Upcycled Tin Cans: Cast a Romantic Glow with Tabletop Luminaries

If you need an inexpensive, simple, and eco-friendly way to light up your next garden party, backyard bash, or dinner party, look no further than these easy to make tabletop luminaries.

Things You Need:
Salvaged Tin Cans
Stout nail and hammer, or drill with small sized bit
Colored Paper
Gold Metallic Paint
Stencils to suit your occasion
Pliers
Safety Glasses
Tape
Scissors
Tealight Candles or Flameless Battery Operated Tealights

Things to Do:
1. Use pliers to crimp down any sharp edges, then wash cans and allow to thoroughly dry.
2. Cut colored paper sized to fit inside the can. For a quick circumference measurement, wrap the can with string and then mark off the measurement on paper.
3. Coat cans with 1-2 coats of metallic spray paint, allowing to thoroughly dry between each coat. Be sure you don’t hold the spray can nozzle too close to the tin can, which can make for drippy, runny lines down your pretty table numbers and no one wants that.
4. Tape the stencil to the outside of the can, put on safety goggles, and then punch or drill holes, working from the outside of the design in. To prevent crushing, fill cans 3/4 full with water and freeze. The holes don’t have to be perfect, just remembered the more holes you drill, the more light that will come out.
5. To finish, line cans with colored paper ( I would recommend painting the inside of the cans if you are using a real tealight and not a battery operated one for safety reasons, as paperballet pointed out below =p ) and add a light source.

Tabletop luminaries cast a pleasant glow on casual and formal affairs, and can be personalized to suit any occasion:
Fireworks Luminaries: Perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or patriotic birthday party celebrations.
Numbered Luminaries: Guests can easily find their assigned table when numbered luminaries lights the way.

Don’t limit luminaries to tabletops—they’re also great for lining walkways, patios, and decks. Enjoy enlightening guests with your inspired creations at your next celebration.

Photo Credits: 100 Layer Cake

Easy DIY Decorative Jute Twine Accent Balls for Any Decor

Is your decor calling for a touch of something, but you just can’t put your finger on what that something is? Maybe our quick and easy jute ball home accents will do the trick. Perfect for nestling in baskets and over-sized bowls, or for looking pretty all on their own, these jute balls add a unique finishing touch to any space that needs a dose of color or texture.

Things you need:
3ply Jute Twine
3” Styrofoam Ball (you can use any size that you wish)
Spray Paint
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Things to do:
1. Make a small divot in the center of the styrofoam ball, and press one end of the jute twine into the divot so that it’s flush.
2. Start winding the jute twine around the styrofoam ball nice and tight, adding hot glue in 4” or 5” lines as you work. Dab hot glue right on the styrofoam ball and up against the edge of the cording. Use your fingertips to squeeze the strands together so none of the styrofoam peeks out from beneath the jute.
3. Finish the ends with nice, tight coils, using a little extra glue to secure. Make sure that you have enough at the end to be able to tuck the end piece under.
4. Leave the balls as it or spray with 1-2 coats of paint to match any existing decor, dry thoroughly, and then display.

Lovely indoors, these jute balls also add an intriguing accent to gardens, porches, and patios. To weather proof, simply apply a coat of outdoor sealant after painting.

Create an elegant, one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your next dinner party displaying gold or silver metallic painted jute balls in an over-sized crystal bowl, or use balls painted in red, white, and blue to create a 4th of July table-scape. The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding fun and creative uses for our decorative jute twine balls. Make a few for your own home, or fill a basket or bowl and share them with family and friends.

Photo Credits: Make it and Love it

Wedding Decorations with a Victorian Flair: How to Make a Pomander with Tissue Paper

If your wedding budget is starting to skyrocket, rein in some dollars without skimping on style by decorating with these easy to make and oh-so-elegant tissue pomander. An elegant statement on their own, pomander balls are ideal for stretching cut flowers, and since there are no worries about dropped petals or spilled water vases, they’re perfect for dressing up buffet and gift tables.

Things you need:
1 – 3” Styrofoam Ball
Tissue Paper
Scissors
34 gauge Wire
Wire Cutters
Ribbon

Things to do:
1. Cut a desired length of ribbon of your choice. Press the tail of the ribbon into the Styrofoam ball using a pencil. You can push the pencil all the way through and tie your ribbon in a knot at the end. You can also push the pencil half way through and add a little hot glue to ensure that the ribbon never moves.
2. Cut tissue paper into 5” x 7” rectangles. Then, stack four sheets together and fold pleats all the way up, just like you’re folding a fan.
3. Wrap a length of wire around the center of each folded bundle, leaving a tail long enough to anchor the tissue paper to the Styrofoam ball.
4. Shape the bundle into a flower by pulling the tissue paper sheets up one at a time toward the center, alternating the sheets from left to right.
5. Gently press the tail of the wire into the Styrofoam ball (again may help to use a pencil), and repeat until your pomander ball reaches the desired fullness. (Tip: It typically takes 18-20 bundles to complete each pomander.)

Display pomander balls as an elegant, budget-friendly alternative to cut flowers. Use the money you’ll save for a honeymoon splurge – or for a bigger cake!

Simple Centerpieces for Memorial Day that Won’t Soon Be Forgotten

With Memorial Day right around the corner, it’s never too soon to start planning the festivities. Whether you’ll be hosting a backyard bash or enjoying a cozy barbecue for two, adding a few special touches to your tabletop will help make the celebration even more memorable. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating festively patriotic centerpieces. Set the tone with these simple centerpieces:

Romantic Rendezvous Centerpieces
Dining after sundown? Cast a romantic glow with a dramatic Memorial Day candle tablescape. To make, simply group chunky red, white, and blue tapers atop an Oval Glass Mirror, and accentuate with red, white and blue marbles, painted wood stars, or any other patriotic embellishments.

Afternoon Dining Centerpieces
If you have a stash of miniature American flags on hand, it’s a breeze to make a Memorial Day centerpiece that’s loaded with visual interest. To make, simply stand the flags in clear glass jars with red, white, and blue sand.

Red, White, and Blue Carnation Centerpieces
If colored carnations aren’t available, create your own floral masterpieces by spraying garden cut blooms with colored floral spray.

Repurposed Christmas Centerpieces
For a stunning focal point, layer red, white, and blue glass ornaments in an oversized clear glass bowl, and add a meandering strand of battery-powered teeny white lights.

Deliciously Sweet Centerpieces
This sweet showpiece serves double-duty. To make, simply layer red, white, and blue candies in tall, clear glass vessels.

Enlightening Centerpieces
Upcycled tin can luminaries add instant sparkle to any tabletop. To create, paint salvaged tin cans with red, white, and blue Apple Barrel acrylic paint and allow to thoroughly dry. Fill cans with water and freeze. Then, put on safety goggles and use a hammer and nail to punch a star pattern through the tin, and light with a votive candle.

While you’re enjoying the company of family and friends this Memorial Day, be sure to pay homage to those who have lost their lives in service of our nation. Enjoy creating new, lasting memories with these special and simple centerpieces for Memorial Day.

Paper Pinwheels – Breezy Centerpieces for any Occasion

As refreshing as they are appealing, paper centerpieces bring a whimsical touch to any affair. Paper centerpieces and decorations can be whipped up in no time, and are guaranteed to be as easy on the eyes as they are on your pocketbook.

Things you need:
12” x 12” sheets of coordinating scrapbook paper or wallpaper remnants
Floral Tape
Hole Punch
Scissors
Scallop edge scissors
Dowel Rods
Wooden Ruler
Spray Adhesive
Pencil
Decorative Push Pins (with a head larger in diameter than your hole punch)

Things to do:
1. Choose two different colors or patterns of paper for a more dimensional pinwheel. The size of the paper does not really matter, as long as your paper is a perfect square in shape. Use spray adhesive to affix the wrong sides of the two sheets of coordinating scrapbook paper or wall paper remnants together; allow to dry thoroughly.
2. Cover the dowel with florist’s tape, overlapping the edges as you wrap.
3. Place the ruler diagonally at a corner and lightly draw a line measuring 5 ½” in length toward the center; repeat on remaining three corners.
4. Use scallop edge scissors to cut on the drawn lines and to trim all paper edges.
5. Punch a hole in the center of the paper, and at the point of every pinwheel tip.
6. Create the pinwheel by aligning holes, bringing tips toward the center without creasing or folding.
7. Slip a decorative pushpin into the hole and press into the dowel to secure.
8. Add finishing details, such as glitter, charms, ribbons, or other embellishments, and allow to dry thoroughly before displaying.

Bundle several paper windmills together to form a decorative bouquet for centerpieces, use to line walkways, or make a few miniature paper windmills to use as cake decorations or buffet table accessories. Perfect for the young – and the young at heart – paper windmills give even the most formal of occasions a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Incredible Edible Candy Centerpieces with Styrofoam Balls

Things you will need:

7” Styrofoam Ball
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Spray Paint (color of your choice; you will probably want the color to match the color theme of your candy)
Candy Pieces

Things to do:
1. Spray paint your styrofoam ball and let dry. You will be able to see some of the styrofoam ball once the candy is all in the place so you will want the color to match your candy color theme
2. Glue the candy to the ball, starting at the bottom. Finish each layer all the way around before adding a new row.
3. Completely cover the ball with candy, and then fill in any “bald patches.” Finally, find pretty little stands to display you candy balls such as candle stick holders, or decorative cups, you could even place several smaller balls in a bowl for different look.

Tip: If the candy centerpiece is for adult enjoyment only, you may use straight pins instead of hot glue.

Candy centerpieces crafted from blue or pink taffy make adorable baby shower hostess gifts, while using Starlight Mints will add a festive touch to holiday tabletops. Use your imagination – and your taste buds – to come up with your own tasty creation. Use this creative styrofoam ball craft in your own home, or present them as treasured gifts. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day fast approaching, now is the time to get started on your handmade masterpieces.

How to make a Pomander (Kissing Ball) for your Wedding

A pomander is also known as a kissing ball and can be made of fresh or artificial flowers. Pomanders were traditionally made with perfumes and used to lessen bad smells. Nowadays, pomanders can be seen in many weddings. Wedding pomanders are traditionally used to decorate, they work very well on wedding arches, backs of chairs, over door knobs and also ends of pews or aisles. The most common use for the pomander is as an alternative and sweet way for the flower girl to carry flowers. It can hang from her wrist when small bouquets are hard to carry.

Things you need:
3″ Styrofoam Ball or 4″ Styrofoam Ball
Artificial Flowers (of your choice)
Ribbon (of your choice)
Floral U Pins
T-Pins
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Things to do:
1. Take your styrofoam ball and push a floral u pin through the “top” of the ball, then take the pin out. Place a few dabs of glue over the holes and place the floral u pin back in. Make sure that you leave about 1/4″ gap between the styrofoam ball and pin. The gap will be used later so that you can attach a ribbon or wire so that you can hang your pomander.
2. Next, separate your artificial flowers from their bunches and cut the stems to about a 1/4″ or 1/2″ in length. Starting from the top use your glue gun to create small dents in the styrofoam ball and add a dab of glue before placing each stem. Repeat this process until the entire styrofoam ball is covered. You can also use T pins or floral U pins instead of hot glue, depending on the size of your flowers and styrofoam ball. It may help if you start from the top and work your way down in a line and repeat the process this way so that you ensuring that the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps.
3. Once your pomander is completely covered with flowers, string your wire or ribbon through the floral U pin at the top. The length of the ribbon will depend on how you choose to use your pomander. Shorter loops are great for pomanders that will be carried by individuals in the wedding party and longer loops are better for pew decorations. You can also just skip the ribbon and hanging altogether, creating pomanders for bowls and wedding centerpiece decorations.

Easter Craft: Eggshell Votive Candles

Here is a new spin on an old tradition. Easter eggs are seen everywhere to celebrate the Easter holiday and signify that springtime is just around the corner. Eggs are often a symbol of rebirth and a start of a new life. Start your season off with these beautiful eggshell votive candles!
Things you need:
2lb Candle Wax
4″ Pre-tabbed Candle Wicks
Unfinished Wood Egg Holders
Food Coloring or Egg Coloring Kit
Egg Cartoon
Funnel

Things to do:
1. To make the holes in your eggs, gently and carefully tap a sharp serrated knife around the narrow egg of the egg. Lift and twist the small portion of egg shell to remove it from the egg body. Empty the out the yolk and clean the egg carefully.
2. Dye your eggs in the colors you desire. Follow the food coloring or egg coloring kit instructions for dying directions.
3. Paint or Mod Podge your own egg holders for a unique fun look. Set aside and let dry.
4. Place your egg shells into an egg cartoon for safety. Hot glue the wick tabs to the inside bottom portion of your eggs. This way your wicks will not float when the hot wax is being pour in. Be sure that your eggs are dry inside before applying the hot glue.
5. Melt your candle making wax by purchasing a double broiler or you can also combine a smaller pan within a larger pan, to make your own type of double broiler. Be sure that you place water in the larger pan and be on the watch that the water doesn’t evaporate. Heating the candle wax up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit is fine generally. I suggest adding the color and additives to your wax right around 190 degrees F. Stir the wax it for several minutes, this will make certain that the wax has an even temperature throughout and the mix is blended thoroughly.
6. Using your funnel, carefully pour the hot wax in each egg shell until desired amount. Cut any excess wick. Place your eggs on your egg holders and you’re ready to light!

Craft Project – Little Stork’s a Coming with Loopy Chenille

Things you need:
1 – 10″ Styrofoam Disk
1 – 8″ Styrofoam Disk
1 – 3″ Styrofoam Egg
1 – 8″ Styrofoam Wreath
1 – 9″ x 4″ Styrofoam Cone
6yd Hank – White Loopy Chenille
1yd Hank – Blue or Pink (Or color of your choice) Loopy Chenille
2 – 1/4″ Wood Dowel Rods
1 – Gold Felt Square
1 – Black Felt Top Hat
1 – 4″ Teddy Bear
2 – 25mm Googly Eyes
1 – 3-1/2″ Doll Glasses
White Netting Tulle Spool
Floral U Pins
Hot Glue Gun
Hot Glue Sticks
Poster board
Ribbon and Flowers as Desired

Things to do:
1. Take your styrofoam wreath, measure and mark 5-1/2″. Then cut the piece for the stock’s neck.
2. To make your stork’s body, round the sharp edge of the cone base by rolling and pressing the end along the table.
3. To connect the stock’s body with the neck, cut out a 1″ piece of the cone at the base so that the neck fits into the body. Be sure that the rounded part of the neck is flush with the base of the cone. Adjust the neck so that it is turned at a slight angle and secure with hot glue.
4. Take the styrofoam egg and push the large end onto the neck at a slight downward angle. Glue the styrofoam egg in place.
5. Cut a 7-1/2″ strip of white loopy chenille and wrap lengthwise around the egg from the back of the neck around the middle of the styrofoam egg and under the chin of the stork. Glue in place with hot glue.
6. Cut two – 13″ strips of white loopy chenille and wind each strip into two spirals. Glue each loopy chenille spiral onto each side of the head.
7. Wrap the white loopy chenille around the styrofoam cone beginning at the point and ending at the base. Secure the white loopy chenille with hot glue and floral pins.
8. Cut one – 17″ strip of white loopy chenille and wind into a spiral. Glue the white loopy chenille spiral onto the chest of the stork.
9. Cut one – 6″ strip of white loopy chenille and bend in half. Glue the loopy chenille piece onto the pointed end of the styrofoam cone, covering the tip for the stork’s tail.
10. Cut a 28″ strip of white loopy chenille and wrap it around the neck starting from the cone, wrapping the loopy chenille up to the start of the styrofoam egg. Secure the loopy chenille with glue and floral pins.
11. Cut one – 5″ by 2″ triangle from the poster board for the top of the bill and one – 5″ by 1-1/2″ triangle for the bottom of the bill. Wrap the poster board triangles in the gold felt. Be sure to cut the felt so that the edges are flush with the center of the bill. Glue and pin them together with floral pin to the bottom of the head.
12. Cut two – 13″ strips of white loopy chenille to make the wings. Coil each loopy chenille strip into a circle. Glue and pin each coil onto each side of the body right below the stork’s neck.
13. Cut two – 20″ strips of white loopy chenille to make the feathers. Fold each loopy chenille strip accordion style into a 4″ feather, a 3″ feather, and a 2″ feather. Secure the wings onto each side of the body, under the edge of the loopy chenille coils and pointing to the back of the body towards the tail, with glue and floral pins.
14. Cut two – 20″ strips of blue loopy chenille (we used blue on our stork but you could also do pink or another color of your choice) and repeat the process in step 13 to make another set of wings. Place each blue loopy chenille wing on each side of the stork’s body, just under the first set of feathers. Secure with glue and floral pins.
15. To make the stork’s legs, cut two – 9″ pieces from the dowels rods. Cut two – 9″ by 1-1/4″ strips of gold felt. Wrap and glue the felt around the two wood dowel rods. Push one end of the dowels into the body of the stork about 3″ back from the front of the chest and 1-1/2″ apart from each other. Push the remaining ends of the dowels into the 8″ styrofoam disk. Secure each end of the dowel rods with hot glue.
16. Center and glue the 8″ styrofoam disk on top of the 10″ styrofoam disk. Glue on the googly eyes and place the glasses onto the stork so that they rest on the bill. Secure the glasses with glue.
17. Finally, glue on the black felt top hat. Cut a 6″ by 14″ piece of tulle. Fold the tulle in half and tie in a knot. Slip the teddy bear inside and glue the tulle to the storks bill. Add and glue on desired ribbons and flowers.

DIY Thanksgiving Decoration – Pumpkin Votive Candle Holder

Here is a simple Thanksgiving decoration idea using mini pumpkins, floral U pins, and clear glass hurricane shades! Simply snap off the stem of each pumpkin being used. Then place a votive candle in each depression where the stem used to be. You could even try using a battery operated flameless votive candle for a safer and longer lasting candle Take your clear glass hurricane shade and cover the votive candle. To ensure that the clear glass hurricane shade stays in place, use the floral U pins around the base of the clear glass hurricane shade. Now you have your own organic votive holder to illuminate any autumn table setting!

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