DIY Valentine's day centerpiece

I am a huge fan of tulips for Valentine's day and just adore this centerpiece made with pastel sweetheart candies and fresh flowers.  It was created by Hilton Pittman Photography and I found it on an adorable blog,  The Wedding Chicks.  Visit here for beautiful step by step photos and instructions on how to make this yourself.  Super easy!

{photos via The Wedding Chicks, via Hilton Pittman}

DIY, paper lanterns

I came across a new blog and just had to share one of the projects that Aunt Peaches designed!

Made from a plain white paper lantern and muffin cups, this chic lamp was made.  You must go here to get more step by step instructions and let me know if it works out for you.

The lantern on the cover of this book was the inspiration for her project.  Impressive!!

{photos via Aunt Peaches}

Mother's day DIY makeup pouch

Mothers have lots of stuff and sometimes we need to take it with us and instead of using a plastic baggie,  this elegant pouch is just the answer.  It requires very few supplies or time to make.  For wonderful step by step instructions and photos click here.  Good luck and let me know how it goes!

{photos via source}

DIY - Easy Centerpieces

Straight-edged glass vases are great and affordable containers that can be transformed into a one of a kind vase for your next event.  I found these fun ideas at Project Wedding as well as how to make them yourself.  I am looking forward to creating a custom centerpiece at our next party!

{photos via Project Wedding}

DIY - Coffee Table Book

If you can snap a picture, then you can easily navigate this easy to use site, which helps you create a gorgeous, professional looking photo book.  Choose from 10 book styles and more than 200 layouts, then just drag and drop images into the page templates.  The software is free at My Publisher.

Capture love stories, vacations, babies, or families and have a gift forever.  Go to Mypublisher.com for all the details!

{photos via Mypublisher.com}

DIY Love Rhinestone Vase

I just loved this DIY project that Jeanne Benedict had on her blog.  It is simple and classic.  Easy to change the words for any occasion.

1. Prep a large glass cylinder by making a Scotch tape "net" at the top opening to hold floral foam. Attach a piece of tape, sticky side down so the tape ends adhere to the rim, and extend it across the opening to the other side; adhere end to that side of the rim. Repeat the process in a grid pattern making sure that the tape strips are long enough that they sag a bit so they can hold a piece of floral foam.

2. Soak a floral foam disk sized to @1-inch thick by the diameter of your vase opening to fit inside the top. Set the floral foam into the tape net.

3. Put a few pieces of double-sided tape on the outside of the vase at the top and bottom to hold the ribbon in place. Wrap black grosgrain ribbon around the top and bottom of the vase.

4. Attach rhinestone letter stickers on the middle of the vase to spell "LOVE" or whatever you like. (I purchased the stickers at Michael's Arts and Crafts Store.)

5. Use a pitcher or spouted vessel to pour water into the vase.

6. Cut red rose stems to 1-inch lengths and insert them into the floral foam. Voila!

City Craft Dallas, DIY Cat House, Meow

The first of its kind in Dallas, CityCraft is a modern fabric boutique and sewing lounge featuring such designers as Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, and Anna Maria Horner.  They offer sewing classes as well as some great DIY projects on their blog.

The tutorial will give you step by step directions on how to construct this adorable cat house.  Everything from fabric amounts to a template.  I highly recommend you stop by City Craft if you are in the Dallas area.  Love to hear back if you make the cat house!

DIY - Dog Leash

I couldn't resist this adorable picture on Purl Bee blog and the nice looking dog leash that you can make.

Follow these simple directions and off you go!

{materials}

{done}

{ready for a walk}

DIY - Copycat Christmas Centerpiece

I loved this centerpiece idea in Country Living and decided to try and duplicate.

Not exact, but very pretty and works well with my colors in surrounding rooms.  I purchased all the ornaments at Hobby Lobby and Target, then just used some of my own items from home.  Less than $35 for the new items.

(Anyone know where you can buy all white candy canes?  Looked everywhere.)

DIY - Create a Vintage, Dirty, Candle

I went to a wonderful home show recently, hosted by Tattered Bliss and found several great things.  One thing caught my eye were their great looking candles.  They looked like they were old, dirty, and aged.  When I asked where she bought them, she told me they made them!  I was assuming it was very difficult, and after hearing the secret recipe, I thought I'd give it a try.  We had almost everything in the garage that I needed except the "sponge brush".

• Start with an inexpensive, white or cream candle.
• Get sponge brush, and medium to dark brown wood stain.  Brush the stain on the candle and dab or wipe with an old rag.  Remove as much or as little as you like of the stain.
• Let the stain dry and you are done.  That simple.  :)