You may have noticed… I’m obsessed with napkin rings. They are like jewelry for the table and there is just so much you can do with it from a crafting perspective.

I wanted a set of rustic modern wood napkin rings, with clean lines but an organic feel.

So obviously, I had to make them!

The challenge: Can I turn wood slice coasters into DIY wooden napkin rings?

Of course, the answer is a resounding… yes!

Tips for making DIY wooden napkin rings

My main strategy for making these was going to be to simply carve at them using a rotary tool.

I pulled out my MakerX rotary and got to carving. But it wasn’t that simple. I mean, it was AND it wasn’t…

I always try to be honest with you with the scope of a project. This one is a pretty big one. It’s not physically taxing, but it’s not just a quick make – you need some patience and you need to be able to handle a LOT of dust.

Safety first

Yes, there is a LOT of dust. I recommend having a vacuum handy to keep it under control as you go along.

You absolutely need a good respirator mask for this – or you’ll be inhaling the dust. And you’ll want goggles too – even if you wear glasses.

If this is too much of an ask for you, go ahead and try these copper wire DIY napkin rings instead – they’re much easier.

Choosing your coasters

First of all, most wood slice coasters, including the ones that I got, are cheap little things.

And yes, you should keep this project cheap.

I aimed for 3 inch coasters to try and start off closer to my final size. The problem is you need AT LEAST the 3 inches – if the size varies too much it’ll be a problem – not all will work. The standard coaster is 4 inches, and you’ll find much more in that size. You’ll probably even get better quality for a better price, due to there just being more options – and therefore an ounce of competition.

In fact, I went ahead after making this project and made more of them so I can serve up to 12, and used thicker, larger coasters. It’s much harder (more sanding, etc) but the grain was much prettier and I got the size I wanted more consistently.

The original ones I got had a foamy fake-feeling bark on it, which is fine – I was taking it off anyway, and it came off quite easily. But on some the bark was too thick, and the nicest napkin rings were the ones that had a bit more rim on them. So some just came out too thin.

Another thing is that we’re relying on the “spread” of the coaster to give the final napkin ring some style, and not the thickness. If you do find thicker wood slices (1 inch thick) then go ahead, get them. But it’ll be much harder to make the hole – unless you have more advanced power tools (more on that later).

So get 4 inch coasters, and look for quality if you can find it. And be prepared to sand. And if you can use power tools, do it.

The biggest challenge: making the hole

The absolute biggest challenge was starting the hole on these.

I knew this would be a challenge, but I was up for it.

I generally played with the drill bit on my rotary tool and my craft knife to nudge out the middle as messy as I can and it worked great – it just took some time,.

Eventually my husband suggested that I laser cut it out. Because, you know, I own a laser cutter. Haha. I forgot to mention that. Don’t run away!

I tested the process without a laser cutter on enough to know that it’ll work – it just takes a bit more time and patience. And after a few I was ready for a bit of a shortcut – mainly because I needed to get this post ready. But it’s totally doable with just the rotary.

The ideal way to make the hole would actually be using a 3/4-1 inch hole saw drill bit – it’s a bit of a small, delicate piece to work on, but that’s a cheap attachment to get!

So if you’re willing to go beyond the rotary, I totally recommend getting that. And if you do own a laser cutter, it’ll just zap that hole out.

You want everything on these DIY wooden napkin rings to feel organic and hand-carved anyway, so you really just need the starting hole to make it work.

And one final point: if you ARE using larger (3.5-4 inch) coasters, you might also want to expedite the edge removal a bit using either a laser if you have one, wood carving tools, or more efficient tools than just sanding as it’ll create a lot of dust.

Finishing it off

After you finished hand-carving your DIY wooden napkin rings, you’re going to want to finish it off somehow. My goal here was to get it as organic looking as possible – really, just a classy, beautiful, clean napkin ring.

But leaving it unfinished wasn’t an option – especially when placing it on the table with food.

I played with the following options:

• Gilding wax.This did retain the natural texture of the wood and added a bit of glam. I’d totally make a set like this if I find my courage to craft another!! But it wasn’t quite what I was looking for.
• White paint wash. I wanted a modern, light wood look and this wasn’t quite where I wanted it. Again, it’s an option for another set, and doable, but meh.
• Butcher block oil. I really really wanted to avoid spending more on this craft, but this was definitely the perfect choice and what I used in the final, staged images in this post.

In an nutshell: these DIY wooden napkin rings don’t require special skills to make. They don’t require advanced DIY tools but those would help. They do require decent crafting tools including a rotary and protective equipment. And they do require some patience and dedication to the cause (which I frankly had plenty of).

How to make DIY Wooden napkin rings from wood slice coasters

Watch the video tutorial

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Supplies needed

• Wood slices – Smaller ones will be much easier to work with, especially without advanced tools, but you’ll be limited in edge space. Quality tends to be poorer. Larger ones had a nicer grain in my experience, are a bit thicker, and will be harder to remove the outer edge without better tools.
• Rotary tool – I used the Worx MakerX. You’ll want angle grinder (the rotary bits, not the tool), sanding drum, and drill attachments. I got these drill bits to complement what the rotary came with. A cutting bit might help, especially if using a larger coaster.
• Craft/utility knife
• Optional: starting your project will be easier with a drill hole saw (not featured in this tutorial)
• Respirator mask and goggles
• Recommending: cut-resistant glove
• Butcher block oil and rag

Process

1. Start by making the hole in the center. You want it to be large enough to comfortably slide a napkin through, so keep one handy for reference. It might get dusty so use a junky one.

If you have a hole saw drill bit, use that, your life will be much easier. If you’re working with the rotary-only, start by drilling holes around the perimeter of your circle.

2. Use a craft knife to help you break through them. In hindsight, I wished I HAD tried a cutting bit for the rotary so if you have one, definitely try that!

3. Poke out the hole. This is just a starting hole – you’ll be carving it from here!

4. Next step is to remove the worst of the bark. You can use the craft knife for the flakey bits, but I found that the angle grinder attachment got it off in seconds.

5. It’s time to start carving! I found that the coarse sanding drum was just perfect for this. It got the job done meticulously, taking off plenty of wood when needed, especially when on a higher setting, and giving me more detailed work when I slowed it down.

Start by cleaning up your hole. Make it the size you want at this stage.

6. Next, shape the perimeter. Go for that “live-edge” look that has a slightly organic, uneven shape.

7. And as a final step, you’ll want to round off all your edges as well.

And that includes the inside edges. For this step, I recommend putting your rotary on a lower setting so you don’t take off too much wood.

Refine until you are happy with the shape, the smoothness, etc.

You can smooth things out further with a finer grit sandpaper too.

8. When you’re happy, clean it off and finish it off with butcher block oil according to package directions.

Your DIY wooden napkin rings are finished and fabulous! What kind of napkin ring tutorial do you want to see next? Comment below!

DIY Wooden Napkin Rings

Craft your own gorgeous DIY wooden napkin rings - made from wood slice coasters!

Print

Materials

• Wood slice coasters - the kind with a bark edge
• Craft/utility knife
• Respirator mask and goggles
• Recommending: cut-resistant glove
• Butcher block oil and rag

Tools

• Rotary tool - I used the Worx MakerX. You'll want angle grinder (the rotary bits, not the tool), sanding drum, and drill attachments. I got these drill bits to complement what the rotary came with.
• Optional: starting your project will be easier with a drill hole saw (not featured in this tutorial)

Instructions

1. Start by makin the hole in the center. You want it to be large enough to comfortably slide a napkin through, so keep one handy for reference. It might get dusty so use a junky one.

If you have a hole saw drill bit, use that, your life will be much easier. If you're working with the rotary-only, start by drilling holes around the perimeter of your circle.

2. Use a craft knife to help you break through them.

3. Poke out the hole. This is just a starting hole - you'll be carving it from here!

4. Next step is to remove the worst of the bark. You can use the craft knife for the flakey bits, but I found that the angle grinder attachment got it off in seconds.

5. It's time to start carving! I found that the coarse sanding drum was just perfect for this. It got the job done meticulously, taking off plenty of wood when needed, especially when on a higher setting, and giving me more detailed work when I slowed it down.
Start by cleaning up your hole. Make it the size you want at this stage.

6. Next, shape the perimeter. Go for that "live-edge" look that has a slightly organic, uneven shape.

7. And as a final step, you'll want to round off all your edges as well.

And that includes the inside edges. For this step, I recommend putting your rotary on a lower setting so you don't take off too much wood.

Refine until you are happy with the shape, the smoothness, etc.

You can smooth things out further with a finer grit sandpaper too.

8. When you're happy, clean it off and finish it off with butcher block oil according to package directions.

Your DIY wooden napkin rings are finished and fabulous! What kind of napkin ring tutorial do you want to see next? Comment below!

Notes

Ideas for Finishing off your Wooden Napkin Rings:

Gilding wax: This did retain the natural texture of the wood and added a bit of glam. I'd totally make a set like this if I find my courage to craft another!! But it wasn't quite what I was looking for.

White paint wash: I wanted a modern, light wood look and this wasn't quite where I wanted it. Again, it's an option for another set, and doable, but meh.

Butcher block oil: I really really wanted to avoid spending more on this craft, but this was definitely the perfect choice and what I used in the final, staged images in this post.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post DIY Wooden Napkin Rings appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Last year, while browsing the Dollar Tree, I bumped into the hula hoops which looked like they were large enough for… a one year old? But they were the perfect size for making a DIY hula hoop wreath!

It’s a large statement for a front door, but small enough to still fit on my oddly slim 1930’s single door too (they were built for horses and buggies it seems).

And it makes a gorgeous table centerpiece – just cluster some pillar candles in the center!

I made these as a fall wreath because I used fall flowers (yes, they were from the Dollar Tree too) but you can DEFINITELY make it for any season, of course.

Which flowers are best for a DIY hula hoop wreath

Something that’s important to know about faux flowers: it’s one of those “you get what you pay for” things. I got mine from the Dollar Tree because I was there (case in point: the hula hoop). Since you normally only see a wreath from afar it doesn’t really matter if your flowers look very fake.

But if you’re making these as a table centerpiece, you may want to opt for better flowers. I usually pick mine up from Michaels, and they often run sales. The quality of flower is definitely above and beyond – they look more real, are closer inspired to the real deal, have more color variation and shape variation like real flowers.

You’ll want a few bouquets in a cohesive color scheme. I went with burgundy, rust, and cream. You can get 5-10 varieties as long as you’re repeating the same 2-3 colors (and yes, you can vary the tone a bit).

Change up the scale a bit. Ideally, you have a few very large flowers, some medium sized ones, and loads of small ones to add dimension.

Look for flowers that can be pulled right off the stem and remain intact, and bonus points for those that’ll have usable leaves too (separate).

Using a hot glue skillet to make this (optional)

I crafted this DIY Hula Hoop Wreath using Surebonder’s hot glue skillet (they gifted it to me to share elsewhere) and I think it’s a great solution for this type of craft.

The skillet keeps the glue melted, and allows you to just dip your flowers and apply them to the wreath. You can get nonstick stirrers separately to help with application but you don’t need to.

It has variable heat settings and an on/off switch – just watch the edges – it’s hot.

I found that it helped me avoid the repetitive stress of the glue gun’s trigger with such a glue-intensive craft, and since the DIY hula hoop wreath doesn’t need precision in gluing, this really helped.

Otherwise, you can find my favorite hot glue guns for crafts here.

How to craft a DIY hula hoop wreath

The step by step process is written out with images/links here and repeated in a more printer-friendly “recipe card” at the end of this post.

Supplies

• Hula hoop – unless you have a huge place to hang it, aim for one on the smaller end. (Note: Dollar Tree has it seasonally)
• Faux flowers – I used about 12 small bouquets. Gauge this by having your hula hoop in-store, or you can do math!! based on the circumference of the hoop and the width of the flower heads (aim for 2-2.5 times to allow for some layering/overlapping)
• Glue gun – or hot glue skillet – see notes above
• Ribbon scrap for hanging (optional)

Process

1. Peel the outer decorative wrapping off the hula hoop if relevant, exposing the base hoop (this ensures that if any spaces show, it looks nice). If you can’t do this, you can spray paint your hoop instead.

Heat up your glue. Pull your first flower off the stem and dip the end in. I recommend holding the petals together to avoid them dipping in. If they dip a little, it’ll be fine – that part will likely stick to the hoop.

2. Place your flowers one at a time. Vary the scale. If you want a very balanced look, use a bouquet at a time starting with the largest, placing those at intervals, and create an imperfect pattern.

Keep placing flowers, ticking them between each other, overlapping them a bit, and making sure they look full until you’ve covered the front of your hula hoop.

3. Now pull off your leaves. Dip them and stick them on at intervals between flowers that can use a bit more green.

4. When you’re done, you may want to flip it over and see if there are any loose spots that need a bit more glue. Then, find a bare spot to loop a ribbon onto for hanging (skip this if using as a table centerpiece.)

You’ve successfully crafted a DIY hula hoop wreath!

How to Make a Wreath from a Hula Hoop

Print

Materials

• Hula hoop - unless you have a huge place to hang it, aim for one on the smaller end.
• Faux flowers - I used about 12 small bouquets. Gauge this by having your hula hoop in-store, or you can do math!! based on the circumference of the hoop and the width of the flower heads (aim for 2-2.5 times to allow for some layering/overlapping)
• Glue gun or hot glue skillet
• Ribbon scrap for hanging (optional)

Instructions

1. Peel the outer decorative wrapping off the hula hoop if relevant, exposing the base hoop (this ensures that if any spaces show, it looks nice). If you can't do this, you can spray paint your hoop instead.
Heat up your glue. Pull your first flower off the stem and dip the end in. I recommend holding the petals together to avoid them dipping in. If they dip a little, it'll be fine - that part will likely stick to the hoop.

2. Place your flowers one at a time. Vary the scale. If you want a very balanced look, use a bouquet at a time starting with the largest, placing those at intervals, and create an imperfect pattern.

Keep placing flowers, ticking them between each other, overlapping them a bit, and making sure they look full until you've covered the front of your hula hoop.

3. Now pull off your leaves. Dip them and stick them on at intervals between flowers that can use a bit more green.

4. When you're done, you may want to flip it over and see if there are any loose spots that need a bit more glue. Then, find a bare spot to loop a ribbon onto for hanging (skip this if using as a table centerpiece.)

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post DIY Hula Hoop Wreath appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift idea for a housewarming party, these new homeowner gifts are spot on! When you’re done, you’ll also want to check out our favorite list of gift ideas for recent moms. This post contains affiliate links and gifted product.

Attending a housewarming party?

I’m here to help you choose the perfect gift idea for a housewarming party! As someone who has purchased new homes twice in the last eight years, and moved just a few short years ago, I am happy to help you choose something that’ll hit all the right notes.

Cooking and Hosting Gift Ideas for a Housewarming Party

Since we moved into our new house, I’ve been hosting a LOT and know that’s a pivot that often comes with an upgrade in living conditions.

So if someone you care about is hosting a housewarming party, contribute to that hosting spirit with some fun gifts!

And if you have someone in your life who is establishing their first home, even if it’s a small apartment, these are fabulous for getting them into the housekeeping mood too!

Forest Decor Live Edge Olive Wood Bread Bowl

Decor that is timeless, functional, and gorgeous is always a win. Throw in handmade and unique and you really scored!

Forest Decor is a family owned business that handcrafts gorgeous wood pieces. I love their olive wood bread bowl for those who love to entertain, as it’s a fabulous piece to lay out sliced bread in a homestyle but elegant way – kind of like they do at restaurants. And I love the idea of patronizing family businesses when purchasing gifts for a housewarming party – it’s so suitable!

The bread bowl is handcrafted from actual olive wood, so each piece will look different. I recommend filling it up with something nice to gift it. I staged it with apples, but you can go more exotic, fill with grapes, or a nice artisan baguette and cheeses.

Both the recipient and you will be charmed by the beautiful detail that only nature can craft (and man can bring out) in the bowl.

GoodCook Healthy Ceramic Titanium-Infused Cookware Set 

A good set of pots makes life in the kitchen a breeze! But nonstick coatings can be meh.

GoodCook’s titanium-infused ceramic cookware is so much healthier, and guess what? It doesn’t stick. So you can still reduce the grease-factor without a sticky mess.

This set is perfect for a single or couple who’s moving out and setting up home for the first time.

It includes two wooden utensils as well – a spoon and a turner, and a steamer basket that fits into a 2 qt saucepan for more healthy cooking.

This perfectly-giftable set comes in a dusty light blue color with wooden accents so that even when it’s out it looks gorgeous!

The set comes with 7″ and 9.5″ fry pans, 1.25-quart and 2-quart sauce pans with lids, a bamboo steamer, an egg pan, spoon, and slotted turner. Everything besides for the egg pan is induction-capable.

Full Circle ‘Simply The Zest ‘ Zester with Food Catcher

I love some life-enhancing kitchen tools, and it’s so practical… but as a gift? I dunno…

The trick is: get cool and innovative tools, with aesthetic appeal and bundle a few!

For this gift idea for a housewarming party, we took Full Circle’s innovative tools that are eco-friendly and ethically created. They use kraft paper and resin to create the core of their handles, as well as other high-quality materials for an upscale feel.

To gift it, we combined our favorite tool – the Simply the Zest zester with food catcher with two other practical options: The Ring bamboo fruit and vegetable brush and Smooth Operator, Smooth-Edge Stainless Steel Can Opener.

The zester’s cover doubles as a food catcher, making zesting so much easier – and it works incredibly well. The can opener creates a smooth edge, has an ergonomic silicone knob, and a built-in bottle opener.

HotMat Connect

If you host frequently, the HotMat foldable warming plates are the perfect way to keep food hot for prolonged periods of time, without drying or overcooking it.

I placed a soup on it for a party, and it did not boil at all, but was piping hot.

The Connect model allows you to connect multiple models for an expandable solution.

Unlike other warming trays, the HotMat Connect folds small and is super easy to store, take out, set up, and put away.

It comes in fun colors – including black if color isn’t your vibe. It’s the perfect gift idea for a housewarming party for someone who loves to host often!

Home Gadgets that make life easier

If you spend enough time on TikTok, you’ll know that life is full of super cool gadgets! We’re beyond my parents’ days where every vacuum cleaner was a big deal – today, we go far beyond that.

I personally find that I invest in better cleaning gadgets because it’s just that: an investment. Much of it reduces my need for more household help (especially since my kids love using them!) So if you’re in the mindset of gifting household help, the cleaning gadgets fit that bill in a super gifty way!

And others are just perfect for the homeowner who has everything and will love a good, practical gadget!

Zafferano Olivia Lamp

One of my favorites in this post, the Zafferano Olivia lamp from Sabavi Home is the type of thing that anyone can use. The slim design LED light fits anywhere and the minimalist profile suits any decor – as you can see from my photos! I’ve placed it in my modern kitchen and my traditional living room and it fits right into both.

But the best part? It’s totally modular! Have it sit at “home” on the base where you can best plug it in, and move it where you need it as you need it. Use it in your bathroom on the regular, then let the guest room “borrow” it when needed. Bring it to the craft room when you need a little better light, but store it on your nightstand for bedtime reading…

The high end finish is gorgeous and yes, it comes in other neutral finishes as well. The style neutrality makes it a super giftable decor item.

Kenmore AquaLite™ 3-in-1 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

For busy parents, the mess never ends, and having a tool that can be grabbed for five-minute cleanups makes a huge difference. And for me cordless is an absolute requirement – I’m not shlepping around heavy cords anymore.

The Kenmore AquaLite hard floor cleaner is the gift of a clean house. Not only does my tween want to use it, but it’s just so easy and lightweight. It washes the floor while vacuuming and keeps things dust-free. Its self-cleans in the base and then dries, making it almost maintenance free.

I find that it glides smoothly around my baby’s high chair, and it does a perfect clean. It’s my ideal solution for wood floors that can’t handle a real mop, but it’s great on tile too. If you know someone who just entered the world of wood floors this is a MUST – especially if they have kids! For me, it’s the gift of lots of housekeeping help.

Casabella Power Spin Scrubber

Since we redid our bathroom all beautifully with modern fixtures and tile (including yes, some gorgeous but impractical penny tile), it’s been hard to maintain. Turns out we were simply missing the right tools.

Casabella Power Spin Scrubber let’s me reach all areas of bathroom, up to the high ceilings in my 90+ year old house! It lets me actually scrub the rain head, and the upper tiles, and in one use, we removed so much built up grime that I’m embarrassed to show you.

Multiple head options reach into corners and crevices, or cover larger surface area.

It takes a lot of the grunt work out of cleaning, once again, making it the perfect “household help” gift. And it’s surprisingly affordable. It extends up to 47.5 inches and has up to 100 minutes of run time on each 3-5 hour charge. And you can use it throughout the house – including on glass, grout, laminate, and more.

Teslong Two-Way Articulating Borescope

While not quite a cleaning tool, here is another money-saving gadget that’s perfect for the new homeowner that has everything. the Teslong Two-Way Articulating Borescope features a camera that you can send into your pipes, walls, or wherever you need to see a little further.

It features a camera at the end of a 5-foot semi-rigid gooseneck cable that can move around at the tip using a handy lever on the front. An LED at the end allows you to see all sorts of things, just like the LEGO minifigures we found hiding in our radiator…

You can insert it into a hole in the wall to diagnose issues or evaluate things before deciding on renovations. Take photo or video using the button on the back and view what’s going on on the large 4.5 inch screen.

This can save loads of moolah – even from avoiding just one diagnostic visit from a technician, repairman, electrician… It can save on massive wall repairs by pinpointing where the issue is through a smaller hole (or an existing opening.)

It’s the perfect gift for a new homeowner who’s just that wee bit handy and prefers to avoid unnecessary home costs.

Airthings View Plus

For the homeowner who really has everything Airthings creates air quality monitors that can really help improve quality of life. Airthings View Plus is a smart comprehensive air quality monitor that keeps track of seven air quality components.

The device itself fits in smoothly with any home, and features a classy eInk display that looks in place in our rustic-traditional living room. It measures humidity, temperature, radon, CO2, PM 2.5 and more. A new home is a new environment, and Airthings View Plus can help a new homeowner understand it better.

Air quality factors can also affect things like fatigue, mood, and energy levels. Knowing where our problem areas are helps us take steps to improve it, helping us turn that house into a home.

I decided to give it an informal test and breathed REALLY hard on it. The display glowed a soft red and showed high CO2 levels. Airthings View Plus connects easily to the Airthings app which gives you all the data at your fingertips. It shows stats for the time frame we choose. It’s grouped by which factors impact different things, so that I can have an answer to things like extra sneezes, wheezing, or migraines.

Gift Ideas for a Housewarming Party To Relax and Connect

A new home means new opportunities to unwind, connect and… feel at home.

These gifts are slightly less obvious gift ideas for a housewarming party, but totally appropriate and cool to gift!

They’re open-ended gifts that can suit lots of types of recipients, are unique, but easy to love.

Dink Buddy 6-Foot Portable Pickleball Net

Got Pickleball fans in the house? Even if you don’t yet, you can definitely create some. The perfect backyard game, it has a cult following for a reason.

Dink Buddy’s 6-foot portable net is perfect for the new homeowner who may not know yet exactly what they want to do with their yard, but already wants some fun.

When we moved to our current home, it was our first time having space to really run around and play, and my kids thrived on it. Dink Buddy is the perfect gift for families, couples – or even those who like to host active outdoor get-togethers.

It stores really small and is easy to set up in minutes. It’s a low-commitment but super fun outdoor recreational solution.

Our new pickleball set hadn’t arrived yet so we tested it by playing volleyball with a beach ball and according to my boys, it lived up to the hype.

Daily Rituals Shower Steamers

Moving took the biggest toll on me – physical, mental, emotional. Packing was hard, unpacking was in a way harder, and yes, I was sore and tired. That means that my end-of-day shower was heaven sent each time.

But of course, our new master (which we are so thankful for , after a single bathroom at the other end of the apartment) fearured a shower only – no bath. An amazing shower, no less, but there was no room for real aromatherapy or bath bombs. Plus, I’m really more of a shower person anyway.

Daily Rituals creates shower steamers that turn those post-moving showers into a spa-like experience.

When the shower steam hits these tablets, it diffuses the scents and adds essential oil aromatherapy to every shower. The starter gift set comes with four tablets and a bamboo plate. The refill packs have six steamers.

Daily Rituals Shower Steamers are the perfect gift idea for a housewarming party where you know the people in charge need that break.

What is your favorite gift idea for a housewarming party? Got any go-tos that you usually gift? Comment below!

The post Gift Ideas for a Housewarming Party appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Are you looking for some simple end-of-the-year organization tips? Now is the time to put a plan in place for organizing kids’ papers at home! 

Can you believe that our kids will be back for summer break in just a couple of weeks? It may feel like the school year has just started, but the piles of kids’ crafts and papers are stacking up from the year. All of this paper and memorabilia can feel overwhelming, yet each year, we find ourselves with stacks of fun things our kids did during the year – that they don’t want to let go of. 

As a mom of creative kids, we needed a better system to organize all of those papers and finally put together a plan that works for my kids and me. 

Today, I’m going to share some tips and tricks for organizing kids papers.

What are some general tips for organizing kids papers?

When it comes to artwork and paper organization tips for moms, you can never be too prepared! Before starting to make a plan on how to be organized, just remember that consistency and maintenance will be key.

You can’t start an organization system at home and then not follow through with it – that defeats the entire purpose. 

Having a solid ongoing system in place will allow you to keep things organized, minimizing the need for organizing kids papers again and again.

How can I organize faster – and keep it that way?

My best tip for organizing kids papers or ANY kids stuff? Get the kids on board to help! They can easily be a part of the organization process to help make sure that everything is good to go for the year.

Not only can this help you, but I recommend this for a few more reasons:

• This is a fabulous skill to teach them – a hands on approach to how to organize.
• They’ll appreciate the organization if they participated in it as well.
• Personally, I find that the only way my kids will stay organized is if they helped create the system. That way they really understand how it works.
• I don’t believe in going through and organizing my kids’ papers – some of which might be personal – without them.

To keep things moving along while organizing kids papers:

• If they want to look or read something they find, give them a timer of about thirty seconds and then move them along.
• Allow them to sort things into “look through” in addition to “keep” and “purge.
• Have organization tools handy and ready to use.
• Set a limit for your “keep” stash. This can be based on the capacity of organization tools you choose.
• Differentiate between the “catch all” location for future keep items and the “keep to have” location for things they just can’t let go of (yet).

Have a solid strategy

In a nutshell, having a future strategy that the kids understand will ensure it stays under control. You can do a weekly backpack purge, sorting papers into the above categories that I recommended (look at, keep, purge).

Make sure your kids completely understand it. Like I said, the way I do this is by involving them in the process. If this doesn’t work for you (or even if you do implement it) here are some more tips:

• Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep categories simple. Some ideas “things I created” and “things I wrote”. “Things I’m proud of” and “Projects I made”. Or just a simple keep binder can do the job too.
• Label EVERY FREAKING THING. Kids will not just “know” where things go like you do. Include visual labels as well where needed. Have a label maker or Cricut Joy handy when creating.
• Monitor it. At least for the first few months, stay on top of the process.

Favorite tools for organizing kids’ papers

Here are my top essentials for organizing all of those sentimental goodies you and your kids want to hold on to.

Letter Trays

A great way to organize all of those papers is with a letter tray. You can have one for each child, which makes it easy to organize papers as they come in. Keep this in a central location (such as the family desk) and purge it regularly (such as monthly).

I recommend getting a stackable one to help make it easier and so it will take up less space.

I put any incoming papers that are “Keepers” into this sorter to help make it easier to organize, keeping everything in one place. Tip: photograph everything as it goes onto this sorter so that you have a backup!

Accordion Folders

My kids each have an expandable file folder with their “personal stuff” for these kinds of papers. It’s fun for them and easy to use – and you can get really cute ones!

They take up very little space, and if needed, you can have one for each year, storing them upright like you would books.

Sturdy File Boxes

If you really end up with a lot, you can go for boxes. This is fabulous for those who like to save loads of art projects in addition to paperwork. Use file folders to organize it and place things where they belong as they come in, keeping things from piling up.

This could be art projects they did at school, certificates for things like perfect attendance, and more. Limit each kid’s things to one bin, and at the end of their school journey, they will be able to decide what they want to keep and what to discard.

I recommend going through them during the first few weeks of summer after the school year is done to downsize these bins for long-term storage.

Scrapbook boxes can work fabulously as well, with a lower capacity.

Hanging File Folders

Put some hanging file folders in your file boxes to categorize each type of thing you’re keeping. This could be essays, report cards, etc. If you are trying to keep quantity down, you can use a single file folder per grade to further limit how much of each item you keep. At the end of the year, whittle the whole collection down to the one file folder which goes into a central box.

These folders keep things from getting ruined or buried in the box where no one will find them.

Labels

Did I mention that labeling is a must? That goes for storage too, not just for your kids’ systems!

You’ll want to have a good and sturdy label that will stand the test of time. You can print your child’s name, grade (if you have one box for each grade), and anything else you might want to include. This will make organizing your bins easier and is great if you have more than one kid. At a glance, both you and your kids can easily find the bins and add to them whenever they need to.

Got any other tips for organizing kids’ papers? Comment below!

The post Tips & Tricks for Organizing Kids’ Papers & Projects appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When searching for tutorials on adding sand to paint for texture, most tutorials were about wall paint. I had a hard time finding a simple, straightforward tutorial for doing this for outdated accents and decor.

I had a milk jug vase that was desperate for a refresh and update – it just looked so tired and old with the galvanized metal. I wanted it for my Shavuot flowers but wanted it pretty…

I decided to play around and try adding sand to paint for texture myself, and then share the results in my favorite space: this one.

The results really made me happy – the texture at least! The color, sadly, is yellower than I wanted it. But I still love it, just because it’s so much better than what it was. So I’m keeping it as is and sharing the process. Hopefully, you’ll do a better job than I did with choosing your paint color!

Which sand and paint I used to create textured paint

To make this, I added clean sand – that is vase filler/crafting sand to acrylic home decor paint.

This is important info, as other tutorials might cater to other materials.

One tip I saw was to add Mod Podge to the mix, but I wanted to try it without. I was wondering if it really needed it, that’s all! I have plenty of Mod Podge to use and could have gladly added it but I was looking to simplify the process.

The answer is simple: no, you don’t need to use Mod Podge. The reason some people will add it in is as an adhesive. The sand doesn’t necessarily absorb enough paint for it to hold, and paint isn’t an adhesive.

So yes, if you just paint, it won’t necessarily glide on.

But I used the brush to carefully choose how sandy I wanted different areas to be.

And applied it as I wished, simply mixed together with no adhesive.

And then I sealed it.

That makes the whole difference – and it’s something you should do anyway! I took the whole shebang outdoors, and sprayed it down with some acrylic sealer to make it last better.

If you’d like, you can definitely mix in some Mod Podge. It’ll likely dilute your paint a bit, so you may need to add another layer or two to get full coverage. Your later layers don’t need to be sandy if you’re already happy with the texture.

It’s also important to note that you should use clean sand – don’t just take sand from outdoors. Use purchased sand for this. It’ll give you that nice, grainy finish you’re looking for when adding sand to paint for texture.

And use a good quality home decor paint to get the right hold and finish.

How to apply sand-textured paint

One caveat of doing things this way when adding sand to paint for texture is that you don’t necessarily have the same smearable quality.

I used a large brush to dab things on in some spots, spread thing smoothly in others.

You’ll need to use your instinct when decorating your piece.

The reason I love this process so much is that it’s very easy to replicate. You’re not really mixing up new proportions – you’re playing things by ear, essentially painting the sand to go along with your project.

So you can easily replenish your sand paint if you run out.

Adding sand to paint for texture – step by step

Watch the video

What you’ll need

• Something to paint
• Clean sand (such as vase filler)
• Acrylic home decor paint (I used FolkArt Outdoor)
• Something to mix it in
• A flat rough bristled paint brush
• Acrylic spray sealer

How to do it

1. Protect anything you don’t want painted. I tucked wrapping paper around the eucalyptus that I left inside.

2. If your vase is dark, I recommend painting a base coat first

3. Pour some paint into a dish to mix it in. Add some sand and mix. Add as you’d like, as it looks right, testing it on your base for consistency.

4. Love that texture! Start applying your paint. Avoid overworking it. Just brush and dab on, scooping on more sandy-texture as needed.

5. Paint until your vase is complete. Allow it to dry completely.

I decided to darken the black accent handle and did it after painting the vase. I used regular black acrylic.

6. When you’re done, spray with acrylic sealer and enjoy!

DIY Textured Paint with Sand

Print

Materials

• Something to paint
• Clean sand (such as vase filler)
• Acrylic home decor paint (I used FolkArt Outdoor)
• Something to mix it in
• A flat rough bristled paint brush
• Acrylic spray sealer

Instructions

1. Paint a base cote on your object.
2. Pour some paint into a dish to mix it in. Add some sand and mix. Add as you'd like, as it looks right, testing it on your base for consistency.
3. Start applying your paint. Avoid overworking it. Just brush and dab on, scooping on more sandy-texture as needed.
4. Paint until your object is complete. Allow it to dry completely.
5. Spray with acrylic sealer and enjoy!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Adding Sand to Paint for Texture appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Do you find that each time your kids look for something, they dump everything out and can never clean up? Time for a huge purge.

We just did a mega purge of the boys’ (ages 9 and 6) room.

By mega, I mean that we threw out two stuffed kitchen garbage bags. Donated a few items. Had a contractor’s garbage bag equivalent of recyclables. Moved a kitchen garbage bag’s worth to appropriate playroom play areas… The before and after is telling.

The bins:

The desk:

The shelves:

About our Project

You might be used to seeing picture-perfect storage solutions, with matching acrylic containers with perfectly square edges because clearly that will fit the max…

But I’m not a professional organizer. I’m a mom working with my kids on a budget, not trying to get aesthetic results for a client. So the goal was FUNCTION and of course, if you want to get that beautiful look, go ahead and get nicer containers!

My tricks will still help you.

There’s a very specific system that I used that I figured I’d share with fellow moms.

Why the Kids MUST Help with Organizing Kids Stuff

Before I get started with my system, it’s important for you to understand: what exactly gets stored in the boys’ room? Why did I involve them? And are these toys we’re purging or not?

Many parents have advised things like “I purge without my kids” or “you just gotta sneak things away” or “DON’T STORE TOYS IN THEIR ROOM!!”

Shared toys in our home are stored in the playroom – and most toys are shared. However, items that belong specifically to one child gets stored with their “stuff” – in their own spaces in their shared bedroom. This includes some birthday gift toys, but is mostly kits, prizes, fidgets, keychains, memories, and those small “treasures” that kids insist on keeping. The main LEGO is in the playroom, but those few personal sets are with their stuff.

In a nutshell, I believe strongly in allowing kids to have their own storage spaces and “valuable property” to teach them about personal privacy and rights. They need to know that there are things that are THEIRS and that they do not need to share it if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.

Giving them this value in a tangible property-focused manner helps them learn about the value of privacy and body rights as well.

Therefore, I would not touch it without them. I would not throw out THEIR stuff or give it away without their express permission. We worked one-on-one, which also carved “together” time in a calm, non-timed manner.

And a final perk: Organizing kids stuff with the kids’ help means that they know how it works. They understand the systems you’ve created – they even participated in the decision making process! This means that they can maintain it, figure out where to store new items, and know how to organize in the future.

They are both absolutely delighted with the results. And their room has stayed MUCH cleaner in the month plus since we did this. Cleanup takes five minutes max.

A Bit of Background on the Bedroom Space

We moved into our almost-hundred-year-old home two years ago. Parts were renovated by us, parts were renovated recently, and parts look like they haven’t been touched since the 50’s. The boys’ room falls into the last category.

It has charm (think a metal pencil sharpener, built-in bookcases and dressers) but it also has quirks (wood paneling in an awful color, linoleum flooring.

When you move into a new house, you don’t really know the systems you need. You kind of just need to unpack. It takes living there a bit to learn the new space.

So this is our first reorganization since we just “landed” in the room.

Organizing kids stuff is just the start. One of the tricks to staying organized is to have good systems, some of which I share with you here.

How We Got it Done

Process Outline for Organizing Kids Stuff

As I mentioned, I worked with each child individually on their things. The only exception was the desk, which is shared. Because we hadn’t partitioned it until now, we worked on it together, carving out shared spaces and individual spaces for each.

They also each have a built- in bookcase, and three large bins from an IKEA TROFAST unit.

This is our system for organizing kids stuff together

I highly recommend this printable visual workbook for doing this with the kids! Print as many of each page as you need. It was designed with Passover in mind but there is a year-round cover for you to use PLUS it follows the same process and includes purging tips for kids!

• Work kid by kid, space by space

• Remove items from shelf or bin

• As you remove, sort into keep, donate, trash, store as a family toy

• When storage spaces are empty, sort the “keep” items into piles based on category.

• Find appropriate storage for each category once you have a pile and know how much there is. Choose something that will have a little extra space.

• Label every single storage container. We used a paint marker so that it just gets done and may Cricut labels at a later date. The Cricut Joy with writable vinyl is a fabulous, fast way to do this.

• Return them to the shelf in a logical manner.

Here are some of the categories we used

Toys and prizes: We ended up with small bins for private LEGO sets (most LEGO is shared), fidgets, small toys and medium toys. Larger toys sit loose on the shelf. They are all single part or self-storing toys. Toys with more parts would get a case and a label.

We could have put the larger toys in the Trofast bin, however, I’m trying to see if we can actually get rid of that whole unit. Right now only one bin is in use. I don’t want the kids dumping in and out.

Books simply sit on the bookcase. This includes things like their Pokemon card albums, personal books (most are shared but there are a few personal ones), memory books, etc.

Memories and other papers: This was a HUGE clutter maker and the kids really purged a lot. But there was a bit left. Each kid has a small coupon file and a larger expanding file for memories, photos, and artwork. When it’s full it means it’s time to purge. Both of theirs were really far from full by the time we finished. You want these to be easily accessible so that they’ll put future memories away nicely.

Treasures: One thing that the kids love to keep but really doesn’t get used much and is just a mess-maker is those little treasures. Think: gems, pretty rocks, cool (or uncool foreign) coins, etc. This got its own container.

Cards: Any category that didn’t have enough for its own album got a pencil case.

Art supplies: I encouraged most of them to go into a single bin in the shared portion of the desk. This means they’re sharing with each other, but still not with their marker-monster toddler sister. Anything not shared got a personal pencil box in their desk drawer. All coloring and sketchbooks went there too, with some reverting to “shared”.

Kits: There were so many craft kits in the room! I convinced M to consolidate some that I couldn’t get him to purge, and most of them were moved to the basement art desk, which is where they do this stuff anyway. Those I allow them to keep for themselves as they are high up and not with regular toys

A few tricks

Open storage: one of the best pieces of advice that I got when starting this project was to use OPEN STORAGE! This makes it easier for kids to just dump things into the correct bin! I applied this only for “mixed” bins – that is, bins that contain a category of heavy-use item, not a single item. So the small toys bin, the fidget bin, etc would be open. The art case wouldn’t. That you pull out, use, cover, put away.

Click or zip shut storage – There’s no such thing as a lid that doesn’t latch here. It’s either open, or it closes securely.

Keep to use or to have? Another great bit of advice that I received was to categorize all “keep” items as keep to use or keep to keep. This helps you prioritize where you store it, allowing memories to not get in the way of heavy use items.

Parental guidance: I definitely encouraged them and taught them as we worked. They LEARNED new skills themselves. How will you enjoy those toy dinosaurs more? In your small toy bin up here or with the other animal toys downstairs? What about the five Hot Wheels cars you have here?

When was the last time you used this? Does it get in the way when you want to find your favorite (enter favorite toy here)?

Kids don’t necessarily have those skills ingrained, and it’s overwhelming for them. Having full-time one-on-one parental guidance for this was essential to teach them these skills, keep them on track, and ensure that it’s done properly. But ultimately every final decision was theirs – even if I disagreed. Because it’s THEIR stuff. Period.

The Storage Tools We Used for Organizing Kids Stuff

Before we started, I pulled together the items I purchased special (listed below) as well as any spare storage supplies I had around the house and we set up a “store”. The kids REALLY had fun with this part! They did it – not me!

The kids did have some items that they wanted to keep that were really storage. Think: that pencil case I personalized for M in first grade, the wood box he built in camp… So we used those as storage as appropriate so that they’re not just saved.

I also did a huge stock-up on the smaller storage items before we started organizing kids stuff. Leftover items will be used as storage in other parts of the house.

Dollar store bins – these help keep medium items corralled. I had these left over from other organizing projects.

Open containers – Ditto.

Traditional pencil boxes – these are the classic sized ones that we grew up with. I got a style that stacks nicely. We had it handy for items that required this size.

Smaller pencil boxes – these pencil boxes take up so little space and stack so nicely. They are FABULOUS for kids who have a zillion little categories of stuff. Use them!

Pencil cases – I also bought a huge pack of mesh pencil cases that’s great for small odd assorted items that just need to be consolidated. If you have more than just a few of these for a kid, you’ll want them in their own storage bin. However, since we just used a few per kid, they are lined up like books on the shelf.

Drawer organizers – this was mainly used in the shared desk space.

Keeping Things Clean after Organizing Kids Stuff

Now the trick is to keep it clean! And it almost does that on its own.

First of all, the kids don’t dump a whole bin every time they want something. Previously, a couple of days after we’d clean it would already be messed up from their morning play. Now, they haven’t cleaned their room in the five weeks since we did this and there are only a few things out of place!

(I do have them do a weekly laundry pick-up on my laundry day.)

Second, every time I see they have a new prize, and it’s left around the house, I don’t just tell them to put it away. I ask them: where are you going to keep this? They usually give a good answer. The fidgets! The medium toys!

I’ve also told them that we have extra containers so if there’s something new they need to store, we should find a container for it.

It’s also important to acknowledge that there will always be clutter accumulating. The more flat surfaces (such as the desk, the TROFAST unit) the more clutter there will be.

But keeping that minimal makes cleanup more doable.

In a nutshell, this process was overwhelmingly successful, and I felt I’d be selfish if I didn’t share. I hope it helps!

Got any tips to add for organizing kids stuff? Comment below!

The post Organizing Kids’ Stuff: The Big Kids Room Purge appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

What comes to mind when you think of Halloween? Is it the costumes and dressing up? The candy that you always have more than you can eat? For me, it’s the decorations! 

One of the best parts about going Trick or Treating with the kids is seeing how everyone else decorated their homes for the occasion. And while you’re only peeking at the outside, there’s loads of cool things to do inside too!

If you’re looking for fun Halloween DIY Decor ideas to try this spooky season, you’ll love these crafts! Halloween decor is expensive, so don’t waste your money in the stores; make your own instead! 

Here are some of my favorite Halloween DIY decor ideas that you can make yourself.

Skip to:

• Indoor Halloween DIY Decor
• DIY Dollar Tree Halloween Décor by DIY With My Guy
• Witch and Warlock Boots on A Broomstick by Barley and Birch
• Spider Web Hoop Art by Moms and Crafters
• Halloween Terrarium DIY by Mom Foodie
• DIY Halloween Candles by Where the Smiles Have Been
• DIY Bleeding Halloween Candle Holders by Chicken Scratch NY
• Halloween Mirror by Unique Creations by Anita
• DIY Jack O Lantern Tea Light Holders by Moms and Crafters
• Halloween Floral Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece by The Denver Housewife
• Creepy Halloween Potion Bottles Tutorial by Tikkido
• DIY Halloween Plates by Craft Create Cook
• DIY Halloween Decor Kids Can Make
• Pumpkin Craft by Moms and Crafters
• DIY 3D Craft Stick Pumpkin by Moms and Crafters
• Beaded Spider Craft by Moms and Crafters
• Popsicle Stick Pumpkins by Moms and Crafters
• Outdoor Halloween DIY Decor
• How To Make A Giant Spider Web For Halloween by Decor Hint
• DIY Light Up Pumpkins by Girl Just DIY
• DIY Halloween Creepy Tree by The Craft Crib
• Halloween Door Decor
• DIY Halloween Ornament Wreath by Where the Smiles Have Been
• Monster Eyeball Ribbon Wreath by Moms and Crafters

Indoor Halloween DIY Decor

Bring the spirit (literally) of Halloween into your home with some indoor Halloween DIY decor! These fabulous ideas include ideas to light up your home, cute ideas, and spooky ideas. 

DIY Dollar Tree Halloween Décor by DIY With My Guy

Turn all sorts of items from the Dollar Tree into a grand display by simply making them over! I love this idea because you can really customize it to your surface space and decor vibe. It’s a one-size-fits-all solution to DIY Halloween decor!

Witch and Warlock Boots on A Broomstick by Barley and Birch

Love wall hangings? Create one that’s Halloween-centric featuring boots on a broomstick! Want to keep it neutral? Just make the boots in neutral colors. You can definitely make this to match any decor scheme!

Spider Web Hoop Art by Moms and Crafters

It says spooky but it’s not! Classy embroidery hoops combined with a black and white decoration keep things neutral and beautiful. Download the free SVG to get started and you’re set!

Halloween Terrarium DIY by Mom Foodie

Halloween might be all black and ghost-y but don’t forget the green! Bring some ironic life into your home by making a Halloween themed terrarium.

DIY Halloween Candles by Where the Smiles Have Been

Did you know that you can customize pillar candles? This fab Halloween DIY decor idea is perfect for those who already have a setup they use in their home, and like to swap out small details only instead of rearranging. Or go all-out with them if you prefer it that way!

DIY Bleeding Halloween Candle Holders by Chicken Scratch NY

It’s all in the details, and these creeeeepy candle holders are so genius. Dripping blood is easy to add, no artistic skills needed.

Halloween Mirror by Unique Creations by Anita

Another temporary fix that can be removed when Halloween is over: spookify a mirror! I just love that creepy face! Clearly this home has some ghosts, and maybe a skeleton or two in the closet too.

DIY Jack O Lantern Tea Light Holders by Moms and Crafters

Granted, we crafted these years ago, but it’s still a fabulous craft. Sharpies go on translucent, making them the perfect finish for tea light holders. And you can get creative with your faces, minus the mess that carving causes. Don’t have a baby eating jarred food? You can purchase empty jars, or make carrot muffins with the contents! Or, just use jars from other foods.

Halloween Floral Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece by The Denver Housewife

If you’re one of those that prefers to ditch the spooky and keep things playful, this little hack turns a pumpkin into a vase. The possibilities here are endless, and it can be carried over to Thanksgiving too!

Creepy Halloween Potion Bottles Tutorial by Tikkido

Here’s another upcycled (or recyclable) Halloween DIY decor idea: make potion bottles! It’s a way to be creepy, without actually creeping out the little ones.

DIY Halloween Plates by Craft Create Cook

If you like to prop plates and display them, that’s another simple way to decorate! Just customize some for Halloween with this tutorial.

DIY Halloween Decor Kids Can Make

Halloween can be scary for kids, but involving them in making some Halloween DIY decor can really help them understand that it’s imaginary. Or, keep things friendly and multi-sensory to simply entertain them.

Pumpkin Craft by Moms and Crafters

While kids will need help operating the Cricut to make this, they should be able to hand-cut the PDF template themselves! Once they do that, assembly is quite simple. Just stick to kid-friendly materials such as paper and felt so that they can assemble their own pumpkins! These make fabulous table decor, mantel accessories, and bookshelf props.

DIY 3D Craft Stick Pumpkin by Moms and Crafters

Another fun pumpkin craft that follows the same structure: learn how to bend popsicle sticks to make a 3D pumpkin! Kids may need some help with this, and I recommend using a fast-curing glue to assemble it.

Beaded Spider Craft by Moms and Crafters

Fine motor skills practice is the rage! Kids get just that in a not-too-scary spider craft. It’s basically monochromatic, which means that young kids can help decorate without compromising on your aesthetic that you worked so hard for. Pony beads are easy for little hands to string onto stiff pipe cleaners, and you can get both in packs of only black.

Popsicle Stick Pumpkins by Moms and Crafters

Make these pumpkins in various sizes and shapes to mimic actual pumpkins! Kids can have fun painting, gluing them together and then doodling on them. To make them Halloween-specific, add Jack O Lantern faces. To keep them neutral for fall, just doodle on cool patterns.

Outdoor Halloween DIY Decor

Ready to decorate the big outdoors? This is the Halloween DIY decor that your whole neighborhood will enjoy and ask you about!

While outdoor DIY ideas are harder to come by, I’m sure you’d be able to add a few to the list (just comment below).

How To Make A Giant Spider Web For Halloween by Decor Hint

The simpler and cheaper the idea, the more we love it! And this giant web is just that. Learn how to make it because you’ll definitely be repeating this one year after year.

DIY Light Up Pumpkins by Girl Just DIY

Be that house with the cool light-up pumpkins, with some simple, doable DIY! So cool! And I’ll bet you can think of more applications to adapt this craft once you’ve done this.

DIY Halloween Creepy Tree by The Craft Crib

If you’re ambitious enough to try some slightly more advanced Halloween DIY decor, a creepy tree is the perfect fit. It works best for homes that don’t have a tree in front, so that it stands out more and is totally creepy. But anyone can try it!

Halloween Door Decor

There’s nothing like a good wreath to welcome people in, and Trick or Treat night is exactly when you want to do this! Try these wreaths for a change.

DIY Halloween Ornament Wreath by Where the Smiles Have Been

If you’re a fan of ornament wreaths come Christmas, there’s no reason you can’t try it for Halloween too! Just choose the right colors and you’re good to go. The post has loads of tips so read through to learn how to do it right.

Monster Eyeball Ribbon Wreath by Moms and Crafters

I just love this idea that uses wide curling ribbon to form an image. You can really adapt this for any holiday, but the eyeball is perfect for Halloween.

Got any Halloween DIY decor ideas to add to the list? Comment below!

The post 20 Halloween DIY Decor Ideas for Inside and Out! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When my nephew first came to visit he was fascinated by our basement playroom.

It immediately became known as the Underground Play Station and the name stuck. That is, after all, the most accurate description for it, isn’t it?

I HAD to make a sign. And as I was planning it out, it hit me: A New York subway-inspired sign has to be the one. And so this playroom sign came to be.

Of course, you can use this inspiration for non-basement playrooms. Just don’t write ‘underground’. You can even use the idea to make “Creativity Station” and “Building Station” and other cool signs to highlight the different areas of your playroom.

I made this on a canvas that I painted black. I’m not the greatest at getting air bubbles out of my vinyl and a large, solid surface is the hardest to work with. So I used a painted canvas instead. The SVG includes a background in the ideal size, but you can move the elements around to fit your canvas as needed. You can also use a poster board or foam background.

The canvas that I used is 10×20 inches. It’s a great proportion if you’re using a canvas – just get the dimensions that work for your space. Ours hangs at the top of the steps leading downstairs so this is a great size. You can hang it as a directional sign or as an actual playroom sign to hang in the play area.

Side note: did you know that there is actually no P line on the New York subway? That makes this playroom sign even cooler as it makes it less neighborhood specific and more play focused.

Get the SVG for this playroom sign

I created an SVG which I sell right here. The file includes a PDF as well that you can print to use as is, or print and use as a template for the arrow and letter. I also threw in the PNG in case you want to use it a different way.

Of course, you can also try building the design yourself in Design Space as it’s pretty simple.

What you need to make this train sign for the playroom

Cricut supplies

• Cricut – I used the Maker 3
• Blue (or any other subway color) and white permanent vinyl – I used Smart Vinyl that’s compatible with my machine. If using an earlier machine, get regular vinyl. If using the Cricut Joy, I recommend the Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl.
• Green StandardGrip Mat
• Fine Point Blade
• XL Scraper
• Weeding tool
• Transfer tape
• Recommended: if you’re using the Maker 3 the roll holder is super helpful

You can read my review of the Maker 3 here – along with another fun playroom project we did!

Crafting supplies

• 10×20 inch canvas (or similar size)
• Black acrylic paint
• Foam paintbrush

How to make a subway train basement playroom sign

1. Paint your canvas black (I repurposed one…)

2. Set up your design as you’d like it in Design Space. Load your vinyl in the roll holder and into the machine. Cut according to the prompts.

3. Unload and trim your vinyl. Weed the parts you won’t be using.

4. I placed the small components, starting with the arrow and top stripe, as if they’re stickers – just peel and place! I did the same with the blue circle.

5. Use transfer tape to to transfer the main words. The XL scraper is really helpful in larger projects like this playroom sign. Scrape to adhere well on the front and the back.

6. Carefully peel off the backing on your vinyl, and place your words as you’d like them to be. I did this by simply holding it over and not placing it down until I was happy with the positioning.

7. Scrape in place and carefully pull back the transfer tape. Peel it back not up so that it’s up against the sign as you’re peeling.

8. Add your final P. And your playroom sign is complete!

Hang your playroom sign wherever you’d like to celebrate play!

The post Playroom Sign – DIY Cricut Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

There’s nothing like an efficiently organized craft room to get the creative juices flowing, and Cricut storage provides its own set of challenges.

Today, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite Cricut storage ideas and solutions that I’ve tried over the past couple of years. These include ideas for Cricut vinyl storage, as well as other materials, tools, blades, and other supplies. I also shared a couple of hacks for how to keep your mats handy, and general Cricut workstation ideas.

I truly hope this is helpful!

Cricut Vinyl and Material Storage Ideas

Cricut vinyl presents a unique storage challenge. The rolls seem to have a mind of their own and jump all over the place! But because they are rolled, they avoid creases, even in longer lengths. Here are some Cricut vinyl storage solutions that I’ve tried:

1. Store rolls and other materials upright in a cardboard box:

I currently have most of my materials, excluding a few bulk rolls, stored upright in a cardboard box. Eventually, I hope to remove the flaps and decorate the box, but for now it’s a fantastic solution.

This solution is great for those of us who have a Cricut workstation based on a mobile cart, with extra shelving for storage.

Alternatively, you can simply use a storage container that’s at least 13 inches deep and the right size for your work area.

2. Use magazine files to corral like rolls

Even within the cardboard box, I have additional organization to keep things in place.

First, I like to use magazine files to keep certain rolls grouped together, and to help them stand upright. I even use this on open shelving sometimes to help corral items.

Smart Vinyl rolls that come in boxes don’t need this.

3. Store vinyl rolled in inner tube, label the outside

For vinyl that comes wrapped around cardboard tubes, you can roll it a bit tighter and store it inside the tube to keep it rolled. This is great for thinner vinyl types that don’t hold closed in a roll.

You can also label the cardboard roll with scraps of the vinyl that’s inside (but I don’t think that trick will work for iron-on).

4. Organize scraps in file folders

Can’t seem to find the correct scrap at the correct time? I used folio file organizers to sort them by color family. I haven’t finished organizing this, but when I do, I plan to place a scrap of vinyl on the tab to showcase the color family. It’s less important to have each shade featured and more important to give a general idea of what’s inside.

Got too many? Use a 3 ring binder with sheet protectors or individual binder envelopes and colorful divider flags to organize your scraps.

5. IKEA shopping bag organizer

This is a super popular Cricut storage solution that I’ve just implemented in my craft room! For those vinyl and iron-on rolls that you use the most and want to keep on hand, the Ikea Variera shopping bag holder has holes just the right size for vinyl rolls!

6. In scrapbook paper boxes

I’m a big fan of these scrapbook cases from Michaels and I use them for loads of my storage!

I store scrapbook paper that I use with my Cricut, as well as leather – both sheets and scraps! I also store my Infusible Ink materials in these.

Vinyl rolls fit nicely in this too, making it a great solution for organizing vinyl on book or wall shelves. You can also label them. One day, I’ll get to it!

Cricut Tool, Blade, & Supply Organization

Tools need to be kept as handy as possible, so storing them well means having options that suit your workspace. I keep mine in the actual machine cup as much as possible, but here are a few additional solutions.

1. Cricut blade organizer:

I haven’t tried this but it looks great! It’s designed for storing your blades, so it’s very space-efficient, and it doesn’t look too shabby either!

This is the perfect solution for those of us who tend to forget to remove the correct blade from the machine storage before starting a project.

2. Use a shoebox sized storage container for assorted materials and writing tools

I keep a storage container with all the odds and ends I use a lot. This includes pens, infusible ink markers, masking tape, rubbing alcohol, my XL scraper, and more.

3. Craft Cart

A popular option that I don’t personally use, a craft cart is a great mobile solution. You can pull it to your Cricut workstation to have things handy, without occupying the area when you’re not creating on your Cricut.

4. Coffee can/mason jar

I keep additional tools in a mason jar and Cafe du Monde coffee can (I couldn’t throw away a classic New Orleans souvenir, could I?!) Sometimes centuries old solutions are the best way to store our gadgets!

This is a great option for Cricut crafting tools and weeding tools that are often brought to a separate surface to work with. If you tend to weed at a separate desk, you can simply store these there. Your scraper and spatula, however, which are used for securing and removing materials on the mat, are more convenient near your machine.

5. Insert for machine storage

This cool Design Space project hacks the inside of your machine to work better for your tools. They float around less and stay super organized. There’s nothing like a Cricut project made for your Cricut, right?!

Cricut Mat Storage Hacks

Cricut mats need to be kept super handy, but have a mind of their own! They slip and slide… so how do you store them? Here are some super clever Cricut storage ideas for your mats.

1. Command hooks

The hang holes on the mats make them perfect for hanging on smaller sized Command hooks. The only drawback is: you need a good hanging surface for this. I have mine on the side of a bookcase that I store some of my Cricut supplies in.

2. Multi level skirt hanger on hook

In my old place, I stored them on a skirt hanger hung from a wall hook. This allows you to use a sturdier hook as it doesn’t need to fit the mat hole. However, there’s a limit to how many you can store on one hanger. Too many gets overwhelming. It’s great for when you only need to keep 1-2 of each type handy (max) and it’s not ideal for 24 inch mats.

3. Pull-out keyboard tray

If you’re storing your machine on any type of computer desk with a pull-out keyboard tray, that’s the perfect place to park your mats! When you need it out of the way, close it. When you’re crafting, you can use it as a surface for applying materials to your mat.

And even if your desk doesn’t come with a built in keyboard tray, there are plenty of aftermarket options. Look for the deepest one that you can find that makes sense for your desk.

This is what I use for my mats now, and it’s my favorite solution. I still keep my backup mats on Command hooks on the side of my bookcase, but this is my main mat storage right now.

Got any more Cricut storage ideas to share? Comment below with your favorite solutions!

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Before I throw anything away, I always try to find a way to reuse the item or give it a second life. When it comes to home decor, you can use household items to make a number of amazing DIY projects using old items that you were considering sending to the trash or donating!

These ideas are easy to make and great for new crafters. If you love a project and you don’t have the main item to upcycle, you can ask neighbors, friends, or family. Or, head to thrift stores to find the basics.

On that note, if you’re looking for new home owner gift ideas, some of these make fantastic options. Just make sure you know the recipient well enough to know what they like!

DIY Upcycled Wall Decor

A new home with empty walls is the perfect opportunity to start decorating! But wall decor can be surprisingly expensive. Just the BLANK canvas I purchased for my living room wall costs $100. And that doesn’t include the price of lots of paint to cover that thing.

Repurposing various household items is a great place to start giving those walls a refresh with some upcycled home decor.

DIY Gallery Wall:

A collection of old frames can be made to look like a set by painting them. And people discard frames for cheap a LOT! Mine is an assortment of curbside finds, local group giveaways, and a couple of thrift store items to fill in sizes I needed. Acrylic paint that goes with the style of my family room gave it a colorful but sophisticated look that’s homogeneous. And the fact that the frames already had some texture made it even more interesting.

Animal Wall Hanging:

Old toy animals make the perfect wall hanging for a nursery or playroom! This started out as a project for my boys’ room, and eventually moved to the basement playroom in our new house. You do NOT need to know macrame to make this, and you don’t need cool tools either. A little cotton baker’s twine has a neutral, organic look.

Scrape Painting Art:

First, learn how to make a reverse canvas, then go ahead and try a beautiful scrape painting! This was made from an old “art fail” – a failed painting that was never completed. The canvas was painted and reversed to turn it into this statement piece that really completes my kitchen. You can also use thrift store or other old cheap art prints for this. First, verify that it doesn’t have value otherwise. Then, just flip it over and make sure there are no cross-bar supports or other things you can’t work out. Finally, pull out your paint pour medium and paints and get painting!

Upcycle Old CDs with DIY Doodle Discs:

Got a stash of old albums that you already digitized? Or maybe it’s the leftovers from those old mixes you used to make? Turn them into scratch art with a gorgeous iridescent base surface.

How to Make a Dreamcatcher:

Turn old doilies into “cheat” dreamcatchers. This sweet DIY is perfect for a little girl’s bedroom or nursery. You can even skip the hanging ribbons, though they do add character.

Upcycled Drawer Shadowbox:

If you’re purging a nightstand or smaller dresser, don’t ditch those drawers! They make fantastic shadow boxes for your nursery or playroom – and it’s not even that complicated!

Upcycled Book Page Wreath:

If you’ve got books that are too torn to use, missing pages, or that no one seems to want, you can upcycle the pages! This one is a double-upcycle: check out the tutorial to see what else Organized 31 used to make a cool book page wreath.

Functional Home Decor and Accents

“Decorative” and “Functional” are not contradictory statements! I love a pretty home, but when you’re short on space, you need to make sure your decor is also serving a functional purpose in your home. These cool upcycled home decor ideas are spot on!

DIY Enameled Spoons:

One of my first nail polish crafts, these enameled spoons got so many compliments! Gather then in a jar, or use it on larger spoons with holes and hang them. While nail polish is not food safe, you can use it in a spot that doesn’t touch the food.

Sea Glass Stemware:

If you love the look of sea glass, why not give old stemware a makeover? If you’re planning on using it as drinking glasses, you’ll want to fade the sea glass paint out before the rim. Otherwise, it’s great for gathering trinkets and catching clutter.

Clock Makeover:

I absolutely love the texture on this clock makeover, and you’ll see later in this post how I repeated it on a vase. However, the clock wasn’t properly tested before I worked on it. It didn’t work, even with a fresh battery. I’m not even sure it was right twice a day as the hand moved, just not at the right pace!! Oh well. It’s still pretty enough to share, right?

Mini Chalkboard DIY :

Thrift store easel art is a fantastic base for a mini chalkboard that makes a great outlet for you to practice your chalk lettering skills! Bring it out as a party sign, or place it on a decorative shelf and update it with seasonal chalk art. While this is a common dollar store item, it’s so much nicer to turn around a thrift store piece, as the quality, size, and overall look is so much more substantial.

Vintage Pottery From Upcycled Vase:

If you love having displays in your home of beautiful, vintage pottery, but are having trouble completing the look, turn simple glass vases into “vintage pottery”. You might just get addicted to this transformation, considering the different silhouettes you can find at thrift stores and the dollar tree (and possibly your basement!)

Upcycled Lamp Shades Cake Stand:

Lamp shades can collect plenty of dust and look quite tired. But the frame makes for a fantastic home deocor upcycle with this DIY cake stand! It’ll definitely stand out at your next party, and it makes a great shelf-top plant stand between uses.

Upcycled Skirt Throw Pillow:

Skirts can have quite a bit of fabric on them, so if you have one you love that’s too torn to wear, why not turn the intact portion into an easy throw pillow? This is also a great upcycle for old seasonal outfits that you’re no longer using. Turn them into seasonal throw pillows on a dime!

DIY Upcycled Home Organizers that are decorative too!

I am a huge fan of decorative organization – whether it’s baskets, caddys, or whatever the home stores have! But they can rack up a TON of $$$ and who’s got that to spare? These DIY’s take the ordinary, or the toss-outs, and turn them into gorgeous upcycled home decor that’ll help you get organized.

DIY Storage Bin:

You’ve got tons of boxes that you recycle every week, right? Why buy if you literally have a free storage caddy in your home? This tutorial also upcycles old jeans, making it a great all-around upcycle. I plan to repeat it for my Cricut storage in my craft room too!

DIY Cork Board:

Because a cork board sits on the wall, why not turn it into wall art? I tried this tutorial both with an old cork board and with one that I purchased for my family room. It ended up being moved to my craft room – because it’s so crafty, so why not? Mod Podge makes a special fabric version that was perfect for this project. Combined with a little stencil work, it’s quite a simple DIY that anyone can do. You can also skip the fabric and simply stencil a design on a new cork board.

Vintage Sewing Box Makeover:

I got this sewing box that reminded me so much of my Grandma’s at a flea market, but it was tired and broken. I refurbished it with some paint, a bit of stencil work and a screwdriver to preserve the wood on some parts. I then used it to store my huge assortment of craft paints – or at least some of it…

DIY Repurposed Picture Frame Wall Shelves:

Turn picture frames into wall shelves with this simple hack. It’s a great way to “frame” and showcase better those tchachkes your love so much.

Upcycled Jewelry Box:

Forget million dollar jewelry boxes – this one shows just what a custom look you can get with upcycled home decor! A little Mod Podge goes a long way as Mod Podge Rocks demonstrates.

Upcycled Shelf From a Cabinet Door:

Cabinetry is often made from good, solid wood, even if it’s tired-looking 90’s oak. Here, the Kingston Home shows how to turn a cabinet door into a cool shelf for storing and displaying craft supplies. I actually have a stash of cabinet shelves from when we replaced our pantry shelves with pull-out ones that I plan to use for something cool. It’s worth saving those solid wood bits, with the price of lumber skyrocketing, especially if you know you have some DIYs coming up down the road.

Garden , vases, and planters

Painted Vase Makeover:

Acrylic is a durable material… that gets super scratched and dirty and scratched way too easily. It also gets surface cracks, and other breaks that still leave it functional. It’s pricey too. So it made for the perfect upcycle in this painted vase makeover! I used texture paints (concrete and brushed metal) to get it a look that’s so upscale and chic. Complete with cotton stems, it’s oozing with texture in neutral tones. The base is a huge acrylic vase, and it’s a gorgeous statement in my kitchen.

Outdoor Chandelier from a hula hoop:

We made this outdoor chandelier using a hula hoop and LED string lights – and it makes for the perfect outdoor lighting solution for your garden pergola or porch! It’s also beginner friendly and was a hit in our home.

Buffalo Check Painted Flower Pots:

Give your old Spring flower pots a new seasonal look with this simple Buffalo Check tutorial by Soccer Mom Blog. You can keep painting it over for every season – just sand off some of it before each new application.

DIY Wooden Spoon Garden Markers:

If you like to plant your own veggies, you’ll want to know what’s what! Turn dollar store, thrift store, or your own overused wooden spoons into garden markers with an adorable touch.

DIY Round Wall Planter:

If you’re – looking for something for a smaller wall in your home, check out this galvanized bucket-turned-wall planter. This gorgeous play on contrasting texture in neutral tones shows that you do NOT need color to have a rich look to your home.

How to Make Upcycled Shirt Flower Pots:

If you’ve got piles of stretch-knit tops that are destined for the bin, try using them in this cool planter DIY! This is ideal for those pretty printed “t-shirts” that possibly have holes and aren’t donate-able.

Repurposed Furniture

There’s nothing like old furniture – they just don’t make it like they used to! Not only that, but when you repurpose furniture, you can get a custom piece like no other, not a familiar piece that everyone can identify where you bought it. These furniture makeovers are all fantastic but before you start, a word of advice: furniture makeovers are usually more involved cost and labor-wise. Make sure the piece you’re making over is worth the labor you’re putting into it.

Color Accent Nightstand:

While the Rast nightstand doesn’t seem to exist anymore, any simple wood nightstand can be used in this color accent nightstand makeover. And even though many IKEA pieces aren’t worth getting all involved in making over, some of them are solid wood and well-built (if you did a good job with them.) Those are definitely worth customizing. Not only that, you’ll find that it’s super easy to customize these wood pieces before you assemble them – and they’ll look like they came that way!

DIY Fur Stool Makeover:

As I mentioned above, always make sure your project isn’t more energy than the end result is worth. This super cheap stool was made over in a super quick project, making it worth it. I made this quirky stool using faux fur and spray paint. It sat in my craft room for a few years, until we moved and I had enough room for an actual chair. Now it sits at the kids’ craft desk.

Thrifted Desk Makeover Using General Finishes:

Many people like to replace their old, heavy wooden furniture for more modern pieces that have a smaller visual footprint. However, simply painting them a lighter and brighter shade can make them feel less dark and heavy. This desk makeover shows that effect with a simple paint transformation.

Stunning 2-Color Chalk Paint Bedroom Furniture Makeover:

Then there’s the case of odd colored and patterned furniture from another era. Chalk paint is your saving grace! See how Dana Vento transformed a dresser and nightstand into a current, upscale, neutral set.

How to Make a DIY Rolling Work Bench From a Table:

You can actually transform the functionality of a piece of furniture you no longer need into one that you do. And it’s not even that complicated! Turn an old table into a work bench in this cool upcycle.

French Vintage Inspired Table:

Turn an old table into an incredibly custom piece with this cool upcycled home decor idea! This one gets a French Vintage look, but this trick can be implemented in so many other ways too.

What are your favorite upcycled home decor projects? Got anything cool you made? Comment below!

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