This is a fun table decor idea for the 4th of July. DIY Firecrackers!

You will need:
-canisters of different sizes (I used Pringles cans and Pirouline cream filled wafers cans)
-tissue paper
-ribbon
-festive star wire(I purchased from the Dollar Store)
-paper

Directions:
1.) Cut 3-4 pieces of the star decorative wire into strips. Then twist at one end to secure together.
2.)Wrap the can with tissue paper and bunch at the top of the can. Insert the wire and then tie with a ribbon. 
3.)Cut paper to fit around the can and tape in place. You can use red, white, blue  paper etc..
4.) wrap with festive ribbon to decorate  your firecracker to your  liking. Secure with tape or a glue gun. 

I love a good mason jar craft. This is a great patriotic decor idea for your 4th of July festivities. 

You will need: 
- a glass mason jar
-small fabric flag
-mod podge

Directions:
Simply remove the fabric flag from off the small plastic pole it is stapled to. I found a package of 3  small American flags for really cheap at Walmart. Then place the flag in the center of your glass mason jar and with a sponge brush or regular paint brush apply the mod podge glue. Cover the entire flag with the glue(it will dry clear). Let it dry over night and place a candle or battery operated tealight inside. A super easy craft for the 4th of July!

Nothing says Spring like Flower Pots! I decided to make some cute Easter inspired flower pots. This craft idea a great one  for kids. Here is what you need:

-Flower pots (I used plastic)
-Acrylic paint(white, yellow and black)
-felt
-googly eyes
-glitter(pink)
-White foam paper (bunny ears)
-hot glue gun
-regular glue

I went to my local Walmart and found some plastic flower pots for just 99 cents. These are great for little ones because they are lightweight and won't break unlike terracotta pots. The ones I chose were green( I didn't see any white plastic flower pots) so I painted one white (bunny) and the other yellow(chick). I did a few coats. 

Next I glued on some large googly eyes. For the chick I cut out the wings and beak with felt. For the bunny I painted the face and used some pink glitter. I used white foam paper for the ears and hot glued them to the front (behind the rim) of the flower pot. 

For inside the flower pot you can certainly use real flowers. I inserted some foam and I stuck some fake flowers from the Dollar Store and Easter grass inside instead.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. If you are a parent you are probably flocking to the store to pick up candy and Valentine's Day cards for your kids classmates. If you are looking for a clever way to give candy, this a great idea for classmates, teachers, neighbors etc.. 

Paper Flower Lollipops

You will need: 
-paper flower streamers(red, pink or white)
-lollipops (I used Dum Dums)
-clear tape

Directions: 
-Cut a piece of the paper streamer (about 6 or 7 inches)
-Fold the strip accordion style
-Then lay the strip on a flat surface (make sure some of the folds are overlapping) and apply a piece of tape to the bottom. Half of the tape on the paper and the other half exposed to be taped to the lollipop. 
-Then wrap around the lollipop and taping it to the stick
​-repeat step at least 2-3 more times. Then fluff a bit and you will have a pretty paper flower lollipop. 

Here are some great tips from Artificial Plants and Trees on how to fluff your artifical Christmas tree!

​Step 1: Select the Perfect Tree Location
Before you assemble your artificial Christmas tree, you will want to decide on the space to place it. A few options for positioning your tree include the center of a large bay window, in the middle of the main gathering room, and in a corner for homes and apartments with limited space.  Just be sure there is a power outlet nearby for the lights.
 
Step 2: Set Up the Base
Make sure you have all the sections of your artificial Christmas tree nearby. First, set up the tree stand and secure the largest part of the tree, starting at the bottom. Wear a pair of gloves if you want to avoid getting poked by the artificial branches. Separate each branch of the lower section with your hands and if it is a pre-lit tree, plug in the lights to ensure they are all working and to let them guide you in where to fluff the branches.
 
Step 3: Work Your Way Up
Now that the stand and base of the tree are set up and fluffed out continue adding sections of artificial tree working your way up. With each new section of a pre-lit tree, plug in the lights to check the bulbs and make sure they are balanced on all sides. Allow each section to fall into place and then separate out the branches.
 
Step 4: Fan Out and Fill Any Gaps
To achieve good volume with your tree and to close any gaps, you’ll want to fan out the ends of the branches. Start with the inner branches and work your way outwards. Fan out the twigs and branches at the center, manipulating them in random ways to avoid a “too-perfect” tree. To fill out any holes and make the tree look big and full, bend the twigs on each branch vertically that are closest to the center of the tree, bending the tips out and away from the tree as you move away from the center.
 
Step 5: Step Back and Enjoy!
Once your tree is all assembled and fluffed, step back to admire your creation and see if any areas need to be filled in. keep fluffing and bending to achieve your desired look. Before you know it, you will be a tree fluffing master, and each season will require less and less set-up time. 

I have never made a Christmas Bulb Wreath before. It was really simple and I love how it came out. 

You will need: 
-Plastic Christmas bulbs ( got a canister of 50)
-Wire hanger
-Ribbon
-Pliers 

Directions:
Unravel the top of the hanger to separate it. Then shape the hanger into a circle (wreath shape). Then begin placing the the ornaments on the wire hanger by pulling the wire through the loop at the top of the ornaments. Once you have filled up the hanger with ornaments secure the top by twisting the wire. I create a loop with the wire for easy hanging. Then tie a bow with the ribbon at the top of the wreath. This will also help cover up any wire that is exposed. 

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? If you are a teacher or looking for a fun Thanksgiving craft activity to keep the kids occupied, you will love this! 

All you need is a paper bag, googly eyes and construction paper. Have the kids write what they are thankful for. These Turkeys  also make for really cute puppets. 

This is a fun Thanksgiving craft that is also a snack! Kids can help make this and it is great for them to snack on until Thanksgiving dinner is ready. You can also personalize by writing their name on it. 

You need:
-popcorn
- a paper bag
-white card stock paper
-Elmer's glue

Directions: 
Fill the paper bag with popcorn about half way. With some scissors just trim some length off the paper bag from the top to just shorten the bag a bit. 
With the white card stock paper draw a bone. Cut it out and glue at the top of the paper bag on the inside. The scrunch the paper together and glue to secure. 

I love mini pumpkins! They are so cute, easy to work with and affordable. I always try to look for creative ways to decorate with mini pumpkins. With Thanksgiving approaching here are some easy ways to use mini pumpkins to dress up the Thanksgiving table. 

Candle: Purchase a long candle stick. Remove the mini pumpkin stem and then simply insert the candle. The pumpkins make for a very festive candle holder. 

Centerpiece: I purchased a glass cylinder at Walmart and simply placed the mini pumpkins inside. You can dress it up some more by adding acorns, leaves, pine cones etc.. 

Mini Pumpkin Turkey: This is a fun craft activity for kids and it is SUPER easy to make.  All you need is a mini pumpkin, foam paper, fake leaves and googly eyes. 
Check out my video on how to make it. 

As a Pumpkin Spice addict I totally fell in love with this adorable Pumpkin Spice Latte craft idea I saw on Michaels.com. So I decided to give it a try with my own spin. 

You can purchase everything from Michael's Craft Store. You will need: 
-A half pumpkin wall decoration
-Polyfil ( this will be the whip cream)
-paper straws
-a wooden letter "C"
-black and white acrylic paint
-gold glitter


Directions:
-Paint a little over half of the pumpkin white(leave some of the top of the pumpkin orange). 
-Paint the wooden letter "C" black and allow to try 
-Apply  some Elmer's or Mod Podge glue to the top of where the white paint ends on the pumpkin. Then sprinkle with gold glitter, shake off excess and allow to dry. 
- Paint " Pumpkin Spice latte" in black paint in the center of the pumpkin or you can use a permanent marker. 
-Next hot glue the wooden letter "C" on the back of the right side of the pumpkin to be the handle. 
-Lastly hot glue some of the Polyfil to the top of the pumpkin to be the whip cream. Then as a final touch with Elmer's glue I did a few lines of glue and sprinkled some gold  glitter, 
-Allow everything to dry and hang on the wall.