DIY Halloween Wreath

All you will need for this super easy Halloween Wreath is;

1. A polystyrene ring - these can vary in size
2. Ribbon - I prefer to use a wide ribbon 
3. Tinsel - Halloween themed if you can find it!
4. Spooky decoration - I went for a spooky spider 

The first step is to cover your wreath with the ribbon, the amount you need will depend on the size of your wreath. You could use wool/yarn instead of ribbon but these will be considerably slower and more tedious. 

After your base is complete, add some Halloween themed tinsel for extra effect. 

Finishing touches,  

I added this spider decoration to finish of that Halloween look. 

The final step is to tie some green wool/string/ribbon around the top of the wreath to create a loop that you can hang it with. 

And you're done! A quick & simple Halloween wreath ready to hang on a door near you. 

Until next time, 

Sarah 

Painted Bird House

I picked up this bird house at the Cuprinol stand when I was at Bloom Garden Festival, in June, and I've only now had the chance to paint it! It came in quite a simple little flat pack and you assembled it like a 3D jigsaw. When you bought the set you got 3 sample size paints with it,  I chose green, blue and orange. Then I had some Ronseal paint in yellow and purple which I also used. I went for a colour block theme, as it was simple and effective with little messing about. 

What you will need: 

• Birdhouse
• Masking tape
• Small paint brush 
• Paint in a selection of colours - I used Cuprinol garden shades in Sunny Lime, Beach Blue and Terracotta and Ronseal garden paint in Purple Berry and Sundial!

Step 1 - Assemble

This took about 2 minutes and was just a matter of clicking the different sections into place. 

Step 2 - Outline

I used masking tape to mark out the pattern I wanted to paint. 

Step 3 - Get painting!

I painted each side a different colour, in line with the colour blocking effect. The paint is quite pigmented and the wood was light so it only took about one good coat to get a strong effect. 

I started with the roof and then worked my way around the front, back and sides. When I was finished painting the last section, the sides, the roof was just about dry. I then removed the tape from the top section and retaped over the painted section so I could get a clean line to paint the edges. Follow this method all around, working in sections. 

I used the purple paint all around the top half and then went for yellow to contrast against the blue on the front and back!

Step 4: Let it dry

The paint was touch dry in about 5 mins, although I would recommend leaving it to one side for about an hour to make sure it is completely dry!

The finished product!

Even though this does look great hanging amongst the roses, unfortunately, I don't plan on leaving it outdoors. This house is made from very light wood and would most likely not withstand the elements. I'll find a more suitable home for it indoors instead.

Since I don't plan on leaving mine outside I didn't need to use a sealer or varnish. Although if you do plan on hanging yours outside for the birds to enjoy, I would recommend finding a waterproof wood sealant to help protect. Try this one from Amazon. 

There you have it, this took about 30 mins to paint and the most time-consuming part was cleaning the brushes!

Until next time,

Sarah 

Old to New: DIY Tufted Headboard

How often do we have something lying around the house that we want to use but simply doesn’t fit in with our current décor?Well this was my problem exactly, I really wanted a headboard for my room although could not bring myself to splash the cash for a new one when I already had a perfectly good, albeit old, one in the house. As it was quite old it definitely needed a face lift to be brought up with the times and match my freshly painted room. 

At this stage I had two options, the first one being to dismantle it completely by removing the buttons, fabric and batting/sponge, keep the existing frame and work from there OR keep it as is and simply create a new cover for it. Considering it was in relatively good condition I decided to go with the second, and more simple, version of creating a new cover. 

And so we begin...

* Just before we do, as this had been lying around the house for a while it had inevitably gathered dust so I took it outside to beat excess dust of it as well as giving it a going over with the hoover.  

Supplies you will need;

• Old headboard
• Fabric of choice
• Buttons
• Scissors
• Staple gun & staples

Before

Step 1 - Measuring out the material

As I wanted to do this without incurring too much expense I chose to use two spare pillowcases that I had from Penneys (which cost about 3 quid for the pair). In order to use them for this, I cut them to open and joint them to make one large piece to cover the board. For this you can use any spare pieces of fabric you already have, such as curtains, cushion covers, t shirts or you can opt to buy some material to match your room!

The amount required will depend on the size of your headboard and the number of tufts. When measuring ensure you have enough material to cover the entire headboard, make allowances for the tufts as this will require extra fabric. Also ensure you have enough to reach behind the board so you can staple it and it is secure.

In order to estimate whether you have enough before you begin lay the fabric on the board and place your finger where the existing tufts are to make dents. This will guide you in each of the tufts to give a estimate also add a slight bit extra  for a just in case. 

Lay the fabric over the headboard

Roughly mark out the tufts

Step 2 - Secure the tufts

Place your finger on each of the buttons that are already there to create the tuft, I found working from the center and moving outwards was the easiest method. Take your gun and staple the fabric into the

sponge. You will not be able to staple directly into the button as the surface will be too hard so aim the staple to as close as you can beside it into the softer area. These staples will be covered up later on when we add new buttons.

Step 3 - Tidying the edges

Once you have all the tufts located and stapled, its time to clean up the edges. For this you simply flip the headboard over and begin stapling down the excess fabric. Aim to hold it taught so that it is not loose so that you can achieve the quilted look and it is not loose at the front. Be aware when pulling the material over to the back some staples may become loose so keep a check on these.  Trim any excess and loose ends so it is neat. 

Step 4- The finishing touch

Select  buttons of choice and simply glue them on top of the existing ones. Make sure they are small enough to fit in and big enough to cover the staple from step 2. For this you can use cover buttons to match the main fabric, different colours for a rainbow effect it's up to you! I decided to go with small gold detailed buttons as I had them in the house and I think the contrast quite nicely with the white background. 

After

There you have it, 4 simple steps to creating a headboard that matches your room for little or no cost!

Until next time,

Sarah

Last Minutes Gifts for Craft Lovers

1. Adult Colouring Book 

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months you will know all about the latest craze of adult colouring books. They are a far cry from what you may be used to when growing up, in some ways they have grown up with us. They now come in a varitey of intricate patterns and designs, staying inside the lines won't be as easy as you think! 

The Amazing Creative Colouring Book by Joanna Webster

Available from Eason

Photo source: www.easons.com

Mandala Colouring Book

Available from Tiger

Photo source: www.tigerstores.co.uk

2. A Framed Print

Everyone loves a good inspirational quote, the craft lover in your life will appreciate it even more if it relates to specifically to their passion. If you're on a budget then this could be great option. You simply just need to print off a quote from Google Images, find a nice frame and you're sorted! (Just try and print off the image using a good printer so it doesn't look ~ too homemade).

Or if making it isn't your thing, there are plenty to choose from on sites like Etsy

Get this one here

Photo source:
https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/233363521/craft-print-craftiness-is-happiness?ref=market

3. Crochet Starter Kit

These types of sets are perfect stocking fillers. They are suitable for adults and children alike. They come complete with everything you need to get start crocheting including; a hook, wool and instructions.

Crochet Art

Available from Art & Hobby 

Photo source: www.artnhobby.ie

4. Painting by Numbers

I feel like I received at least one of these every Christmas when I was growing up, although I don't recall ever actually completing one. These are great gifts for those among us who love to paint and create things but need a bit of guidance.

 I think i'm going to make it my New Years Resolution to get one of these and finish it!

Painting by Numbers

Available from Art & Hobby

Photo source: www.artnhobby.ie

Until next time,

Sarah 

Mini Knitted Christmas Stocking

With less than two weeks until Christmas here is a tutorial for a mini knitted Christmas stocking.

This pattern is perfect for beginners as it only requires two basic stitches; knit and purl. If you haven't quite mastered the purl stitch this also works if you just use the knit stitch.

They make great gifts for family and friends or you could even fill them with sweets and hang them on the Christmas tree!

The instructions given are for a simple two colour version, although you can get creative and use any colours you like!!

Christmas Stocking Pattern

• Using 4mm needles cast on 36 stitches and work in stocking stitch (1 line plain, 1 line purl)

• Work 10 rows

• Cast off 3 stitches at beginning of next 4 rows (24 sts.)

• Knit 18 rows (Knit last 4 rows in a different colour)

• Cast off. 

Presentation Ideas

Fill them with sweets and hang them on the tree!

This has been created using only the knit stitch. 

Play around with the colours, to create a stripe effect add in various colours of wool for the last few rows.

Happy knitting and Merry Christmas :)

Until next time, 

Sarah

DIY Modge Podge Glitter Hip Flask

Supplies you will need;

• Dishwasher safe Mod Podge Gloss 
• Stainless Steel Hipflask
• Glitter
• Clear tape
• Sponge (or something to apply glue)

Step 1 - Prepare the surface

Clean the flask in hot soapy water to make sure there isn't any dust or dirt on the surface.

Step 2 - Create design template 

Use the tape to create a design on the flask. This doesn't have to be perfect by any means, it's just an easy way to separate the different colour glitters.

Step 3 - Apply the glue

Using the sponge (or beauty blender/brush/hands/whatever you want), apply the Modge Podge in between the sections marked with tape. Try and apply and thin even coat so that it dries evenly.

Step 4 - GLITTER TIME!

I poured a small bit of glitter directly onto the glue and then used my fingers to even it out, just like finger painting with glitter ~ glitter painting even ~

I removed the tape and set it aside to dry for a few hours. I then repeated steps 3 & 4 until it was completely covered. To blend out the edges between the colours I took a small amount of glue and glitter on the sponge dabbed it on.

Step 5 - Finishing touches

I left it overnight to dry, just to be safe. I tapped it gently to remove any excess glitter and then sealed it to prevent any more glitter from falling off. The Modge Podge works as a gloss and a sealer, I applied two coats of this leaving about an hour in between each coat for drying time.

*Even though it does claim to be dishwasher safe I would not recommend putting this though the dishwasher. If you need to clean it, this is best done by hand washing it in warm water and not leaving it soaking in water for long periods of time as the glue may peel off!!

Until next time,

Sarah

Manicure on a Budget: Penneys False Nails

Tired of painting your nails and having to wait, what feels like, hours for them to dry?

On a budget and don't want to splash the cash for a salon manicure?

These nails are for you!

I've been wearing these false nails for about 2 years now and i'm hooked on them. No trip to Penneys is complete without picking up at least 3 new pairs. 

Just some of the reasons why I adore them;

• Super easy to apply. 
• Only €1.50 a go, you can't go wrong! 
• Come with about 36 nails per pack, which means you have more than enough for replacements if you lose one, or better yet another full set 
• The length is just right, not too long and not too short (no need for any tedious filing ~ happy days) 
• They come in loads of different colours and patterns (including seasonal patterns, Snowflake nails anyone?) 
• They can last up to 10 days*

*My top tip - Adhesive is included with the nails, although I don't think it's the best. Considering the price you can't really complain and it does the job if you only need them for a night or two, such as a special occasions. I prefer to get a bit more out of mine so I use the Broadway Nails Jet Dry Glue. When I use this glue I find the nails last about 8-10 days (if i'm careful with them) in comparison to 2/3 days with the glue provided. I pick this up in boots for about €4.50 for a twin pack and I get multiple uses from each bottle! Get it here.

The Application Process

Step 1: Preparation

Trim your natural nails and remove any nail polish that you are wearing.

Nails before

Step 2: The best fit

Select the nails that fit and lay them out in the order you will apply them.

Step 3: Apply the nails

I find it best to apply the glue to the false nail, place it on your natural nail and hold for about 10 seconds.

Broadway Jet Dry Glue

Step 4: Enjoy!

Until next time,

Sarah