how to make rustic cinnamon stick ornaments

Cinnamon Ornaments

November 22, 2016

I purchased a big package of cinnamon sticks from Hobby Lobby a few months ago and have been so eager to try a DIY with them! With Christmas almost here, it felt like the perfect time to pull out the cinnamon sticks and get crafty. There are a lot of options with cinnamon sticks--you could try stars or squares or sticks painted like Santa.

I went with simple and rustic--a modern triangle with a sprig of faux garland and a little knot of baker's twine.

These are easy to create, budget friendly, and easy to make large quantities (hint-hint-gift idea!) Scroll down for step by step with pictures, and what supplies you need to get started!

No-Bake Salt Dough Ornaments

November 10, 2016

Making no-bake salt dough ornaments is one of my favorite activities to do during the holiday season. They are easy to make and you can involve the whole family in this craft project. The best part is, you don't need an oven or any baking skills to create these easy DIY Christmas decorations.

These ornaments are very budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are typically available in a kitchen pantry: including flour, salt, and water. These Christmas ornaments can be shaped into holiday-themed designs like Christmas trees, snowflakes, reindeer or into basic shapes.

How to Make Scented Beeswax Candles

September 8, 2016

Can you feel it? Autumn is in the air! The past few days we have actually felt cool weather in the mornings and it is so refreshing! It finally feels timely to think about decorating and making some fall-ish recipes. And this cinnamon+clove scented candle is the perfect way to begin!

I use beeswax when making candles because they clear the air and are great for allergy sufferers. Last year I made beeswax candles in vintage jello tins. They are WAY easier to make than I expected, and make great gifts. This time I wanted to make a scented candle using essential oils.

Copper Heart Wreath DIY

January 27, 2016

While I love "DIY" projects I am not a paper-crafty person. Its true! But put me in a home improvement store and I am in heaven. I first worked with copper my freshman year of college in "common first year." Common first year was a combination of Industrial Design majors like myself, Architects, and Building Construction. I welded 4 foot tall rube goldberg type machine out of copper, and looking back I am quite sure it was expensive to build!

This industrial-style copper heart wreath won't break the bank and is incredibly easy. I already had a tube cutter, so I spent $15 for a one of a kind Valentine's Day friendly wreath that can be repurposed as home decor after the holiday.

DIY clay heart necklaces

February 6, 2015

Our family just entered the 3rd quarter of school this year. And I admit, life feels busy! Holidays are an easy time to change the schedule make time for crafts as a family. Personally, our children LOVE new craft supplies! It makes for an entertaining afternoon!

For this project we started with parchment paper, DAS air hardening clay (affiliate link), shape tools (plastic knives and spoons could work too), and a heart candy mold.

I encouraged the children to experiment with the clay, stacking pieces together and cutting out various shapes. If the clay feels dry, add a little water. Once the final shapes are complete, let air dry for 24 hours.

Now for the fun part! Paint hearts with paint brushes. We used basic washable crayola paint (affiliate link). Our little one enjoyed mixing colors to see what new colors she could create.

I used leftover gold spay paint from a previous project and sprayed it in a disposable container. Then painted the gold onto extra hearts using a paint brush. (caution: spray paint has a strong smell, I recommend using outside!) After paint is dry, glue bail plate to back of heart. Thread with crafting lace and cut to desired length.

Something really fun happens when crafting with children. They relax and talk about life. It really is a lot of fun!

I hope you try this easy project! The hardest part is waiting for the clay and paint to dry. I have a lot of clay leftover, I'm pretty sure my kids will be making more for friends!

ps// happy early valentine's day!

kids craft idea! DIY clay heart necklaces

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