DIY Pumpkin Vase Fall Decor

Posted in Fall by
diy pumpkin vase home decor

I know it’s getting a bit late in the year for this, but I’ve wanted to make a pumpkin vase for a while now, so here we are.

Most of my decor crafts are versatile and multifunctional for several holidays because I don’t like to store much. I doubt I can have my pumpkin vase sitting on my table in July without any questioning me. Then again, what do I care?

This is my exception to the holiday no decorating rule because it’s so adorable. I love the color of the flowers and the contrast against the white pumpkin. I might just keep it out all year round.

It’s an extremely easy craft to make so if you’d like to give it a shot, grab the supplies and follow the steps below!

pumpkin vase supplies

Pumpkin vase supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

By the way, I bought my craft pumpkin right at the end of the Halloween season at Michael’s so if you’re looking for one after the holiday, you might have a hard time finding it. I looked for good alternatives on Amazon and Michael’s but didn’t find any that I would buy, so I didn’t want to share them.

Other options:

I also used seasonal fake flowers from Michael’s but couldn’t find the same ones on the website, so I added a link for some fall mums that would look great in your pumpkin.

pumpkin craft ideas

Step 1: cut the stem off of the pumpkin

Using your knife, remove the stem from the pumpkin, but make sure you cut a hole large enough to fit your can inside.

craft pumpkin fall decor ideas

Step 2: glue your tin can into the pumpkin

Using the hot glue, adhere your can to the middle of the pumpkin’s base. It won’t take long to dry.

flower vase homemade

Step 3: arrange your flowers inside the tin can

Arrange your flowers so that they vary (orange, red, leaves, etc.) to display variety in your vase. You don’t want all of the orange flowers together and likewise with the others.

Fake flowers make arranging them much easier. You can twist and bend the flower stems to get the perfect position.

Obviously, cut and trim the stems if necessary to get different heights.

diy pumpkin vase home decor

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a pumpkin vase. This one is perfect for fall decor or even a Thanksgiving centerpiece for your table. Especially if the table is small and you don’t have room for something elaborate.

I’d love to get your feedback so leave it in the comments below.

Happy crafting!

DIY Lemon Peppermint Room Spray

Posted in Cleaning by

I’m sure there are weird smells in your home. I bought a house with ancient carpet that needs to be replaced ASAP, so I feel your pain. I feel like I’m constantly cleaning, even though it’s not dirty. It’s completely irrational. So, one day, I tried room spray.  🙌 🙌 🙌

That changed everything! Ever since then I’ve been on a kick of trying different kinds. Many of you know that I’m not a fan of commercial cleaners and such, so obviously I would try to find a way to make my own. Well, I’ve finally created the perfect recipe for room spray.

This one is lemon peppermint-scented because I think the combination of smells is invigorating. Mmmmm!

If you want to make your own, you’re in luck because it’s super easy. You’ll be done in less than 10 minutes.

Homemade Room Spray Supplies

Tip: if you’re buying both lemon and peppermint essential oils, go with the Doterra intro pack. It’s much cheaper.

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

room spray recipe

Step 1: combine your supplies

Yep, seriously, all of them in this order:

  1. Half the bottle: distilled water
  2. Half the bottle: witch hazel
  3. 10 drops of peppermint
  4. 20 drops of lemon

Shake it up and you’re done. Start freshening up your house!

I’m going to try some more festive scents in December like orange and rosemary, or possibly cinnamon something. If you have any good ideas, please leave them in the comments!

Happy crafting!

DIY Apple Pie Soap

Posted in Craft Ideas by
diy apple pie soap

I love the smell of apple. Real apples, apple cinnamon candles, apple crisp… whatever. It’s the perfect scent year-round.

Although, fall is the time for pumpkin spice and such, I’ve never been much of a fan. It’s an overwhelming smell.

Anway, I was experimenting with homemade soap this weekend. I’ve made a few of these in the past but wasn’t in love with any of them. Buuuuuuuut, I found a smell I really like that, for some reason, I was surprised about, apple pie!

I didn’t use any major scent boosters, just apple pie spice. Yes, the stuff you cook with! As long as you have a good base, it works well. Let’s get stared! Everything you need is in the list below.

homemade soap supplies

Homemade apple pie soap supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

NOTE: 2lbs of soap base makes about 8 bars of soap. I used about 0.5 lb.

melted diy soap

Step 1: melt the soap base

Cut up your base into small cubes and put it in your glass measuring cup. Then microwave it in 30-second intervals until it’s melted.

Tip: once the soap is melted, you’ll have to work quickly. It hardens faster than you think!

apple pie soap

Step 2: add the apple pie spice

Add 2 tablespoons of apple pie spice to the melted soap and stir well.

soap coloring

Step 3: add the color

Add two drops of red and 4 drops of yellow to your mixture and mix well.

Keep adding color until you get it just right! Be aware that your melted color will be a bit darker than the soap will be when it hardens.

soap molds

Step 4: pour the soap into the mold

Pour your melted soap base into the mold.

Let it harden. It usually takes an hour or two.

diy apple pie soap

Remove the soap from the mold and you’re done! Use it, gift it, use it for decoration, whatever you want!

I experimented a few times before getting the right combo, so you might also want to try that.

I’d love to get your thoughts so leave them in the comments below.

Happy crafting!

DIY Fall Table Centerpiece with Flowers

Posted in Fall by
diy fall floral centerpiece

Fall is here and it’s beautiful. Well, I guess it’s beautiful if you live in Western PA and get to live in the changing leaves as I do. It gets me in the mood to craft things like centerpieces or wreaths.

BUT if you’ve followed my blog, you know that I’m not crazy about festive decor because you can only use it for a short time. This fall craft project is perfect because I can swap out the fall flowers and the ribbon for any season and it’s still “festive”. That’s my kind of crafting.

This table centerpiece was particularly easy to make. Everything I bought was from The Dollar Store, so it didn’t cost much. However, seasonal decor goes fast there, so if you can’t find what you need at your local store, I have some links below so you can still make your own.

fall centerpiece supplies

Fall centerpiece supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

goo gone label remover

Step 1: remove the label from the milk pail

The easiest way to remove labels from from metal is Goo Gone. Spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes and then scrape to remove it. Easy peasy.

artificial flowers centerpiece

Step 2: fluff your flowers

Remember, these flowers have probably been stored in a box for a while, so you’ll want to give them some life. Stretch out the petals and bend the stem wires to look more lively.

fall flowers

Step 3: layer in the flowers

I used a combo of flowers and leaves. I layered flowers, then leaves, then flowers, while trying to alternate them to look more natural.

fall bows

Step 4: tie the fall bow and jute

Layer the jute on top of the bow and tie them together in the front of the pail. I like to then swirl the excess jute back around the neck of the can. Leave the ribbon hanging instead of tieing in a bow.

floral autum centerpiece

How cute is that? Now You can swap the ribbon and flowers out for winter colors in a few months, spring colors after that, and so on. It’s a great way to keep your decor relevant throughout the seasons.

I’d love to get your feedback. Please leave it in the comments!

Happy crafting. 🙂

DIY Halloween Luminary

Posted in Halloween by
DIY halloween luminary

If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I love candles. It’s actually surprising to me how many candle related crafts I’ve made, from the actual candle to holders, and now luminaries.

Fall and Halloween are known for their candle crafts. There’s something… I don’t know, mysterious, or maybe eerie, about candles during this season, so luminaries are the perfect addition to your decor.

This one is incredibly easy to make and you’ll be so happy with the result. Turn the lights off and you’ll have dancing shadows all night long.

Get the supply list below to make your own. There are links to these products if you’re unsure of where to find them.

homemade luminary supplies

Glass luminary supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

halloween luminary tutorial steps

Step 1: adhere the scrapbook paper to the candle holder

Adhere your scrapbook paper to the glass with Mod Podge and your brush.

I suggest fitting the scrapbook paper and making the necessary folds before you start gluing.

candle luminary

Step 2: add your candle

Choose your favorite candle, or flameless candle if you prefer, and place it inside your holder. Turn it on or light it.

glass luminary

I love the way the light dances inside and casts shadows on the nearby surfaces. It’s so pretty! I could watch it all night. Flip the lights off and enjoy it for yourself.

I’d love to get your feedback. Leave it in the comments!

Happy crafting!

DIY Interchangeable Beaded Earrings

Posted in DIY Jewelry by
diy interchangeable beaded earrings

If you have your ears pierced, I’m sure you have a favorite pair of earrings that you wear frequently.

One of my favorites is a pair that I can change the appearance of. The brand is Mix and Mingle and it allows you to change the beads used.

I decided to make these my craft this week because I recently discovered that people have no idea they exist. I need to spread the word!

So, grab the supplies below and follow the steps to make your own interchangeable beaded earrings!

earring supplies

Changeable earring supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

interchangeable drop earrings

Step 1: Unwind the base of the drop earring

Unwind the drop earring bottom.

beaded drop earrings

Step 2: slide on your bead

Slide the bead on the long silver piece and re-secure the base.

These are compatible with most pandora bracelet beads and knock-off beads. Check your packaging just to make sure the brand you choose is compatible.

diy interchangeable beaded earrings

Beautiful! A fast way to make cute and simple earrings. You can switch out the beads whenever you want. A great gift for friends and family too!

DIY Lemon Lavender Yoga Mat Cleaner

Posted in Cleaning by
yoga mat spray with lemon and lavender

Have you ever thought about the germs on your yoga mat? I think about it too much.

For the most part, mine stays in my house with the exception of my patio and a yoga studio now and then. But your mat can absorb a lot of grossness from all of these places, not to mention your sweaty body rolling all over it.

Answer this question honestly: how often do you clean your yoga mat?

If you sighed when you read that, let me give you some motivation. A few years ago there was a lab study of 13 yoga mats from a local gym and a yoga studio and found Staph, yeast build-up (a form of fungus), fecal matter, allergens, and millions of bacteria. There’s more, but I won’t spoil it all for you if you want to read it on your own.

Just because it’s your mat and your germs, doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean it. Obviously, it’s important to clean your yoga mat after every use. I get it though, yoga mat cleaners can be expensive especially if you want something environmentally friendly and safe for your household.

How do we solve that problem? We make our own, of course! This yoga mat spray cleaner is a recipe I’ve used for years. It works well and I love it.

The essential oils I use are always DoTerra. I know… everyone has an opinion about essential oils. You can use whatever brand you want. If you want to use the ones I use, there’s a link to a starter kit in the supply list below and getting 3 oils in that kit is cheaper than buying 2 of them individually, most of the time.

lemon lavender yoga mat cleaner

Yoga Mat Cleaner Supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

essential oils yoga mat spray

Step 1: add the lemon and lavender essential oils

Add 4 drops of each essential oil and shake the bottle to mix them together.

Don’t worry, you can add more later if you’re not sure how much you want. Start small and work your way up!

yoga mat cleaner

Step 2: use Witch Hazel as your cleaner

Fill your spray bottle with Witch Hazel and shake to mix with the oils.

At this point, you might want to add a few more drops of essential oils, depending on your preferences. I like a stronger smell, so I added a few more drops of lemon in mine.

yoga mat spray with lemon and lavender

That’s it! Now all you have to do is grab a soft cloth and wipe down your mat. Give it a few minutes to dry before rolling it up or starting your yoga practice.

If you’re not crazy about lemon and lavender, I made a version with peppermint and lemongrass If you’re not crazy about lemon and lavender. This is also a go-to scent for me!

Have you tried making your own cleaner before? What did you think? I’d love to get your feedback. Leave it in the comments.

Happy crafting!

DIY Fall Tin Can Lantern

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by
Fall tin can lantern

Do you know what’s strange? I don’t love decorations. I’ve always taken a realistic/pragmatic approach to holidays and I can’t find a reason to buy festive decorations just to keep them in a closet for the majority of the year. BUT I do love crafting and upcycling. If I can do them both at the same time, then I’m all over it.

The plus side is that if I make something festive, friends know that it’s out of character for me. Sometimes, they will ask if they can have the festive thing I just made. I’m more than happy to give it to them. 🙂

I digress… this lantern was such a fun project. As mentioned in a previous blog post, I was sick a few weeks back and ate a lot of soup, so I have a number of tin cans just waiting to be upcycled!

This is an easy one because you probably have all of the supplies in your house already, except maybe the spray paint. It’s perfect for sitting outside as the sun goes down to provide some extra light and keep the bugs away. You could even make an adorable fall centerpiece out of these if you made a few.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies listed below and keep reading!

Quick tip: if you want the avoid the hammered look, fill your can with water and put it in the freezer for a few hours before you get started. The ice will help the can keep it’s shape.

tin can fall lantern supplies

Upcycled lantern supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 


Leaf art on tin can

Step 1: tape leaf clip art to the can

Tape your leaf printout to your tin can.

hammered tin can fall lantern

Step 2: create a leaf outline

Pick a point on your leaf and hammer the nail through that point the can.

Continue this process around the outline of the leaf.

gold spray painted upcycled tin can

Step 3: paint the can

I used white spray paint to put a base layer on the tin can.

After it dried, I added a second splotchy layer of gold to make it unique and give it some flair.

Step 4: hammer out the imperfections (optional)

Now you can hammer the inside of the can to even out the surface if you’d like.

I chose not to do this step. Fall is all about change and imperfection. Here, in lovely Pennsylvania, fall is cold and everything begins to die. But somehow, its incredibly beautiful. I wanted to capture beauty with the colors and imperfection with the hammered look.

That’s it! Throw a flameless tealight or small candle (may I recommend apple cinnamon, orange spice, or pumpkin) in there and you’ll have yourself a fancy new fall candle holder.

I’d love to get your thoughts! Leave them in the comments.

Happy crafting! 🍁

5 Easy Fall Craft Projects for Adults

Posted in Fall by

The air is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to fall. Since it’s colder, I’m more likely to stay inside and make fun craft projects. I’ve listed a few of my favorites for you below. Each project has a supply list and step-by-step instructions to follow.

Come back soon for more fun fall craft ideas. I’ll be posting new ones through September and October.

Wooden Farmhouse Home Sign

home sign craft project

Spice up your fall season with some farmhouse decor. Grab a wood sign and the home piece from Michael’s and decorate with a bow. Easy peasy!

This craft project is especially nice because you can swap out the bow for every season so you don’t ever have to store the sign away for spring or winter.

Wood Snowman and Scarecrow Reversible Holiday Decor

scarecrow and snowman reversible holiday decor

This is another multi-season craft that will be sure to make everyone smile. A few thick boards, paint, and sealer goes a long way! Paint a scarecrow on one side and a snowman on the other and use it from fall through winter!

Fall Candle Holders from Recycled Jars

DIY Fall Candle Holders from Recycled Jars

Don’t you just love when you can make something new from something old? Upcycled crafts are the best! To make these lovely candle holders, you’ll need used jars (think pasta jars or jelly jars), burlap ribbon, and some twine embellishments.

DIY Leaf Relief Painting

DIY leaf relief painting

You had to do relief paintings in elementary school, right? This is like a souped-up versioned of that. You collect leaves that have fallen to the ground (get the crunchy ones), glue them to cardstock, cover with foil, and paint. When you rub away the paint, the foil stands out creating this beautiful color and texture combination.

Fall-Inspired Wreath

DIY Fall-Inspired Wreath

A little bit of ribbon and some pinecones go a long way when it comes to wreaths. Find some festive fall designs and a pop of color to make yours stand out! I love how the colors work together in this one.

Want more fall crafts?

Sometimes a handful of ideas just isn’t enough. Here are a few more places to find fun evening or weekend projects:

I’d love to get your thoughts! What are your favorite fall projects? Leave them in the comments!

DIY Planter from Upcycled Tin Cans

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by
diy planter from upcycled tin cans

I have been sick for about a week now, which means I’ve been eating a lot of store-bought soup. Which also means I have a lot of tin cans.

Since I’m getting to the end of my sickness, I don’t have a lot of energy but still wanted to make a craft to lift my spirits. Creating something always makes me happy 🙂

What better to craft with than my new stockpile of cans, right? I like upcycling, why not? I’ve had a parsley and mint plant that’s needed a new home for a while, so I decided to go with planters this week.

I love this craft because most people have cans laying around and a lot of people like plants. Clearly, I’m not the blossoming flower type of girl based on my choice this week, but I do enjoy herbs. Whatever your preference, your plants can have a brand new recycled home.

diy tin can planter supplies

Recycled planter supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

tin cans with wooden feet

Step 1: add feet to your tin cans

Glue your wooden feet onto the bottom of the tin cans.

You can use any strong adhesive for this. I’d recommend super glue that is durable and waterproof. I love Gorilla Glue, but you can pick whatever you like.

Let it dry.

spray painted tin cans

Step 2: spray paint your tin cans

Spray your Rustoleum paint onto the cans.

In the link in the supply list above, I’ve sent you to a Pure Gold color, which I originally wanted but couldn’t find when purchasing. Instead, I got Gilded Brass which I like a lot. Your pick! Remember to choose an outdoor, or water-resistant spray paint.

Let it dry.

homemade planters from old tin cans

Step 3: repot your plants

If you’ve decided not to add holes to your tins for drainage, it’s a good idea to add the marbles people typically used in vases. It lets the water drain so your plants’ roots don’t stay too wet.

Now you can move your plants from their starter pots to their homemade planters!

Beautiful, and made with love! You can keep these for yourself or give them as a gift. Mine are going on my kitchen windowsill to soak up the sun. Maybe later I’ll make one for my office.

I’m also planning to make some hangers for them, so come back for that in a few weeks if you want to learn to make those, too!

I’d love to get your thoughts! Please leave them in the comments.

Happy crafting!