Crafts: A Pinspired Christmas

Happy Saturday! Hope you're enjoying the weekend. I don't know about you, but I love Christmastime! It's my most favorite time of the year. From the holiday movies and twinkling lights, to the crisp winter air and handmade Christmas decorations! Everything about this season brings me great joy, and being able to experience all of this with my loved ones is truly a blessing.

When it comes to adding a holiday touch to our home, I try to include as many handmade DIY projects as possible. Don't get me wrong, I love buying store-bought stuff! Our home has them too. But nothing beats a handmade creation for your family to enjoy for years to come....

With the internet at our fingertips, it's never hard to find ideas and inspiration for ways to personalize your holiday home. And today I'm giving you glimpse into our home to see some of the fun projects I've made to decorate it... each one inspired by Pinterest!

ACTIVITY ADVENT CALENDAR

Pinspired Christmas: Activity Advent Calendar

This is a handmade activity advent calendar that I created for my 4-year-old daughter. You can find my DIY here. It's our second year doing it, and although the calendar stays the same, the activities and the cards you write them on can be changed and customized year after year.

WORD ART

Pinspired Christmas: Christmas Subway Art

A simple and inexpensive way to decorate your home is by switching out some of your photos with fun Christmas art prints. There are so many different designs and styles available [free] on the internet, that you can change them out each year. Here is the Christmas Rules subway art print I used. Mine is displayed in a large black 8x10 frame.

25-BOOKS-IN-DECEMBER

Pinspired Christmas: 25-Books-in-December

Here is another fun project that we continued from last year! I think it's my little one's favorite :) If you have a child that shares a love for reading, it's definitely something to add to your family's list of traditions! You can find all of the details about my 25-Books-in-December here.

CHRISTMAS CARD HOLDER

Pinspired Christmas: Handmade Card Holder

This is one of my favorite handmade Christmas projects! Besides it being super simple to create, I loved using supplies from my stash to customize it to fit our holiday theme. I'll be sharing my DIY next week, so stay tuned to see how I made it!

SANTA'S KEY

Pinspired Christmas: Santa's Key

I think this is the most special handmade Christmas decoration. When I saw it on Pinterest last year, I knew I had to recreate it for our family. It only took a few supplies to make, but the message speaks plenty. I love it!

The hardest thing about this project was finding "the key". I snagged this big glittery gold key ornament from Target. Isn't it perfect? Next, I cut a large tag from Kraft cardstock and printed up a card with the following text:

"Dear Santa,

This magic key works just for you,

Please open the door and come on through.

Thank you for coming to our house tonight.

We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thank you Santa for the gifts you bring,

Thank you Lord for everything."

I added the card to the Kraft tag, and tied on some pretty ribbon to complete it. This piece hangs on the doorknob of our front door for everyone to see.

CHRISTMAS PRINTS

Pinspired Christmas: Christmas Art Printables

This is another freebie that I displayed in one of our silver frames. You can download the "Believe" print here. There are so many beautiful designs online that it's so hard to choose just a few! But I have to say, it really is a simple and frugal way to decorate. With the endless Christmas prints on Pinterest, you can easily change up your displays year after year!

I hope you enjoyed today's post and leave here feeling inspired to create something beautiful this holiday season! If you're looking for more crafty Christmas decor inspiration, check out my "Holidays" pinboard on Pinterest! I also have more fun free holiday printables on my "December Daily" pinboard! Feel free to pin away!

You can stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love....

Were you inspired by Pinterest this season? Tried any of these projects? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas DIY: Activity Advent Calendar

This time of the year is definitely my favorite... and the year long wait it takes to get here is so worth it! Starting in November I plan and gather ideas for December. From daily bible verses and 25-Books-in-December [stay tuned!], to a handmade Activity Advent Calendar like this one.

I chose daily "Activities" rather than a candy or gift calendar. It's much more suited for our fun and active family. Brainstorm ideas that your family likes to do during the season. But don't ever set anything in stone, so it's easy to make changes to scheduling when need be. See how I incorporated my ideas into my Filofax 2013 Holiday Planner. This is the second year doing our Activity Advent Calendar, and it's so much fun! I included a lot of stuff from last year.. and added some new things too!

>> MAKE YOUR CALENDAR <<

I cannot give you a step-by-step of this project, since I made it last year before I started blogging. I do have a few photos that I captured on IG which I'll share with you. They aren't the best quality but they give you a good idea of how this project came together. I'm also including lots of updated images from this year's calendar.

GATHER SUPPLIES

This calendar was made using scraps and leftover bits and pieces from my 2012 Studio Calico December Daily Kit. Along with pretty holiday paper, I also used designs from my year-round collections. I repurposed two sheets of thick 12" x 12" chipboard, pieces of packaging that I saved from paper stacks I bought at Tuesday Morning. They're extremely sturdy and make the perfect "backing" for my calendar. I spritzed them with some of my pink glimmer mist to give it a subtle pop of color.

Using a homemade template with some pretty patterned paper, I created pockets that will hold tags and cards with our daily activities and scriptures. For each pocket, I added a pink number printable [download the set here] which I cut up and modified for this project.

PUT IT TOGETHER

I used some wide pink ribbon to connect the two boards together, punched holes at the top and bottom to attach a ribbon for hanging and a 6" x 4" pocket for Day 25. Each 12" x 12" board holds twelve 3" x 4" pockets perfectly.

HANG IT!

It looks beautiful hanging on the wall with a set of handmade t-shirt pompoms and a big pink bow using the same ribbon from the project.

FILL IT UP

I wrote 25 different activities onto a set of Outnumbered Journaling Cards. They're the perfect size for my pockets. Here is a list of some of the things we're doing this year:

...Read a book, write a letter to grandma, dance to Christmas music, take a photo with Santa, play a game, go on a nature walk, photograph the outdoors, drink hot cocoa together, create something: arts & crafts, buy a present for a loved one, watch holiday movies, build a gingerbread house, do something with Daddy [his choice], make pretty things, write to Santa, bake cookies with Mommy, look at Christmas lights, do something nice [a random act of kindness]....

I attached easy-access washi tape tabs and gold twine to the tags so my little one doesn't have trouble pulling them out. I figure this way, the pockets will last longer so we can enjoy our calendar for many years to come...

Any other ideas? Choose your family's traditions. Things you love to do during this special time of the year. Be creative and have fun with it!

We also read a bible verse together each day in December. I found a list here. When I came across these journaling spots, I knew they would be perfect for this part of the project. The "Story From December" being a bible verse is very fitting. It's nice to remember the true meaning for the season.

ENJOY!

That's all for today! I hope you enjoyed my crafty Christmas post and leave here feeling inspired to create something beautiful this holiday season! I have other fun projects to share with you this month like a customized Christmas Card Holder, and another daily tradition we call 25-Books-in-December. I'm also documenting the month with a December Daily album, so check back often to read about our holiday adventures!

You can find more free DD inspired printables and ideas on my "December Daily" pinboard on Pinterest. I have lots of freebies and inspiration on my "SMASH & PL" and "Printables/Templates" boards too! See how I stay organized through the "Holidaze" with my Filofax planners.

Stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love...

Do we share this Christmas tradition? What's your favorite thing about advent calendars? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Thanks for stopping by! 

DIY: Handmade Yarn Wig

Happy Wednesday! I apologize for the little hiatus I took earlier this week. I just needed some time away from my blog and other social media outlets to recharge. Now I'm back and ready to play catch up with my usual blog posts. But today, I have a super fun DIY project for ya!

Last week was the start of the Holiday season with Halloween. I really love that my daughter adores all of the characters that I loved when I was her age. So you can imagine how excited she was when I found a Strawberry Shortcake costume for her. It's such an adorable outfit and I know she'll get more than one day's use of it since she loves to play dress-up, so I didn't mind paying $25- for it. But the one thing I couldn't see myself paying for was the $20 hot pink character wig!

I knew there had to be a better [and cheaper] solution to complete my daughter's Strawberry Shortcake costume. And being the crafty mama that I am, I find pleasure in making things myself. So I wracked my brain for ideas and thought that a ragdoll-like wig would be a great alternative. But how do I start? While scouring the internet for inspiration, I came across this post from A Beautiful Mess. How perfect!

So here is my DIY for a custom, handmade yarn wig....

SUPPLIES

Yarn: In your choice of color. [30" to 40" strands]

Embroidery Thread: In a complementing color.

Embroidery Needle

Felt Strip: In a complementing color. [8" - 10"x 2"]

Hair Comb [Optional]

Ruler

Scissors

Ribbon

*TIPS: The length of yarn I started at was around 40". A great length for an adult, not so much for a 4-year-old. 30" is perfect for a child's wig. For the felt, I used an 8" x 2" strip, which fits my daughter's head perfectly. 10" is a good size for adults.

NOTE: I decided to share my DIY in two-parts: How to Wrap Yarn & Sewing Your Wig. I'll be providing you with easy directions and helpful tips to make the whole process super simple.

-----------------------------------

HOW TO WRAP YARN

• 30" lengths of yarn produces a 15" wig when sewn in half. Find something around 15" or so to wrap the yarn around. Maybe a 15" length of sturdy cardboard, legs or arms of a chair [my choice], or even a metal baking sheet.
• Make sure the yarn is nice and taut (but not too tight) when you're wrapping.
• I found it easier to work in groups.
• Once you have a decent sized amount of yarn wrapped, grab a set of "loops" on one end, and cut the loops at the opposite end. 
• Slowly add the batches of yarn to your bundle. This is where the piece of ribbon comes in handy. Tied at the center of the lengths of yarn, it holds the bundle neatly together while you work.

SEWING YOUR WIG

• Lay your strip of felt vertically on a flat surface.
• Place your bundle of yarn (still secured with ribbon) horizontally across the strip of felt. Smooth out the strands by finger-combing. Make sure it is nice and centered before untying the ribbon.
• Arrange the yarn along the strip of felt, creating an even layer of "hair."

• Starting at the end closest to you, sew a backstitch right down the middle of the felt backing. The stitching acts as the center "part" of the wig. Be sure to make your stitching nice and tight! When you reach the other end, knot it off.

• This step is where you'll hand sew the hair comb near the front of the wig. It will help secure it to the hair. [I opted out of it since my daughter's costume has a hat. It holds the wig perfectly!]
• After your wig is done, place it on your [child's] head, and trim or cut to desired style. I cut my daughter's wig into layers, varying the length of sections by 1-2".

NOTE: I was originally going to style this wig with large bouncy curls to mimic Strawberry Shortcake's hairdo, but was unable to do that. I searched the net for ways to easily stiffen yarn but the hairspray option I chose didn't work. I think I'll try the diluted glue tip on the next wig I make. If it worked for you, please let me know!

What I love most about this project is how it was such a simple and inexpensive solution to a costume wig. And being able to customize it for any costume is fabulous! My munchkin is already asking for a red Jessie [from Toy Story] wig for next Halloween ;)

I hope you enjoyed today's post! If you're looking for more crafty fun, be sure to check out my other DIYs! You can stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my new fan page on Facebook.

Thanks for stopping by!

Green Clean: DIY Stain Remover

Happy Aloha Friday! I hope you enjoyed your week :) It's been pretty busy in our household with the holidays right around the corner, as well as all of the planning I've been doing for my blog. I have lots of fun stuff coming up, so stay tuned! I noticed that it's been a very long time since I've done a "Green" post... and based on the statistics of my blog, they are some of my most popular articles to date!

Dishwasher Detergent DIY

Laundry Detergent DIY

Fabric Softener DIY

Today I have another homemade favorite from my "Green Clean" arsenal. It's about time to restock my Stain Remover supply, making this the perfect opportunity to share my recipe. Originally inspired by photos from Pinterest, I decided to try it out for myself. I've been using this for over a year now and it still surprises me with the things it can get out... having a 4 year old, and all ;) With about 95% of my household cleaners being homemade and natural, I have no plans on ever switching back to store-bought chemical products. This one does the job, is very inexpensive to make, and consists of ingredients I know. We love being Green.

SUPPLIES

1 Part Dawn

2 Parts Hydrogen Peroxide

Spray Bottle

Note: I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut a vinyl label.

First add the Dawn dish detergent. [Note: The other recipes I came across used the blue Dawn. Since I don't notice a difference between the type of Dawn being used, I went with my favorite... plus it was what I had on hand! The Hawaiian scent is heavenly...]

Over time, instead of measuring, I just eyeball the ingredients. Homemade recipes are so great because making adjustments is super simple. My bottle has measurements on the side which is very handy.

Next you add the peroxide. Again, I just eyeballed it, pouring about double the amount I used for Dawn.

I slowly added more Dawn and more peroxide to get a good amount of solution. This small batch will hold me over for about 6 months. Adding large amounts of each ingredient will give you a full bottle!

You are done! Wasn't that easy? Just give the bottle a good mix before each use, but don't shake it too vigorously or you'll end up with a soapy mess. Spray on carpets, upholstery, and clothing to remove tough stains.

*TIP: Perform a spot test on your item first, as the peroxide may cause lightening.

Don't forget to check out my other "Green Clean" DIY's that I linked at the top of this post! If you're looking for more natural homemade recipes, browse my "Earth Mama" pinboard on Pinterest! You'll find lots of inspiration for making that small step to becoming a Green household.

You can stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my new fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love...

Are you Green family? Do you make your own cleaners too? What motivated you? Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Any thoughts, question, or comments about this post? Please drop me a line. Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Thanks for stopping by!

DIY: String Tie Envelopes

Hello everyone! I hope you're having a great week and enjoying this fabulous summer weather we're having! It's been a while since I've done something crafty with you here on my blog. So today, I'm happy to share this lovely DIY papercraft project. I've been making these for a while now and thought you would really like them.

If you follow my blog, you know that I love anything handmade, especially if it's made from paper. I originally came across this project almost a year ago when I was browsing through Pinterest. You can find that "pin" here on my "Printables/Templates" pinboard. After reading that post, I knew I had to add these fun little envelopes to my collection.

The original blogger provided a great tutorial, but certain aspects of the project didn't work for me. So I made some modifications to suit my needs and added a few touches that showcase my own personal style. Here is what I came up with...

SUPPLIES

• Cardstock: White, plus a variety of colors and patterns. I use 12x12 scrapbook paper.
• String/Twine: Embroidery Floss works great and is inexpensive.
• Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Mini Brads: Mine are 3mm.
• Paper Piercer: A push pin or needle works too.
• Bone Folder
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Template: Download here at MinieCo Blog

DIRECTIONS

1. Print the envelope on standard white cardstock rather than plain paper. It's much sturdier and allows you to use it as a template. Cut it out. Don't forget the 2 circle pieces! (I label all of my templates so they're easily identifiable in my collection when I need them.)

2. Choose your desired colored or patterned paper and place it [print-side down] on your work area. Using your template and a pencil, trace around the envelope and cut it out. Score each flap with your ruler and bone folder, then fold each side.

3. Using the scrap from the envelope you just cut, or scraps from coordinating patterned or colored paper, trace and cut the 2 small circles. For extra sturdiness, I usually double these, cutting 4 discs and gluing them back to back.

4. Poke the two holes in your envelope and a hole in the center of each circle (marked on the template). Attach both discs to your envelope using the mini brads.

5. Fold the sides and bottom flaps and secure with glue. 

Tip: I use small craft clamps along the areas I glue to be sure that I get a nice and secure bond.

6. Using about a 10" length of string, tie one end to the disc on the top flap and secure it with a double knot. Trim the excess string under the disc. Wrap the remaining string around both circles to close your envelope. Tie a knot at the end to keep the string from unraveling.

This project is so simple and can be easily customized to fit any theme, mood, or occasion. I love using them to hold precious ephemera or small treasures or trinkets in my smashbook. I've also added them to some of my handmade daybooks. You can find more info about my daybooks in this post, or in the tab at the top of my blog titled Daybooks. My most favorite thing to do with these envelopes is including them in my Happy Mail swaps! The girls I send them to just love 'em! I even created my own 4x6 template so I could have a larger envelope for my 2012 December Daily album. But they can also hold little cards, plant seeds, or any other small item that needs a special home. Leave them as is or embellish any way you want. 

Have fun with 'em!

Looking for more crafty inspiration? Browse through my blog. I have plenty of other DIY projects. And be sure to check out my "Printables/Templates," "SMASH & PL," and "Crafty Mama" pinboards on Pinterest before you leave. You'll find hundreds of links to DIY's, ideas, inspiration, printables, and templates to satisfy your crafty fix.Wanna stay updated on my recent posts and projects? Be sure to "like" my new fan page on Facebook! 

I really hope you enjoyed my post and feel motivated and inspired to create something beautiful. Feel free to share it! And please let me know if you have any questions, thoughts or comments. Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Mahalo for stopping by!

Green Clean: Fabric Softener DIY

Hello World and Happy Earth Day Everyone!

I hope you all had a great start to your week :) April 22nd was officially Earth Day, but we manage to live the green life everyday. It's something we are quite proud of. And in honor of Earth Day, all this week I'm going to share some fun "green" projects with you. From homemade natural cleaning recipes to crafty reuse projects. It's going to be so much fun...but with a purpose!

A couple months ago I shared my Laundry Detergent DIY. Today you'll learn another simple recipe for the Laundry Room. Homemade Fabric Softener....

I did away with regular dryer sheets a long time ago, then I changed to a natural version of a specific brand. I eventually switched to plain old white vinegar during the rinse cycle. I did that for quite some time, and thought maybe I'd try my hand at making my own natural liquid fabric softener.

I wanted to continue my mission of keeping harmful toxins out of our home (laundry room included!), and also pair my natural homemade laundry soap with an equally impressive homemade fabric softener. Sure, it may take extra effort to plan, purchase, and make you own natural versions of standard (but essential) household supplies, but isn't the health of your family worth it? That's how I feel... and the Earth is worth it too!

You don't even have to start @ making your own cleaners. I do it because I love it! I get satisfaction from knowing that I made it myself. But you can easily take a big "green" step just by purchasing "greener" products. They may be more expensive, but not by much. Either way, you should give it a try...

HOMEMADE LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER

Supplies:

• 4 Cups Warm Water
• 2 Cups Distilled White Vinegar
• Conditioner - You can use any type you want. I've used both natural (and expensive), as well as cheap bottles of conditioner.
• Essential Oil (Optional) -- Each oil has its own special qualities. You can even use your favorite scent!
• Container
• Measuring Cup
• Funnel
• Chopstick (or similar object)

*Tip: I made this a reuse project by repurposing my daughter's old BioKleen baby laundry soap bottle. It's the perfect size for this project. I used scrapbook paper and markers to make an attractive label, and clear packing tape to protect and secure the label to the bottle.

Directions:

I decided to mix/add everything directly into my storage container, but you may be find it easier to add your ingredients to a large open container (and mix it there), then later transfer your recipe to a final container. Whatever you decide, the first thing you'll want to do is add your water. The amount of warm water you add will depend on the size of your container. I use a total of 4 cups of water for mine. But to start, I only add half of that amount.

*Warm water helps to dilute the conditioner.

The next ingredient you are going to add is vinegar. I use a total of 2 cups in my recipe. Vinegar works naturally to soften your laundry as well as remove build-up caused by your laundry detergent. [Funky towels, anyone?] It also whitens whites and preserves colors.

*TIP: Use a funnel when pouring liquids to help make the job easier. 

Conditioner that smooths and softens your hair in the shower, can be used in the laundry much the same way. But it smooths and softens fabrics. Teamed up with vinegar, it's a winning combination! Whenever I make this recipe, I use about a quarter to half of the bottle. You can choose any conditioner you like. If you want to go natural, use a green brand. If you want to save money, use a less expensive brand. Some stores have $.99 conditioners. 

*When I first tried this recipe I used a cheap brand, and I'm still finishing off that first bottle of conditioner. {The Suave Naturals "Waterfall" scent smells fresh and clean, and gives the recipe that "Downy" blue color you see in most liquid fabric softeners.} You can save even more money by using conditioner you already have! {I've been using Wen a couple of months now and during spring cleaning, I found full bottles of different "green" conditioners that I forgot I bought before starting Wen's system. I now have extra supplies for this recipe, sweet!}

The final thing you need to do is mix up your recipe. I have an awesome set of bamboo chopsticks I picked up as a freebie years ago from a local asian supermarket. They are extra long and the perfect length to mix the ingredients together in the bottle. I mix it the best I can using the chopstick. Then I add the remaining 2 cups of warm water to further dilute the conditioner. Mix it around a little more. Then secure the cap, turn the bottle on its side and shake it around a bit. Gently, not vigorously. You don't want to make a bubbly mess.

You can now finish this off with essential oils (optional). Add the drops then gently mix it all together again. In case anyone is wondering, your clothes don't smell like vinegar...not one bit. If it's something you are concerned about, add your favorite essential oil to totally customize this recipe. But I completely skip that step. Whenever you're ready to use the fabric softener to do a load, just shake the bottle (in a circular motion) a few times to mix up the ingredients. 

That's pretty much it! Wasn't that easy?! I like to use my fabric softener recipe in a Downy ball which is made to release during the rinse cycle. Just add the liquid to the marked line, pull the plug, and drop it into the washer after adding the clothes. So simple. No need waiting around for the rinse cycle!

We've used this recipe for 6 or so months (along with my homemade Laundry Soap), and never experienced  stiff and scratchy clothes or linens, and static cling! Knowing that the stuff I make is as good, if not better than the name brand chemically filled bottles of cleaners, I am definitely sticking with this for good!  FYI, this recipe along with my Laundry Soap, are the only things I use in the Laundry Room.... well except for my "Homemade Stain Remover." And I'll be sharing that recipe in a future post...

Feeling inspired to create more "green" products? Try my homemade Dishwasher Detergent and Stain Remover recipes. Or check out my "Earth Mama" pinboard on Pinterest. It's full of ideas, inspiration and more DIYs for so many different things. From health and beauty care recipes to other essential cleaning products for the home. I'm sure you'll find something you haven't tried yet.

Wanna stay updated on my recent posts and projects? Be sure to "like" my new fan page on Facebook!

Are you and your family living a "green" life? Have you made the switch to homemade natural cleaners yet? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? Feel free to drop me a line. Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thank you for stopping by!

DIY: Jewelry Organizer

I love jewelry, anything handmade, and a good DIY project. I didn't realize they could all go hand in hand! This first started out as what I thought was going to be a quick search, both in-store and online, to find a cute holder for my necklaces. Let me tell you... the search wasn't quick (I scoured so many stores and websites), and sturdy jewelry hangers are outrageously priced! I just couldn't see myself paying a ridiculous amount for something so simple. So, my internet search then went to finding inspiration for a handmade piece to hold my costume jewelry.

The internet wielded some great ideas. But I decided to try and create something spending as little money as possible, and at the same time make it look better than all of the expensive jewelry organizers I saw online and in department stores. Believe it or not, this project didn't cost me a thing. It was done using scraps and supplies I already had on hand.

Most of my DIYs are chock full of photos. I apologize that I don't have pictures of the step-by-step process for this project. I actually made these last winter [before I had a blog], and I didn't even think to take pictures while I worked. But it shouldn't be a problem for you. The directions are pretty straight forward.... and I'm here if you need help :)

HANDMADE JEWELRY ORGANIZER

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

• Board(s) of Wood : Cut to the dimensions you want. Lucky for me, I have a hubby who is a craftsman that works in a woodshop. The pieces I used are top-quality, sturdy hardwood blocks that were actually scraps from one of his projects at work. He cut them to size for me.
• A Power Drill: For drilling pilot holes to screw in your cup hooks. My handy husband did this for me at work in his woodshop.
• Fabric: Scraps work great here, if you have pieces that are large enough. You need just enough to cover the "front" and partially over the 4 sides. Remember, it doesn't need to cover the sides completely, that is what the next item is for...
• Ribbon: It should be wide enough to cover the "edge" of the wood and long enough to completely wrap around all four sides. (Be sure to singe the ends to prevent the ribbon from fraying.) The fat ribbon I had on hand for this project, was the perfect fit to the scrap wood my hubby gave me.
• Mod Podge: To bind the fabric to the wood.
• Cup Hooks: They come in a variety of sizes and finishes, and can be found in the tool and hardware aisle of your local Walmart.
• Sawtooth Picture Mounts: Gives you the ability to hang your organizer on the wall. They come in a variety of sizes and made to hold different weights. Be sure you choose accordingly. I had to purchase heavy-duty ones since I used hardwood which is pretty darn heavy. You can find these in the same aisle you found the cup hooks.
• Picture Hooks/Hangers: Consisting of a "hook-like" piece to be used in conjunction with the accompanied tiny head nails. They also come in a variety of sizes and made to hold different weights. Choose accordingly. You will find these in the same tool and hardware aisle of your local Walmart.
• Xacto Knife
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Paintbrush
• Scissors

DIRECTIONS:

1. The first thing you need to do, if you haven't already, is cut your piece(s) of wood to the desired size. You may also want to smooth out the rough, raw edges with sandpaper.
2. Decide how many hooks you want on your organizer. Using your tape measure and pencil, find the center (from top to bottom), then line up, measure out, and place evenly spaced "marks" on the piece(s) of wood.
3. With your "marks" as a guide, use your power drill to make pilot holes for your cup hooks. This will make screwing the hooks in so much easier, especially if you're using a hardwood like I did. It's also handy to have these holes once your fabric is adhered to the front of the wood.
4. Using your paintbrush, coat the "front" (the area with the holes you just made) of your wood with a layer of Mod Podge. Lay your fabric print-side down, and place your piece of wood (glue side down)  in the center of your fabric. Once the wood is in the right place, press down on it for a few seconds to give it a good bond.
5. Carefully flip the wood and fabric over to the correct side. Rub the front of the wood to make sure the fabric is nice and smooth removing any air bubbles along the way. Let that part dry before moving on.
6. This next step is best done in sections. Use Mod Podge to adhere the excess fabric to all four sides of the piece(s) of wood. You may need to snip the corners a little with your scissors to get the fabric to lay nice and flat. It's okay to overlap the fabric a bit at the corners.
7. This step is also best done in sections. Once your fabric is dry, use Mod Podge to adhere your long strip of ribbon to the "sides" of the wood, wrapping it from corner to corner. Smooth out the ribbon and be sure it is straight and flush with the back edge of the wood. Allow each side to dry before moving onto the next. (I let it dry with the wet side down on a flat surface, using the weight of the wood as the pressure needed to give it a good bond, as well as keeping the ribbon flat.) At the end of this step, the only wood you should be able to see is on the back.
8. Next, you will add your sawtooth picture mounts to the back of your organizer, one on each end. (I didn't place mine directly at the top. I went down about half an inch so my picture hangers aren't completely visible when my organizer is up on the wall.) Your tape measure will come in handy, along with a pencil. Once you know where your mounts will go, mark the holes of the mounts for easy reference. Use your hammer to nail them to the wood.
9. Flip the holder over to the pretty side. Feel around the fabric for the holes you drilled in Step 3. Once you locate them, use the Xacto knife to poke a hole in the fabric directly over each pilot hole. 
10. Now you should be able to easily screw in your cup hooks without ruining the fabric. The only thing left to do is attach your picture hooks to the wall so you can hang your organizer. And of course, add your jewelry. That's it...you are done! 

I do have to say that the best thing about this jewelry holder is that I made it myself... and for next to nothing! Being able to use my own fabric and ribbon, really customizing it to what I like, makes it that much better than buying something in a store or online. I also know that no one else has it, and what they do have, they spent way too much on something they could have easily made themselves.

As you can see, I made two of them. They look fabulous flanking our cabinet! I just love them and I'm so happy I didn't cave in and purchase something I wasn't completely in love with, especially at those prices!

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I hope you like this project as much as I loved making it! I also hope to inspire you to take that risk to make something yourself (rather than going out and purchasing it), because in the end, you never know... what you made may be 100 times better, cuter, and cheaper than what you can find in a store.

Green Clean: Dishwasher Detergent DIY

Ever since I tried my first homemade version of a green cleaner, I was hooked! I continued to expand my cleaning supply closet, replacing all of the chemical products with homemade essential green recipes, or store-bought green brands. Proud to say that 90% of my cleaning supplies are homemade! Happy about that.

I had great success making my own Concentrated Powdered Laundry Soap and absolutely love it! The next thing on my "To Make" list is Dishwasher Detergent. And I'm super excited about this recipe! The timing is perfect, as I just used our last dishwasher tab a couple days ago. I'm really glad that after first reading about this recipe a few months back, I started gathering the supplies for it. Now that it's time to make it, I already have everything I need!

I do a lot of research before trying out a new recipe. I like to gather as much useful information as possible before I make anything. I found three similar recipes for Dishwasher Detergent that each had tips and tidbits of info I found extremely helpful. These are things I wanted to be sure to include in my post that I thought everyone could benefit from.

Each recipe used the same basic, simple ingredients. I did some research into each of them -  how they work, what they do, where I can purchase them, alternatives to certain ingredients, etc.

Here's what I found:

• Both Washing Soda and Borax fight grease and grime. Borax even removes hard water minerals and residues from the wash water; and it makes dishes sparkling clean. You can usually find Borax and Washing Soda right next to each other in the Laundry aisle.
• LemiShine balances hard water and prevents a film residue from developing on your dishes, much like Borax. You can find it in the same place you find the dishwashing supplies. Citric Acid is the main ingredient in LemiShine and I read it's just as effective. It's an organic acid naturally found in many fruits, and acts as a natural preservative. You can find it in the baking aisle (near the canning supplies). With hard water, making adjustments to the amount of citric acid or LemiShine should help. 
• Coarse Salt in this recipe is used for it's scrubbing power. It acts as an abrasive. Kosher salt or Epsom salt will work. One recipe I found even used regular table salt.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1/2 cup Citric Acid (or LemiShine)
• 1/2 cup Coarse Salt

*Use 1 Tbsp per load in the detergent cup.

TIPS:

• I found you can make this recipe two ways: You can mix all of your ingredients together (which may end up clumpy if you don't have a jar with a moisture/airtight seal), or
• Mix everything together but the citric acid! (The citric acid is what makes this recipe clump.) Add it directly to the dishwasher cup when you add the Tbsp of detergent. 1/4 to 1/2 tsp should be enough for each load.
• Silica gel packets might help with the clumping. They absorb moisture! (They are the same little packets you find in the boxes of new shoes, leather handbags, or even electronics.) Drop the packet directly into your container. (This is what I plan on doing since I added all of my ingredients together. I'll keep you updated!)
• If you have a prewash cup on your dishwasher, you can add a Tbsp of detergent there too. But you may not need it. Test it out on your next load of dishes.
• Fill the "Rinse" compartment with white vinegar.
• Find a cute container to store your batch in. Perhaps one with a seal (like a mason jar), or a glass jar with a lid. I found mine at a local thrift store for $2.00! It was part of a set (each sold separately), and I only wanted the one with the spoon (the other 2 were missing theirs). It's been sitting on my counter for months empty, and I thought it would be perfect for this project! I used my Cameo to cut the vinyl label on the container. I think it looks fabulous!
• Everyone's water is different, so play around with the measurements if it's not working for you. Make adjustments to the recipe to suit your needs. A big part of making things yourself is figuring out what works. It's also one of the best things! Modifying a recipe is so easy....
• So feel free to double or triple this one! 

4.2.2013 - UPDATE: I've been using this for a couple of weeks now and couldn't be more amazed at the results! This simple recipe cleans my dishes just as good, if not better, than the store bought tablets I used to use. We don't have hard water up here (in Washington), so I can't give you any advice on that. Our dishes always come out sparkling clean, without a rinse aid. In regards to clumping, I haven't had a problem with that at all either. I thought it would be an issue since I added the Citric Acid directly to my recipe. All I can say is that I'm extremely happy to finally be rid of those expensive dishwasher tablets! I'm definitely sticking with this for good :D

8.17.13 - UPDATE: I recently restocked my supply of soap a few days ago. Can you believe I haven't had to since I wrote this post! That is how long that first batch lasted me! That is the good thing. Bad news is that it has been extremely humid here in Washington this summer. And unfortunately, that new batch of soap turned into a rock overnight. All of that moisture, and the citric acid appears to be  the main culprit. So when the time comes to make my next batch, I will be omitting it from the main recipe, and adding it directly to the dispenser when I run a load of dishes. I hope that will solve the clumping problem. I'll keep you posted...

If you're looking for more "green" products, take a peek at my homemade recipes for Stain Remover, Laundry Detergent, and Fabric Softener. And be sure to check out my "Earth Mama" pinboard on Pinterest! It's chock full of inspiration and recipes for various green products. From green cleaners to natural health and beauty care...It's on my bucket list to create everything on that board!

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Do you make your own green cleaners too? What do you like most about using homemade supplies? Any thoughts, questions, or comments? Please, let me know. Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Mahalo for stopping by!