I received my first flower press when I turned nine years old - maybe eight? The point is it was forever ago. I got it as a birthday gift from my best friend. The flower press came with a small instructional booklet on how to collect and preserve colorful wildflowers. On the front of the press was an illustration of Anne of Green Gables, happily picking florals and putting them into a giant basket. I still have that flower press, all these years later, with flowers wedged between the pages that are as old as the press itself. It was a fantastic gift that had me hunting for leaves and petals to collect and keep forever. Whether you're making one as a gift for a kid who loves getting outside, or you want to give yourself an excuse to explore the outdoors, a DIY flower press is a quick and easy project to make.
It's a new year. Now that the dust has settled, you want to maintain the great start you've accomplished. That means you gotta make like Elsa in Frozen and just "Let it go! Let it goooo..." That's right, I've caught the purging bug, and I'm talking about getting rid of clutter. After the materialist pressure of the holidays, it always feels good to go through your home and do a quick purge. This January, take on this cleaning challenge and get rid of the unnecessary. Don't think, just act. Here are a few things you can go ahead toss without guilt or a second thought:
By now, I am sure your mailbox is starting to be flooded with Christmas cards from your family and friends. Can I mention the fact that I have not sent mine yet? My friends and family might get my family card until sometime in February...or maybe March. Anyway, It really is a fun time of year to get updates on all your friends. Here are some fun ways you can display your Christmas cards you will receive this year.
We all go through that "IKEA phase" in life, and to be honest, I have no intention of leaving that phase! Thanks to the amount of IKEA hacks out there and newer, unique pieces of IKEA furniture, it's easier than ever to achieve a sophisticated look on a budget. If you're in the market for IKEA entertainment center ideas to upgrade an IKEA sideboard, cabinet, buffet or TV unit into a chic centerpiece in your living room, you can hack it SO many different ways!
If someone mentions Christmas colors, red and green probably instantly come to mind. But though they're the default, they're far from the only choice for a Christmas color scheme. If you're not a fan of the color combination, or it just doesn't look good with your existing regular decor, why not get creative with your Christmas colors? Check out these ideas for alternative Christmas color palettes for decorating your home.
If you're like me, you probably have a few artists, DIYers or crafters on your Christmas list this year. You might also be running out of ideas for gifts to give these creative individuals, especially if they've been on your nice list for awhile. In an effort to make your gift shopping a little easier this holiday season, here are some ideas of gifts for artists.
Do you ever wish you could make a blanket yourself, but don't feel like you have the time to? Then a DIY arm knit blanket might be just the project for you! A chunky knit blanket can be completed in about an hour, and it's PERFECT for beginners. But what is "arm knitting," you might ask? Basically, it's regular knitting, but instead of using needles, you use your arms. As you can imagine, arms in needle terms are big. Really big. And that's exactly why we can whip up a DIY giant knit blanket in under an hour.
I love black and white, and what better pattern to show off this high contrast combo then buffalo check (also known as buffalo plaid). For the last few years, I've been adding more and more of this (usually) red-and-black flannel pattern known to my fall/winter wardrobe and home decor. Last year, I decorated a whole Christmas tree for $10, and buffalo check was the main star.
So, when I found this solid little table at a thrift store for $8, I decided to give it a giant gingham makeover.
So Mother's Day is days away, and you're empty-handed.
Procrastinate much?
JK! There's no judgment here - I am the absolute worst at planning ahead.
But, let's not leave our moms thinking we don't care about them. Instead of panicking and grabbing the first tchotchke that catches your eye on the way home and playing it off as totally intentional, try one of these last-minute gifts your mom will love.
We've got you covered with gifts you can order online, simple ways to make a gift of flowers more special, and experiences you can share with your mom that will really make her day.
Ready, set, go - you got this!
1. Order a Legit-Elegant Gift on Amazon Prime
Besides rescuing me whenever I run out of cat litter (Every. Single. Month.), that speedy 2-day Prime shipping is just perfect for those of us who missed all the blaring commercials warning us of the imminent approach of Mother's Day. You don't even have to run around frantically after your workday!
Source: Amazon
1. JONTER Fabric Wireless Bluetooth Round Speaker in Rose Gold
Source: Amazon
2. Umbra Trigg Desktop Planter Vase
Source: Amazon
3. Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Coco Rose Body Polish / Sugar Scrub
Source: Amazon
4. Home Essentials Tuscana Assorted Color 16oz Wine Glasses Set
Photo: Amazon.com
5. Paddywax Element Collection Scented Soy Wax Candle, Saltwater and Suede
Photo: Amazon.com
6. Rivet Modern Hand-Woven Stripe Fringe Throw Blanket
2. Try a Modern Spin on Flowers
I don't mean your regular grocery store bouquet. Well, not without some tweaking. This is the woman who gave you life, you guys, don't just pick up a bunch of carnations in a plastic sleeve.
Try one of these easy DIY flower arrangements and hacks to make this classic Mom's Day gift extra special.
They say the best things in life are free. Okay, these last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas are not free, but they are decidedly more special than anything you can order online. Shower your mom with love by creating memories with her.
Most importantly, kids, give your mom your full attention so she knows just how much you appreciate her.
Breakfast in bed is just messy. Treat your mama to a meal out in the fresh air instead.
It doesn't have to be stunningly gorgeous (although, isn't this just the most inviting breakfast you've ever seen?). Prepare some simple foods, grab a few cozy blankets and bottles of rosé, and venture out to a spot in a nearby park or beach.
Is there someplace your mom is always talking about going? Maybe she's been before and raves about how much she enjoyed it, or somewhere new that she's excited to explore? Take her there!
Pretty much anywhere you live, there is something new to discover within a few hours' drive. Adventure with your mom, and you'll be surprised what you can learn about her, too.
For the ultimate Mother's Day gift, spend more time with her! Taking a class is a beautiful way to bond while learning something new. Check your local adult education center or community college for classes ranging from visual arts to poetry, yoga to cooking.
If you aren't able to commit to a multi-week course, see if they have any workshops instead.
If you happen to kill every plant you've ever had, I have a trick for you: hang them at eye level! Sure, it's not much, but having your plants at eye level is a great way to remember to water them. And if you're new to plant ownership, there's no better place to start than with an air plant and this 15 minute DIY!
Growing your own herbs is incredibly satisfying. Not only do they take up very little space, they take your cooking to new heights as you start experiment with different flavor profiles, you can even read our guide to choosing your own here.
Hello, and happy Valentine's Day! Okay, it's not quite the big day yet, but February 14th is just weeks away, and I'm totally ready to celebrate. Ever since the Christmas holiday ended, I've been itching for an excuse to decorate, party, craft - whatever! I wanted to make some cards featuring some of my favorite gals throughout history (some are good, some are bad!), and the captions kind of wrote themselves after that. Click through for these printable valentines!
The month of January is usually all about improvement. You get a gym membership, you begin eating healthier, you buy a planner, and you start recycling. In this season of self-care, it's good to reflect on how our home benefits us - specifically, the things within our home. Houseplants are a great addition to any dwelling, not only because they visually make spaces feel more "alive," but because they are also good at improving health and productivity. Want some more good news? There are also air-purifying houseplants that can naturally clean out organic pollutants in your home. Check out these attractive plants that can make your home happier and healthier in the new year.
In an effort to get organized early in the new year, I've been making myself little desk accessories to get excited about computer work. And I'm happy to say, it's actually working. So, I thought I would share one of the projects that I recently made, for a jumbo wood block perpetual calendar. The larger size makes this calendar a statment piece and adds a fun playfulness to the typically bland work station. Click...
If you're anything like me, you have a running list of projects you want to try. Things you save repeatedly on Pinterest, ideas you scribble down in the back of your planner, or maybe you just keep a mental list in your brain. Clothesline baskets have been on my want-to-try list for forever, and this week I took the plunge. After conquering the first one, I want to make a million of these clothesline baskets. A million! Additionally, I'm loving the simple stripe in this basket. We're exploring all things Scandinavian this month, and this basket fills the bill with equal parts monochrome and texture.
If you follow us on Instagram, you may have seen my story about adventures in DIY basket land. No lie, it was a little rocky at first. I did have to start over twice, but hopefully my floundering can help you succeed. Here's what I learned: The key to a successful clothesline basket it to not rush. Take your time, and whatever you do, don't be forceful! Just sit back and let the machine do the majority of the work. Okay, let's get started! Watch to see how this basket came together, and follow the full tutorial below.
Materials
Cotton clothesline, which can be found at your local hardware store
To begin, set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch, and load it with the neutral thread color. You will want a wide enough stitch to join the edges of clothesline together. Next, coil one end of the clothesline in a snail-shape. Keep the coil in place using straight pins.
Using a zigzag stitch, sew around the coil starting from the center, following the snail-shaped path. Your zigzag stitches should reach across the divot between the edges of clothesline. Go slowly as you begin. As needed, leave the needle down and rotate after releasing the pressure foot to make tighter turns.
Step
Continue following the coil shape, stitching the clothesline to the perimeter of your initial coil. Make sure that the zigzag stitch is catching both sides of the clothesline, otherwise you'll end up with holes in your basket. Do not pull or push on the clothesline as you stitch it in place - this will make the shape warp! The dogs of your sewing machine will feed the clothesline through as you go, keeping you at a good pace and tension. All you have to do is feed the clothesline through and keep it on track. Continue sewing until you've reached the desired size for the bottom of your basket.
Step
When you're ready to start working on the sides, rotate the bottom of the basket up, and continue stitching as before. Try to force the bottom of the basket at an angle as you stitch, but again, don't pull or push. Stitch at an angle as you continue, and the basket will begin to curl up and take shape. Once your basket has successfully turned, stitch as before. Keep sewing around and around until your basket is as tall as you want it to be.
Step
If you want to add a little extra detail to your basket, you can wrap the clothesline in floss, thread, or yarn intermittently before stitching it in place. I paused 4-5 rotations from the top to wrap the clothesline in floss, creating a stripe.
After wrapping the clothesline in floss, use matching thread to carry on the zigzag stitch.
Step
When the basket has reached the desired height, it's time to add handles. Carry the clothesline away from the basket in a handle shape and pin in place, as seen above. Continue the zigzag stitch up to the point where the handle starts. Backstitch to tie off, and pick the zigzag stitch back up where the handle ends. Repeat for the other handle.
Stitch around again, and when you meet with the first handle, sew along the top of the handle, carrying your clothesline along the handle. Continue around, and repeat for the second handle. Repeat this type of rotation as many times as desired, depending on how thick you want your handles to be.
Step
When you are finished, cut the end of the clothesline 1-2 inches away from the stitch. Sew the end in place on the inside of the basket.
And voilá! A clothesline basket!
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After getting the hang of the process, I could see marathoning a Netflix show and making a whole slew of these. Once the basket starts to take shape, it's kind of relaxing and cathartic. Basically the perfect rainy day activity. Happy sewing!
