You know those little ornate gold frames that look vintage and expensive? These didn’t start that way. They started as hot glue. Before you roll your eyes — stay with me. Because this is one of those projects that proves the material doesn’t matter nearly as much as the finish. These DIY gold magnetic picture frames are lightweight, swappable, and cost almost nothing to make. You can change the photo whenever you want. Seasonal art. Grandkids. Vintage prints. Quotes. No commitment. And no drilling holes in your walls. Materials (Here is a link to the materials) Silicone frame molds Hot...
DIY Projects
DIY Built-Ins Using Facebook Marketplace Furniture
If you want custom built-ins but don’t want to build from scratch, this project is for you. These DIY built-ins using Facebook Marketplace furniture started with one cabinet that immediately caught my eye. The doors had character, the proportions were right, and the potential was obvious. Instead of starting with lumber and power tools, I designed around that one piece. The Built-In Design Process (Yes, Math Was Involved) To make these DIY built-ins work, I started with measurements. I measured: Wall width Ceiling height Baseboard depth Cabinet spacing Once the math worked, the design was clear. Two separate furniture pieces...
How This Chair Went From “Christmas Only” to a Year-Round Favorite
An example of using what you have—and changing how you see it. I Thought This Chair Was Seasonal Not just because of the colors.Not just because of the pattern. It felt like a Christmas chair because that’s what I intended it to be. I had already decided it belonged to December—before it ever earned a place in my everyday home. Once I changed that thinking, everything about this chair changed. Using What I Already Had This project started with two things I already owned –the chair & one piece of fabric for the top back (which used to be a...
Use What You Have + Add One: A $10 Valentine’s Day Welcome Mat (30-Minute DIY)
A $10, 30-minute Valentine’s Day welcome mat using what you already have. A simple January refresh that proves small changes matter.
How to Paint a Tabletop Topiary for Any Season (DIY Decor)
Painting a tabletop topiary is an easy way to create custom seasonal decor using thrifted or repurposed materials. This method works for Valentine’s Day, Easter, spring, or any holiday — and it doesn’t require a complicated plan. The key is simple: make one design decision first, then let the rest follow. Start With One Design Decision Instead of planning every detail upfront, begin with one clear design element. For this topiary, that first decision was plaid. Choosing a lead pattern does several things at once: Establishes your color palette (likely) Sets the tone of the piece Simplifies every decision that...
A Calm Bathroom Refresh That Wasn’t About Starting Over
This bathroom refresh started as something simple. My second bath at our Florida home was clean, functional, and perfectly fine. White walls. White tile. A white shower curtain. Black accents—mirror frame, towel hooks, door handles, picture frames. It looked finished. But it didn’t feel finished. The space felt cold. A little flat. And disconnected from the rest of the house. I didn’t want a renovation.I didn’t want to chase trends.I didn’t want to add more stuff. What I wanted was warmth, cohesion, and clarity. So I slowed down—and followed a process I come back to again and again. Below is...
The A-B-Cs of Design & Décor for 2026
A calmer, more meaningful way to create at home—without pressure. Over the past year, I’ve heard the same thing from so many friends: “My space feels tired.” “I have dated pieces.” “I want to make changes, but I don’t even know where to start.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As we move into 2026, I’m not interested in rushing into big changes or chasing trends. I’m interested in clarity. These A-B-Cs are the principles that help me slow down, find a starting point, and make thoughtful decisions—whether I’m...
How This Jumbo Christmas Ornament Came Together
I didn’t start this Jumbo Christmas Ornament with painting instructions. I took a class, sat with the blank jumbo ornament for a while, and honestly — it took some time before anything clicked. I knew I didn’t want to rush it. The scale matters with a jumbo piece, and I wanted the design to feel intentional, not random. The Plaid Was the Turning Point Once I landed on the plaid, everything opened up. The plaid gave me: direction, structure and a place to start. From there, I made a quick sketch to map out the layout. Nothing fancy — just...
How to Semi-DIY a Haunted House for Halloween
Halloween decorating doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or spending a fortune. Sometimes, the best results come from mixing a little DIY magic with ready-made pieces. That’s exactly what I did with this semi-homemade haunted house—a thrifted ceramic house transformed into a spooky-chic Halloween centerpiece. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned creator, this project strikes the perfect balance between creativity and convenience. what you’ll need * A thrifted or inexpensive ceramic house (look at Goodwill, garage sales, or clearance aisles) * Black spray paint or chalk paint * Glittery accent paint like Glitter Blast * Paintbrushes and...
How to Prepare Pinecones for Christmas & Holiday Decor
If you’ve noticed pinecones popping up in 2025’s Christmas trend forecasts, you’re not alone. They’re showing up gilded, glittered, and flocked — and the best part? You can collect them for free, right now. Before you start decorating, here’s the simple way I prepare pinecones so they’re clean, pest-free, and ready to last all season. Step 1: Gather Take a walk in your yard, a park, or a wooded trail and gather pinecones in different sizes. Look for cones that are fully opened and free from heavy damage. Step 2: Inspect & Shake Gently shake each pinecone outdoors to remove...
3 Reusable DIYs That Make an Event Feel Custom
You don’t need to start from scratch for every event. These three DIY projects—originally created for past celebrations—have become my go-to decor pieces for showers, birthdays, and more. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower or bridal brunch, these tried-and-true pieces add a personal touch without the need to reinvent the wheel. In this post, I’m pulling together the tutorials/ ideas for: My go-to Welcome Sign A versatile Backdrop Stand And the most restyle-able Bookshelf Display Each includes the materials, steps, and ways I’ve reused them across multiple events. 🖋️ 1. The Welcome Sign STAND That Works for Everything Originally made for son/daughter-in-laws wedding and...
DIY Peppermint Chargers: Festive Fun for Your Holiday Table
Looking for a way to add a sweet touch to your Christmas table without buying a whole new set of chargers? These DIY peppermint chargers are budget-friendly, fun to make, and instantly bring festive cheer to your holiday table. And the best part? You can use plain placemats, old chargers, or even cardboard rounds you already have—just add a little paint and a peppermint swirl stencil! what you’ll need (Note: I had all of these supplies on hand. If you are a crafter/DIYer, these are standard supplies! If not, below are links to the supplies.) Round placemats or chargers (plain ones work best) (I...