granny. I found it a great and valid resource. And when the holiday season is over, you can recycle them using this post ideas!

3 Eco-Friendly DIY Christmas Wreaths

On: Thursday, November 18, 2010

Christmas is approaching fast and you are likely to be already trying to figure out how to make this year's holidays frugal and eco-friendly while still fun.

We save money and we love our home, therefore we love our DIY life!

So here are three totally green and pretty easy-to-craft DIY projects for you to decorate your home on a budget:

Find the instructions here

Old Ties into the Christmas Wreath

I am sure you have plenty of those ties your husband or dad doesn't need any more. Why not turn them into the fun Christmas decoration?

Old Ties into the Christmas Wreath 

Holiday Greeting Cards into the Christmas Wreath

Recycle your friends' holiday greeting cards into holly leaves for this nice Christmas wreath! That's what I call putting good wished to real use!


holiday greeting cards Christmas wreath

Recycle Wine Corks into the Christmas Wreath

Holidays are so rich in wine, so this year you will know how to recycle them!


Wine Corks into the Christmas Wreath 


Pst, here are few more ideas to recycle festive wine corks: Champagne Cork Flash Drive Holder and Wine Cork Serving Tray

Enjoy!

Oh and while you are still here, why not take this online test on how well you know Christmas!

Rolled Magazine Table

On: Monday, October 4, 2010

We have already profiled a rolled newspaper stool and here's another great way to reuse old newspapers and magazines: rolled newspaper table! I am sure the two would also make a great match:

Rolled Magazine Table

Turn Tape into Amazing Interior Decorations

On: Monday, September 20, 2010

Most of us have plenty of tape stored in the garage for no reason. No, actually there is the reason: too many feelings and memories are tied to that old tape you do not have the heart to throw away.

But maybe you don't need to. Here are some truly amazing and inspirational examples of DIY interior artworks made of tape: let your memories go real!

Tape Interior Decorations
Tape Interior Decorations
Tape Interior Decorations

PET Bottles into a Magazine Rack

On: Monday, August 30, 2010

Some DIY projects are fun and beautiful, others are useful and simply genius - this is is both.

Surely, it all comes to implementation - would be able to make the thing as aesthetic? But the idea is surely a cool one!

PET Bottles into a Magazine Rack

A similar DIY project:

A Magazine Magazine Rack

An Old TV into Aquarium

On: Sunday, August 29, 2010

A beautiful aquarium is a great decoration for any interior. But what if that's a TV aquarium? Imagine how cool it would be to have this ingenious Reef Tank which can be put in your Grandma's 1955 television!

(Creepy) Dolls Chandelier

On: Monday, April 26, 2010

dolls chandelier

I am actually not sure which interior design would match such a chandelier. It needs definitely a home with no children ('cause kids will be hurt by its look).

Anyway, the dolls chandelier is our today's find. Many people, many tastes - and I am sure someone will love it!

dolls chandelier