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Friday, July 18, 2014

DIY Vintage Vanity Makeover: Guest Project

I am excited to share this project by my friend Rachel G. Rachel and I lived together our freshmen year of college at the University of Tennessee. We were meant to be roommates, both adventurous and colorful. We won the best dorm room for our creative DIY decorations. We had so much fun. Rachel received this vanity from her husband for her birthday. She sanded the peeling imperfections to create the perfect vanity.  She did a great job!!







Monday, July 14, 2014

DIY Backyard Citronella Mason Jar Candles

This week's post is all about an easy to do project. I love being outside in my recently renovated backyard but I hate the bugs. The bugs love me. With just a couple of easy to find items, you can create your own citronella candles from mason jars. I estimate that each costs $3.75 and will last you the entire summer. 

I imagine these to be perfect for a backyard wedding. They can serve the purpose of table decor, yet they keep the bugs away from your guests. 

Items needed:
Mason jar(s)
Citronella oil (purchased at Kroger but can also be found at Lowe's or Home Depot)
Rosemary (substitute any herb that smells good)
Lemon slices
Floating Candle
Ribbon (optional) 


Load up your ingredients in your mason jar (or decorative vase), oil, rosemary and lemon slices before topping with your floating candle. In just order three minutes you can have the perfect outdoor centerpiece that does double duty! The smell is fantastic and will keep you outside for hours on end. 


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Make your Own Pinata

Pinatas are incredible expensive and while being honest, rather boring when bought in-store. I will show you how to make your own custom pinata in just a few hours and for less than $10. 

Supplies Needed:
Large Cardboard Boxes (Think packing boxes)
1 or 2 Light-Cardboard Boxes (Think cereal boxes) 
Heavy-duty Scissors
Shipping Tape
Glue (I used Elmer's)
Tissue Paper or Streamers

First disclaimer, my photos start with my "5" pinata and then switch to my pyramid pinata since I wanted to finish my "5" pinata on the Fox Morning Show. 

First, draw your design on your thick cardboard. Use the first piece to trace onto your back pieces to ensure that are a consistent size. 
Next, cut your thinner cardboard boxes (cereal boxes) into several strips 4 inches wide. You can go wider but I wouldn't suggest going any smaller. 
Then, begin to tape your 4" strips onto your think cardboard to build the 3d design. 




Next, cut your tissue paper into long 3" strips. If you are using streamer paper, then your work here is done. 
Next, cut uniform cuts into your 3" strips. I had a pair of herb sheers that I used, I know it's cheating but I admit that I've never used them in the kitchen.
Starting at the bottom of your pinata, glue one strip at a time onto your pinata. I spaced them out out 1 inch per strip. 


The final steps include stapling rope or string onto your pinata to hang it and stuffing it with candy. I haven't stuffed mine just yet (with adult airplane bottles, ha ha) but I will cut a small hole into the side and then hot glue back together.