Yikes, it’s already time to get out the holiday décor. Question is, are you going to buy this year or DIY?

Turns out, Halloween is one of the most popular holidays to celebrate and decorate, second only to Christmas. Basically, it’s a good excuse to party and eat seasonally designated M&Ms. Store bought Halloween décor can get pretty pricey so why not set the mood with some DIY candles and save some dough.

You can buy some at Olive and Cocoa, $74.00 for two or……

…you can make your own for the price of the candle and some supplies you probably already have.

Supplies

• Candles –  5″ and 10″ tall pillars that are off white
• Tissue Paper – white, used for wrapping presents
• Spray Glue
• Printer
• Hair Dryer
• Spooky Clip Art

Step 1. Pick out some Halloween graphics and size them to fit your candles on your computer.

Step 2. Lightly spray glue the tissue paper to some printer paper and trim it out. The goal is to get the graphics printed onto tissue paper. I tried taping the tissue on the paper but my printer just spit it out all crumpled. If you have a rubber stamp image you would like to use, you can just stamp directly onto the tissue and skip the printer.

Step 3. Print out your graphics onto your tissue/printer paper.

Step 4.  Peel the tissue from the paper and trim it out as closely as possible to the images. FYI, I tried trimming before removing the tissue from the paper and the tissue tore very easily.

Step 5. Since the tissue is already a bit tacky, stick your image onto the candle. Turn your hairdryer on hot and hold it close to the image. It takes a few minutes for the candle wax to heat and when it does, your image will melt into the candle. You can just smooth the edges down. My candle never got hot enough with the hairdryer to burn my fingers.

You can see how the edges have disappeared and the image melts into the candle. Have patience!

I found my antique images online at the Graphics Fairy. You can look in old books for spooky images or make your own custom graphics using words. Next, I’m going to try using an old photo of my family with zombie eyes.

Set the candles in a bowl with dried black beans for a creepy effect and you’re done.

Happy Halloween!

The post To BUY or DIY: Graphically Pleasing Halloween Candles appeared first on EcoSalon.

A re-useful way to incorporate one of the biggest trends into your budget, and home. 

Chalkboards are all the rage right now. Chalk it up to back-to-school mania for grown-ups, vertical containerizing – or, as we do, the perfect medium for daily reminders, “to do” lists, dinner menus and weekly schedules. A chalkboard offers something for everybody and they add a touch of comfortable graphic charm to your home.

If your budget allows, you can buy an old school chalkboard at Restoration Hardware for $349 – $749 depending on the size.

Or this one from Pottery Barn for $249.

But why not make your own? It’s so easy and inexpensive you’re gonna freak. Here’s what you need:

I picked up my frame from a garage sale for $20. Both the spray paint and ¼ inch masonite board were less than $10.00 combined from my local hardware store, and I saved some time by having a helpful gent that worked there cut my board to size. Add some picture hanging supplies to your cart if you don’t have any.

1. Spray paint your board in a well ventilated area. If your frame has a sturdy backer, you can use that instead of buying the board and save yourself even more money. If your frame has glass, you can spray paint it as well, but be sure to prime it first.

2. Wipe down your frame. Mine had a years of dirt on it since it must have lived outside for a while.

3. Insert the masonite board into the frame and use nails to tack it down on the back. If you are using glass, be careful when using nails so you don’t break it. Strong tape would be a better choice.

4. If you are using regular wire double it up by twisting it together and wrapping it around two nails on either side. If your frame already has hanging hardware just skip this step.

And now? A perfect sounding board for practicing your penmanship.

The post To Buy or DIY: Framed Chalkboards appeared first on EcoSalon.

Life is a highway gets literal with these mapped out DIY projects.

Passionate about travel? Why not use maps as home décor or in projects to inspire you. Using maps not only fits in with the spirit of repurposing something old but they offer a warm, vintage feel that is oh so lovely. Using maps throughout your home can evoke happy memories of past road trips and vacations, or provide fantasy fodder for the road next traveled.

You can find maps at bookshops, thrift stores, garage sales and swap meets for affordable prices or free. Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into your home projects.

Use one as a window shade like in the photo above.

Line your drawers with them.

Use map pages for a chandelier.

Map art made by stitching your vacation route and framing it.

Go big and use maps as wallpaper.

DIY some envelopes.

Add some privacy by using maps to cover a glass door.

Paint your own.

Make a map garland.

Keep it simple.

A map’s colors and shapes add a graphic punch to any room or project. No wonder we slated it as a trend to watch.

The post Arm Chair Travel With These DIY Map Projects appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rolling pins: perfect for pie crusts and original pieces of graphic art.

Printmaking is simply the process of transferring a pattern or piece of art with inks onto paper. Every time you transfer the ink, however, it is considered an original piece of art since it will have it’s own unique qualities, making you (the roller pin swiller) a master of tarts and art. A very DIY nerd thing to say, yes; but true.

You can use many items for this exercise: a carved block, a Styrofoam plate, fruits, erasers, potatoes – anything that will transfer ink. As far as the rolling pin goes, use rubber bands and craft foam to create pure awesomeness. The advantage of using this particular implement is that you can print a large swathe very quickly.

This is going to get messy. Be sure to cover your work area and wear an apron.

What you need:

Break your supply list up into the stores you’ll need to visit.

Craft store:

• craft foam
• spray glue
• paper
• tape
• block printing ink
• rubber bands
• scissors

Thrift store:

• rolling pins
• glass or acrylic from frames*

*If you find more than one frame, purchase it so you can have a few colors of ink out at the same time. If you only have one piece of glass or acrylic, you will have to wash it to switch colors. More than one rolling pin is handy, too.

Other options: use an old mouse pad instead of craft foam. They make excellent DIY stamps.  Look for a flat baking pan instead of using glass or acrylic.

Step 1. Cover your rolling pins with paper and tape it on. On my first attempt, I used plastic wrap. It worked but some of the plastic picked up the ink. Paper works better.

Step 2. Cut out the craft foam in your own one-of-a-kind design and attach it to the covered rolling pin with spray glue.  If you don’t care how messy your rolling pin gets, you can adhere the foam directly to the wood. Some craft foam has a sticky back., in which case you can skip the spray glue. Alternatively, instead of using craft foam wrap the rolling pin with rubber bands. Now your rolling pin is ready to go.

Step 3. Squeeze out some ink on the glass. Block printing ink is water-soluble and non toxic. It’s thick and sticky and doesn’t dry too fast. It will even wash off your rolling pin handle.

Step 4. Spread the ink with a brush.

Step 5. Roll the pin in the ink so it covers the craft foam or rubber bands. You can go back and forth and side to side to make sure it is completely inked up.

Step 6. Now, the exciting part. Tape down your paper and roll on your design. You can add layers by rolling the stamp out more than once on the paper or by adding additional colors.

It’s the perfect project for custom-made wrapping paper.

You can make tags and cards. Even wallpaper. You can frame the prints for custom art. Experiment on wood, cork or metal, too. This project has endless possibilities.

We hope you find them.

The post DIY: Printmaking With Rolling Pins appeared first on EcoSalon.

Because some of us have an addiction to planting succulents, in everything.

Succulents make excellent container plants because they’re easy to grow and need almost no care. Once you plant a container with green succulent goodness, you can move them around your house or yard to bring a bit of living beauty just about anywhere with as much maintenance as a plastic plant.

Check out this easy way to plant succulents in drainage-free containers.

Supplies:

• Potting soil
• Rocks
• Scoop or spoon
• Containers
• Moss
• Succulents

Step-By-Step:

1.  Source some containers from thrift shops or your cupboards. You can use jars, vases, bowls, etc.

2.  Fill your container with 1 -2 inches of rocks or gravel. This creates a “drainage layer” and ensures that the roots of the plant don’t sit in any pooled water and rot.

3.  Add moss on top of the rock.  This helps the dirt from falling into the rocks and looks good, too. Use a good amount of moss because it will squish down.

4.  Shovel in some soil.

5.  Plant your succulents. If you already have succulents, you can just break off a small stem and stick it in the dirt.

5.  Water when the soil gets dry.

Voila! Welcome to SA (Succulents Anonymous). You’re in good company; here are some other ideas to get you inspired.

Succulents in food cans for a fiesta. (Caution: use gloves for cacti.)

Succulents in a brick.

Succulents in a table.

Succulents in a book!

Succulents on a mossy turtle. What a cutie!

Cork succulents?

Pallet succulents.

Assorted vintage vessel succulents.

Once you plant one, you won’t be able to stop.

The post To-Die DIY For the Succulent Obsessed appeared first on EcoSalon.

If you sweat your asana off in yoga class, this DIY’s for you.

Listen up, lotus flower: you practice yoga regularly, you should clean your mat regularly. Just clean it, especially if you see footprints or detect a funky upward-wafting doggy smell. Yoga mats are an investment and it’s worth it to keep them fresh and clean.

For a deep clean, use water and mild soap. You can stick your mat in the shower and give it a wash or put it on the driveway to hose it down. Be sure to hang it in the shade to dry. Try and do this once a month, depending on the weather and how often you practice. Some mats are even machine washable. Check your mat brand for specific instructions.

But for everyday cleaning you can spray your mat with a mat cleaner and towel it dry. You could purchase a spray cleaner for $10 to $20 or, as I’m about to impart to you, can make your own with just a few ingredients and a spray bottle for way less.

Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipe

1 cup Water

1/4 cup Witch Hazel

1/4 teaspoon Tea Tree Essential Oil (30 drops)

1/4 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil + 10 drops (40 drops)

Any essential oil will work but it is important to include those with antibacterial properties, such as Tea Tree, Lemon Grass, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Mix two or three together to make a combination that makes you happy.

1. Measure out the essential oils and pour them in the bottle first. The water you add at the end of step 2 will wash all the oils in without wasting a drop.

2. Pour in the Witch Hazel, now add water.

3. Shake it up.

Cleaning Instructions

1. Spray your yoga mat liberally with your new cleaner on both sides.

2. Wipe the mat with a damp cloth and repeat on the other side.

3. Allow your mat to air dry in the shade for 5 to 10 minutes.

This recipe is non toxic so you don’t have to worry about absorbing any nasty chemicals while sweating plus it smells heavenly. Your child’s pose will thank you.

Image: ejmc

The post DIY Spray Cleaner to Disinfect Your Yoga Mat Naturally appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mason jars: they’re available, affordable, reusable, reliable and even loveable.

For some historical insight, the beloved  mason jar was invented and patented by John Landis Mason back in 1858, and became popular because of the handy wide opening. Most used this wide opening for preserving food, but today’s DIYer has repurposed the jar into a myriad of clever uses.

Here are twenty of them.

Mason jars can be used for drinking, decorating, organizing, hanging, planting, baking, lighting, storing and feeding. Yes, even pie is a possibility.

Lighting

There are scads of ideas on how to set the mood with mason jar lighting. i.e.:

A chandelier made from a simple rustic board, rope and tea lights lit within mason jars.

Eco Solar Party lighting

Wintery Epsom Salt candles

Artisanal Photo Candles.

An efficient Oil Lamp.

Food

Mason jars are also the new way to party. They bring a casual feel to any event.

Especially when it comes to bubbly drinks.

Pies!

Rainbow Cupcakes!

Ice Cream!

Storage

Because you can see what’s in a mason jar, they’re fabulous places to put things…all kinds of things.

Cotton balls, Q-tips and other grooming products typically found in bathroom storage.

Bulk spice storage with chalk labels.

Fabric Wrapped for storage for things like…scissors.

Decorating

Stick a bunch of flowers in a jar for an unfussy decor touch.

As seen here in this Mason Jar Shelf.

A mid-summer clothesline strung with vases.

Pretty Painted Lady jars.

Utilitarian

Here are some ideas for the mason jar that are just plain useful.

The mason jar soap dispenser.

The Bee Feeding mason jar.

The Alfalfa sprouting mason jar.

Mason Jar Clip Art for…you know, clip art.

The Mason Jar Blender.

Ingenious. 

The post 20 Ways to Use a Mason Jar That Have Nothing to Do With Canning appeared first on EcoSalon.

Not your grandmother’s vintage.

Brooches are not just for grandmothers or dressy occasions, they’re vintage accessories well worth a dust off. If you haven’t been lucky enough to inherit any, fear not: you can find these glittering little darlings at flea markets and garage sales for a song. As long as they don’t have diamonds, rubies or other precious stones, they go for 25 cents to $5 each.

You might be wondering, now that I’ve got this glorified pin what on earth do I do with it?

Here are five modern ways to reinvent the vintage brooch.

1. Present Topper: Stay classy and make a statement — especially at a wedding. Your friends can reuse them, too.

Photo courtesy of Katy Brown.

2. Brooch Magnet: Just remove the pin with pliers and add a magnet with some Gorilla Super Glue. The bright flower brooches are available in abundance at flea markets and thrift stores. Photo courtesy of Country Living.

3. Ribbons ‘n’ Brooches Necklace: This antique brooch necklace is constructed with jump rings and ribbon. Stunning with a dress or t-shirt and jeans. You can find the directions from Martha Stewart.

4. Hair Ornament: Why not wear one in your hair? Pin a brooch as an elastic for a pop of color. No one else will be wearing the same one, that’s for sure.

5. Napkin Holder: Surprise your guests by adding a bit of sparkle to your table decor. Simply tie the napkin with rustic twine and pin on the brooch.

Pin them on baskets, beanies or invitations, too. The possibilities are endless for the seasoned brooch.

The post DIY: 5 Ways to Reinvent the Vintage Brooch appeared first on EcoSalon.

Give wicker baskets a second life.

If you have a pile of old wicker baskets about that you’re thinking of tossing out, give them a glam update with spray paint. Wicker is perfect for storage, gift giving and accenting your home. This three-step project is an easy way to clean wicker up and make it lovable again.

Step 1: Gather up some baskets from your garage, yard sales or thrift shops.

Step 2: Use painter’s tape to mask off the areas you don’t want to paint. You can paint the entire basket if you wish.

Step 3: Spray them outside in a well ventilated area and let them dry for an hour. They need a couple of coats to get in all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to use a drop cloth.

Use them to give gifts. Here is a “man basket” for your guy. Use a pop of neon orange paint to an old tired basket it becomes fun.

Or spray the inside of an old basket and use it as a catch all for mail and magazines.

So easy.

The post DIY: Spray-Painted Wicker Baskets appeared first on EcoSalon.

Practicality you didn’t even know you needed.

This easy project costs pennies and adds rustic charm to any decor. Hang it in a bathroom or above a dresser in the bedroom to keep your necklaces untangled and organized (also, so you don’t forget to wear them). The piece of wood used in this project was found on the beach. Try taking apart a pallet or sourcing reclaimed wood in your area.

Supplies:

Plank of wood, drill with ¼” bit, knobs (found at Anthropologie for approximately $5.00), hammer and nails.

Step 1. Wipe down the plank with a cloth and some wood soap and remove any old nails.

Step 2. Drill holes where you would like the knobs to be. Make sure your drill bit is the size of the knob screw.

Step 3. Screw the knobs into the plank of wood. If your knob screws are longer than the plank of wood in the back, you will have to saw them off. It depends on the type of knob and thickness of the wood you have.

Step 4.  Attach it to the wall with a hammer and nails. (You won’t have to worry about finding a stud because the jewelry holder is lightweight. (If you are going to hang heavier objects, like jackets, you will need to use screws and find the stud.)

Voila!

ALSO CHECK OUT:

The Perfect DIY Gift: Mason Jar Photo Candles
DIY: A Holder for Sunglasses You Can Make in 10 Minutes
DIY: A Clock You Can Make in 10 Minutes

The post DIY in 10 Minutes: Reclaimed Wood Jewelry Holder appeared first on EcoSalon.