Home Decor Tutorials & DIY Projects

Tutorials and DIY projects: how to make your own home decor like wreaths, front door decor, and diy wall art, how to decorate a mantel, how to decorate a Christmas tree, how to paint furniture, and more!

How to Make a Leprechaun Trap! {St Patricks Day Fun}

Around this time each year, Miss G (now 8) begins drawing up her plans to make a leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day. Every year since she was 3 or 4, she’s tried to catch one! I’m not really sure how or why this tradition began in our home. It’s certainly not an idea that I planted. Let’s face it, I’ve got enough little beings to care for around here already; I don’t need a leprechaun too, lol! But she goes about it with the same excitement as finding her Elf on the Shelf every morning during Christmas, so who am I to interfere!

: Last year, she enlisted her cousins to help!

. You’ll see lots of elaborate schemes out there for a leprechaun trap.

But all you really need to lure a leprechaun is an empty tissue box, some things to decorate it, and a good dose of sneakiness. .

: What is a leprechaun? The leprechaun is a character of Irish Mythology. He is about 2’6″ (75cm) tall. He is very rich but extremely tricky and if you catch one don’t take your eyes off him, or he will disappear! He is a very slick talker and loves a bit of fun. Source: The National Leprechaun Museum, Dubin, Ireland.

.While Miss G hasn’t caught one yet, she’s come close!

We’ve found a trail of green glitter on several occasions, and last year, he left a note! (See end of post.)

Here’s what seems to work the best to trap the leprechaun. READ MORE

St Patricks Day Mantel Decor {DIY Paper Shamrock Garland}

Yesterday, I showed you how to make shamrocks with a heart punch for St Patricks Day crafts or decorating. Today, I thought I’d show you what I did with all the paper shamrocks I made! You guessed it. I decorated my mantel with them! I don’t usually decorate my mantel for St Patricks Day, but this year, I really needed some festive spirit around here to get through the final weeks of winter. So I added a simple, light hearted paper garland to the mantel, with a good dose of polka dots and glitter!

The diy shamrock garland was made from scrapbook paper, a heart punch, a circle punch, twine and straws!

I used the heart punch to create the shamrocks.

A circle punch and gold glittery paper was used for the coins. So simple, right?

Then I just strung them randomly READ MORE…

How to Make a Shamrock: Easy St Patricks Day Decor with a Heart Punch!

It’s been awhile since I’ve pulled out my craft supplies, and I forgot how therapeutic it can be! This weekend, I decided to play around with some paper and punches to see if I could create some simple St Patricks Day decorations. OK, so I know that it’s not like St Patricks Day ranks up there with Christmas and Easter in terms of holiday importance, but hey, it’s a special day in the middle of dreary old winter, so it’s as good an excuse as any to add some festive cheer around the house. Plus, our neck of the woods is often called ‘the most Irish place outside of Ireland‘, so Paddy’s Day is a big deal around here.

I took this photo last year at this time, but it will show you what early March looks like in these parts!

But back to paper and punches…

Did you know that with a heart punch, you can easily make shamrocks / clovers for St Patricks Day? Perhaps you did, but it was a new discovery for me! OK, I just realized how dorky that sounded. As I’ve said before, I seriously need to get out more, lol.

In fact, since hearts are so simple to cut, you really don’t need to have a heart punch at all. Just punch or cut our 4 hearts to make a four-leaf clover, or three hearts to make a (less lucky) 3 leaf one. You’ll also need a circle to glue them to. I used a circle punch, but you could just as easily trace a quarter and cut it out.

READ MORE …

25 DIY Wall Art Ideas {While You Save for the Mona Lisa}

When I first did a round up of 10 DIY Wall Art Ideas last year, I was amazed at how many of you out there were as interested as I am in creating wall art yourself (without being an artist). Since then, I’ve completed more of my own wall decor projects, and I also did a whole series on the topic of DIY Wall Art Ideas back in October 2012 as part of Nester’s annual “31 Days” party . So if your Christmas and holiday decor is now put away, and you are staring at a few blank walls, you might be interested in this new round-up of more than 25 diy wall decor ideas, which draws on all of my related blog posts in 2012.

Just click on the picture or the link to take you straight to the post for more details!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE!

Emerald Green with Envy? {Pantone’s Color of the Year 2013}

Last year it was Tangerine Tango. The year before, it was Honeysuckle. Before that, it was my personal favorite, Turquoise. So, by now, maybe you’ve heard that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013 is Emerald Green? “PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald” is described as “a lively, radiant, and lush green”…”a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”

The Pantone press release reads:

“As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald Green brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.” See more here.

Green with Envy by apopofpretty

Personally, I’ve always been partial to Emerald Green because it’s my birthstone. Also, like another of my faves, cobalt blue, it’s a color that translates well in the world of fashion and beauty, as complements just about any skin tone or eye color.

But I have to admit that I’m a little apprehensive about how Emerald Green might translate into home decor. Personally, I could never READ MORE HERE

A Year of DIY Wreaths / Door Decor {How to make a wreath for any season}

Just like I love decorating my mantel for every season, I’m also obsessed with changing up what’s on my front door! I think the reason I like these seasonal decorating activities so much is because I can indulge in decorating without taking on a big project like a room makeover. Also, I’m just one of those people who likes to celebrate different seasons and holidays – and I like getting my kids excited about them too!

When I create something new for my door, sometimes I edit an old wreath that’s been banging around for years (like my Fall Burlap Wreath, my Traditional Christmas Wreath) and other times, I start from scratch (like with my Sisal & Starfish Wreath). Some of them are complete DIY disasters and don’t turn out at all like I had imagined; and, sometimes, they turn out better. But regardless, I love the creative process! Here’s a look back at our wreaths (door decor) over the past year!

Valentine’s Day Wreath

In early February, I made a new Valentine’s Day wreath from an (unusual) combination of burlap and pink tulle. I also used different pink grosgrain ribbons. You can find the tutorial for that pink ribbon and burlap Valentine’s Day rag wreath here.

St. Patrick’s Day Wreath

I created this Irish-inspired wreath for St. Patrick’s Day using mostly dollar store materials, like sparkly green tulle, a big die cut shamrock, and shamrock garland.

Easter Wreath

This shabby chic-style Easter wreath was a new creation, but I used mostly materials that I had on hand. It was made from a pool noodle that I shaped into an oval, and then covered with painter’s drop cloth and ripped up dish towels! I also used Easter eggs that I pulled off an old wreath. This was one of my DIY wreaths that I considered a disaster at first. It turned out nothing like I imagined! But, eventually I embraced it’s shabbiness and hung it anyway! You can see how I made this Easter wreath here.

See more here

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Home Decor Tutorials & DIY Projects

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