Does anyone else go through a transient depressive episode after taking down the Christmas decorations?  The house looks so bare that I can’t handle it.  The holidays are over and the next thing to look forward to is the Super Bowl.  But have you ever given any thought to decorating for after Christmas?  These Winter Decorations will leave the house feeling home and cozy even though the holiday season is over.

As always, please pin from the original post!

Hot Chocolate Bar from Southbound Bride

DIY Snow Covered Pinecones from Ella Claire

Glass Hurricane with Pinecones from Nordic House

DIY Woodland Sign from Live.Laugh.Rowe

Winter Mantle from Create.Craft.Love

Easy Pinecone Wreath from Remodelaholic

Winter Wreath for After Christmas from DIY Inspired

Snowflake Wood Sign from BareBearMOOSE

Ice Melt Salt Bucket from Life Should Cost Less

Cinnamon Stick Wrapped Candles from Debbiedoos

Snowy Pinecone Mason Jars from Crafts by Amanda

Paper Winter Wonderland Decor from The Homes I Have Made

Glowing Snowballs from 100 Things 2 Do

Winter Scarf Wreath from A Cultivated Nest

Wood Slice Snowman from The Craft Patch

Plaid Winter Wreath from Brickhouse Design Comp

Rustic Farmhouse Wreath from The Idea Room

Snowflake Mason Jars from It All Started with Paint

DIY Drop Cloth and Pom Pom Pillow from Thistlewood Farms

Winter Wonderland Tablescape from The Grace House

Snowflake Marquee from A Beautiful Mess

Snowflake Wall Hanging from The Crafted Sparrow

How stinkin’ adorable is that plaid hoop wreath?!  Super cozy and inviting!

The post Winter Decorations for After Christmas appeared first on Create Craft Love.

I’m all about simple doable home decor crafts that anyone can make.  And believe me… this one is super simple… and inexpensive, too!  The best part is that it’s whimsical…. it delights children… and make adults smile.  Sometimes we take seasonal home decor too seriously.  So today….we’re going to have fun! And smile a lot too!

 Let’s make a Flowery Book Page Pumpkin

 Gather Supplies…

dollar store pumpkin
old book
Mod Podge or DIY decoupage glue
paint brush
small silk flowers
scissors
sharp knife
pencil
cool glue gun and glue sticks
branch cut to stem size
black paint

 Make Your Own Decoupage Glue

Supplies

small, clean empty glass jar
white school glue
water

 Make it

Pour a bottle of white glue into your empty jar
Add an equal amount of water (50% glue /50% water).
Put top on jar and shake well.

 Create a Book Page Pumpkin

Tear strips of book page paper to go from stem to base of pumpkin. My pumpkin took about 18 strips of paper.

Using a plastic bag to protect your table, covered with a scrap book page for your working surface, lay the torn book page, face down on your work surface and paint the Mod Podge or DIY decoupage glue on the back of the book page strip.  Carefully lift it off your work surface and place it on the pumpkin starting at the stem and carefully smoothing it down toward the bottom of the pumpkin.

Apply more glue to the top of the strip of paper with your brush. It will serve to further dampen the paper and allow it to be hand smoothed to the pumpkin.
Repeat randomly around the pumpkin until all the orange is covered.

 Allow your wet pumpkin to dry.

 While the pumpkin is drying, make a realistic pumpkin stem. See the tutorial here.

 Once your pumpkin is dry, cut the stem out of the pumpkin and cover with book page paper if necessary.

 Hot glue your realistic stem on your book page pumpkin.

 Prepare your flowers for application to the pumpkin.  First… pull the flowers off their stems.  Second… clip the plastic end off the base of the flower with your scissors.

Create a level guideline for gluing flowers on the pumpkin.
Fold a piece of paper to the desired height and hold it on the table and draw little marks around the pumpkin as your gluing guide.

 I used two different bunches of flowers for this pumpkin.  The first color was arranged on the table to allow for proper spacing and gluing.

Apply glue to the base of the first group of flowers and glue onto the pumpkin, and on the line, spaced as you had previously arranged them.

Add contrasting flowers to fill in the gaps.

That’s it!!

Fun, quick, easy, and this flowery pumpkin cost all of $3, plus the hot glue and paint.

 Now that I’ve made one… I want to make more!

One just isn’t enough.  These would be so sweet running down the center of a table for Thanksgiving.

How else do you see yourself using these flowery book page pumpkins?

For more fun book page craft ideas stop by An Extraordinary Day HERE, or HERE for more Fall Ideas.

  Facebook | Pinterest | Google+

The post Flowery Book Page Pumpkin appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Have you ever gold leafed?  I had not.  Believe it or not, it’s super easy and I’m going to walk you through it!

I wanted a chipped, aged look.  Thankfully, my gold leafing skills are not perfect and I was able to achieve this look easily…LOL!

I purchased the Mona Lisa Gold Leaf at Hobby Lobby.  You will need the adhesive size adhesive (redundant, yes?), gold leaf sheets, and sealer.

Begin by applying a thin coat of adhesive size to your mason jar with a soft or sponge brush.  It goes on milky white but dries clear within 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, the adhesive is sticky.

Once 30 minutes has lapsed, you can apply the gold leaf sheets.  Each sheet is backed with a wax paper to help with transferring it.  Simply apply gold leaf side down to the surface and brush it in place.

Remove the wax paper.

Take a soft, dry brush and smooth out the gold leaf.

Continue applying gold leaf sheets and smoothing out with the dry brush until your entire surface is covered.

After you are satisfied with the smoothing process, you will apply the sealer.

Again, this will go on milky white but will dry clear.  Overall, the whole process takes about an hour.

I love the antique, vintage look to this Gold Leaf Mason Jar Vase!

This vase would make a fabulous Mother’s Day gift!  Add some of her favorite flowers and all done!

The post Gold Leaf Mason Jar Vase appeared first on Create Craft Love.

That’s right, ladies and gentleman – I cut those metal flowers out on my brand new Cricut Explore!  I could hardly believe it myself!  When it worked, I was giddy with excitement.  Wanna see for yourself?

Amazing, right?!

I’ll show you how to quickly whip up those Metal Flowers!

……………………………………………………………

Materials:

Aluminum craft metal

Copper craft metal

Cricut Explore with cutting mat

Image #M431CB from Creative Memories – Stork’s Delivery

Scissors

Pencil

E6000 glue

Large rhinestones

Alligator clips

…………………………………………………………

The new Cricut Design Space is so much easier to work with than Craft Room!  Here’s a quick run-through of how to work the software while creating your flower.

When you start a new project, this is the blank canvas that you will see.  Click “Insert Image” in the upper left hand corner.

This will bring up the image library.  There is a search bar in the upper right hand corner of this box.  Type “flowers” or the image number.  When you select an image a green check mark will appear in the upper right hand corner of the image.  Click “Select Image” button at the bottom to insert the image onto your canvas.

The image will appear on the canvas with a box on the right hand side showing you all of the layers.  To edit these layers individually, highlight the image and click “Ungroup”.

The eyeballs to the right of each layer allow you to see it on the canvas.  You can also delete individual layers once ungrouped.  I removed everything but the black layer.

By clicking “Edit” on the toolbar above the layer box, you can change image size, orientation, and position.

Once your image is sized and positioned appropriately, click the “Go” button on the toolbar.  This will bring up the cut preview window.

The preview window will show you how many mats you need to complete the project.  Once you are satisfied with the preview, click the “Go” button in the lower right hand corner.

This will display the cut window.  The cut window walks you through how to set up the machine for the material you are working with.  Simply, load the mat, set the dial for the material, and Go!

Assembling your Metal Flowers

My aluminum flowers are about 5 inches in diameter.  The copper flowers are 3 inches in diameter.

1.  When you remove the metal from the mat, it will wrinkle.  Use your scraper tool to smooth out the flower.  Next, cut small one inch marks along each petal.

2 & 3.  Curl the petals around a pencil to give your flower some dimension.

4.  Turn flower over and glue alligator clip to back.

After the glue has dried, turn back over and glue one of the smaller copper flowers with rhinestone into the center of the aluminum flower.

The alligator clips on the back made it so much easier to attach them to the bicycle wheel spokes.

I made about 10-12 flowers and clustered them together in one section.  Then I added a cute chalkboard pennant banner catty corner to it.  Add some ribbon to hang it up!

I LOVE how it turned out!  I wish I had a garden to hang it in because I think that would be perfect!

I’m diggin’ the two tone look with the aluminum and copper!

Remember when working with metal to wear gloves and be careful of sharp edges!

Isn’t the new Cricut Explore amazing?!

What else can I make out of that sheet metal?

If you are looking for other unusual wreaths, I’ve got em!

Check out my Garden Hose Wreath!

Click HERE to see the rest of my wreaths!

The post Metal Flower Bicycle Wheel Wreath appeared first on Create Craft Love.

White Wood Planked Walls – Design Dining + Diapers

Narrow Craft Room Reveal – The Concrete Cottage

Grandkids Room Reveal – Tiny Sidekick

Large Scale DIY Art – Life on Virginia Street

Faux Wall Mouldings – Rain on a Tin Roof

Rustic Modern Floating Shelves – Tiny Sidekick

Pallet Wall Clock – Liz Marie Blog

Girls Bedroom Reveal – Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body

Clipboard Gallery Wall – Delineate Your Dwelling

Simple Gallery Wall Layout – Girl Loves Glam

Don’t they make you want to go freshen up every room in your house right now? I certainly do! For some more great and fresh inspiration, check out The Creative Connection tomorrow at 7 pm EST… I have a feeling spring inspiration will soon be in the air!

The post 10 DIY Home Makeover Ideas appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Michaels has joined Hometalk and we are having a party to celebrate!  What is Hometalk?  Hometalk is a home and garden social network full of inspiration. 100 creative bloggers across the country will be taking over the Michaels classrooms on February 16th from 1-4pm.  I will be at the Branson Hills location in Branson, MO!  Come join the crafty fun!  We are going to learn how to make these Vintage Stamped Coasters – perfect for spring and outdoor dining!

Wanna learn how to make your own Vintage Stamped Coasters?

Here’s what you need:

Martha Stewart Gesso Primer

Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint in Beetlebug Black

Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Durable Matte Decoupage

InkaDinkaClings – Insect Amalgam Set

Unfinished coasters

Paint brush/sponge

I started by painting my coasters with the Gesso Primer.  It doesn’t have to be perfect because we are going for a worn, vintage-y look.

Allow time to dry.  Set aside.

Lightly coat the InkaDinkaClings with your sponge and Beetlebug Black paint.

Gently stamp the painted coasters with the stamps.

Feel free to get as creative as you want.  None of my coasters match and I love it!  Once the stamped paint dries, use the Multi-Surface Durable Matte Decoupage to coat and protect the coasters.  Apply 2-3 coats allowing about 1-2 hours of drying time between each coat.  These will cure after 28 days.  Once cured, they are able to be wiped clean with a wet cloth.

Aren’t they awesome?!

Be sure to stop by Michaels at Branson Hills in Branson, MO to make your own!  You will need to pick up the coasters {$1.99} in the store.  I have the other supplies and then we can get creating!

Check out the Michaels Pinterest displays in stores for more inspiration!

The first 24 people attendees on February 16th will receive these chalkboard cards for FREE!  Check them out HERE!

Follow Michaels on Hometalk to enter to win a $100 Michaels gift card. Five winners will be announced on Hometalk’s FB page on Feb 17, after the in store party!

Be sure to join Michaels, Hometalk and me TONIGHT for a Twitter party!  The fun starts at 9pm EST!

Can’t wait to see you all in person on February 16th!

The post Vintage Stamped Coasters appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Creative Ramblings

Home Made Modern

Cherished Bliss

Posed Perfection

Place of my Taste

May Richer Fuller Be

The Happy Housie

Day 2 Day Supermom

Lil Mrs Tori

Naptime is my Time

Orchard Girls

May Richer Fuller Be

Homey Oh My

Peacoats and Plaid

The Happy Housie

Just a Girl and Her Blog

Wow! What a collection! Not all of the posts gave a breakdown of the costs, but I would have to say the majority of these would come in under $20 and all of them would make a major pop. And if you have some of these supplies on hand, which many of us crafters often do, think of how budget friendly these updates would be?! I am in love with these ideas.

Which one would you most like to implement in your home?

The post 16 Easy Home Decor Ideas appeared first on Create Craft Love.

It’s time to show off our faves from last week!  These 15 Home Makeover Ideas are sure to get your creative juices flowing!

Honeycomb Side Table – Design, Dining, + Diapers

Reupholstery Tutorial – Tiny Sidekick

Striped Clothespins – R&R Workshop

Craft Table from Expedit Shelves – de Jong Dream House

Duck Tape Clipboard – That’s What Che Said

Milk Paint Nightstand – The Golden Sycamore

Ikea Bed Transformation – Design, Dining, + Diapers

Dipped Bentwood Chair – Pies & Puggles

Lamp Makeover – The Happy Housie

Pumpkin Sweater Vase – Posed Perfection

Pallet Garden Wall – The First Year

Deer Head Chess Piece – Rain on a Tin Roof

Decoupage Vase – DIY Dreamer

Vintage Fan Makeover – Front Forty Farm

Berry Basket Calendar – Endlessly Inspired

Do you feel inspired or what?! I know I do! And I’ll feel even more inspired tomorrow after you link up your awesome work from this past week. Barbara is picking the features next week, so make sure you bring it 😉

The post 15 Home Makeover Ideas | Features appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Creating your own Moss and Twine Summer Centerpiece is as easy as 1-2-3!

1.  White candle holder

2.  Sheet of moss

3.  Votive candles

Told you – it was that easy!!

I cut the moss to fit the inside of the candle plate.  {Man – was that messy!!}  Then I added the votives and wrapped some twine around them.

Warning:  Be sure you use candles in a glass votive!  Moss is highly flammable.  I don’t want any fires!

Doesn’t it look great against my World Market table runner?  I am seriously swooning over this!

This would work great for an outdoor patio table too!  I don’t have one but maybe someday!

I’m thinking I could even re-work this for Christmas…

What do you think?

I’d LOVE for you to pin this image!

The post Moss and Twine Summer Centerpiece appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Gardening Tips and Tricks

1. Square Foot Garden Plan for Spring from One Creative Mommy
2. Gardening in the Desert from Mom Endeavors
3. 10 Gardening Tips I Don’t Want You to Make from Madigan Made
4. My Favorite Plants from  The Shed
5. Rick and Julie’s Garden on Pung Lake from Redhead Can Decorate
6. Adding Curb Appeal from Mom Endeavors
7. Lessons Learned from Growing Strawberries from House of Joyful Noise
8. Succulent Tips and Care from What Meegan Makes
9. Gardening Quick Tip: Strawberries from Creative Green Living
10. Quirky Garden Tips from Measured by the Heart
11. Garden Journal from Creative Green Living

I love this printable from One Creative Mommy!  Great companion planting guide!

How to Get Seedlings to Grow

1. Single Serve Yogurt Cups for Seedlings from Creative Green Living
2. Toilet Paper Roll Seedling Pots from Homework
3. Newspaper Seedling Pots from Homework
4. Canvas Shoe Planter from The NY Melrose Family

Gardening DIY Ideas

1. Three Little Garden Chairs from House of Joyful Noise
2. Garden Bling from Creative Green Living
3. Tomato Cages from Homework
4. Improvised Potting Bench from House of Joyful Noise
5. Aged Terracotta Pots from The Country Chic Cottage
6. Painted Flowerpots from One Artsy Mama
7. Butterfly Cork Board Planter Stick from The NY Melrose Family
8. Dollar Store Birdhouse from Creative Green Living
9. Raised Vegetable Garden from Pondered.Primed.Perfected.
10. Fence Pots from Inspiration for Moms
11. Antique Chair Leg Garden Decoration from Dreaming in Color
12. Silverware Plant Markers from Creative Green Living
13. Groovy Garden Box from Four Marrs and One Venus

Gardening with Kids

1. Make Your Own Birdfeeder from Miss Information
2. Gigglin’ Garden Gang from Mom Endeavors
3. Kid Painted Flower Pots from The Country Chic Cottage

Gardening Inspired Crafts

1. Spring Has Sprung Wreath from The Cards We Drew
2. Herb Garden Gift Basket from The NY Melrose Family
3. Garden Boot Planter from Create.Craft.Love.
4. Garden Hose Spring Wreath from Create.Craft.Love.

Make sure you stop by and check out all these amazing posts!  These tips and ideas are certain to make your garden grow this spring!

What are your favorite garden tips?  Leave them below!  I need help!

The post 36 Tips and Ideas to Make Your Garden Grow appeared first on Create Craft Love.