Inspiration

Tara from Suburble shares at Crafts Unleashed how she gave some dollar store candle holders a wintery makeover with etching cream. For one of the holders, Tara created unique snowflake stencils for each side using her Silhouette Cameo. The other features a fun candy cane-esque diagonal stripe that was easily achieved with painter’s tape. Tara says, “ Wouldn’t these votive candle holders look so sweet wrapped up in cellophane and gifted to a hostess this holiday season? Or make a pair (or a trio…) and present them as a personalized gift!”

This morning I shared an ornament garland Melissa of The Happier Homemaker created for her front door. Did you also spy the ornament wreath hanging there in all its red and silver glory? Of course, Melissa made that too, and it’s another knock-off. Woot woot! Here’s what Melissa says about her snazzy new wreath: “I loved an ornament wreath I found at Home Depot, but it wasn’t available in the exact colors I wanted. I was able to DIY my own for under $20. The best part was it took less than 30 minutes to make!”

Inspired by a boxwood wreath at Home Depot, Mari from crab+fish used clippings from the boxwoods in her landscaping to make a DIY version. She says, “It was the Holy Grail of quick, cheap, and easy to do. The clippings were free and the cost of the wreath frame and bow (dollar store!) were nominal.” And you don’t have to limit yourself to boxwoods. Mari suggests checking out the foliage in your yard and getting creative!

Jaime from That’s My Letter has a slew of tutorials for adorable zipper pouches in different designs and sizes. I love this colorblock one with a handpainted monogram and heavy-duty metal zipper. It was inspired by a pricey clutch from Mark and Graham, but, like Jaime says, you might want to consider making your own for much less. While the pouch is a fabulous gift itself, you could even take it a step further by packing it with goodies!

There’s nothing that relaxes me quite like a nice soak in the tub. Throw in a bath bomb, and I’m in heaven! However, like Angela from Bare Root, I have a hard time stomaching $5 and up for one of those luscious bombs. That’s one pricey bath! Angela discovered that she could turn ingredients from around the house into her own bath bombs. So how about giving the gift of pampering and relaxation this holiday season?