Bust out the Bikini Bottoms!

I showed the hubby my latest project, and he says "It looks like you hung bikini bottoms on the chalkboard, why don't you take it down and then the room will look good."  HA!!!

(Especially since I don't even own a bikini!)

I grabbed some fabrics from JoAnn's.

Followed this tutorial,  and cut out my triangles, they were 8"high and 6" across.

The two triangles on the right were sewn on the edges with a zig zag stitch, they are double sided.

 After sewing all of them,  I sewed them to a grosgrain ribbon I had and hung them up.

I ended up needing 11 triangles for about 60 inches of chalkboard.

I could iron them, but I kinda like them curvy.

This only took about 2 hours, super easy and cute, I might use it outside sometime for kids parties too.

Sweethearts Mantel

Feeling like Valentines yet?

Between preschool and 1st grade valentine parties this week and next,  pink and red finally made an appearance at our house.

Here's what I used to create this "love"-ly mantel:

My white pitcher I picked up at IKEA last summer,  I got the florals at Michaels, 40% off this week I might add.  Then I opened up my Christmas totes and got out the red candles.  

 The Valentine Subway was found here.  It's printable up to 16x20. 

I sent it to Costco for about $6.  

I had a lot of dollar store flowers up in my bow-making supplies, so I stuffed them in the birdcage for added color. 

These garlands are so easy to change out for the seasons, so I revamped my Halloween napkin garland.  I simply changed it out for pink and red,  I got the napkins at Target for $1.50.    To see how I made this with paperclips etc,  click here.  

 I've had my red lantern forever,  complete with melted candle from being left outside in the summer, the silver candlestick was a wedding gift from pottery barn.

One thing I especially like is this bird I found at Michael's,  he adds just enough interest and height to balance those tall florals on the right.

How's your valentines plans going? Do you decorate your home for Valentines, or is the holiday just too short for it?

Poor Gal's Garland/ Halloween Mantel

 I shouldn't really say poor, maybe Cheap Girl's Garland, because I am Cheap!  I made this garland for $1.50 with paper napkins from Target.   The other supplies came from my 'stash'.


Supplies include:
yarn
marabou feathers
ribbon
paperclips
paper napkins

Step 1:  Alternate the pattern of double sided beverage napkins, and invite your  4 year old to help you  scotch tape  the edges on a piece of yarn I cut to fit my fireplace mantle.

Step 2:  Hang marabou feather garland on top of that.  I tied the bows separately and then used a paperclip to attach them to the garland.

I  alternated the orange and black bows to add interest.

Using different patterns like gingham and polka dots, along with the satiny orange add visual texture to your creation.

 It was easy, simple and cheap!   Hope your day is nice and spooky!

Need more ideas? Check out my Valentines Day Garland.

A Halloween Banner

So blogger is being really weird today but I really want to post. I need to play "catch up" with all I've been doing! Thanks for your patient and for all the condolences during this time! Last 2 weeks have been crazy but I'm home and ready to be creative again! We've also all been fighting colds here so this my post about banners and I'm really unhappy with the way the pictures are turning out, but we'll blame it on the Nyquil haze I've been suffering through all day!




This is my first attempt ever at a banner, I've always thought they were so cute. I bought the paper and blank canvas at a scrapbook store. The wooden circles I bought on clearance last year and was looking for something fun to do with them!


So I painted the edges black and then stitched on the paper. By HAND! Have a movie playing or friends to chat with if attempting!




After I stitched on the paper I glued other paper on top to create more interest and design.



I also had to stich ribbon to the edge of the triangles so they'd be attached and create the "banner" look!




Do you like the curtains? Stay tune for the How-To on making those! I have one more Halloween post...well maybe two. :)


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