I am so excited to show off the handy work of my friend, Karen, in today’s post! She recently decided to update her bedroom by creating a beautiful, afordable, fabric headboard. She was also featured on one of my favorite home improvement blogs, Young House Love. Be sure to check out their site to get all sorts of awesome ideas and inspiration!

From Karen: I used 1 X 2’s cut to size from my home improvement store (I attached them with L brackets which only cost me $5!). I did use designer fabric by Patricia Bravo but I got a great deal on that on Etsy so the whole project was really affordable.

Be sure to also check out the post that started it all: How to Upholster a Headboard. Special thanks to Sherry and John over at Young House Love! You guys are a constant source of inspiration (and also a good laugh!)

Who loves receiving a pretty package? My hand is raised! I honestly get excited when I receive any type of package – in person or through the mail, from a friend or from a store – I literally squeal every time! Today’s post highlights simple ways to make someone you love squeal when they receive their own pretty package from you.

{image credit} Holly Holderman

I really like the idea of using your recipients name right on the package, as shown above. Use a laser printer, stamps or trace and then cut-out letters from decorative paper, such as old maps, sheet music or printed card stock.

{image credit} from left: The Haystack Needle, Sea Unicorn, Bugs and Fishes

Embellish your package with vintage wallpaper, paper doilies & mini clothespins (shown above in upper left). Or create a wrap-around gift tag (shown above in bottom right). Simply cut a wide strip of colored paper, attach that to your package (use double-sided tape or glue stick), then cut out  a smaller white strip, use a rectangle hole punch to create slots for your ribbon (or very thin paper strip) to slide through. Center and attach the white strip on top and voila!

Create a butterfly gift tag by downloading the PDF here.

{image credit} from top left: Ribbons & Pom Poms, Humunuku, Whisker Graphics, A Little Hut

Look for ways to recycle brown paper you may have tucked around the house already. Turn brown paper grocery bags and take out bags (the clean ones) inside out to reuse.

{image credit} from top left: Sundance Catalog, Style Canvas, A Lovely Morning, Nice Package

I stumbled across a site devoted to the steampunk aesthetic the other day, The Steampunk Workshop. On that site was an amazing tutorial on how to customize boring brass switchplates using found objects, such as old clock gears, bolt caps, or small lamp finials. Here are some of the photos:

Can’t wait to get my hands on a blowtorch….

{image credit} The Steampunk Workshop

I am so in love with this look! I believe I have found my inspiration for our attic remodeling project! Be sure to check out all the “how-to’s” at The Steampunk Workshop.

These pretty pom pom paper goodies are available to download free thanks to Kristen at Domestifluff! Just imagine all the stationary, gift wrap and invitations a girl could make with them! Swoon

{image credit} Domestifluff

Be sure to check out the rest of her fabulous food and craft blog! Kristen has great style and so many fun ideas to share. Thanks Domestifluff!

You will need:

1. Plain candles

2. Spray adhesive

3. Finely ground glitter

4. A box

5. A plastic spoon

To begin, I laid out a large tablecloth (actually I used an old flat sheet). No matter how careful you are, this is still a project involving glitter – its inevitable that you’ll have some mess!

Next, place the candle in the box to lightly (and evenly) coat it with the spray adhesive.

Immediately begin spooning the glitter onto the candle. I was able to use the back side of the spoon to help distribute and smooth the glitter. The box will catch the excess and you’ll then be able to gently roll the candle along the bottom to help it re-adhere.

After you are satisfied with the look of your candle, set it aside to dry for at least one hour. I actually let mine sit overnight, just to be sure.

And here is the result:

Of note:

As I said, this project will be somewhat messy (this is glitter after-all). I did not wear gloves and therefore I ended up with “sticky fingers” from the spray adhesive. I washed my hands about 4 times before all the glitter was finally gone! I am not sure if latex gloves are the way to go though. I would be afraid of the gloves sticking to the adhesive and pulling glitter off the surface.

Also, be advised that even after the adhesive is fully set, some glitter will still slough off with use. Handle with care and don’t let them touch your clothing and it should be fine.