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Tutorial: How to Hang Wallpaper

Written by Jenna on . Posted in Decorating, DIY, Mom Cave, Tutorial, Wallpaper. 13 Comments on Tutorial: How to Hang Wallpaper

For the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing my many recent basement updates with you and today I’ve got another one….  

{How to Hang Wallpaper}

The basement had been the one space in my home that was in major need of sprucing up, hence my many recent DIY project posts.   Last week, I debuted my new Mom Cave / Craft Area that I recently created on a slim budget, and received some amazing and encouraging comments.  BUT, before the new desk went into place and the new shelving was hung, I wanted to give wallpapering a try (this was my first wallpapering experience ~ I know, crazy…who hasn’t hung wallpaper before?!).  I didn’t wallpaper the entire room, just certain walls that were in need of drama and some added interest.  Let’s take a look ~

Supplies
  • Spackle (for repairing any holes & imperfections in the wall)
  • Sandpaper
  • Wallcovering Smoothing Brush and/or Wallcovering SmoothingTool (I recommend the smoothing tool over the brush ~ which you will see in the picture below)
  • Wallcovering Water Bucket
  • Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Sharp blade
  • Scissors (to cut wallpaper)
  • And, lastly but certainly not least ~ Your Wallpaper of choice!
{Step by Step Tutorial}

Most everyone has used regular white spackle to fill a hole or repair a damaged wall.  And in those moments, have you asked yourself,  Is the surface dry yet?  Am I ready to sand?  This spackle product by Dap gives you the answer  ~ the spackle in the container is pink (it was a bit weird to look at) and when it’s dry and ready for sanding, it’ll magically turn completely white (like typical spackle).  No wondering or questions needed!

The most important part of wallpapering (I’m sharing this with you because I found out the hard way) is to make sure your wall is a perfect palette (meaning no holes, no bumps, no nails, etc).  One of the reasons, I intended to use wallpaper was to hide imperfections in the wall.  That didn’t happen.  Every bump will show through.
So let’s get started:

Step 1: Once your wall is completely prepped, you are ready to start hanging the wallpaper.  I used a prepasted wallpaper, which means all I had to do was apply water to the back.  PLEASE, read the instructions carefully for the specific wallpaper you choice for your space ~ the direction for installation may be different!

I first measured and cut my wallpaper piece to fit the size of the wall, leaving a little extra on the top and bottom.  Then I was ready to go.  With the prepasted wallpaper, I dragged it through the Wallcovering Water Bucket until the entire wallpaper backing was covered and wet.

Step 2: Once the wallpaper is entirely wet, fold over the glue sides on each other (as shown above) and let it sit for 5-8 minutes.  This will activate the glue.

Step 3: You’re ready to apply the wallpaper to the wall.  I started the installation from the center of the wall and worked my way out to the edge.  Depending on the space and pattern of your wallpaper, you may want to start in the center of the wall or at the wall edge.  Make sure the wallpaper is plumb by using a level.

Step 4: Once your wallpaper is up, start to smooth it out with your Wallcovering Smoothing Tools.  This will truly adhere the wallpaper to the wall and give you a smooth surface/finish.  The ooey-gooey glue will start to come out the sides (as seen in the picture above)

You are ready for your next piece of wallpaper.  Note: Do not overlap edges!  This is SO important…  I did it at first, and had to remove the wallpaper (which was easy to do ~ at least you have some flexibility with the application).

Step 5: Once your wallpaper is completely hung and dry (if the paper is not dry, it could tear ~ happened to me ), trim the overlapping edges with a sharp razor.

This is the edge where the wallpaper meets the painted wall.  Use a sharp blade to trim the extra wallpaper for a crisp, clean cut.
These are the specific instructions that came with my wallpaper.  My tutorial  above gives a general idea of how to install wallpaper, but it is important to follow the exact directions for your wallpaper of choice.
It went from this… To this….  
{Complete}
This is how the completed wallpapered wall looks.  This is the wall (that had major imperfections before) that is at the landing of the basement.  Believe me, it’s still not perfect, but it is SOOO much better than how it was.  I really disliked opening the basement door before, but now I often open it to sneak-a-peak at this pretty ensemble!
I had been looking for a wallpaper with a simple, yet elegant design.  Even though my new wallcovering is in the basement, I wanted to bring the space up-a-notch and to make it feel as special as the rest of the house!  I looked… and looked… and looked…  I searched high and low to find something that would be affordable and stylish, and then it happened…  

{it was love at first sight}

I truly love the quatrefoil design and never made a purchase so fast.  If this wallpaper appeals to you as well, {here} is the info.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out my NEW Mom Cave  / Craft Area, here are a few pictures of that space with the new wallpaper.

To see the entire look of the new Craft Area and detailed pictures of how I created this space, check it out {here}.

Wallpaper can be a guaranteed show stopper!  The vast selection of wallpapers that are available today, can completely transform any space from blah to beautiful!  I am very happy with the result of 1st wallpapering attempt…I can now say that I am no longer a {Wallpaper Virgin}!  The thought of putting up wallpaper can be a bit daunting, but take your time and have patience…the end result is worth it.  One of my first posts was on my love for wallpaper ~ take a look {here}.

Are you planning on putting up wallpaper in one of your spaces?
Have you hung wallpaper before?   If so, what was your experience and how was the outcome?

DIY: Creating a Framed Chalkboard Wall

Written by Jenna on . Posted in Chalkboard, DIY, Paint, Tutorial.

My son doing his best ‘Vanna White”
As you know from a few previous posts, I have been feverishly working on my basement revamp! One of the many projects  included creating a new Chalkboard Wall for the kids.  They just love using chalk on the driveway, but in these winter months that’s unfeasible.  So I thought… let’s bring the LOVE of CHALK indoors!

 

Supplies
  • MDF Boards (cut to size)
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • White Paint (preferably semi-gloss)
  • Screws
  • Hammer / Screw gun
  • Measuring Tape
  • Pencil
  • Level
This Chalkboard Wall creation actually cost $0, because all the materials were leftovers from other recent projects. If you were to start from scratch, the project would cost you approximately $20.

{Step By Step}

 

1. Tape off the area where you’d like to apply the chalkboard paint (from the picture, you can see the old paint in the center and the freshly painted wall around).
NOTE: Your chalkboard wall can be as big or small as you’d like.  I also created a recessed panel below to work with the existing outlet placement ~ you don’t have to do this.(Obviously, I don’t want the kids drawing with chalk on the outlet)
2. Once you’ve painted the chalkboard on the wall, cut your lumber to the appropriate size.  The lumber will cover the line of where the wall paint color meets the chalkboard paint. Start with the top rail.  Make sure that it’s level.
NOTE: We used MDF (medium density fiberboard)…it’s the easiest and cleanest to work with.  I had leftover pieces from creating my craft area and had the rails cut to the exact size at HD.

 

3. Install the two side rails, but ONLY put in the top screw.
4. Install the middle and bottom rail.  Again, check that they are plumb.  Then return to the side rails, and screw them into place.

 

Lastly, fill in all your screw holes with spackle.  Once dry, retouch any spots with paint.  It is best to wait a few days before using chalk, see the back of the can for more details.

This is the chalkboard paint that I used:

This is a picture taken when using the chalkboard paint for another project, found {here}

 

{Ready to USE}

Your chalkboard is done and ready for endless hours of FUN.  This is a fairly straight-forward and easy project that will be a sure hit for the cold winter months (and hot summer days).

As you can see, my son couldn’t wait to start drawing.

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent basement project.
Check back soon for more updates and tutorials!

DIY: Creating a Framed Chalkboard Wall

Written by Jenna on . Posted in Chalkboard, DIY, Paint, Tutorial. 12 Comments on DIY: Creating a Framed Chalkboard Wall

My son doing his best ‘Vanna White”
As you know from a few previous posts, I have been feverishly working on my basement revamp! One of the many projects  included creating a new Chalkboard Wall for the kids.  They just love using chalk on the driveway, but in these winter months that’s unfeasible.  So I thought… let’s bring the LOVE of CHALK indoors!

 

Supplies
  • MDF Boards (cut to size)
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • White Paint (preferably semi-gloss)
  • Screws
  • Hammer / Screw gun
  • Measuring Tape
  • Pencil
  • Level
This Chalkboard Wall creation actually cost $0, because all the materials were leftovers from other recent projects. If you were to start from scratch, the project would cost you approximately $20.

{Step By Step}

 

1. Tape off the area where you’d like to apply the chalkboard paint (from the picture, you can see the old paint in the center and the freshly painted wall around).
NOTE: Your chalkboard wall can be as big or small as you’d like.  I also created a recessed panel below to work with the existing outlet placement ~ you don’t have to do this.(Obviously, I don’t want the kids drawing with chalk on the outlet)
2. Once you’ve painted the chalkboard on the wall, cut your lumber to the appropriate size.  The lumber will cover the line of where the wall paint color meets the chalkboard paint. Start with the top rail.  Make sure that it’s level.
NOTE: We used MDF (medium density fiberboard)…it’s the easiest and cleanest to work with.  I had leftover pieces from creating my craft area and had the rails cut to the exact size at HD.

 

3. Install the two side rails, but ONLY put in the top screw.
4. Install the middle and bottom rail.  Again, check that they are plumb.  Then return to the side rails, and screw them into place.

 

Lastly, fill in all your screw holes with spackle.  Once dry, retouch any spots with paint.  It is best to wait a few days before using chalk, see the back of the can for more details.

This is the chalkboard paint that I used:

This is a picture taken when using the chalkboard paint for another project, found {here}

 

{Ready to USE}

Your chalkboard is done and ready for endless hours of FUN.  This is a fairly straight-forward and easy project that will be a sure hit for the cold winter months (and hot summer days).

As you can see, my son couldn’t wait to start drawing.

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent basement project.
Check back soon for more updates and tutorials!

My Mom Cave (Craft Area) Reveal!

Written by Jenna on . Posted in Craft Area, DIY, Mom Cave.

Over the past year since moving into our home, we’ve had many {guests, parties, and gatherings}. As we’ve enjoyed showing off our new digs, not many people were allowed visited the basement {dun…dun…dun…}.  It was the only space we hadn’t focused on until NOW. The basement was a bit of a scary space with semi-gloss yellow colored walls and crap a mish mosh of furniture and disorganization. This past weekend my husband and I, along with our two kids in tow, Seized & Conquered, our basement makeover on a dollar beer budget.

The final touches of pillows, pictures, and personal touches are still being made, BUT I am making the {BIG REVEAL} of my A-M-A-Z-I-N-G new Craft Area!!  A true MOM CAVE all to MYSELF!

It took a LONG time to get to look like this, so let’s take a step back…

This is a pic from when we moved into the house.  The semi-gloss yellow colored walls were so not attractive.  The brass hardware just wasn’t cutting it.  And what’s up with the pine plank wall?  Not so sure…

Unfortunately, I don’t have a great BEFORE shot of my newly created craft area.  But do you see where the “bar” is to the left under the stair?  That’s the space….it’s unrecognizable now!
Unfortunately I didn’t take a pic of the “bar” before…it was JUST UGLY!   This is a photo of the wall after we took down the “bar” and the wall of stick-on-glass.  YES, individual pieces of glass were glued to the wall to create a mirror montage.  When we removed each piece, the wall looked like this…AHHHH!  There were definitely points through this whole process that my husband wanted to kill me was not happy with me 😉
After lots of back and forth on what to do with this VERY MESSED UP WALL, I decided to use wallpaper.  Why not, right?  (keepin’ it real: just as I went to take the pic, one light bulb blew out)…

Check back next week for a {tutorial on wallpapering}

Added some shelving and a desk….
And this is my NEW MOM CAVE!
I created the desk by using melamine book cases (30″W x 12″D x 30″H) as the base, then put a piece of MDF (medium density fiberboard) across the top.  The MDF was a 4′ x 8′ piece, that I purchased at HD.  I knew the size I wanted, and they cut it to: 30″ x 67″ (the rest I took home for other projects).  Once back at home,  I covered the MDF with a light-colored linen fabric that I bought for $2.60/yard from Walmart.  The finishing touch for the desk ,was a piece of glass that I had custom cut to size (this was the most expensive part of the project).
The shelving above the desk is also from HD and is a basic wire closet hanging system.  Instead of the typical white wire shelving, I decided on a taupe color to complement the wallpaper.   I love this shelving because it’s SO easy and quick to install.  If you’re not familiar with this style system, the only drilling needed for the installation is to attach the bar at the top.  The vertical brackets, hang off from the bar, and then you can install and adjust the shelves at any height.  Your shelves can be moved up and down at any time.
Now, I have SO much room for all of my miscellaneous crafting supplies.  As you can see in the picture, I also purchased/installed a “hanging bar” that sits just below the shelf.   Typically used for hanging clothes, I thought it would be great for holding ribbon. NO more lost or straggling ribbon thrown in a box!
Boxes + Bins = Organizational Bliss
The shelves look fairly bare (and neat), but believe me, they will fill up fast!
Each of the bookcases at the base of the desk are a great place for MORE storage.  Inspirational magazines, portfolios, and supplies filled these shelves in minutes!
And one more reveal….
MY SEWING MACHINE.
I vowed (along with Jenn) to learn to sew this year.  I’ve had my sewing machine for years, and it’s been in my garage for years (shhh….).  Well It’s now on my desk!
UGH…and this is the mess I left last time I used it.  Well I hope to bring you new creations soon.
Even though I have some more work to do to complete the basement, here is a peak at the BEFORE.

And here it is freshly painted and totally MADE OVER…no more yellow shiny walls….NOW ~ taupe colored beauty!  This pic also gives you a little sneak peak of ANOTHER project I will be revealing soon….
I hope you’ve been inspired by my new Mom Cave / Craft Area!
I am so excited to continue my crafty ideas and to start sewing.
Do you have a Mom Cave or Craft Area that you call YOUR OWN?

My Mom Cave (Craft Area) Reveal!

Written by Jenna on . Posted in Craft Area, DIY, Mom Cave. 31 Comments on My Mom Cave (Craft Area) Reveal!

Over the past year since moving into our home, we’ve had many {guests, parties, and gatherings}. As we’ve enjoyed showing off our new digs, not many people were allowed visited the basement {dun…dun…dun…}.  It was the only space we hadn’t focused on until NOW. The basement was a bit of a scary space with semi-gloss yellow colored walls and crap a mish mosh of furniture and disorganization. This past weekend my husband and I, along with our two kids in tow, Seized & Conquered, our basement makeover on a dollar beer budget.

The final touches of pillows, pictures, and personal touches are still being made, BUT I am making the {BIG REVEAL} of my A-M-A-Z-I-N-G new Craft Area!!  A true MOM CAVE all to MYSELF!

It took a LONG time to get to look like this, so let’s take a step back…

This is a pic from when we moved into the house.  The semi-gloss yellow colored walls were so not attractive.  The brass hardware just wasn’t cutting it.  And what’s up with the pine plank wall?  Not so sure…

Unfortunately, I don’t have a great BEFORE shot of my newly created craft area.  But do you see where the “bar” is to the left under the stair?  That’s the space….it’s unrecognizable now!
Unfortunately I didn’t take a pic of the “bar” before…it was JUST UGLY!   This is a photo of the wall after we took down the “bar” and the wall of stick-on-glass.  YES, individual pieces of glass were glued to the wall to create a mirror montage.  When we removed each piece, the wall looked like this…AHHHH!  There were definitely points through this whole process that my husband wanted to kill me was not happy with me 😉
After lots of back and forth on what to do with this VERY MESSED UP WALL, I decided to use wallpaper.  Why not, right?  (keepin’ it real: just as I went to take the pic, one light bulb blew out)…

Check back next week for a {tutorial on wallpapering}

Added some shelving and a desk….
And this is my NEW MOM CAVE!
I created the desk by using melamine book cases (30″W x 12″D x 30″H) as the base, then put a piece of MDF (medium density fiberboard) across the top.  The MDF was a 4′ x 8′ piece, that I purchased at HD.  I knew the size I wanted, and they cut it to: 30″ x 67″ (the rest I took home for other projects).  Once back at home,  I covered the MDF with a light-colored linen fabric that I bought for $2.60/yard from Walmart.  The finishing touch for the desk ,was a piece of glass that I had custom cut to size (this was the most expensive part of the project).
The shelving above the desk is also from HD and is a basic wire closet hanging system.  Instead of the typical white wire shelving, I decided on a taupe color to complement the wallpaper.   I love this shelving because it’s SO easy and quick to install.  If you’re not familiar with this style system, the only drilling needed for the installation is to attach the bar at the top.  The vertical brackets, hang off from the bar, and then you can install and adjust the shelves at any height.  Your shelves can be moved up and down at any time.
Now, I have SO much room for all of my miscellaneous crafting supplies.  As you can see in the picture, I also purchased/installed a “hanging bar” that sits just below the shelf.   Typically used for hanging clothes, I thought it would be great for holding ribbon. NO more lost or straggling ribbon thrown in a box!
Boxes + Bins = Organizational Bliss
The shelves look fairly bare (and neat), but believe me, they will fill up fast!
Each of the bookcases at the base of the desk are a great place for MORE storage.  Inspirational magazines, portfolios, and supplies filled these shelves in minutes!
And one more reveal….
MY SEWING MACHINE.
I vowed (along with Jenn) to learn to sew this year.  I’ve had my sewing machine for years, and it’s been in my garage for years (shhh….).  Well It’s now on my desk!
UGH…and this is the mess I left last time I used it.  Well I hope to bring you new creations soon.
Even though I have some more work to do to complete the basement, here is a peak at the BEFORE.

And here it is freshly painted and totally MADE OVER…no more yellow shiny walls….NOW ~ taupe colored beauty!  This pic also gives you a little sneak peak of ANOTHER project I will be revealing soon….
I hope you’ve been inspired by my new Mom Cave / Craft Area!
I am so excited to continue my crafty ideas and to start sewing.
Do you have a Mom Cave or Craft Area that you call YOUR OWN?

DIY: Chalkboard Platter

Written by Jenna on . Posted in DIY, Paint.

Happy Groundhog Day… The pivotal point of the year when we await Famous Phil’s emerging from underground to see if Spring will be here soon or if winter will be sticking around for another 6 weeks.  With all the snow we’re having in the Northeast, was Phil even able to make his grand entrance from the hole this morning?? 
I recently picked up a can of chalkboard paint and it’s been a blast to work with.  I’ve used it for several projects and my most recent was to update a simple platter that I purchased from TJ Maxx for $5!

{The Completed Chalkboard Platter Makeover}

{The Before}
 This is a before picture of the platter &
proof of my $5 {AMAZING FIND}

Step by Step Transformation:

Once you find the perfect piece that you want to don with chalkboard paint, mask out the area to be painted.
Start spreading it {ON}! Apply THIN coats of the chalkboard paint.  The can says it’ll need 2 coats, but I used 3.  It also says to use a roller or a foam brush.  Due to the shape of this platter, a roller would have been impossible, so I went with the foam brush.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Once the paint is applied to the entire surface, make continuous strokes from side to side without stopping.  This will make for a smoother (non-bumpy) finish. 
This is the product I used…it’s about $10-$12 and can be found in the paint section of most major hardware stores.
Once you’ve applied your 2-3 coats, it’s time of the {REVEAL}.  I pulled off the tape, and was left with a bit of a mess…UGH!  Because of the platter shape,  the tape wasn’t applied perfectly, and some paint spread onto the surface that I DIDN’T want painted.  No problemo…  I used my thumb nail an Xacto blade and a little bit of patience (ya, right) to scrape it off, and good as new!
{Finito…}
Now you can use your platter for so many places around the house…
let’s take a peak at all the ways I’ve used mine:
What’s for Dinner?
Let’s Celebrate a Special Occasion!
What’s Today’s Date?  
O, right…it’s February 2 ~ Groundhog Day!  Please tell me Phil didn’t see his shadow.  Maybe if he can’t get out of the hole because of all the snow, Spring will be here sooner than 6 weeks???  Please, O, Please!
 Blessings and Inspiration
Last Name Initial as a welcome to your home
And Lastly, but certainly not least, a {WELCOME}statement for your guests!
I have another project that I can’t wait to share with you using chalkboard paint…check back later this week for the {BIG DEBUT}
Have you ever used Chalkboard Paint?  
And if so, how/where have you used it?
 I’m linking up to these linky parties 
 

DIY: Chalkboard Platter

Written by Jenna on . Posted in DIY, Paint. 10 Comments on DIY: Chalkboard Platter

Happy Groundhog Day… The pivotal point of the year when we await Famous Phil’s emerging from underground to see if Spring will be here soon or if winter will be sticking around for another 6 weeks.  With all the snow we’re having in the Northeast, was Phil even able to make his grand entrance from the hole this morning?? 
I recently picked up a can of chalkboard paint and it’s been a blast to work with.  I’ve used it for several projects and my most recent was to update a simple platter that I purchased from TJ Maxx for $5!

{The Completed Chalkboard Platter Makeover}

{The Before}
 This is a before picture of the platter &
proof of my $5 {AMAZING FIND}

Step by Step Transformation:

Once you find the perfect piece that you want to don with chalkboard paint, mask out the area to be painted.
Start spreading it {ON}! Apply THIN coats of the chalkboard paint.  The can says it’ll need 2 coats, but I used 3.  It also says to use a roller or a foam brush.  Due to the shape of this platter, a roller would have been impossible, so I went with the foam brush.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Once the paint is applied to the entire surface, make continuous strokes from side to side without stopping.  This will make for a smoother (non-bumpy) finish. 
This is the product I used…it’s about $10-$12 and can be found in the paint section of most major hardware stores.
Once you’ve applied your 2-3 coats, it’s time of the {REVEAL}.  I pulled off the tape, and was left with a bit of a mess…UGH!  Because of the platter shape,  the tape wasn’t applied perfectly, and some paint spread onto the surface that I DIDN’T want painted.  No problemo…  I used my thumb nail an Xacto blade and a little bit of patience (ya, right) to scrape it off, and good as new!
{Finito…}
Now you can use your platter for so many places around the house…
let’s take a peak at all the ways I’ve used mine:
What’s for Dinner?
Let’s Celebrate a Special Occasion!
What’s Today’s Date?  
O, right…it’s February 2 ~ Groundhog Day!  Please tell me Phil didn’t see his shadow.  Maybe if he can’t get out of the hole because of all the snow, Spring will be here sooner than 6 weeks???  Please, O, Please!
 Blessings and Inspiration
Last Name Initial as a welcome to your home
And Lastly, but certainly not least, a {WELCOME}statement for your guests!
I have another project that I can’t wait to share with you using chalkboard paint…check back later this week for the {BIG DEBUT}
Have you ever used Chalkboard Paint?  
And if so, how/where have you used it?
 I’m linking up to these linky parties 
 

Valentine Burlap Wreath

Written by Jenna on . Posted in DIY, Holiday, Valentines. 27 Comments on Valentine Burlap Wreath

Even though I said goodbye to the Christmas decor days after the 25th of December, I only took down my Christmas wreath from the front door last week . The wreath didn’t scream Christmas, but it was time to say ‘See you next year’!  So the entrance to our home was naked.  My bare apple-green colored door just wasn’t cutting it till Springtime, so I adorned it with a crafty, handmade Valentine Wreath.

DIY: Valentine burlap wreath with handmade felt flowers by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Ta-Da…  The new and improved front door, dressed for V-day!  It’s beautified with the newly created handmade wreath using burlap and a few pretty flowers!

Supplies

  • Wire hanger (from any ole’ laundry mat or cleaners)
  • Scissors
  • Burlap
  • Florist wire (optional)
  • Plyers
  • And some crafty lovin’

Here’s the Process

Start with a wire hanger…everyone has them, right?  NO…not I.  I actually had to get one from my friend, Paula (thanks Paula!).  I am SOOO against hanging clothes on wire hangers and the only way to prevent my husband from hanging his clothes on them is to TOSS EM’.

Total diversion…  Here’s the next step…

Round the wire hanger (you may need two hangers depending on the size wreath you want to create), to look like this.
The wire hanger is probably too difficult to bend with your fingers (unless you’re the Hulk), so a pair of plyers or two, will definitely be helpful!
DIY: Valentine burlap wreath with handmade felt flowers by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net
1. Cut your burlap (I used 3/4 yard for the whole project / 1 yard was $3+/-) into 4″ wide strips.
2. Fold the burlap strips into an accordian style (as shown).  The fold should be about 3-4″ wide.
3 / 4. Poke and feed the wire through the center of the new accordian bunch.  Just keep on doing this until you create you wreath and you’ve used enough burlap to cover the wire.  I would actually recommend using at least one yard so the wreath is dense.  (I only had 3/4 yard at the time).
5. This step is optional.  If you have to attach two pieces of wire hanger, then follow this step.  I had to piece-meal two pieces together and attached the wire hanger with thin wire (florist wire) is good.

Done!

Well…NOT YET!
???

How about pretty little flowers? Yes, that will do the trick.

Welcome to My home

The flowers are made of felt and I attached them with a safety pin to the burlap, so I can use the wreath for other occasions throughout the year.

DIY: Valentine burlap wreath with handmade felt flowers by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Do you love these little felt flower beauties?

DIY: Valentine burlap wreath with handmade felt flowers by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net
Check out the Felt Flower Tutorial {HERE}

How do you adorn your front door for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Mantel Decor

Written by Jenna on . Posted in DIY, Holiday, Mantel, Valentines.

This week has been very busy and I took on WAY too many projects!  One positive result = I have LOTS to share with you.  My main focus was to decorate for Valentine’s (didn’t I just un-decorate from Christmas??).  To be honest, I’m really not into Valentine’s Day (doesn’t everyone say that) and I don’t usually change my decor for this somewhat minor holiday, but I had fun styling my home with a few homemade crafty creations!
Earlier this week, I posted pics of some Valentine’s ideas from other talented bloggers and I gave you a preview of the pillows (and now the mantel) that I pulled together for this LOVEly Holiday!
These cute pillows were super easy to make, especially using my all time favorite stand-by, Stitch Witch!  I own a sewing machine (thanks to my mom), but do not sew (YET!…it’s on my resolution list for 2011).  The other day, I picked up some fun V-day fabrics and accessories (ie: colorful buttons and iron-on appliques) and my creative juices started to floooow….  I had an idea in my head of the kind of pillows I wanted to create and here is the result:

The heart shape pillow is adorable, especially donning some colorful pink, orange, and yellow buttons!

And what about the L-O-V-E pillow ~ What do you think??  I used cheap inexpensive Muslin fabric ($2.50/yd) to create this vertical beauty.  I cut out the letters L, V, & E from felt and ironed them on, along with the heart applique for the O.  SIMPLE!
The other two pillows are basic sizes ~ the pink is 16:” x 16″ (which I’ll put in my daughter’s Honeysuckle colored room after V-day) and the black pillow is 8″ x 16″.  And of course the little mini….4″ x 6″
{The LOVE Mantel} 

Mostly everything on the mantel is repurposed from other places in my home. 


The candle pillars I purchased awhile ago from AC Moore ($5-$8).  The two taller pillars hold candles and the smaller version has newly made yarn balls.  They are so stinkin’ cute!!  Many of you knitters out there probably have a ton of ‘real’ yarn balls, but these are fake using styrofoam balls with yarn wrapping around (shhhh…).  Jenn just did a tutorial on how to make them ~ check it out.  

Standing in front, is my latest LOVE plaque that I bought from AC Moore for less than $1.  It’s actually a picture frame, which I removed and added a little love heart. 

Adorable Valentine Subway Art ~ Get it for Yourself.
And of course, our tribute to Philly: a mini LOVE sculpture.
I dressed up the candles on the candelabra (from Willow House) using some burlap strands. 

That’s my wedding bouquet from 7 years ago….how nice to incorporate into my LOVE mantel!

LOVE the garland on my newly retiled fireplace?  I cut out hearts from white construction paper and hung it with two layers of red yarn (used from the yarn balls).
This was a really fun project to work on…I hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Have you decorated your mantel for Valentine’s Day?
I’ll be linking this to Home Stories of A to Z

Valentine’s Mantel Decor

Written by Jenna on . Posted in DIY, Holiday, Mantel, Valentines. 13 Comments on Valentine’s Mantel Decor

This week has been very busy and I took on WAY too many projects!  One positive result = I have LOTS to share with you.  My main focus was to decorate for Valentine’s (didn’t I just un-decorate from Christmas??).  To be honest, I’m really not into Valentine’s Day (doesn’t everyone say that) and I don’t usually change my decor for this somewhat minor holiday, but I had fun styling my home with a few homemade crafty creations!
Earlier this week, I posted pics of some Valentine’s ideas from other talented bloggers and I gave you a preview of the pillows (and now the mantel) that I pulled together for this LOVEly Holiday!
These cute pillows were super easy to make, especially using my all time favorite stand-by, Stitch Witch!  I own a sewing machine (thanks to my mom), but do not sew (YET!…it’s on my resolution list for 2011).  The other day, I picked up some fun V-day fabrics and accessories (ie: colorful buttons and iron-on appliques) and my creative juices started to floooow….  I had an idea in my head of the kind of pillows I wanted to create and here is the result:

The heart shape pillow is adorable, especially donning some colorful pink, orange, and yellow buttons!

And what about the L-O-V-E pillow ~ What do you think??  I used cheap inexpensive Muslin fabric ($2.50/yd) to create this vertical beauty.  I cut out the letters L, V, & E from felt and ironed them on, along with the heart applique for the O.  SIMPLE!
The other two pillows are basic sizes ~ the pink is 16:” x 16″ (which I’ll put in my daughter’s Honeysuckle colored room after V-day) and the black pillow is 8″ x 16″.  And of course the little mini….4″ x 6″
{The LOVE Mantel} 

Mostly everything on the mantel is repurposed from other places in my home. 


The candle pillars I purchased awhile ago from AC Moore ($5-$8).  The two taller pillars hold candles and the smaller version has newly made yarn balls.  They are so stinkin’ cute!!  Many of you knitters out there probably have a ton of ‘real’ yarn balls, but these are fake using styrofoam balls with yarn wrapping around (shhhh…).  Jenn just did a tutorial on how to make them ~ check it out.  

Standing in front, is my latest LOVE plaque that I bought from AC Moore for less than $1.  It’s actually a picture frame, which I removed and added a little love heart. 

Adorable Valentine Subway Art ~ Get it for Yourself.
And of course, our tribute to Philly: a mini LOVE sculpture.
I dressed up the candles on the candelabra (from Willow House) using some burlap strands. 

That’s my wedding bouquet from 7 years ago….how nice to incorporate into my LOVE mantel!

LOVE the garland on my newly retiled fireplace?  I cut out hearts from white construction paper and hung it with two layers of red yarn (used from the yarn balls).
This was a really fun project to work on…I hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Have you decorated your mantel for Valentine’s Day?
I’ll be linking this to Home Stories of A to Z