DIY Cinnamon Stick Candles

Image via: Made by Craftolina

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Watch a Video – How to Make Cinnamon Stick Candles

Link to video: How to Make Cinnamon Stick Candles

Supplies

• Burlap
• Large candle ( 1 or more)
• Cinnamon sticks (approximately 8-inch long)
• Jute twine
• Elastic band or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Faux berries and other decorations (optional)

Image via: Craftaholics Anonymous

Steps

1. Put the elastic band at the center of the candle then place the cinnamon sticks inside. If you have a hot glue gun, use it to attach the cinnamon sticks to the candle.
2. If your cinnamon sticks vary in height, break them so they are of equal height. Depending on the size of your candle, you may need fewer or more cinnamon sticks.
3. Cut a strip of burlap and adjust it to fit your candle’s diameter. Use the hot glue gun to attach the burlap to the cinnamon sticks.
4. Tie the twine around the candle and add your decorations before you make a knot. Ensure the knot is not higher than the cinnamon sticks so the twine doesn’t burn when the candle is on.
5. You can make the candles in different sizes and heights and arrange them together for a striking holiday centerpiece.

Image via: Celebrate Creativity

The holiday season isn’t complete without the sweet smell of cinnamon. DIY cinnamon stick candles not only look gorgeous, they give off a nostalgic, cozy aroma. You can use unscented candles or vanilla candles. The two scents make a lovely combination and will have your guests longing for cinnamon apple pie. The faux berries will add cheer and color to your home and are perfect for the holiday season.

Where will you use your candles this season? For more DIY candle ideas, click here.

If you want a quick makeover, a paint job can do the trick! The paint color variations provide a number of vibes for your interior, exterior, furniture and even your home décor. There are so many DIY ideas related to the painting that you can do during your free time. One of these DIY ideas is improving your home décor through a repainting project.

A DIY paint project, specifically improving home décor, is perfect for people who wanted to complement seasonal colors. For instance, you can choose colors like white, fuchsia, khaki and gray. Painting can also lengthen the life of your home décor. So, painting can bring out the great in any of your things at home. Here are some DIY paint projects to improve your home décor:

DIY Paint Project: Decorating your Home with Color

• Paint your furniture

Your furniture can make a difference in your interior. So, imagine doing a paint job on your furniture to match your interior design. This will definitely improve the looks of your furniture. It is highly recommended to choose high-gloss paint for your furniture for best results. You can also opt to have semi-gloss or transparent gloss to freshen up the looks of your furniture.

Image via: BHG

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• Have a mirror frame repainted

Having a mirror in your interior provides an illusion of wider space. It also adds elegance to your room. If you want it to be more attractive, consider repainting the frame. This is an easy and a quick makeover DIY paint project that you can do anytime.  For better result, brush it up with a clear varnish.

Image via: Style At Home

• Repaint your crown molding

Your crown molding can make your ceiling standout. It provides a neat partition between the color of your ceiling and the walls. By having a stunning crown molding, you will have an accent that will command attention to anyone in the room. A high-gloss or semi-gloss paint can give you a perfect finish.

Image via: Pinterest

These DIY ideas using paint to improve your home décor are great for a weekend project. You can have these projects done so quick and easy.  We’d love to hear your ideas for DIY Paint Project: Decorating your Home with Color!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Now that the New Year has started, why not find new purposes for old things? Instead of buying new, revamp your home for the new year! DIY home decor ideas are perfect because they require very little money and have a custom look that is uniquely yours. Shutters are the perfect decor item for your interiors without even trying. From wall screens and headboards to creative places to display family photos and more. Look at these simple ideas for your home. Whether you have shutters lying around your home or you salvage them from another home, check out these clever repurposing ideas.

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Repurposed Shutters: DIY Home Decor Ideas

With the shape and materials that shutters have, they can make great for a rustic side table. The process will take some work but it is well worth it. First, take 2 shutters that are at least 48in. long. Then lay one of the shutters on a flat surface and saw it exactly in half, do this for the other shutter as well. When each has be cut take a nail gun and nail the sides of the boards together making a square shape with all of the boards. Once they have all been put together, stand the base of the table (the square shaped shutters) upright and secure a top to it. The top can be made from glass, wood or whatever material you decide to use. Once that has been done, you will have your newly used side table.

Image via:  Chateau and Bungalow

This idea will go great for those of use with more intimate and smaller spaces the screens can at as room dividers.  Take the shutters that you plan to use and personalize them.  Color them with designs of floral or whimsical prints, or just make it a solid color (light or dark), or and texture to it with certain fabrics and craft materials.  Once you have designed them the way you want, set them up where you want to separate the space or set up privacy for an area that may be open.

Memorabilia Wall

Image via:  Made in a Day

Let’s make some memories.  Have the shutters be like a memorabilia wall for your interiors.  Just paint the shutters the same color as the wall or an accent color that goes along with the décor of the room.  Then find some family photos and set them in different frames, then hang or glue them to the shutters and set them in front of a corner in the family room or den area.

Entertaining display ideas

Image via:  BlogSpot: Beautiful Rache

How about using the shutters for your wedding décor?  That’s right! Have them set up as the menu board or an area for the place cards for the event.  Just paint your shutters all black and when the paint dries, with chalk, write the drink or meal menu for the event.  Or paint the shutters the colors of your wedding and set the table plan on it with place cards on the sides of it.

Although shutters have been great for their usual purposes, let’s branch out with some new ideas and uses for them.  It doesn’t take much and the results are truly rewarding.  So go out and explore, find other ways for you to remodeled your shutters for the better.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you trying to decide what DIY projects to do this weekend? If the look of your living room puts you off, it’s time to do something about it. Do-it-yourself projects don’t cost thousands of dollars and look great when done well. They can transform your living room from dull to picture-perfect in an instant. If you’re wondering how to go about it, here are a few tips to help you along.

Image via: Houzz

DIY Projects: Update Your Ceiling

Dull ceilings can reflect badly on beautiful living rooms. If yours is one, paint it and change all that. Use colorful paint to highlight the ceiling and keep the trim white for a striking visual effect. You can also place a ceiling medallion around a light fixture or fan to add architectural flair overhead. Ceiling medallions come in all styles, shapes, and sizes.

Image by: Emily Harris

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Give Your Sofa a New Lease of Life

If your sofa looks a bit worse for wear but still has a couple of years left in it, you can breathe new life into it. Cover it with a pre-made slip cover and add some colorful pillows. Brightly patterned and colored throw pillows inject instant personality to a neutral sofa.

DIY Projects: Revamp the Fireplace

A new gas insert and surround can make an unsightly fireplace a focal point and functional heating source. A gas or wood-burning insert enhances your home’s energy efficiency without dismantling the mantel or hearth. If it’s within your budget, get a new mantel and choose one with sufficient depth so you can display your pictures and other decorations. Do not be afraid to add moldings or paint your new mantel.

Image by: Katie Smitchko

DIY Projects: Conceal Wall Blemishes

If you’re tired of looking at holes or blemishes on the walls of your living room, conceal them using a knife and surfacing compound. Nail holes and other minor imperfections are easy to repair. For larger holes, place a patch of adhesive over the area and use a trowel to spread an all-purpose drywall compound on top. If the hole is large, you may have to leave the compound overnight to dry. Afterwards, paint over the patch and apply wall art.

Image by: David Duncan Livingston

Renovating your living room doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. With just a little creativity and time, you can make your living space the sanctuary you’ve always wanted.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today, even gender is less of a defining factor for home DIY projects.  Websites like Pinterest, Etsy, and personal blogs rule the web-surfing time of men and women alike. And for good reason: DIY projects can be a fantastic way to personalize your designs within your budget. The Internet makes any home project seem possible for less than the brand-new version, and completely attainable, too.  Though it may be obvious that some people really know how to get crafty on a dime, that doesn’t mean you can save big by ‘pinning’ a home full of design projects to your to-do list.  Do a quick reality check to make sure that DIY light fixture is really worth it.

Image via: Bead & Cord

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Big savings on your DIY project or not?

Before you rush to your craft store with a list as long as your favorite Pinterest board, take a second look at the costs involved.  Unless you already have a well-stocked craft room of spray paint, cordless power tools, and yards of fabric, the expenses can add up faster than you think.  Price out all of the items you need, including the cost of rarely-used tools you’ll have to purchase and then compare it to a new version.  The difference for new and professional versus your sweat and raw materials may be less than you think!  If the savings is significant, though, keep reading.

Image via Martha Stewart

Built to Last

Speaking of new and professional, sometimes an inexpensive DIY project just isn’t worth the sacrifice in quality. This is especially true of furniture, where high-quality pieces are like a simple trench coat in your closet: you’ll keep it forever.  In the long run, you may save money by buying something that will outlast a homemade version.

Image via Thinking Threads

Time Away

The step-by-step instructions are easy, right?  Read instructions carefully, all the way through, and honestly evaluate the time it would take for you to complete.  If you aren’t a seamstress, that ruffled apron isn’t going to happen in a day.  If you’ve considered the money, value, and time required and the project is still a savings, then you’ve got work to do!  Stay sane, and choose your DIY projects wisely.  Happy crafting!

For more DIY tips on Stagetecture, click here.

For most of us, there will be a few weekends this summer when it’s just a little too hot to head outside and work in the yard.  For those few days you’ll spend indoors, turn your attention to your own bedroom (or guest room) and update your headboard with an DIY project: an upholstered, tufted version for less than $100.  This writer put the project off because it seemed too time-consuming, but now I know it’s an afternoon job that has a huge style impact.

Image via: Freshome Design

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You’ll need:

• MDF board cut to size by your local hardware store
• Foam mattress toppers (you can use regular foam, but mattress toppers are available at Walmart for a fraction of the price)
• Cotton batting to wrap the MDF and foam
• 2-3 yards of your fabric choice, and a half-yard for buttons
• A button cover kit (from your local craft store)
• Decorator’s needle and thread

I chose a neutral, woven fabric for the board and a one with snippets of random text for the 8 buttons on my queen-sized bed. The best part of a custom headboard is choosing exactly what works for your room.  Iron out the fabric and lay flat.  If you plan to shape the top of the headboard (I left mine square), draw a stencil on wax paper and trace your design before cutting.  Measure and drill a hole where each button will be.  Cut the foam to lay on the front of the board, then use a staple gun to secure the cotton batting around the foam and onto the back of the headboard.  Repeat with your fabric, and you have an upholstered headboard!

Image via: Jenna Gipson

If you plan to use buttons, follow the kit directions to make your buttons and use the needle and thread to go through your pre-drilled holes, thread the button, then pull taut before securing with another staple.  The buttons can be in the same color as the body cloth, but this is a great place to add some fun contrast to match your bedding!

Image via Pinterest 

If your bed isn’t a low platform bed like mine, use D-rings or a French cleat to secure the headboard to the wall.  Safety first!  Coordinate your bedding, curtains, and accents for a room that makes you look like a pro in no time.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! To all of you who are trying to make a statement in your master bedroom – why not do it with a rustic reclaimed wood headboard? Today’s DIY Saturday – watch a video showing how to make a reclaimed wood headboard, then see other ways to make a focal point over your master bed.

Image via: Rice Design

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Video – How to make a reclaimed wood headboard

Link to video –> How to make a reclaimed wood headboard

How to create a focal point over your master bed

Master bedroom is strictly a private place in your home where you can be completely of your own. Though it is mainly used for sleeping purpose, this room should be decorated nicely. You can bring a very dramatic and aesthetic look into your bedroom by simply creating a gorgeous focal point on the wall over the master bed.

Image via: Bloombety

Use Decorative Pieces

If you do not have the ability to afford a luxurious master bed, you have to adopt a different way to create the focal point. Consider hanging some elusive artworks on the barren wall over the bed. It may not be eye catching but can still add some characters to the desolate wall. You can give a touch of grandiosity by adding one or two antique scones over the artworks. Instead of using artworks, you can create the same effect by hanging a single decorative piece on the wall over the bed. Opt for pieces that will take colors from adjacent walls and will not contend with your bed and bedding.

Create a Luxurious & Bold Statement

If you want to bring a jaw-dropping look into your bedroom, invest on a grand and expensive master bed. A bed with a majestic decorative canopy combined with wonderfully patterned headboard standing tall against the wall will look great in a bedroom. For making it more attractive, you can use bold-colored leather or fabric on the headboard. Your bed should also be soft and covered with lush sheets and comfy pillows so that it creates an inviting effect. If your bedroom is considerably high, create a nice, bottom-to-ceiling focal point by using decorative fabrics or wallpaper on the wall behind the bed.

Image via: Digs Digs

Clever Use of Light

A large window can possibly be the most inexpensive way of creating a focal point in the bedroom. A light source – natural or artificial – can be a great focal point and add an instant appeal over your bed. In case of window, you can use blinds, curtains, or cellular shades to control the sunshine. In case of artificial lighting, try to use a more diffuse light instead of a strong bulb on the ceiling. Use a nightstand lamp or a lantern covered with canvas or thin bamboo sticks to create an interesting look. A unique lighting spot can also be created by hanging a pendant light or chandelier over the bed.

Architectural Features

Architectural features can also be used as a central point of attraction. A nice furniture item or accessory made of wood or iron can instantly catch the attention. The same effect can be created with a brick or textured wall. Painting the wall behind the bed in a different way can also fulfill your purpose.

Image via: Interiorholic

A striking focal point will make your bed feel great. Besides highlighting the master bed, it will also enhance the look of the wall.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Do you want to work on something functional this weekend that still makes your drawers look good? How about a DIY drawer liner makeover? This should be a great way to enhance the looks of your furnishings. This project allows you to show your creativity and ingenuity. It’s so simple to make yet can impact a lot in protecting and enhancing your drawer.

The primary purpose of this DIY project is for protection and neatness. But isn’t is beautiful to see decorative drawer liner from the inside? You will certainly appreciate a clean and organize drawer for whatever purpose it may serve you. This DIY project can be done in various ways.

Image via: Urban Source Chicago

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Here’s how you can easily and gorgeously do your drawer liner makeover:

Materials and Tools

• Wallpaper or any art paper
• Cutter
• Mounting tape (double-sided)
• Wood glue
• L-square 90 degrees angle ruler
• Scissors
• Cleaning materials (rags, oil wood cleaner, brush, etc.)

Procedure

1. Clean the drawer inside and out. Use the cleaning tools you have and apply oil wood cleaner if available. This is very important so that the adhesive will stick thoroughly.
2. Choose the best art paper or wallpaper you have. It would be better if you pick the one that is pleasing to your eyes. Thick paper should also be considered.
3. Measure the length and width of your drawer from the inside. To do this, use the L-square 90 degrees angle ruler.
4. Cut the art paper or wallpaper according to the measurement of the drawer. Also, you have to use the L-square 90 degrees angle ruler. This will give you the exact angle for your cover.
5. Attach the art paper or wallpaper into the drawer carefully. Don’t leave any space uncovered. Use double-sided mounting tape for stronger hold.

The drawer liner makeover project will definitely go a long way to preserve your drawer and the materials inside.

For more DIY Ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

We’ve all been there; planning to upgrade some part of our homes with a spot of weekend DIY, knocking through a wall or sewing a new sofa cover in order to make our living space that little bit more pleasant to live in. And then we begin…

Home DIY projects, whether they’re of the power tool variety or the more dainty furniture up cycling type, have a reputation for taking significantly longer than they should.

Delays in the completion of a DIY project can occur for a number of reasons, most of which are easily preventable with a bit of forward planning and dedication.

Image via: Bright Nest

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This post will outline some of the most common causes of delays and provide a easy solution, all to help you get your DIY project finished on time!

Having The Right Tools Ahead Of Time

They say a bad workman blames his tools, but when his tools are completely wrong for the job, who can blame him?

In fact, it is still technically his fault for not reading into what the best tools for his particular task were ahead of time and buying and/or renting before getting started on a project. Now our hypothetical workman is behind on his project and his home’s a mess. D’oh!

The Solution: Research the best tools for your particular job before you get started; you should find the information you need online for most tasks unless it is particularly wacky. Once you’ve decided what you need, shop around for the best deal. If you aren’t going to be using your tools again after the project, consider renting rather than buying what will inevitably become some very expensive shed ornaments.

Time Management

Time management is crucial to the successful completion of any project, DIY or not. However, for many people, the extent of their time management stretches to ‘I’ll get it done by next weekend…maybe’ and that’s about it.

The Solution: Try and put a rough estimate on the amount of time your project is realistically going to take. Make this is a quantifiable figure (such as hours) rather than a rough estimate (such as a weekend).

To do this, split your project up into smaller chunks and put a time estimate on each sub-project. Add these times together for your overall time. Try and stick to a schedule for each time – if it helps, imagine each hour in terms of value (i.e. time to spend with the kids) and you’ll soon have the motivation to get the project completed.

Image via: Shelterness

Get Yourself Inspired

One of the biggest reasons behind the hold-up of a DIY project is a complete lack of inspiration. Lacking the vision to see a project through to its end is a project killer and usually results in half-finished projects.

The Solution: Quite easy, this one. Read blogs, look at pictures of similar projects, watch videos on YouTube and generally whatever it was that made you want to pursue the project in the first place. Also picture what the finished product is going to look at, and imagine all the joy it’ll bring you and your family. Again, you’ll soon find yourself motivated!

Procrastination

Without a boss to look over your shoulder and make sure that you’re getting on with things, staying focused over the course of a DIY project can be difficult. Especially as you’re at home, where temptation comes in the form of easily accessible TV, computers and games consoles.

The Solution: Ironically, the best solution may be to stop working so hard. Research has found that those who take regular breaks tend to focus more in the short bursts of work they undertake than those who try and slog it out without any sort of break.

One technique you can use is the Pomodoro Technique, which encourages 25 minutes of work, then a five minute break, until you’ve completed 4 bursts of 25 minutes. At this point, you can have a whole 15 minutes, giving you time for a nice cup of tea. Having breaks can also be extremely useful for arduous DIY tasks that drain energy quickly.

Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Excel Compressors, specialists in used air compressors for DIY purposes.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

When doing a DIY project, you’re not only saving money for labor but enhancing your skills as well. The skills acquired through hands-on experience have a greater chance to register in your mind. This makes you more productive while spending your free time doing a DIY project.

DIY projects are never complete without the materials and tools. One of the things that you can do to level up your project is to select eco-friendly materials. For instance, choosing an eco-friendly paint would mean so much to help the environment. It may be one of the many materials but make a difference.

Image via: Troy Thies

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Check out these eco-friendly paints for your DIY projects:

Farrow & Ball

The recent decision of the company to go water-based makes their paint included in the list. The company drastically reduces the amount of harmful solvent from low to zero VOC. In terms of the paint colors, natural all-natural ingredients are used like lime putty, clay, pigments and linseed oil. The best thing is that Farrow & Ball paints sustained the high quality output of their products.

Marston & Langinger

This is one of the best UK-based paint products available in the market. The company shifted to eco-friendly paint products when they found out that some of the raw materials used is too toxic. They now offer high quality paints that are non-toxic, water-based, virtually odorless when dry and non-flammable.

Image via: VHT

C2 LoVo paint

The C2 LoVo paint is a premium brand for low-VOC paint. One of the best features of this product is their infinite color options. You can almost be sure that they have the color you needed for your DIY project. This paint is pretty much safe for children and pets.

These are just some of the eco-friendly paint options you can choose from. If they are not available, look for eco-friendly mark before buying any paint.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.