Fall DIY: How to Make Framed Branches Decor (Video)

Image via: Made at the Lake Etsy

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Supplies

• An interesting branch or branches
• Two or more simple or more sophisticated frames (you can even make them yourself)
• A hand pruner
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Acrylic paint and brush or spray paint (optional)
• Hand saw (only if necessary to cut the branches from the tree)

Watch the video on how to make a Branch Frame:

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

1. Remove the back from the frame (optional). You can now paint the frame if you find it to be necessary, either because of the original look of the frame or because you want it to match your overall decoration.
2. Prepare the branches by removing the leaves, although you could leave a few leaves on the branches, but be prepared for them to wilt in time.
3. Lay down the frames one beside the other. Lay the branch or branches over the frames and arrange them until you are satisfied with how they look.
4. Now it’s time to trim the branches. Keep in mind that you want to give your final product the feeling that the branches begin from one frame and evolve into the next one. Trim each section of the branches to just fit into the frame it’s dedicated to. When done, make one final test run by loosely laying your trimmed branches into the frames. The ends of the branches should be as close as possible to the inside edge of the frame, so you will be able to secure it. When everything looks good, begin gluing each branch in its place, starting with the first frame and moving to the next.
5. Let the glue dry and just let yourself be stunned by what you created!

Image via: Curbly

Hang your finished Wall Art on a blank wall above furniture or a mantel, inside or outside. You can arrange them in an unconventional way or align them perfectly; it’s all up to you!

Image via: Made at the Lake: Etsy

A way to make this project even more special is to give a little more thought to the wooden material you want to use; there are a lot of interesting wood species out there, like wood from a Birch or Poplar tree that have beautiful barks, but branches from a tree or bush right outside your home can do the trick as good as any plant!

You can even give a little spark and glitter to your branches by painting them before gluing them into your frame, or add a colored background for an interesting contrast. This easy Fall DIY can be prepared in a very short time giving you a delightful item to enhance your home.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Fall DIY Decor: How to Make a Book Page Pumpkin (Video)

Image via: BHG

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Supplies

• Old Books – don’t throw them away!
• Scissors
• X-acto knife
• Cardboard with a size double the size of your book
• Pencil
• Glue
• Hot glue
• Twigs or other items that you can use as a stem for your pumpkin
• Embellishments like twine, wire, felt leaves or some green fabric or ribbon
• Orange acrylic paint and brush or orange spray paint (optional)

Image via: Whimsy Workshop (Etsy)

Watch the video on how to make Book Page Pumpkins:

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

1. Fold your cardboard in half at the larger side. Using your pencil, draw on half of a pumpkin shape, making sure that the pumpkin is a little smaller than you’re books pages. With the scissors, cut the pumpkin out of the cardboard. If you unfold your cardboard now, you should have a template of a pumpkin.
2. Remove the front and back page of your book, being careful not to remove the spine. The pages of your book have to remain bound together.
3. Using your folded pumpkin template as a guide cut the books pages one by one with the x-acto knife. Continue until all your book’s pages have been cut to resemble half of a pumpkin. Now trim off any excess paper.
4. Apply some hot glue to the spine of the book and press it together.
5. Apply a good amount of glue on the outside of the front and back page and glue them firmly together.
6. Apply some glue every few pages near the binding of the book and glue the pages together.
7. Paint the edges of your book pages with paint and let it dry.
8. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the twig or twigs and push them into the books spine.
9. Decorate the twigs with your embellishments.

Image via: Interiors By Studio M

The most time consuming part of this Fall DIY Décor project is to cut all the pages of the book, but the rest of the project is fairly easy, and the result will compensate the effort and time you will spent on it. You can make a number of different sized pumpkins to use even as a centerpiece or to decorate a mantle or small table.

For more fall crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

Halloween Decoration: How to Make Cheesecloth Ghosts (Video)

Image via: Ashbee Design

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Supplies

• Foam ball wrapped in foil or tennis ball
• Wire and wire cutters
• Black marker or black felt, scissors and glue
• Liquid fabric starch or liquid fabric stiffener
• Cheesecloths
• Empty plastic bottle without the lid
• Container or spray bottle
• Led votive candles (optional)
• Fishing line for hanging (optional)

Watch a video on how to make cheesecloth ghosts:

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

• Place the ball on the bottle opening. The ball will be forming the head of the ghost, so make sure that the size of the ball is in a good relation with the size of the bottle, which will be forming the body of the ghost.
• Wrap the wire around the bottle neck and form two “arms” with the ends of the wire.
• Prepare the cheesecloths and place one piece loosely over your bottle-ball-wire body creation, to make sure that the piece of cloth is enough for your ghost. If it’s too small, don’t be disappointed; just layer enough of them until you are able to cover the body. When you are satisfied with the cheesecloths, remove them from the body.
• Fill a container with your liquid starch or a spray bottle. The part that follows is going to be messy, so make sure to cover your workplace for an easier clean up afterwards.

Image via: Country Living

• Soak a piece of cheesecloth with stark and wrench it very well. Place the piece over the body, just as you did before (if you want to use a spray bottle, place a dry piece of cheesecloth over the body and spray the starch on it until it is completely wet). Let it dry for about 10 minutes and then repeat the process with more cheesecloth if necessary until all the body parts are covered and your ghost looks done.
• Let the cloth dry completely and then gently remove your ghost from the bottle-ball-wire body. You can use your fingers to roughen up the cheesecloth’s ends if you like.
• Cut out two ghostly eyes and even a mouth from the felt and glue it onto the ghosts head or just paint them on using a black marker.
• Place your ghost over a led votive light to give it a gloomy after dark look or use a piece of fishing line to hang the ghost from the top.

Image via: Scrap Orchard

It is a great idea to make more than one cheesecloth ghosts for really successful Halloween Decoration. Try making different sizes of ghosts by experimenting with bigger bottles and larger balls, even balloons. You should be careful though if you’re planning to use them for outside decoration, since a possible rainfall is most likely to wash out the starch and undo your ghosts, so better use them in an area that is protected from rain.

For more Halloween craft ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Image via: Etsy – Home Hearth Garden – Hydrangea Wreath

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Stagetecture Launches New DIY Wreath Ideas Site:

How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com! 

How to Make a Burlap Wreath owned by Stagetecture helps you with burlap wreath ideas, wreath inspiration and more.

Over the last 6 years of Stagetecture bringing you home decor, lifestyle, and DIY topics we’ve seen you search for gorgeous burlap and wreath ideas for your home hundreds of thousands of times! We started realizing that a site dedicated to just wreath tutorials and inspiration would be a perfect idea. This will help you find wreath ideas year around, and not have to wait for Stagetecture.com to feature your favorite ideas.

Image via: Etsy – Our Sentiments – Burlap & Hydrangea Wreath

Now that fall is around the corner we thought that it was the ideal time to launch the site. While everyone loves autumn, Thanksgiving, and holiday wreaths…. would you believe that we all display wreaths all year around? From burlap to string, to pinecones and fresh herbs, there is no shortage of wreath ideas to adorn your home.

We hope you visit “How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com” – join our mailing list, and let us know how you like the site

At Stagetecture we’re always bringing you great resources to improve your home! 

-Ronique

Fall DIY: Leaf Mason Jar Luminary (Video)

Image via: Lighted Bottle (Etsyshop)

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Supplies

• Mason jar
• rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth
• One of the following: adhesive vinyl, paper and double sided tape or leaf stickers that peel off easily
• Spray paint or chalk or acrylic paint and a brush (choose a fall color)
• Corn kernels and battery operated votive candle

Watch the video on how to make this Fall DIY: Leaf Mason Jar Luminary

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

• First, use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to clean the mason jar’s outside surface thoroughly.
• Now, if you are using adhesive vinyl or plain paper, you will have to draw a template of your favorite leaf shape onto it and cut it out. If you want to use leaf stickers, choose stickers that will peel of easily and completely, without leaving any traces. It’s better to make a test run to avoid making an effort without the desired results.
• If using paper, attach your template with the double sided tape onto the mason jar. If using vinyl, just attach the vinyl template onto the mason jar. Same goes for if you are using stickers.
• Now it’s time to apply your paint. Spray paint your jar outside or in a well ventilated area and use paper towels or old newspapers to protect your working surface. Let it dry completely. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary. When the paint has dried completely, peel of your leaf. If you want to use chalk paint or acrylic paint, then apply one coat of it and let it dry. Then, peel off your leaf and apply a second coat of paint, being careful to paint around the leaf window. You can use sandpaper to lightly sand it and give it a distressed look.
• Fill the jar with kernel corns until they reach the bottom of the leaf window and place the candle on top.
• Apply ribbon or twine to make it look even cuter.

Image via: Creations by Valentina (Etsyshop)

This easy Fall DIY is really quick to complete and you will have a wonderful item to decorate your home and add atmosphere to it. The ready jars would make beautiful gift, too. You can use other fall shapes, like pumpkins, apples etc. to make a wide variety of wonderful mason jar fall decorations.

4th of July Decor: DIY Patriotic Wreath (Video)

Image via: Etsy – Wreaths Ur Way – Patriotic Burlap Wreath

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4th of July Wreath Supplies

12″ metal wreath form

6 inch white ribbon or plain burlap ribbon

6 inch blue burlap ribbon

6 inch red burlap ribbon

Floral wire

Ribbon for hanging the wreath

Hot glue gun

White stars or other patriotic decoration

Watch the video to see how to weave the wreath

Click here to watch the burlap wreath weaving tutorial: Patriotic Burlap Wreath

Instructions

1. To begin, cut a few 6 inch long pieces out of the flower wire using a wire cutter and set them aside.
2. Notice that the wire wreath is made out of sections. You can use those sections as guides for changing the burlap colors depending on the result you are going for. For this tutorial we will fill two continuous sections with blue burlap, and then fill the next section with red burlap and the next with white (or plain) burlap, continuing in this matter until we reach the blue burlap again. You could of course choose a different way to separate the wreath and interchange colors.
3. To start weaving the burlap, take the end of the blue burlap ribbon and fold it into half lengthwise. Fold it again in half and wrap a piece of wire around it. Secure the end by using the same wire or a new wire piece. Cut away any excess wire.
4. Start from the bottom opening and weave the burlap through the wires of the wreath by pulling it through the openings in order to make loops, just as it is shown in the video. When you have made three loops, turn the wreath over and twist the burlap a couple of times. Now, repeat the weaving process row by row. Whenever you complete a row, push the ribbon to the side so you can add more burlap. When you are done with the two blue ribbon sections, cut the burlap and secure the end with some wire. Proceed to the next section, repeating the process with red and then white (plain) burlap until you complete the wreath. Now you can fluff the loops a little bit with your fingers.
5. Continue all the way around the wreath form pushing the loops close together as you go. When the wreath is done, cut the end about 4 inches long and weave it through the wreath form to secure.
6. Use the hot glue gun or some wire pieces to add the decorations you have prepared.

It might take you a little bit to perfect the weaving process, but once you begin with it you will soon be able to complete the wreath in a glimpse. Let your imagination guide you and choose some patriotic items to decorate the wreath, like small USA flags, wooden letters that spell USA or other embellishments. Making this wreath for 4^th of July Decor will surely add a wonderful patriotic touch to your home.

Looking for more Patriotic Wreath Ideas ? – Visit How To Make a Burlap Wreath!

Image via: Etsy – Twin Angels Wreaths – Wreath with Patriotic Decorations 

For more 4th of July Ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! If your home is looking for a customized look to your boring table lamps – why not make your own? There are so many creative ways to brighten your home with lamps, but often times we can’t find exactly the right base and lampshade to fit together. Today’s DIY Saturday you will learn how to make your own table lamp and watch a video that gives you tips.

Image via: Unskinny Boppy

You Tube Video – How to Build a Lamp

Link to video –> How to Build a Lamp

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How to Create a Custom Lamp

How many times have we gone to the store to pick out lamps and say things like, “I like these but they don’t have exactly what I’m looking for” or “I like it but the price is too high” or my absolute favorite, “I saw it in the catalog/online but they don’t carry it in the store”s? Well instead of having your hopes crushed or your nerves frazzled when trying to add an accent piece to your home, how about you do-it-yourself and create your own lamp.  Create a lamp that you can put whatever you want on it or with it. This D.I.Y. is for that purpose that you get exactly what you want, when you want it and it is personal because you built it. So try it out and see what you can do!

Image via: Houzz

Supplies

Lamp Kit (with socket and 6-8 ft. of cord with pre-molding plug)
Rod for base (if not inside kit package)
Electric Drill
Drill Bits (ceramic bits if using pottery)
Masking Tape
Marker or Pencil
Wire cutter/ stripper
Screwdriver
Blanket or Towel
Wire Cutter/ Stripper
Blanket or Towel
Felt
Scissors
Fabric Glue or Low-Heat Hot Glue

Image via: Wolf Eyebrows

Directions

How to Prepare the Base

1. Pick out a base for your lamp.  Just make sure that whatever you choose it has a hollow center so the lamp cord will be able to come through it.  In this case a bust was used, lay the base of your lamp on a towel or folded blanket.
2. Find the near center at the top of the bust or the top of your base because that is where the lamp works will rest above it (lamp works consists of wiring base, the harp, and the bulb).  Place an “X” with the masking tape over the intended spot for the hole if you are concerned about the ceramic breaking the surface.
3. With an electric drill and the correct bit, drill a hole at the top of the head.  Enlarge the hole for the lamp rod to fit.  Then drill a second hole near the base but in the back of the bust or whatever you intend on using.  The reason is you want the cord to run from the back and not the bottom of the lamp because the lamp will not sit flat on the table.

Image via: Target

How to Assemble the Cords

1. Your going to thread the lamp this time, by putting the cord into the hollow rod or pipe (if you do not have or not using a rod, attach a piece of stiff wire to help thread the cord through the base). Approximately 6ft or cord should trail out the bottom of the lamp with a pre-molded plug at the end. At the top make sure the unplugged end, sticks out enough to allow you to work and you will need several inches for that.  Secure the rod shaft by screwing (or gluing) the pipe (and the eventual socket seat) into the lamp hole.
2. To wire the socket take the new socket apart by pinching the shell and twisting it free from the base.  Pull the cord up through the socket base; for one lamp cord there are two strands of conductors with a series of copper wires with insulations around them.  Pull the cord up about six inches through the top of the lamp base. You want to split the cord and strip about a two-inch piece of insulation from each cord, and many fine wires will be displayed.  Twist the fine wires tight around the socket terminal.  (Check the back of the lamp kit it will show you how to do this process as well)
3. With the two cord pieces tie an underwriter’s knot and make a loop with each strand of the cord, circle it away from where the strands meet ( it should look like a pretzel shape at this point).  The underwriter’s knot just keeps the cord in the socket and the wires apart, if the touch then they will short out. (Again, check the back of the lamp kit this process will be displayed as well)
4. The smooth wire cord is known as the hot or positive wire, the neutral wire has ridges.  Loosen the brass yellow screw and wrap the smooth wire once around the screw; be sure that the edge of the insulation is sticking up right next to the edge of the screw and that no wire is sticking out. Then tight the screw down after the wire has been tied.  Attach the neutral wire to the silver or white and screw it the same way you did with the smooth cord. (The process is also displayed on the back of the lamp kit)

Image via: Walmart

How to Pull It All Together

1. Reassemble the socket by twisting the shell back onto its base. Pull the cord from the bottom of the lamp until the bulb socket is in its base, then tighten the screw and secure it.  Test your light and be careful.
2. If your lamp calls for it, trace the bottom of it on felt and cut the felt to fit the lamp base.  Glue the felt onto the base of the lamp in order to keep the lamp from scratching your table surface.
3. Attach the harp to the mounting bracket, then add the bulb and lastly place the proper-sized shade on your lamp.  Test your light and you have your newly created lamp!

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

Happy DIY Saturday! Whether you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or you are designing your future dream kitchen, choosing the right flooring is essential. There are several different flooring options to choose from, but tile flooring is top of the list for kitchen surfaces.

Today, Watch a video showing tips for installing your kitchen floor tile.  Next, my guest blogger gives tips for why tile is one of the best flooring choices for your kitchen. See the top 6 pros for choosing tile for your next remodeling project.

Image via

Video – How to Tile your Kitchen Floors

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Guest Blogger – 6 Advantages of using Tile for your Kitchen Remodel

Picking out a flooring material for kitchen renovations is often a tough decision. So many different options are available that the best selection seems hard to determine. Among the options available are tiles. Understanding the reasons that tile is a great solution for the kitchen will make it easier to make an educated decision about the materials for the project.

Tiles are Waterproof

Whether the flooring material comes from a Phoenix tile specialist or is imported from Italy; the floors are waterproof, which is an important element when working in the kitchen. Between cooking, cleaning and family activities that are likely to take place in the kitchen, the ability to withstand spills is a vital part of any flooring decision.

A tile floor is impervious to spills, water and other liquids because it is made with a waterproof material. Tiles are not damaged by liquids that are likely to spill on the floor and will not easily stain when the liquid is juice, wine or similar drinks.

Kitchens are prone to spills, whether it was water while cleaning or a dropped drink. Tile is one of the best materials to withstand the spills because it is waterproof. Even tiles made from natural rocks are coated with waterproof materials that avoid stains and protect against spills.

Image via

Durability

Tiling the floors will improve the durability of the kitchen. Regardless of whether the floors come from a Phoenix tile store or a New York store, the tiles are durable due to the strength of the materials used to make them. Tiles are usually made from clay materials, which are hard and strong. As a result, it resists the normal wear and tear that accompanies heavy foot traffic throughout the room.

The tile floors will last much longer than many other materials. While minor repairs to the grout might be necessary after years of wear and tear, the tiles will remain intact and usually last for a lifetime.

Tile is among the most durable materials available when looking into long-lasting solutions. It is a great flooring material when looking for something that is worth a hefty investment. Changing a floor is often costly, but tiles will last for so long that the cost per year is ultimately very inexpensive.

Easy Clean Up

Tile floors are among the easiest materials to clean. As a waterproof material, tiles will not have the risks associated with other materials when it comes to mopping or spills. In most cases, tiles will require nothing more than sweeping and mopping to get it clean.

In some situations, the tile is even resistant to normal bacteria. Porcelain tile will resist bacteria, which makes cleaning up much easier because it is not necessary to use any special cleaners to remove the bacteria.

Beyond the ability to clean it up quickly, many types of tile are also able to withstand very harsh chemicals and cleaners. As a result, even deep cleaning is a simple task and homeowners do not need to worry about problems like hygiene.

Various Designs and Colors

Unlike wood, which has limited color combinations, tiles are easy to mix and match. Creating a unique and custom design does not take any longer than normal installation and it is possible to create any preferred look with tile floors.

The tile used on kitchen floors are available in almost any imaginable color and can create any design, pattern or look for a customized kitchen. Whether the preferred look is a checker-board alternative color design or has a single tile dominating the room that is lined with a different color, tile makes it easy to accomplish.

Image via

Easy and Inexpensive Replacements

While tile is strong and durable, accidents can sometimes damage certain tile materials. Damage can seem like a devastating problem, but when it happens to tile it is actually a minor inconvenience. If tile is damaged, then the method of fixing the floor is simple: replace the broken tile with a new one.

Unlike wood, laminate or similar materials, damage to tile is easy to fix and does not cost a small fortune to replace. It is only a matter of removing the original broken tile and then putting in a matching, new tile.

Tiling over the damaged area by putting in a new tile or two will immediately fix the floor so that it does not show any change when compared to the rest of the room. Wood and other flooring materials will usually require pulling up the whole floor and replacing the entire space, which is an expensive project. The damage is also much easier to incur, so the likelihood of making changes to the kitchen quickly is very high in comparison to tiles.

Tile floors result in an amazing kitchen. The tile has a wide range of benefits that stand out when compared to other kitchen flooring options. As a durable, affordable and variable material, it is possible to find the perfect tile for any kitchen remodeling project.

Paul Chapman is a fantastic DIY enthusiast who has spent most of his waking hours in home improvements.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and what better way to capture memories of your past than with images of the past? Stagetecture is helping you remember Mom with a ‘Celebrating Memories & Mom” giveaway! See all the details at the link.

Today’s DIY Saturday is all about scrapbooking. Compiling pictures, words, and bits of memories in a fun way has turned into more than a hobby for many. From blogs and tutorials, to stores and scrapbooking clubs, there is no better way to consolidate memories in one place for now and into the future.

Image via: Scrap This.Pinterest

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See a You Tube video about scrapbooking and my guest blogger gives tips for showcasing and collecting memories with scrapbooking.

You Tube – Beginner Scrapbook Tutorial – Creating your First Layout

Guest Blogger: How to Showcase Memories with Scrapbooking

Most people take dozens upon dozens of photographs when they’re on vacation, or on special occasions such as birthdays, graduation, etc., and in most cases the photos end up stored on your computer, or at best, printed and kept in a boring photo album tucked away in a drawer. That’s no way to treat your treasured memories! Why not bring your photos out and display them in a fun, and creative new way? Scrapbooking is a popular hobby right now, and with good reason. Photos and all sorts of memorabilia can be organized, embellished, and made even more special, by creating memory books which will in many cases even become family heirlooms.

Image via: Michelle Clement.Typepad

One of the best things about scrapbooking is the fact that there are no strict rules to follow, and you’re limited only by your imagination when you’re working on a project. There are so many unique tools and assorted accompaniments to help you create incredible, eye-catching scrapbooks – things such as specialty paper, novelty scissors, and custom rubber stamps, can help you frame your photos and other sentimental items like ticket stubs, and postcards. If you’re new to scrapbooking, one of the easiest and most meaningful first projects can be an album showcasing your most recent vacation.

Creating a vacation scrapbook

To create a vacation scrapbook, you should begin by gathering your photos, and other memorabilia. Spend some time sorting through everything and picking out your absolute favorites – keep in mind that it’s not necessary to use everything. A good rule of thumb is to select the items that evoke the strongest and best memories for you. It can also be a lot of fun to include family members and friends who might have been vacationing with you in the process. That way, not only the memory book itself, but, the actual process of creating it will all be incredibly special. Creating your new scrapbook doesn’t have to (and in fact, it shouldn’t) happen all in one day. Plan on spacing it out over the course of several Saturday afternoons, or another time that works for everyone involved. Serve coffee, or tea, and something fun to snack on, and make a real occasion for all to enjoy.

Image via: Michelle Clement.Typepad

Scrapbooking is a contagious sort of fun, and more than likely, once your vacation memory book has been completed, you’ll want to start on another, or perhaps someone among your friends and family might want to start a new book of their own. Many scrapbooking clubs are born in this fashion, so feel free to invite more friends, and others who might enjoy spending time being creative with their memories. In time, those who’ve been at it longer will have added knowledge and expertise to offer those who are just getting started, and the fun and happiness can only grow.

This article is provided by Spencer Ross. For more information on rubber stamps please visit www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas