A Free Copy of Mason Jar Crafts

It has been a long time since my last post here on the blog. I have tried to get back into blogging this year in a new space but I have good reason for being preoccupied these last many months. I have been writing a book, a craft book in fact, my very first solo project in the world of publishing. I couldn't be more excited! In February I announced on Instagram that I had finished the photography and written content for my book. Now it is soon to be released. I cannot believe it will soon be here.

In collaboration with my wonderful publisher Ulysses Press, we have put together Mason Jar Crafts, 30+ unique DIY projects all inspired by the classic and timeless style of the beloved Mason jar. I have always enjoyed working with Mason jars and they have made quite a few appearances here on this blog. There are endless possibilities to crafting with them and I see my book as a jumping-off point for crafters who want to infuse this charming jar into their homes and events. 

These are a few sneak peeks of some of my favorite projects.

But here is the fun part...you have the opportunity to receive a free copy of my book before it is made available to the public! That's right! Blog and social media friends can get their own personal copy that will hopefully ignite their own passion for Mason jars. To receive a copy, you will need to commit to posting an honest review on either the Amazon or Barnes & Noble website but that's all. Once again, honest reviews are expected but reviews can be anonymous. I am confident that the book has one-of-a-kind content that will spark creativity and I am hoping to spread the word about this project that I have worked so hard on.

If you would like to receive a free copy or if you would like more information about this opportunity, leave your email in the comment section below. I will email you back to discuss the details. I appreciate your support and am so excited that I can offer my followers and friends a chance to see what I've put together. I am very proud of my work and think you all will love it. Thanks!

DIY Project: Ombré Tablecloth & A Spray Bottle Dye Technique

Happy Monday blog friends! How was your weekend? I'm kicking this Monday off with a DIY project. Last week I shared my summer outdoor entertaining tips which featured this ombré tablecloth:

I created the ombré effect myself on canvas dropcloth purchased from Home Depot. Dropcloth comes in a variety of sizes (this one was 5'x5'), all readily available at local home improvement or paint stores. It is inexpensive and very durable, ideal for outdoor conditions.

You can achieve the ombré effect in various ways, usually it involves dipping fabric into a bucket of dye. I wanted to eliminate the bucket and come up with something easier. I created this blue tablecloth with nothing more than a spray bottle, water and some fabric dye. I saw results immediately and had a lot of control over how light or dark the pigment would turn out. The dyeing process is quick and then you just need to wait for the tablecloth to dry in the sun.

Want to see all the steps in perfecting this ombré technique? Check out the full article and all the pictures on Houzz:

Make a Fashion-Forward Ombré Tablecloth

The dropcloth I purchased was lined with waterproof plastic on the back. I thought this built-in feature would be handy if the dropcloth were used as an outdoor area rug. Keep it poolside, a place for everyone to relax and grab refreshments between dips in the swimming pool. 

What DIY creations have you been working on this summer? How have you implemented them into your summer lifestyle? My family eats outside a lot so these tablecloths are perfect for setting up a quick and casual dinner.

Have a great week!

DIY Project: Two-Tone Gilded Air Plant Terrarium

For those readers in the United States, happy Independence Day! Do you have big plans for the holiday? Are you having a party? Barbecuing? Watching fireworks? I have work today so the festivities will be limited but we have a great view of a couple different firework shows from our deck so that is how I will spend my evening. Whatever your plans, be safe and have fun!

Today I wanted to share a DIY project that I put together for Houzz. I acquired this little air plant awhile ago and have been meaning to create an official home for it. Air plants live off of the air (hence the name) so they have the ability to grow on any surface. I wanted to put together something unique that would become a display piece in our home. I actually came up with something quite simple and minimal in design but I gave it a little color boost with some gold spray paint. Here is the two-tone gilded terrarium I made:

Instead of rocks, I used a bag of white navy beans that you can get for cheap at the grocery store. All the materials are easy to find and inexpensive and some you might have lying around your home already.

Do you want to DIY this gold terrarium yourself? Check out the article on Houzz to see the full tutorial and materials list:

Bowl Over Guests With a DIY Air Plant Terrarium 

Originally we were displaying this guy on our coffee table, as shown in the pictures, but Scout started getting too interested in the beans. She kept sneaking them and I'd find navy beans scattered in the living room. We have it up higher now, near a window so the plant can get plenty of light.

I thought succulents were easy to care for but air plants are even better for those who are plant-challenged...aka people like me. I spritz mine with a little spray bottle occasionally and every once in awhile I submerge it in a cup of water. But it can survive without water for a long time. This might be my ideal plant. Have you tried caring for air plants? How do you care for yours?

Happy 4th of July! 

Simple & Rustic Wood Block Candelabra DIY

Today I am excited to share my own take on the classic candelabra in this DIY project that I created specially for Houzz. I transformed a basic wood block from Home Depot into a rich and rustic base that is a display for thin taper candles. I wanted the materiality to be the prominent feature and have the simple, clean lines of the design take a back seat to the striking wood grain which I enhanced with a walnut stain. I love minimalist designs and wanted this candelabra to reflect that. But there is such a beauty in warm hues and I thought the rustic wood adds that aesthetic to this project quite perfectly.

It was such a journey trying to find these long, thin tapers. Online is an easy resource but I was trying to source them locally. I ran around to a handful of different shops but I kept coming up short. Finally I had success at a party supply store called Party City. The candles were actually longer even and I had to chop them down. They were worth the frenzied search though. They look great paired with this walnut-stained block.

See how to make this project on Houzz:

This Modern DIY Candelabra Is the Envy of the Block

I plan to share some family dinners gathered around this candelabra eating out on our deck. A meal by candlelight under a starry sky sounds like a great way to spend summer evenings, don't you think? What are some of the DIYs you have planned for the summer? 

Houzz Feature: Vintage Tart Tin Hanging Lamp DIY

Happy Thursday readers! So today I have another DIY to share. I created this for Houzz and it got featured on the homepage yesterday. This is the first lighting project I have ever attempted so I am proud of my efforts into something new. No scary wiring is involved though (this DIY is intended for anyone to do) and you can pick up a cord and socket kit from Home Depot. This project also repurposes vintage tart tins, infusing new life into something old and discarded. I bought a bunch of tart tins at an antique store awhile ago (they were very inexpensive) and have been waiting for an idea to present itself.

These are mini lamps actually, tart tins are quite small, but you could replicate this project with pie or cake pans for something a bit larger. These are the perfect size to read by at night, they put out just enough light. The colorful cords are just plain cords wrapped in electrical tape. I never thought much about electrical tape before but a trip to the hardware store proved to me that it is actually quite handy. Not only does it come in a bunch of bright colors but I could imagine using it for packaging projects as well.

See how to make your own mini lamp on Houzz:

Whip Up a Lighting Fixture From a Tart Tin 

Have you attempted any lighting projects yourself? Have you DIY-ed any lamps out of old materials like in this project? How did it go?