DIY Candle Holder From Alcohol Bottles

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

Did you know you can repurpose your old alcohol bottles as candlestick holders? It looks classy and vintag-y all at the same time. I love it!

Save your wine, whiskey, beer, and vodka bottles. You don’t even have to take the label off. It’s a nice way to upcycle glass since it generally takes longer for them to get recycled anyway. If you could reuse them, why not? Especially if you’re adding some oomph to your living room, man cave, patio, or wherever.

There’s actually a cute Italian restaurant in my hometown that uses their old wine bottles to make these, which is where I got the idea. I’ve always loved that they place a bottle at each table to give it a romantic element.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Candlestick holder supplies

scissors
candlesticks
alcohol bottles

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: Larceny bottles don’t work for this craft. I found that out after taking the supplies picture. However, most wine, whiskey, and beer bottles will work.

Step 1: size your candlesticks

Adding the candlesticks to the bottle as is can be a bad idea. It makes the bottle topheavy and it can topple over.

I recommend breaking or cutting your candles to keep them from extending too high above the bottle top.

I like to stick the candlestick in upside down (wick inside the bottle) to see which point on the candlestick is thick enough for it to fit in the bottle opening. Then, I break it a bit lower than that area.

You can also use scissors or a knife to shape the top of the candle if you had to break it toward the bottom and can’t use the original top.

So break your candlestick and wedge it into the bottle opening.

diy candlestick holder from alcohol bottles

Step 2: light the candle

Yep, it’s that easy. when your candle is secure in the bottle and you’re sure it won’t fall out, go ahead and light it.

Wax will drip down the side of the bottle and possibly onto the surface it’s sitting on, so I recommend setting them on a plate or some other base to catch the wax.

You know, these would be great for events like weddings or banquets. They make beautiful centerpieces!

I’d love to get your thoughts! Have you tried this before? If you made one, where would you put it?

Happy crafting!

30Dec2019

DIY Beaded Bookmarks

Posted in Craft Ideas by Make Something Mondays

One reason I love the holidays is because I (sometimes) get downtime. I don’t do anything crazy with it, but I like to read when I’m able to.

Recently, I’ve started reading physical books instead of using my Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, an e-reader is great, but when you spend 10 hours a day looking at a screen you might want to give your eyeballs a break. I’m in that camp right now. Because I haven’t read a physical book in a while I didn’t have any bookmarks so, of course, I made some.

What’s great about these DIY bookmarks is that you can make them quickly and it’s a fun project to do with the little ones. Just make sure they don’t eat the beads.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Beaded bookmark supplies

scissors
ribbon/rope
beads and/or charms

Step 1: add your beads to the rope

When you choose a sequence of beads your like, slide the onto the rope or jute and tie a knot at the end.

You might also want to tie another knot above the beads to make sure they don’t slide around. I ended up adding one after making these.

Step 2: add beads to the other end of the rope

I made my bookmark long so it would work with books of many sizes (. Cut yours to whatever size you like best.

Add a charm or more beads to the other end of the rope.

Follow the same process: tie a knot at the end to keep it from sliding off.

You’re done! Yeah, it’s that easy. Choosing the beads and charms is the hardest part. 🙂

I’d love to see your bookmarks! If you post pictures on social media use the hashtag #MakeSomethingMondays to share them with me.

Leave your feedback in the comments!

Happy crafting!

Want more bookmark tutorials?

Try these!

Magnetic Bookmarks

Page Corner Boomarks

Watercolor Bookmarks

23Dec2019

Free Printable Gift Card Holder Template

Posted in Gifts by Make Something Mondays

Every year, there are a handful of people that tell me they want gift cards for Christmas. I love that because it ensures they get something they’ll use.

The problem, for me, is that it’s too easy and I feel like I don’t put enough effort into it. These are people I love! I want to put some thought into their presents. So, I like to make my own gift card holders.

This year, there were quite a few people that wanted gift cards, so I got to work on those way more adorable envelopes.

I wasn’t feeling particularly festive though. Possibly because everything is red and green right now. I just wasn’t feeling it so, I used patterns typically not associated with the holidays. BUT if you’re still feeling festive, I have a link to some really cute Christmas scrapbook paper in the supply list.

If you want to make your own, grab the supplies and follow the steps below!

Gift card holder supplies

pencil/pen
scrapbook paper
scissors
utility knife
gift card holder template (click to download it)

Step 1: Download the gift card template

Download the template from the supply list above. I’ve put two templates per page so you can print it directly onto your scrapbook paper. I promise it saves a lot of time.

Remember to put your scrapbook paper design side up into the printer so it will print the template (or the blank side).

Cut out the template.

If for some reason you can’t print directly to the scrapbook paper, you can print the template, cut it out, and trace it onto the scrapbook paper.

Step 2: score the folds and add the slits

Using your utility knife, lightly score the fold lines. Remember to do this on the side with the design. It will make the folded edges look cleaner.

Then, cut the slit lines for the gift card.

If you want, you can ad slits for the envelope flap. Otherwise, I like to put a festive To and From sticker over it the hold everything together.

Give them a try and let me know what you think! Leave your feedback in the comments.

———

Below are a few other templates for you to try!

Standard gift card envelope

Stand-up gift card holder

Gift card envelope without closure

16Dec2019

Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags

Posted in Christmas by Make Something Mondays

How many gifts do you think you give every year for Christmas or around the holidays?

According to Investopedia, industry experts expect the average American to spend $920 per person on holiday gifts in 2019. That’s a lot of gift-giving!

Of course, everyone wants their presentation to be beautiful, right? So you’ll want some festive wrapping paper/gift bags and gift tags to make it sparkle! I’m here to help with that.

Instead of giving you a tutorial this week, I’m giving you free printable gift tags for the holidays! This are fun designs that you can print on any printer in color.

Get instructions for downloading the gift tags below.

Step 1: Open the gift tags in a new tab

Right click on the image above. and click Open image in new tab

Step 2: print the gift tags

Click File in the upper left corner and select Print from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: choose your print settings

For Layout, choose Portrait
For Size, choose Letter (8.5×11″)
For Scale, choose 100%

Double check your print settings to make sure it looks ok. You might need to adjust the scale a bit depending on how big you want the gift tags to be.

I’d love to see how you use these! I can always appreciate some homemade wrapping paper or gift bags. Be sure to share them with me on Instagram or Twitter. I can’t wait to see your creativity.

Happy wrapping! 🙂

9Dec2019

DIY Christmas Ornaments from Paper

Posted in Christmas by Make Something Mondays

Decorating your home around Christmas can get expensive. In fact, the average American spends $61 on holiday Decor. If you think about it, you buy a tree, tinsel, ornaments, wreaths, wall decor and even doormats. It all adds up.

But, you don’t have to buy your festive decorations from a store. You can make your own! (C’mon, you knew I was going to say that.) Use your crafting skills and plan time with friends and family and make decorations that everyone will enjoy.

These Christmas ornaments were made from scrapbook paper. You could use any kind of paper though. Newspaper, printer paper, coloring pages. They will all be beautiful.

Follow the steps below to make your own.

Christmas ornaments supplies

Step 1: cut even strips of scrapbook paper

First, cut strips of scrapbook paper like in the image above. Make sure they are all the width so your ornaments don’t look bulky.

Step 2: choose the height of your Christmas ornament

Cut a strip of paper the hight you want your ornament to be (the middle piece above).

Then, cut two more strips that are slightly taller.

Step 3: add the first ornament layers

Align the two larger pieces of paper with the top and bottom of the smaller piece. Glue them in place.

When using the hot glue, be sure to glue the sides of the paper so you can later fit the hole punch over the layers.

Step 4: Repeat the previous step

Using two slightly longer pieces of scrapbook paper, align the top and bottom again, and glue in place.

Step 5: punch a hole in the top of the ornament

Create a hole with your hole punch.

Step 6: Add a hanger

String a piece of twine through the hole you just made and tie it to create a hanger for your ornament.

You can also make a string of ornaments by punching a hole in the top and bottom of each ornament and stringing them together.

That’s it! Easy Christmas decorations on a budget! I’d love to get your thoughts. Leave them in the comments. 🙂

You might also like to try making this ornament with your old Christmas cards.

2Dec2019

DIY Wooden Ring Box

Posted in Gifts by Make Something Mondays

How many women (or men) do you know that wear rings? Most women I know have a few and just throw them into a dish, so a ring box is a great option for holiday gift-giving!

Homemade gifts are the best ones, especially for Christmas. People have told me that their DIYs often look cheap so they don’t want to give them as presents for the holidays. This often happens if you choose something that’s difficult to make or you don’t have much experience crafting, so I’m here to help you gift one that is easy to make and will look great!

To make this ring box, set aside about an hour. Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Ring box supplies

Note: I bought my scrapbook paper years ago, so I was unable to find the same design. However, I linked to another scrapbook set on Amazon that is comparable. I also could not find the exact box I bought (several months ago) but you could use any wooden box.

Step 1: measure your box edges

The first thing you want to do is measure the edges of your box so you can cut the scrapbook paper.

I measure the bottom sides, both inside and out.

Step 2: paint the box

Cover the box in acrylic paint.

Let it dry.

Step 3: adhere the scrapbook paper

Brush on a small amount of Mod Podge to one of the sides of the box. Lay the scrapbook paper over it and press firmly.

Continue around the outside and inside of the box.

Let it dry.

Step 4: seal the scrapbook paper

Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the scrapbook paper you glued on in the previous step. This will seal it in place to prevent lifting edges.

Let it dry.

Step 5: roll the felt to hold the rings

Measure the inside of the box, then cut and roll the felt tightly. These are going to hold your rings in place once they’re beautified.

Step 6: wrap the felt rolls in fabric

Cover the first felt roll halfway in fabric and hot glue it into place.

When you’re done, flip them over and glue the fabric to the bottom. This works best if you wrap it gift style.

Follow this process for the remaining felt Rolls until you’re finished.

Step 7: place the ring holders in the box

Position the ring holders in place.

Add your rings and you’re done!

I’d love to get your thoughts so leave them in the comments. Happy crafting!

25Nov2019

DIY Pumpkin Vase Fall Decor

Posted in Fall by Make Something Mondays

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

knife
tin can
flowers
hot glue & gun
craft pumpkin

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:

Use a real pumpkin
Make a paper mache pumpkin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

18Nov2019

DIY Lemon Peppermint Room Spray

Posted in Cleaning by Make Something Mondays

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.

Step 1: combine your supplies

Yep, seriously, all of them in this order:

Half the bottle: distilled water
Half the bottle: witch hazel
10 drops of peppermint
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!

4Nov2019

DIY Apple Pie Soap

Posted in Craft Ideas by Make Something Mondays

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 apple pie soap supplies

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

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!

Step 2: add the apple pie spice

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

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.

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.

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!

21Oct2019

DIY Fall Table Centerpiece with Flowers

Posted in Fall by Make Something Mondays

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 🙂

Candlestick holder supplies

Step 1: size your candlesticks

Step 2: light the candle

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Beaded bookmark supplies

Step 1: add your beads to the rope

Step 2: add beads to the other end of the rope

Want more bookmark tutorials?

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Gift card holder supplies

Step 1: Download the gift card template

Step 2: score the folds and add the slits

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Step 1: Open the gift tags in a new tab

Step 2: print the gift tags

Step 3: choose your print settings

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Christmas ornaments supplies

Step 1: cut even strips of scrapbook paper

Step 2: choose the height of your Christmas ornament

Step 3: add the first ornament layers

Step 4: Repeat the previous step

Step 5: punch a hole in the top of the ornament

Step 6: Add a hanger

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Ring box supplies

Step 1: measure your box edges

Step 2: paint the box

Step 3: adhere the scrapbook paper

Step 4: seal the scrapbook paper

Step 5: roll the felt to hold the rings

Step 6: wrap the felt rolls in fabric

Step 7: place the ring holders in the box

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Pumpkin vase supplies

Step 1: cut the stem off of the pumpkin

Step 2: glue your tin can into the pumpkin

Step 3: arrange your flowers inside the tin can

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Homemade Room Spray Supplies

Step 1: combine your supplies

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Homemade apple pie soap supplies

Step 1: melt the soap base

Step 2: add the apple pie spice

Step 3: add the color

Step 4: pour the soap into the mold

You know you want to share it:

Like this:

Fall centerpiece supplies

Step 1: remove the label from the milk pail

Step 2: fluff your flowers

Step 3: layer in the flowers

Step 4: tie the fall bow and jute

You know you want to share it:

Like this: