BLOOM FLOWER CROWN D.I.Y.

Hi friends! Today I want to share this quick and easy method for creating a handmade floral crown. Kinseywhipped this crown up in about 10 minutes. They're super cute and perfect for Spring, which can't come soon enough! Enjoy...

Step 1: Supplies Needed- plastic faux floral branch bunch with blooms, wire cutters, brown wire.  2. Use wire cutters to clip some pieces of a faux floral "branch". 3. Use small pieces of wire to attach branch pieces together. 4. Use your own head as a size guide to know when to stop adding branches and complete the circle. Super easy! 

Here's the finished crown. You can bend it a little bit to fit your head better. I like to weave some pieces of my hair around the crown too! 

Have fun creating your own floral crown! We can't wait to wear them all spring... xo.

a beutiful mess

MAKE YOUR OWN HEART SWEATER

Hi friends! Today we want to share a super quick and simple method for sewing your very own heart sweater! We've seen this trend all over this year and love the simple statement that a big heart can make! Enjoy...

1. Make a heart pattern with paper and place it on the sweater to make sure you love the size and shape. 2. Once you've created the perfect pattern, use it to cut a heart out of your fabric. We used polyester fabric because it has some stretch and won't fray. 3. Simply pin it in place and sew it on using the zigzag stitch. 4. Wear your new sweater proudly. You did it!! 

Have fun stitching up something cute! XO
 a beutiful mess

SONG LYRIC WALL ART / D.I.Y. PROJECT

A couple weeks ago, I found a paint-by-number at an unbeatable price. I can't pass these things up even though I already owned this particular design. I thought that I could maybe use it to make a fun D.I.Y., but my new rule is that all thrifts that I purchase with the intent of restyling need to get done right away. I have way too many half finished projects in my life. With that little bit of motivation I came up with a fun D.I.Y. to display some of my favorite song lyrcis in our newlywed home. Enjoy....

Here's how I did it... Step 1. Find a paint by number or vintage painting that you like, but not one you adore (since you'll be painting over most of the design). A damaged piece works great, or a print you aren't too crazy about or ever a duplicate piece, like mine. Steps 2-3. Supplies needed: Artwork, Letter stickers (see 3 for the exact stickers I used. I purchased them at the art section of Michaels. You can also get them at hardware stores everywhere) White paint (in hindsight I would use spray paint, just a hint!), a paint brush and scissors. Step 4. Cut out and plot out your design. I know it's an extra step to cut out each letter, but it's much easier to create nice spacing this way! Step 5. Stick stickers. Place them as perfectly or imperfectly as you fancy! Steps 6-8. Cover the entire art piece with a coat (or two) of white paint. I wish I would have used spray paint because my letters bled a tiny bit. Spray paint is preferable. Step 9.Allow your paint to dry. I layed my piece on the front porch for an hour. Next, peel the letters off carefully.Step 10. Yay! You did it. Enjoy your new piece of art! ♥

I displayed our piece in our bedroom, on Jeremy's side of the bed. These song lyrics are by Camera Obscura, one of my favorite bands. 

a beautiful mess

D.I.Y. OVERSIZED FABRIC GARLAND CHANDELIER

Make a statement piece in your home out of supplies you already have on hand! I designed my oversized fabric garland chandelier to fit over our table but you could also use it in a corner that needs a little more excitement, above a reading nook in a child's bedroom, or as the backdrop for your next holiday party. 

You'll need: 1 wire cooling rack, 2-3 yards of fabric in different shades, 1 strand of twinkle lights, 1 white extension cord, lace, chenille, embroidery thread, a needle, two hooks that screw into a wall, a drill. 

1. cut strips of fabric in varying widths (1/2" - 2") for depth. 2. create texture with strips by stitching loosely through them with embroidery thread and then bunching them up before tying a knot. Spread them out evenly along your thread and leave enough string at the end to tie it to the cooling rack.

3. Starting about 5 rows in from the outer edge, fold the short ends of each strip of fabric over and hand stitch a complete row of fabrics. Vary the shades and thicknesses but use more thick ones than skinny ones on the inside rows. They need to cover your lights and add density. Tie a knot at the end of your row and trim your thread. Repeat until the outer five rows on each side have been covered. Use more thin strips on the outer row. 4. Add three or four strips of fabric along the middle rows just at each end. You're going to leave a big hole in the middle for the lights to hang. Add some thin srip here as well.

5. Use a thin strip and wrap it around the edge of your sheet to cover the exposed metal. Stitch together at each end to secure. 6. It should like this. Repeat on the other side.

7. Carefully attach your twinkle lights. Start with the plug near the back left (or right) corner and tie it near the top with a thin strand of fabric. Continue to tie up your lights in three or four places. Let them hang down but not further than the fabric. 8. Cut four strips of fabric measuring about 2.5" apart and stitch them together at the end as shown.

9. Pull one strand through the corner and continue to braid the rest together. This will be one of the four strands that you hang your chandelier from. You can replace this with chain if you'd like but the fabric disguises the extension cord a bit. Attach your extension cord to the plug in from your twinkle lights and then braid it with the strand on that corner. 10. Draw all four strands up so that they are equal and tie them in a large knot.

Drill a pilot hole in your ceiling and hang a strong hook where you'd like to hang your chandelier. I drilled another above the socket against the wall so that the extension cord could hook into that and not hang down aimlessly. Then I plugged it in and had some lovely lighting! Trim yours up to the height you'd like. 

During the day it works as a statement piece and softens up the dining area. After dark it adds drama and a soft glow, perfect for these long nights.

                     a beutiful mess

DIY YARN WRAPPED MONOGRAMS

by EVIE S.

I’ve got a lovely project to share with you. I used this monogram for a sweet friend’s baby shower. I love making party decorations that they can bring home and use as part of their decor. A word of warning though, this is not for the faint of heart. It took a loooong time to wrap this letter. But the results…so worth it!!

Step 1: Print out your monogram using a rounded font in your desired size. I used St. Ryde.Rounded corners make it easier to work around.

Step 2: Cut out the letter and trace onto cardboard. I used a Cheerio box!

Step 3: Wrap away! You can wind some yarn off a skein or ball to make a smaller ball – this is more manageable. Make as many balls as you need. I also recommend a thick yarn, which would make your job a lot easier and faster. I probably wrapped the whole letter at least 3 times with mine to get everything covered and nice and thick.

Step 4: A bajillion wraps later, and you’re done! Hot glue the ends down in the back of the letter.

You can leave it as is for a more modern look, or you can have fun with it and embellish with buttons, fabric flowers, ribbon, bows, whatever! That’s the fun part. I made up some fabric yo-yos and embellished with some pretty beads in the center.

I made mine pretty big – about 7 inches tall, but you can make smaller ones too. I think that a little one would be super cute.

DIY Upcycled Valentine's Day Table Décor

DIY LEATHER-WRAPPED VASES AND VOTIVE

 HOLDERS

        creature comforts

Hello lovelies! Today I'm back for another fun DIY that I created in partnership with my friends atWaverly. This time I thought it would be nice to create some table decor that will look just as lovely at a festive party this season, as it will in-use all year 'round.

Let's make some easy DIY leather-wrapped vases and votive holders!

DIY Leather-Wrapped Votive Holders

Gather your supplies. You will need:

• Small glass votive holder(s) | The variety used here were purchased at Michael's
• Sharp craft scissors
• Realeather Craft Lace in Metallic Gold and / or Silver | Available at Michael's and Hobby Lobby (find additional suppliers here). Be sure that your leather cord has two flat sides (like a fettuccini noodle...not round like a spaghetti noodle).
• Hot glue gun (low heat) and glue stick(s)
• Battery-operated candles

Plug in your glue gun and allow it to get hot. Begin by squeezing a small line of glue somewhere within the top 1/3 of your votive holder. Immediately place one end of your leather down into the glue and press to adhere. If the glue dries too quickly, you can easily peel it off the glass and try again.

Once the end is glued in place, wrap your leather cord around the top of your votive holder until it meets back at the starting point.

Squeeze a drop of glue on top of the end of your cord (where you first started) and lay the loose end of your cord through it. Be sure that you have pulled the cord taught so that it is not drooping. Once this dot of glue has hardened (it should take just a few seconds) continue wrapping your cord around your votive holder.

You can keep your lines parallel or overlap them like I did here. If you want to create the overlapped look, just be sure to add a dab of glue under the cord anytime you will have two pieces laying on top of one another. Keep your cord nice and tight while you work.

When you get to a good stopping point, add a dot of glue on top of a portion of leather that is already wrapped around the votive holder, and lay the end of your cord through it to adhere. Use a pair of scissors to trim off any excess cord. If there are any bits of dried glue on your votive holder, you can use your fingernail or the tip of your scissors to carefully peel it off. Place a battery-operated candle in your new holder, and you're done!

Now on to creating a pretty DIY Leather-Wrapped Vases!

Gather your supplies. You will need:

• Tin can(s), emptied, cleaned, and dried | Make sure to use the variety with the pull-off top so that you are not left with any sharp edges. You can also use a glass cup in place of the can if you prefer.
• Sharp craft scissors
• Realeather Craft Lace in Metallic Gold and / or Silver | Available at Michael's and Hobby Lobby (find additional suppliers here). Be sure that your leather cord has two flat sides (like a fettuccini noodle...not round like a spaghetti noodle).
• Hot glue gun (low heat) and glue stick(s)
• Fresh flowers (and water)

Plug in your glue gun and allow it to get hot. Begin by squeezing a small line of glue beneath the top lip of your can. Immediately place one loose end of your leather cord into the glue and press down to adhere. If the glue dries to quickly you can easily peel it off and try again.

Now apply another short line of glue just slightly below the top lip of your can, and directly following the portion of cord that is already attached. Don't place the glue too close to the edge or you will have a messy vase top. Place your leather cord into the hot glue, making sure to pull your cord tight as you are working so that there is no slack in the cord. Continue to work in small sections, adding glue, and placing leather cord, until you have made your way back to your starting point.

Now add a small dot of glue on top of the cord end (where you started) and overlap the loose end of your leather cord over it, angling it down slightly (as seen in the photo).

Continue to wrap your leather cord around your can, keeping the cord taught as you work, and the top edge of your cord snug against the bottom line of the cord above it. You will not need to glue the cord down along every row. If you'd like to apply a small dab of glue every few rows to make it extra secure, you can. The very top row is the only one that need to be glued down completely.

Continue wrapping cord around your can until it is completely covered. Glue the loose end atop the last wrapped row and snip off excess cord. You'll see that the leather on the back of the can angles down just a bit (nobody will notice when there are flowers inside it)...

...but the front is nice and straight.

Use your fingernail or the tip of your scissors to carefully remove any excess glue along the edges. Fill with water (carefully so it doesn't leak on the leather) and a bouquet of beautiful blooms!

Doesn't it look lovely?!

And here it is in gold!

Bonus...these vases can also double as snazzy pencil holders! I have the gold one on my desk right now!

And one last gratuitous rose photo...because I just can't help myself. xo Ez

Prop sources: Pencils - Target | Journals - Delphine Press (from a trade show), Sparrow & Co. | Silver Dictionary - received as a gift | Japanese Masking Tape - etsy | Metallic Flowers - vintage Christmas decor | 

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L wedding ideas (25 photos)

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