DIY Print Making with Sketch Boards or Stryofoam and Ink

I cannot thank my friend Laura Lee enough for teaching me print making. As you can tell by my lack of posting, I've lacked the time and energy to be creative. Being creative isn't about making something fantastic, it's about being mindful and taking time for self-care. 

Items needed:

Sketch Boards (or Styrofoam)

Print Ink 

Print Rollers

Lots of paper towels

Design (Coloring books are great or print a design off the computer to trace)

Additional Resources HERE and HERE

Tape your design on top of your styrofoam. Next, with a ballpoint pen, trace out your design. 

Start by using a small dab, size of a quarter onto a solid surface. We used cafeteria trays but you could do it on a table or cookie sheet, just remember to clean off within thirty minutes. 

Next, roll the ink to completely cover the roller. Then make several even rolls over your styrofoam. I suggest to start rolling off the foam to prevent darker edges and to enhance evenness. It takes some practice. 

DIY Holiday Card Display

I'm always stumped about how to best display the beautiful holiday cards that I receive each year. I was inspired at my local hardware store to create a beautiful display with chicken wire. 

Items Needed:

1 roll chicken wire (many options to pick from)

2 long wood pieces (1/2 inch thick, any size desired)

2 short wood pieces (1/2 inch thick, any size desired)

4 corner brackets

Screw driver

Wire cutter

Staple gun 

 I used a 2 inch hex netting wire design. 

First, stain or paint your four wood pieces. 

I went with a Christmas festive green stain from IKEA. 

Next, align your wood pieces into a square/trangle and attach decorative brackets. You can put the brackets on the front or back. I selected to put them on the front to add character. You could also glue the pieces together. 

Next, attach your wire. I suggest to be very careful as you cut the pieces, the edges are very sharp. Two people makes the job easier. Start on one side and staple all edges, then cut the wire. 

Ta-Da! You are done!

Fall Leaf Wreath

Inspired by:

Source: Thrifty Stories

Items Needed:

Leaves (can be real or fake)

1 Flexible hanger

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. 

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.