DIY Christmas Decor Upcycled Window with Pine Cones & Greenery

from Jennifer Decorates via pinterest

Here's another great idea for a DIY Christmas decor project that combines three of my favorite things: an old window, pine tree branches and pine cones. 

You can quickly and easily make one just like this - whether you use an old window or not is up to you - by fanning out a few pine tree branches (longest ones in center and shorter ones on the sides,) connecting them at the top with some green or brown florist's wire, and then adding some pine cones with wire (or use hot glue if you prefer.) 

Add a nice big bow in whatever color you choose and then add a wire for hanging and that's all there is to it. I love how the brown ribbon coordinates perfectly with the colors of the pine cones and accentuates the organic look and feel.

What do you think?

Have a great week!
Laura

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Article copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2020 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. For any link corrections please leave correct info in comment area.

Amazing Things You Can Make With Old Breadboxes

Traditional bread boxes were either metal or wood, and kept on top of a kitchen counter top for storage of, you guessed it, bread! Some wooden style bread boxes had roll-top lids, as you will see in the following images. 

What happened to these clunky, countertop space taker-uppers of yesteryear? I think as we transitioned to larger-sized kitchens with more cabinets, drawers, and storage space, as well as more electric countertop gadgets and small appliances, the bread box just became in the way and obsolete. 

Think about it, how many of these have you seen at thrift shops, flea markets, and yard sales? I see at least one of them at every thrift store I visit. What to do with them? Well...most people just repaint them. Paint them to match your kitchen, your bathroom, wherever you are going to eventually use it. But paint only gets you so far. It basically is still a breadbox, just with a fresh new look. And that's cool. But what I really respect and enjoy are the breadboxes that are REPURPOSED (READ: given a NEW purpose) by way of creative thinking! 

Think about it, with a little bit of creativity, ingenuity, and paint you can turn yours into something much bigger than...a breadbox.

Breadboxes turned corner shelves from Lulastic
(above and below)

Breadbox + curio cabinet + child's craft desk from Patina Paradise

Breadbox turned charging station from Bob Vila

Add some casters to stacked breadboxes for movable storage

Breadbox added to a small table = mini roll top desk!

How to refurbish a vintage bread box tutorial from The Spruce

Breadbox turned charging station from Artsy Chicks Rule

Upside-down breadbox turned storage shelf from thrift decor

Another wall shelf painted bread box

Old breadbox turned extra bathroom storage

Yellow breadbox used as catchall storage space



Which is your favorite?


Have a great week!
Laura

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Article  copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2019 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. 

DIY Autumn Wreaths That You Can Make Part II

Gold magnolia leaf wreath by Dorsey Designs 

What better way to welcome autumn and the change of seasons than to create your own fall wreath?

Intimidated by the thought of crafting your own autumn wreath? Don't be! You can collect plenty of free materials from nature - many in your own backyard (think leaves, acorns, twigs and branches) and there are many materials that you can purchase at dollar stores (wreath bases, glue sticks, craft adhesives, craft flowers) for the price of a fancy coffee or two. Even better, create your own fall wreath using salvaged and repurposed items found in your own home (painted newspaper, old encyclopedia pages, etc).

Best of all, you can create your own autumn wreath to match your own home and decor in as little as an afternoon. So round up your supplies (think glue gun and wreath base to start), and check out this collection of DIY fall and autumn wreaths and maybe you'll be inspired to create your own! Not in the mood to create your own? Some of those I feature below are available for purchase from Etsy sellers...click the link in the text to visit their shops. Happy Fall! 

Wood and burlap fall wreath DIY from Finding Home Farms

I love this reuprposed cabinet door turned chalkboard decor by Julie at Lilacs & Longhorns

Pretty DIY twing and feather wreath by Chatelane

Autumn wreath by Vita Ranunkler

How to snazz up a wreath DIY fall ideas from Kathy at Petticoat Junction

Who? wouldn't love this cute owl wreath? from AdorabellaWreaths via Etsy

Autumn season wreath from desfeervantoen

Love! Simple grapevine wreath with a few peacock feathers from My Blessed Life

Fall gathered wreath tutorial from Tilly's Nest

Moss and mini pumpkin wreath with burlap bow

Suitable for any holiday, this book page wreath (found here on Pinterest) could be autumn-ized by tipping some of the page edges with glue and brown glitter

Handmade paper feathers and leaves can be made from old newspaper and book pages and make a unique addition to your fall wreath.

DIY Metallic painted feathers are great to add to your autumn wreath!

Do you make your own wreaths? What are your favorite materials to use?

Which do you like best?

Have a great week!
Laura

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Article copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2019 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. For any link corrections please leave correct info in comment area.

Amazing Upcycled Ideas For Your Kitchen

I think one of the most amazing things about decorating is that it is something that is completely personal. Everyone's style is completely unique, and you know what's awesome about that?  No one but you has to like it! 

I say surround yourself with the things that you love and the colors that make you feel the way you want to feel. Even better? Pull out those favorite thrift store finds, family hand-me-downs and heirlooms from the attic and enjoy them by incorporating them into your home decor, or by upcycling them into something completely new.  

For example, I love the kitchen. I think it's one of the homiest parts of the home - but it certainly shouldn't be the homeliest! Check out these amazing ways that some creative minds turned old, salvaged pieces into amazing personal statements of style for their kitchens!

Old bed headboard is now a new display shelf

Sculptural silverware hanging decoration

Three red wagons transformed into a minibar from Inhabitat
This could also be used for storing extra tableware, serving bowl, etc. 

Old spoons and serving pieces can easily be turned into drawer pulls. All you need is a drill and some screws.

Pallet kitchen island by Beyond The Picket Fence (be sure to check out her new book too!)

Globe stand turned kitchen towel holder

Small chandelier made from kitchen implements from junk aholique

Old book knife block from theownerbuildernetwork

Clean salvaged wood scraps turned into pot storage




Antique dresser turned into a kitchen island from Heir and Space

Upcycled kitchen colander via Pinterest

What do you think? Do you have any upcycled items in your own kitchen?

Did you enjoy this post? You might also enjoy: 

Upcycled: Awesome Kitchen Islands Made From Old Dressers

Upcycled Dressers: Painted, Wallpapered, & Decoupaged

Old Furniture Upcycled Into Dollhouses & Play Kitchens

Have a great week!

Laura

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Article copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2020 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. For any link corrections please leave correct info in comment area.

Banish Winter Blues (& Whites!) With Colorful Bohemian Brights!

Create a spring-like environment with green

Who says winter has to be a whiteout?

Why not give your winter decor a bold burst of fun color that will not only brighten 

your living environment, but will brighten your spirits too? We already know that the

seasons can directly affect our moods and emotions. Lots of folks complain of winter

blues and seasonal affective disorder (aka SAD or winter depression) during the winter

months. Believe it or not, some folks suggest that part of the cause of these winter 

blues is due to the decrease in daylight from the winter days being shorter. I think

I have to agree with that! I anxiously await summer. 

Whether you prefer to go for bold brights or rich jewel tones, I believe that adding 

pops of unexpected color - especially if they contain unique patterns and luxurious textures - can help turn your mood around. Check it out!

Create a spring-like environment with green

Lively tangerine brightens any room

Make the most of sunny windows with sheer curtains to brighten your rooms
image by Livingetc.

Add a brightly painted showpiece. image from casual classic home

Cozy Bohemian jewel tones give a feeling of warmth & luxury

Create a bright spot: decoupage fabric onto panels and then add plates. from emagDECO

This wall was created with wallpaper. from BHG

This post was originally published January 9, 2014


What do you think?

I hope you have a great week 

Love, Laura

My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns

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