How to make a number piñata!

Materials needed:

-cardboard

-scissors

-marker

-pencil

-tape

-Hot glue gun

-flour

-warm h2o

-your choice of decorative paper

1. Making the structure. Stack two pieces of cardboard together. Draw your number and then cut through the two layers of cardboard at the same time. We made our piñata 3 ft tall.

2. Cut strips of cardboard for the edging. Our strips were about 5" wide.

3. Taking the strips, tape together the top and the bottom piece on the seam. Reinforce it on the top and on the inside.

4. When you get to an edge just make a crease in the cardboard so it bends easily. 

5. Add a layer of papier-mâché with newspaper and flour mixture. Allow 24hrs to harden:) 

6. Cut your paper into 1" squares. 

7. Using the eraser side of your pencil wrapping paper square and twist. Now add a dot of hot glue and stick to surface of piñata. (Try and work a little each day so that it's not overwhelming) 

8. Cut a section at the top to add candy in then cover with paper. To hang cut two holes at the top and thread string through. Enjoy:) 

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Flocked Christmas tree

Although, it isn't the season for Christmas trees, I still wanted to share my DIY Flocked Christmas tree from 2013. 
You can easily buy flocked Christmas trees from a Christmas tree store, but  DIYs can be fun. Here’s how to easily create the beauty of a winter wonderland right on your old shabby tree.

Materials needed: 

 
-Wall Texture Spray
-Cornstarch 
-Glitter

 

I first set up tree in garage because I was sure it would make one heck of a mess. 

Flock the tree as heavy or as light as you like, but for a more realistic presentation, look for pictures of snow-covered real trees and make them your inspiration. Start flocking your tree from the very top and work your way down. With this technique, there will be less work for you to do as some flocking will fall on the lower branches of your tree. If you like a natural flocked look, spray only the outer tops of branches using light even, strokes. Coat your tree lightly with the wall texture spray and add more when necessary. Now sprinkle cornstarch and glitter sparingly to achieve desired texture.

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DIY Style-Chalk Finish Paint

I have these two old stools that my boys use as their dinner chairs, to get something from the counter, to watch Mom make dinner or to help make an espresso drink. ;) These stools were calling for a DIY project. I have been wanting to try this Chalk Finish Paint, the stools were perfect!

I've seen Annie Sloan Chalk paint but it is pricey....so when I saw a way to get a similar look while reading Lowe's Creative Ideas, I was super excited! I really enjoyed this project, it was easy and loved the finished product.

BEFORE

Materials Used:

-Valspar Paint
-Plaster of Paris
-Spray Polyethylene

Tools Needed:

-Paint Brush
-Plastic Bucket

Step 1: 

I mixed 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris with 1/3 cup of water until it is dissolved. Then mix in 1 cup of paint. This was enough to paint both stools.

Step 2:

Clean the surface you will be painting and make sure that it is dry. After your surface is dry then you are ready to paint. (NOTE: you do not have to sand the surface). I did two coats on the non painted stool. The brown stool did require more coats, to ensure the brown paint was completely covered.

Step 3:

I waited 24 hours before spaying the stool with a spray polyurthane. I did two coats. I let dry another 24 hours. I just wanted to be safe!

AFTER

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Baseball Curtain Tie-Backs

My Boys' room is a vintage sports theme that is still underway. I do want I can and when I can. They are very active three year old boys that enjoy the game of baseball, basketball, football, etc. They love it all!

I wanted something that would tie back their curtains, so in the day-time I could have them pulled to the side to let some light in. With that being said, I also wanted something that tied in with the theme of their room. So, I thought of using the actual seams of the baseball and hold it together with a clip.

Materials Used: 
-2, old baseballs (Free, already had)
-2, 3/8in swivel eye bolt ($2.06 ea. @ Lowe's)
-E-6000 Glue  (already had)


Tools Needed:
-X-Acto Knife
-Scissors

First Step: Cut the seam of the baseball out, don't cut too close to the seams because you don't want them to unravel. It is best to leave more than enough of the baseball leather, and if need be you can trim later. Then, cut your piece of seam in half. Clean the back side of the seam strip by pulling all of the strings off. (I saved the inside of the ball for a possible future project).

 Second Step: Take one end of the seam and pull it through the bottom of the eye bolt. Then, bring it over and enclose the eye bolt with some of the E-600 glue. (I used a paper clip to secure it, until the glue dried).

 Third Step: Now measure the length that works best for holding up your curtain. (I just test wrapped it with creating a loop and closing off, then just marked the spot where to have the loop). Now glue your loop and cut excess seam strip. (I used a paper clip to secure it, until the glue dried).

Fourth Step: Tie-back your curtains.

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Sharpie Mugs!

Here's the method: All you need is a sharpie (any color) and a porcelain dish that you want to permanently alter. You can even use super cheap mugs from the dollar store to create gifts or party favors. Just draw on the surface of your mug and bake it for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow them to cool completely before washing or using. 

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Basket Detail

Who knew adding add a little detail to a basket could make such an impact?! At least I think so.

I've had this basket sitting under my console table and felt like it was lacking color. So, I took a paintbrush, some acrylic paint and started painting away... 

Love the outcome, but still feel like it is either missing more paint or if I should add some gold paint and make stripes...Will see, for now I will leave it alone.

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Oversized IKAT Painting

Ikat seems to be the new trend nowadays, but the price tag of oversized paintings is just not for me. So I decided to go ahead and tackle the project on my own with an old whiteboard I had laying around in my garage. Mixing neutral with metallics adds bold impact to any space. It's so fun and easy just squiggle the paint back-and-forth with medium size brush to create effect ( you can even have your kids help).

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