Making your own home decorations can really stamp your personality on your living space. Home crafting is one of my favorite past times, and I just love the chance to get creative and let loose with some unique pieces. It’s not that hard to do, either. So, if you are a little worried about trying your hand at home-made crafts, then why not try these simple ideas? You’ll learn the basics while having a lot of fun, and it won’t be long before you can let your imagination run wild.
Fabric Samples from a Local Craft Fair
Frame Up Your Photos
Let’s start with the easiest of all – framing one of your self-taken photos. You can build a frame from virtually anything you like, from driftwood to discarded metals, or even old ceramic tiles. I love this rustic frame made from sticks, faux moss and a few flowers, for example. The only limits are your imagination, and it is such an easy way of getting started into home crafts. All you need is some material to use, some scissors, glue and string, and once you have finished, you will have an entirely unique picture in a handmade frame. It’s a very rustic effect for city or country dwellers alike.
Cork Notice Board
If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, why not start saving up those corks? They can be used in a number of ways to create some interesting pieces, but my favorite by far has to be the cork notice board. All you need to get started are plenty of corks and a good-sized piece of thin plywood. Use glue guns to fix the corks to the plywood, and cover the entire piece. Once it has dried, and the corks are stuck fast, use some of the framing ideas above to finish it off. You’ll be left with a stunning and hardy notice board that you can pin important info on with ease.
Leaf Painting
Leaf painting is such an easy activity that even kids can do it well. In fact, if you have children, it’s an excellent way to get them into crafts as well as teaching them about nature. All you need is some good quality paint, a brush, and a healthy dollop of creativity. How you paint them is up to you. Silvers and golds are great for the festive period (try making a garland or surround an advent wreath with them). However, you can get some excellent effects just by choosing some coordinated colors and either sticking them to your all or arranging them on a mantel or shelf.
Pot Pourri Hangers
If your wardrobe is getting a little musty, then why not make things a bit more appealing to the nose? Head to your local craft store and pick up some attractive material. Lace is always good for the more feminine amongst you, and some standard polyester will also be needed. Grab some tracing paper and an old clothes hanger, and use a pencil to draw an outline. Flip the hanger over and do the other side, leaving an inch or so for a border. You now have a template for cutting your fabric, so do that and put aside for the time being. Next, wrap the polyester strips across the shoulders, making them nice and plump. You can now secure the hanger to one side of the fabric with glue, place some of your favourite potpourri inside, and then seal the other side. Use faux flowers for added effect, and you are done! A beautiful hanger that not only looks great but will improve the smell of all your clothes!
Make A Keyholder
Need to spruce up your key holder? There are plenty of ideas that can turn this most mundane of objects into a genuine talking point. Whatever style your home is, you can create some truly stunning key holders with ease. Pieces of driftwood will look great hanging on your wall if you have a nature theme running through your house. For a more funky look, just buy some kids’ alphabet blocks, add some screws, and fix the to the wall with sticky-backed plastic. You can spell out any words that you like – even going so far as to personalizing them, so you and your partner never have to argue over keys again.
Create Unique Lampshades
Creating your own lampshades is so easy to do, yet so few people attempt it. Pick up a DIY lampshade kit and come up with some ideas. You can either wrap it in old wallpaper offcuts or use fabric. A good material allows a little extra creativity, as you can create a self-inspired design or pattern. Just buy plain material and sculpt a lino block to your liking. Then dip the block into the paint of your choice, and go wild with your design. It is simple and cheap enough to make plenty of mistakes when you are just starting out.
Make Use Of Your Cardboard
If you go into any home design store, you will often find beautiful storage boxes made from vinyl or cardboard. But, when you look at the price tag, all of sudden they don’t seem that pretty at all. Why spend the money when you can make your own storage boxes for a fraction of the price? Even an old shoebox can look magnificent wrapped in some cheap hessian or burlap and a simple design printed on it. You could also look at your local thrift store for old metal handles to stick on. Even old wallpaper and some off cut upholstery fabric can turn a standard delivery box into a glorious storage unit. Again, all you need is a glue gun, some excellent raw materials, and a good imagination.
I hope this post has given you some ideas on how to jazz up your living space. It is so much easier than you think to create something entirely unique. None of these ideas are expensive, so even if you struggle with the learning curve you will be able to afford to make mistakes. Happy crafting!
I hope you are enjoy the Christmas Holiday season!
As many of you know, I am very particular about the products that I use on my hair and skin. I look for all-natural products without any harmful artificial ingredients. If the product has ingredients that I can not pronounce or have been linked to health risks, then I will not use it.
I expanded this philosophy to other products that I bring into my house, whether it be cleaning solutions or paint.
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace was asked if we would be interested in reviewing one of its green frying pans. Seeing that the pan was PTFE and PFOA free, we immediately accepted the invitation and eagerly waited to try it.
Ozeri 8″ Green Frying Pan
After removing the pan from the box, I immediately noticed the first positive feature for the pan — it is feather light. Being made of ceramic, I expected the pan to be heavier. But to my surprise, it was not. The light-weight is great feature for cookware. I don’t want to working with heavy pans on the stove top.
The second positive feature for this pan is the long handle that ergonomically fits in my hand. I use pans of this size with short handles that makes it difficult to grab a hold of. The handles makes it easy to work with, no matter which burner that I am using on the stove.
The third positive feature of this pan is that is that the non-stick surface easy to clean. All you need is a little soap and water and the pan comes clean in a jiffy.
The fourth positive feature for this pan is the main reason why I wanted to initially try it. It is PTFE and PFOA free. My long-term goal is to eliminate potential harmful products out of my house. Before making any cookware purchase, I want to know what type of coating is applied to the pans to make them non-stick. I want to know if this non-stick coating is linked to any health risks.
Frying Veggie sausage patties in the Ozeri pan.
Making an omelet in the Ozeri pan.
Tips for using the Ozeri Pan.
1) The ceramic construction of this pan makes it heat efficient. We recommend that you initially lower the burner’s temperature setting so that you can gauge the proper setting. You may not need turn up the burner as high as you are normally do with your other pans.
2) Although this is a non-stick pan, we used a little cooking spray or oil. This will make the clean up even easier than it already is.
If you are looking to add new cookware pieces, I recommend that this pan be in your kitchen. It is light-weight, easy to grip, easy to clean and non-stick without any harmful chemicals.
*Please Note: Ozeri blessed me with the 8″ Green Frying Pan to give our honest review. I received no monetary compensation.
Sometimes during the fall and winter, the temperature can rise and it can get a little warm inside. You might want some fresh air; but opening the windows or turning on the air condition is not an option in the wintertime. Having a fan available is a great option. I never put away my fan, whether it is at the office or in the home.
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace had an opportunity to review the Ozeri Ulta Wind 42″ Adjustable Oscillating Tower Fan with smart LCD and remote control.
Ozeri 42″ Ultra Wind Fan
The fan with its sleek look offers a small footprint and attractive. The fan is quick and easy to assemble, in only a few steps. My hubby put it together in less than 10 minutes. The stand that the fan sits on is optional. It can be used if you want a taller fan; but if a shorter fan is your preference, than the stand is not necessary.
The fan’s body has a chrome finish and a black top and retails for $149.95. I know you are saying, “Oh my, This fan is $149.95!” But, you can save 33 percent on the fan if you purchase it on Amazon, bringing the cost under $100. At this reduced price, the fan is an economical choice because it its offers many high-quality features.
Aero Fan
The fan features a color LCD Display with a remote receiver that allows you to change the settings from across the room, if necessary. The fan offers three wind speeds, the option to oscillate, a timer, a sleep mode that it is whisper-quiet, a natural wind mode that mimics the wind blowing outside, and a temperature gauge that displays the current temperature in the room. When you have the fan operating, you don’t even realize that it is on, it is that quiet! It makes the room feel more comfortable with its high-quality oscillation. I enjoy the natural wind mode because it changes the intensity of the wind speed and it does not have the wind blowing full force at all times.
Color LCD Display Ozeri Fan
Guidelines for using the remote control
*The remote control must be pointed towards the receiver on the fan.
*The remote control may not operate in a room where a heavy machine is operating.
*Do not block the line of sight between the remote control and the receiver.
*Handle the remote control with care. Do not drop the remote control on the floor or bang it against hard objects.
Guidelines for use of batteries
*If the remote control will not be used for a long period of time, remove the batteries from the battery compartment. This is so good because you don’t want batteries to leak and damage the fan.
*The remote control uses two AAA, both of which should be new and replaced at the same time when they run out.
*Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device prior to polarity, matching +/- sides of the battery to corresponding indications on the remote control.
*remove used and dead/discharged batteries promptly.
-Guidelines are an excerpt from the How to pamphlet that came with the fan.
The Ozeri Ultra Wind 42″ Fan looks great in a room and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
The Ozeri fan in the living room
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace gives the Ozeri Ultra Wind 42″ Fan a thumbs up.
Why a thumbs up?
1.Economical
2. Functional
3. Small footprint
4. Very relaxing by providing a remote control.
Ozeri, thank you for the opportunity to review this fan. Bubbling with Elegance and Grace highly recommends it to everyone.
Hope you are cozy and warm and life is treating you well.
I often get questions on how to incorporate color into a monochromatic palette. I always give advice that if color is scary, try to add it in small increments.
I was recently introduced to Modani. In looking over its website, the company offers modern and chic furniture that would allow my interior design juices to flow. I picked the brown sectional modern sofa featured below. I let my imagination run wild, incorporating bright pieces, also from Modani and a painting that hangs in my bedroom.
I started with a template and thought about my taste and desires for my dream living room.
Eclectic Chic! Images provided by Modani
The collage below gives a more visual look of how I would design the room.
When I saw the brown sectional modern sofa, I had to incorporate the colorful pillow and add contrast with the satin shiny pillow which makes it fun.
I included four ways to add your own charm to a room.
1. I really like the metal hardware of the the chandelier and functionality of the overhead lighting.
2. The rug adds softness and warmth to the room.
3. The pouf and extra chair adds additional seating that is a must for a living room. It also adds style. That pouf will be a major conversation starter because someone would think you bought that piece on your many travels.
4. The lamp adds additional lighting with an architectural flair and adds balance and depth.
All the pieces work together in harmony.
So the finished template I created below.
Living Room Collage Images provided by Modani
To take the room a step further I added a mirror, suitcases for decoration and storage, a vase, and a bookcase for my favorite books.
When I designed the living room, I immediately saw the painting in my bedroom; it works well with the color scheme of the living room. This is one of my favorite portraits in my home.
One of my Paintings
The key is to let the room reflect your style because everything will flow into place when that happens. I have to think outside the box and set my own standards. All it takes is one piece, whether it is a pillow or a sectional sofa and your dreams can cultivate from there to create a beautiful room.
Modani offers many chic and trendy furniture options for your house. One thing that I admire about this company is that is contributes to a charity for needy children. The work done by Lonely Peleg is an inspiration. This short video highlights his work throughout the world.
Images were provided by Modani. I was not compensated for my work.
The Bubbling with Elegance and Grace team was contacted and asked to try a Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner kit. We wanted to try this product because it has been around for awhile and is known for quality and integrity. And, because we had a few leather items in our closet that needed to be cleaned before being able to wear them.
“Since 1968, master leather craftsmen and individuals alike have been relying on Leather Honey, the premium leather conditioner, to condition used leather and protect new leather. Uniquely formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the leather, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is designed to bring out the best in your favorite leather – from classic equestrian items to furniture, automobiles, shoes, apparel, wallets and more. And we do it without the use of any animal products, silicone, toxins, solvents, or other harmful chemicals.” Leather Honey website
Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner, with two cloths
My hubby had these pair of shoes that looked like they were ready to be recycled. However, he wanted to see if Leather Honey products would bring them back to their original luster.
Below is a picture of the shoes. The shoes look dusty and worn from wear.
Hubby’s shoes in need of a makeover
The kit came with a bottle of cleaner, a bottle of conditioner, and two cleaning clothes. The cleaner is super-concentrated. It must be diluted in water before using. The directions on the bottle say to use two tablespoons of the cleaner for every eight ounces of water. My hubby found an empty spray bottle that we had in the closet and he created the cleaning solution.
Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.
My hubby sprayed the diluted solution on the each of the shoes and used one of the clothes to clean the shoes. The directions tell you not to spray to much of the solution on the item that you are cleaning. You do not need to over-saturate the item because the solution is pretty powerful. My hubby sprayed only a couple of sprays on each of the shoes and this was more than enough to get the dust, grime and dirt off of the shows.
After the shoe has had a chance to dry, the next step is to apply the conditioner. Using the second cloth that was included in the kit, my hubby applied the conditioner to the cloth and then used the cloth to buff the shoes. My hubby recommends that you apply the conditioner to the cloth instead of directly to the item you are working with. This allows the conditioner to be applied more evenly and smoothly to the item.
My hubby applying the conditioner.
After cleaning the shoes take a look at the dirt that came off in the cloth.
Cleaning Cloth results
Allowing the the shoes to dry and applying the conditioner, the transformation is marvelous. Take a look!
These shoes look new and revitalized.
Check out the Leather Honey website because the company gives detailed information, videos and testimonials about the natural leather cleaner and conditioner.
*This is my honest opinion. Bubbling With Elegance and Grace team was gifted the
natural cleaner and conditioner and two cloths from Leather Honey .
There are so many different fabrics choices to go with when you are looking for furnishing fabrics. Many people look for fresh and modern colours that can help them bring their room cohesively together. With little investment, you can refresh and renew a room with just a few simple touches, great upholstery fabric goes a long way. When you begin to look for a design that you might prefer, make sure that the colours also match the style of the furniture that is going to be upholstered, but it also should match well with the rest of the furniture that is already in the room. This way you can be sure that it blends in nicely and doesn’t look out of place.
When you make the move to purchase your new fabric, take a moment to consider what look you want for your room. A variety of furnishing fabrics can each help to create a different feel and setting, choosing a fabric that is going to compliment the room it will be placed in doesn’t have to be a difficult job. Today there are so many options to go with, offered at competitive prices. Many are turning to high quality upholstery fabric and refreshing their old furniture instead of purchasing new items. Depending on the design and fabric option that you go with, you can dramatically increase the aesthetic value of your furnishings with just a few simple touches.
If you choose to go with a synthetic fabric, also known as microfiber material, you can be sure that this fabric is very stain-resistant. However, this benefit also offers some difficulty in that it will make it more of a challenge to dye. Durable polyesters are a fantastic option and work well with natural fibres like cotton, which will provide crease resistance as well as offering you stability. This material also offers exceptional tensile strength and abrasion resistance; you can be sure that it won’t wear from rubbing. For choosing a fabric there are many options, whether you want hemp, linen, cotton, silk, satin, wool, or some other variety, there is something for every need and taste. The fun is in choosing what you like best, what works best in your home individually, and customising your item to fit into your room specifically. This is one of the greatest benefits of choosing to design, deciding on the upholstery fabric, it offers you the option of adding an extra little touch by using specialised furnishing fabrics. High quality upholstery fabric isn’t hard to come by and there are many places where you can find modern and tasteful furnishing fabrics and upholstery fabric at competitive prices.
You can drastically re-vamp an old piece of furniture with a dramatic and fresh-looking high quality upholstery fabric. This is a simple way to drastically improve and change the look of your property, you can refresh furniture that you’ve already had for decades and new furnishing fabrics can help to make it look brand new; like you’ve just purchased it. When looking for new fabric, make sure you consider what item you will need the fabric for – the usage will play a part in deciding which furnishing fabrics are going to work best for your own needs. Luckily, there are so many different furnishing fabrics to choose from.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
Follow!