FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

Recycled DIY Organization Ideas

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What are the trickiest areas of your home when it comes to getting organized? Maybe it’s the jewelry and fashion accessories in your bedroom. Or perhaps it’s your desk and office area that is most in need of an efficiency makeover. If you’re here on FaveCrafts Blog, then we’re guessing that your craft room needs a little help too. No one wants to have to go on a scavenger hunt through their house every time they need to find something simple. A few simple projects to declutter and corral all those little bits and piece will show you how to organize and have your supplies in order in no time.

Recycled DIY Organization Ideas

We know that sometimes, knowing how to organize seems to be just too hard, too expensive, and too unattractive. We’re here with DIY organization ideas to show you it doesn’t have to be!

Homework Caddy

Image courtesy of Aunt Peaches

There are lots of ways to get your kitchen, office, bedroom, craft room, or any other part of your home organized quickly and easily. We’ve rounded up 14 of these clever DIY organization ideas below and we just know you’re going to love how simple they are. Best of all, these DIY organization crafts are positively adorable too!

Recycled Can Organizer

Image courtesy of HP

Recycled Screwdriver Coat Rack

Image courtesy of Homemade Modern

  1. DIY Recharging Station from A Little Craft in Your Day
  2. Handy Cardboard Carton Desk Caddy from Aunt Peaches
  3. Chalkboard Coat Hanger from FaveCrafts
  4. Recycled Can Pen and Marker Organizer from HP Create
  5. DIY Magazine Holder from A Little Craft in Your Day
  6. 15 Minute Recycled Desk Organizer from FaveCrafts
  7. Stylish Recycled Organizer from A Little Craft in Your Day
  8. Wine Cork Jewelry Holder from FaveCrafts
  9. Recycled Screwdriver Coat Rack from Homemade Modern
  10. Rustic Recycled Tin Can Organizer from Homeroad
  11. Lovely Mod Podge Tray from FaveCrafts
  12. Easy Hardware Organization from Chez Larsson
  13. DIY Frame Earring Holder from Morning Creativity
  14. Easy Peasy Scarf Organization Holder from From the Desk

See? There are lots of great ideas for getting your house into tip-top organized shape using inexpensive recycled materials. Next time you’re about to toss out those cardboard tubes, empty plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cartons, boxes, or other potentially useful things, have a look at them with an eye to tidying up and having a home for each and every item.

Which part of your home is most in need of organization? Share your clutter hot spots in the comments below!

 

 

 

8 Ingenious Painting Ideas for the Thrifty Crafter

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Do you love to save money by creating your own DIY home decor? Check out these ingenious painting ideas and you’ll want to make one of these thrifty projects for your own home. When you make your own home decor rather than buying something already put together and made for you at a store, you’re already saving your wallet some pain. When you’re transforming some thrifted items that you found at a bargain — that’s even better! There’s something so fun and satisfying about seeing an item nobody else wanted turn into the same trendy item everyone is shelling out the big bucks for. It definitely pays off in the end when you’re able to see a piece’s potential to be great!

8 Ingenious Painting Ideas for the Thrifty Crafter

We can’t get enough affordable DIY home decor ideas because we’re always looking for a chance to change up or freshen up our spaces without spending a fortune. Painting projects aren’t just for kids: these modern and trendy craft ideas will compliment any home’s decor and will prove to be fun older ages. Plus, since some of these require a hunt for some thrifted goods, you get to go on a bargain hunt! It’s so much fun to discover a new treasure and to make it your own. No one will believe you that you didn’t buy it in a store. We can’t believe that these projects weren’t purchased at big box stores! So, scroll through this list and you might be surprised and find your next craft project idea. You might even discover that you have these materials around the house already and all you need is the paint. Feel free to have fun with bright colors too. A pop of color in a home is like a ray of sunshine and can be so refreshing!

8 Ingenious Painting Ideas for the Thrifty Crafter

Trendy Repurposed Porch Light Planter

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Wooden DIY Coasters

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Chalky Paint Mirror Finish

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Personalized No Sew Pillow

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Beautiful DIY Chalkboard Cutting Board

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DIY Rustic Concrete Garden Planter

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$20 Sofa Paint Makeover

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Thrifty Painted Wood Bowls

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Comment below and let us know, what are your favorite painting projects?

Link Love: Crafty Uses for a Mason Jar

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Mason jars truly are a crafter’s best friend. If you are simply using them to store food or other items, you’re missing out on great DIY opportunities. And no, you don’t need power tools or heavy machinery to alter these glass jars. In fact, you can use fabric, paper, paint and so much more to create a pretty decor item for your home. But wait, there’s more! Did you know that you can also decorate a mason jar from the inside out? Turn a simple glass receptacle into an aquarium or a snow globe with only a few easy-to-find supplies. Mason jar projects are perfect for frugal living enthusiasts and eco-friendly crafts. We can all cut a few corners, especially when it comes to the cost of craft supplies, so why not save big and reuse your glass jars?

We here at FaveCrafts love mason jars just as much as the next crafter. That’s not true – we’re actually obsessed with mason jars and love finding new, inventive ways to use them in craft projects. One reader-favorite DIY idea is Mason Jar Vases, which only requires four supplies. These look great as a centerpiece on a picnic table or in a dining room – you can even add more feminine touches and use them as wedding decorations. Girly Pink Collaged Mason Jars make great candleholders or catchalls for jewelry. Since spring cleaning season is just around the corner, it’s important to remember that you can use mason jars for organizing your craft or office supplies. Our roundup of 5 Mason Jar Ideas to Keep You Organized will help you take control of your space and clear your clutter once and for all.

It’s time to join in on the trend that’s taking over the craft community. Save up those mason jars or buy them in bulk at your local home goods store – they serve so many important purposes and can be customized to fit anyone’s home decor. As long as you have Pinterest and FaveCrafts at your disposal, you’ll never run out of crafty ideas for mason jars – we promise!

Crafty-Uses-for-a-Mason-Jar

 

  1. Memory Jar from Bespoke Bride
  2. Etched Mason Jar Glasses from Sometimes Homemade
  3. Simple Painted Glass Jars from Just a Girl and Her Blog
  4. Glitter Mason Jars from Cassandra Monroe
  5. Hanging Mason Jar Planter from The Three R’s
  6. Mason Jars With A Blue Patina from Surbuble
  7. Gumball Jar from We Made That
  8. Mason Jar Aquarium from Hello Wonderful
  9. Gilded Mason Vases from Mom Makes Things

 

Remember, if you enjoyed these organizational mason jar crafts, then you’re going to love what’s in store for you inside our free eBook, 20 Crafts with Mason Jars: Wedding Ideas, Centerpieces, Decor, and More! Download your own free copy today!

 

 

 

 

34 Woodland Wonders

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I love bringing the beauty of nature into my home.  From bowls of pine cones to afghans inspired by the changing fall leaves, nature is the ultimate inspiration when it comes to crafting and decorating.

The best part about nature crafts is that you can easily change out your home decor based on what’s going on in your back yard.  This budget-friendly and convenient decorating technique will ensure that your home is always decorated for the appropriate season!  For example, as snow melts and the grass and flowers begin to bloom again, this Basic Birdseed Wreath will help welcome birds back into your backyard.  You can also gather up dried branches and make this beautiful Autumn Berry Branch Mirror, which would look stunning in a living room or bedroom.

So if you’ve been interested in learning how you can use nature to help inspire your decorating, look no further.  This collection is all you need to convert your home into a woodland wonderland!

34 Woodland Wonders

WoodlandWonders-nature-crafts

 

Woodland-Inspired Home Decor

Wood-Logs-Candle-Holders

Rustic Twig Vase

Autumn Berry Branch Mirror

Woodland Winter Centerpiece

Yo Yo Stuffed Pine Cones

Birch Bark Cubes

Acorn Garland

Basic Birdseed Wreath

Felt Applique Chickadee Ornament

Breathtaking Frosted Pine Cones

Faux LED Wood Candles

Rustic Nature Frame

Tree Branch Star Decorations

Woodland Nymph Candle Holders

Wood Logs Candle Holders

Woodland Wonderland Centerpieces

Stunning Rustic Log Decor

Gorgeous Glitter Pine Cone Wreath

Hanging Glass Butterfly Feeders

Nature’s Best Wind Chime

Howling Wolf Quilt

Acorn Nest Ornament

Tawny Owl Afghan

Crazy Cute Autumn Acorns

 

 

Woodland Wearables

PMCLeafRing

Acorn Pendant

Woodland Wanderer Cape

Nature Lover’s Purse

PMC Leaf Ring

Leaf Imprint Pendant

Birds Nest Pendant

Sly Fox Crochet Hat

 

 

Woodland Gift Ideas

Printable-Woodland-Creature-Bookmarks

 

Printable Woodland Creature Bookmarks

Cabled Leaf Cozy

Woodland Fairy Folk

Woodland DIY Gift Tag

Wood Logs Candle Holders

 

 

woodland-wonders

What do love most about woodland crafts?

12 Tie Dye Patterns for Adults

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Tie dye has been an old summer camp favorite for years.  From making fun team tees to tie dyeing your own totes and bandanas, the simple act of placing fabric in colored water has been a crowd pleaser for years.  However, kids don’t have to have ALL the fun!  Embrace your inner summer lovin’ child with these classy and decorative tie dye patterns, geared especially towards adults.

Great for adding some color and style to your home, this Sunburst Blossom Pillow is a great home accent to have both indoors and out.  Create lovely flowers in all your favorite colors for a pillow assortment that’s sure to wow all your guests.

You can also add some neat tie dye art to your walls with this Quote Art Canvas.  Pick your favorite quote or phrase or use the one provided to inspire and motivate you in your crafting.  This is a great project for teens to do as well…and a fun way for them to add some color and style to their bedroom or dorm.

Want to get started tie dyeing right away?  Scroll on down and find out how you can win an awesome set of Rit Dyes, great for all your upcoming tie dye projects!

 

12 Tie Dye Patterns for Adults

tie dye

 

Bonus!

We’re giving away a set of Rit Dye to one lucky winner!  All you need to do to win is head on over to the giveaway page and enter your information.  You have until December 10th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveaway.  Good luck!

 

And don’t forget to check out our other weekly giveaways, going on now!

2013’s Best Thanksgiving Ideas: Free Quilted Table Decor and Slow Cooker Recipes You Should Try

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Time’s winding down to Thanksgiving, and we can just imagine how stressful this time of year has been for all of you quilters! It can be hard to find time to work on decorative patterns and plan your big meal at the same time. The editors at FaveQuilts can help take some of that stress away with some of our favorite quilted table runner patterns, table toppers, and other quilted decorations that you’ll be able to complete in no time. We’ve also found some popular slow cooker recipes from our friends at AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes that you can start on while you work.

Table Decorations with Thanksgiving Themes

It’s the reason for the season, so if you don’t want to skimp on the holiday aspect of your home decor, use some classic seasonal colors to complement your fabric, like in the Quick Patchwork Thanksgiving Table Runner, or include a popular holiday image that will look even more impressive when quilted.

 

Thanksgiving themed patterns to try:

Fall Inspired Quilt Patterns

Thanksgiving’s only one day of the year, and if you’re trying to save fabric, you may find yourself in a bit of a predicament. Thankfully, there are patterns like the Simple Autumn Table Runner that are appropriate for special occasions, as well as everyday decor that you can have in your home for the rest of the fall season.

 

More fall patterns to try:

More Quilted Table Runner Patterns and Table Toppers

Just because this is a special holiday doesn’t mean you can’t still bring your designer style to the table. You don’t necessarily need to incorporate fall colors into your Thanksgiving table decor to make it special; Just look at how amazing and classy the Modern Dresden Quilt Table Runner looks. A timeless look or a modern sensation can just as easily complement your delicious meal.

 

 

 

 

More table runners and toppers:

 

BONUS! Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Recipes

There’s no better way to cook for a quilter than with a slow cooker. You can prepare a meal in the morning, let it sit during the day while you’re quilting, and have a delicious meal and some great progress completed on your latest pattern by nightfall. Finally get the rest and relaxation you deserve this holiday season instead of standing over a stove all day with the help of our friends at AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes.

Does this Easy Pumpkin Soup look delicious or what? If you like that, make sure you take a look at all of the Thanksgiving-themed recipes our sister site has to offer:

 

 

Which of your holiday decorations do you like to make yourself?

How to Upcycle Glass for Decorative Mosaics – It’s So Easy!

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This post is brought to you by Shahab Shokouhi, a glass design expert at www.dullesglassandmirror.com, a site that manufacturers of glass table tops, glass shelves, and all other glass and mirror products. Follow Dulles Glass and Mirror on Pinterest to see how they’re changing the way glass products are manufactured, customized and delivered.

Kitchens and bathrooms the world over are getting eco-friendly updates with countertops made out of recycled glass bits and pieces. But rest assured that even if you don’t have a countertop’s worth of materials, there are still tons of creative ways to breathe new life into your cracked or broken beautiful glass bottles, vases and mirrors.

One way to upcycle your glass fragments is to design your own custom glass mosaic such as Beach Mosaic Art wall decor! So here’s a bit more on how to create treasure out of those shards you might have otherwise trashed.

Many Mosaics

The first step to designing your mosaic artwork is to compile your glass fragments and pieces. Examine your stockpile: depending on the sizes and shapes of your glass pieces, as well as your color assortment, one design option may stand out from the rest.

For semi-uniform or consistent pieces, you might choose a repeating pattern or linear design like stripes or checks.
For an assortment of sizes and shapes in the same color family, you could go with something more abstract, like the design for the Floral Mosaic Shelf above.
If you are interested in a more precise and detailed project, consider creating a mosaic “picture” with glass as your medium. Using exactly the same philosophy as cross-stitch, this mosaic is created by plotting out your picture on graph paper and substituting your glass bits for the thread.

Glass Guidelines

To make mosaic projects like a Mosaic Butterfly Stepping Stone, you’ll need:

  • Craft Adhesive (like E-6000 or similar product)
  • Grey Sanded Grout (grey provides a better effect than white)
  • Gloves
  • Craft tweezers for precise placement

When you’re ready to begin, follow these guidelines:

  • Lay out your design without glue first to make sure you like the way it looks.
  • If you are not using translucent or otherwise see-through pieces, you can even draw out your design on the surface of whatever you are covering with a felt-tipped marker.
  • Leave space between the glass pieces as this will be filled in with grout once you have secured them all in place. This also means that you do not need to worry about them fitting together exactly.
  • When you are pleased with your layout, pick up the pieces of glass one at a time, using the craft tweezers or wearing the gloves if your glass does not have smooth edges, and apply a drop of adhesive glue to the back of each piece and press it firmly into place.
  • Once you are finished attaching all of the glass, allow the mosaic to dry overnight.
  • Wearing the gloves, apply a generous amount of grout and rub it into the gaps, ensuring all spaces are filled completely.
  • Wipe off excess with a damp towel and allow the mosaic to dry for at least 24 hours.

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to create your own mosaic, what projects will you make?

Link Love: Lampshade Makeovers

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I’m moving this weekend, which means that I’ve been spending a lot of time at hardware and home decor stores. While I am so excited to decorate my new space, I am also becoming more and more aware that the cutest items often cost a pretty penny. I’m realizing that it’s important to cut corners and save money where I can, so I’ve been looking for new and unexpected DIY ideas to spruce up my new apartment. One trend I’m noticing is upcycled lampshades – crafters are taking old, plain store-bought shades and adding fabric, rope and more. Some people are even getting rid of the lampshade entirely and creating their own lighting from unexpected items like wire and paper plate holders. Either way, these projects are a creative, innovative and inexpensive DIY option!

There are so many ways to upcycle a lampshade and create a stylish home decor piece on the cheap. If you love the look of tie-dye (it’s a huge trend right now), you can create an Indigo Fabric Flower Lampshade. While you’re at it, be sure to cut out muslin flowers to stick on to the lampshade! Show off your colorful side and make a Scrap Ribbon Lampshade. This is a great excuse to dip into your supply stash and use up those old scraps.  Another fun way to upcycle fabric is by creating a Casual T-Shirt Rosette Lampshade. The pretty florals add a cool and unexpected look and texture.

If you want to change the look of your space, stay at home and makeover a lampshade. You don’t have to drop a ton of money on supplies, either. As these home decor projects show, scraps, old t-shirts and paint can certainly come in handy. Get creative and experiment – you’re sure to love the results.

  1. No-Sew Fabric Lampshade Makeover from Jacque Lynn Steves
  2. Paint Sample Lampshade from Marie Oh Marie
  3. Rope Lampshade from Blog a la Cart
  4. Fabric Rosette Lampshade from A Swell Place to Dwell
  5. Fabric Scraps Lampshade from The 36th Avenue
  6. Gilded Lampshade from Eclectically Vintage
  7. Industrial Lampshade from Tara Dennis
  8. Paper Plate Holder Lampshade from My Pondokkie
  9. Lampshade From Paper Circles from Tally’s Treasury

Thrifty Home Makeover: DIY Home Decor Ideas to Refurbish Your Home On a Budget

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I’ve always been hesitant to redecorate, mostly because I have no interest in spending money on window treatments or furniture when what I already have is more than functional. But there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to spruce up a room by doing a little sewing. Check out these home decor ideas to see how you can redecorate to your heart’s content without depleting your life savings.

DIY Curtains

Fat Quarter Patchwork Curtains

Fat Quarter Patchwork CurtainsYoung girls will absolutely love the pastels of these patchwork curtains. This easy sewing project will instantly brighten up any room, and it’s completely budget-friendly. Grab your leftover fat quarters and check out this sewing tutorial. DIY curtains are a stylish and thrifty way to revamp the look of any room on a shoestring budget.

 

 

 

 

Gathered Top Panel Curtains

Gathered Top Panel CurtainsA charming living room doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. When you sew DIY curtains, you put a personal touch on your home decor while saving a boatload of money. These Gathered Top Panel Curtains will give your home a delightful look for a fraction of the price of professional window treatments.

 

 

 

 

DIY Lampshades

Lamp Shade Refashion

Lamp Shade RefashionRibbon and chiffon are the perfect combination to make your lamps look brand spanking new. Look at this sewing tutorial to learn how you can refashion your lampshades for a nominal amount of money. Easily refashion your plain and boring lampshades to give your living room that chic and stylish look you crave. Ideas for home decor like this make updating the look of a room a breeze.
Pleated Lampshade Skirt Makeover

 

 

 

 

Pleated Lampshade Skirt MakeoverA new lampshade can be as inexpensive as $0.00 You don’t have to spend any money to make a DIY lampshade when you can refashion your plain, boring lampshade with an old skirt. Grab a fun skirt you no longer wear and do a little sewing to make this stylish (almost) new lampshade. You’ll love how easy this thrifty home decor idea is to sew.

 

 

 

 

DIY Seating

Dollar Store Recycled Rug Poufs

Dollar Store Recycled Rug PoufsComfy seating for your living room is easy to make on a budget. Sew this DIY seating for less than $10. It’s easy to give a room a makeover just by adding a soft, bean-bag like chair. Kids will love to sit on this new seat while they watch TV, read, or do their homework.

 

 

 

 

 

How To Sew a Chair Slip Cover

How To Sew a Chair Slip CoverThere’s no need to replace the seating in your living room just to create a new ambiance. Instead of buying a new chair or a cover from the store, sew your own by following this easy sewing tutorial. Home decor ideas like this let you update the appearance of a room without having to dip into your bank account.

 

 

 

 

How do you give your home a makeover on a budget?

Design Your Own Craft Room – It’s Easier Than You Think

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This post is brought to you by Aimee Claire.

Scrapbooking and paper crafting require a crafting environment that combines organization and plenty of workspace.  The amount and variety of materials and supplies needed for scrapbooking can quickly become overwhelming if the work environment is not taken in hand right from the beginning.  The best way to do this is to have a dedicated paper craft room, complete with comfortable and functional furniture, a spacious work area, good quality lighting and plenty of shelving and storage for all those valuable supplies and equipment.

If you’re not sure where to start or need a little inspiration from  top craft bloggers, check out our eBook, How to Organize Your Craft Room: 15 Room Tours and DIY Organization Ideas from Your Favorite Bloggers. Download your copy today – it’s free!

 

 

 

Decorating and Furnishing Your Paper Craft Room

When decorating a paper craft room, creating the maximum inspiration potential is the key.  Employ calmer, more neutral background colors for the walls and floor, and tap into brighter, bolder colors for the accents.  Hang inspirational pictures and clippings on the walls. You can create your own wall hangings and save money on home decor – simply use materials you have to create projects like Garden Inspired Wall Art.

Furnishing a paper craft room means choosing functional pieces with an eye towards design and comfort.  Shelving is, of course, a necessity, whether that shelving is open, hidden behind cabinet doors, or a combination of open and closed space.  Open shelving is especially accessible and attractive, particularly when bins and baskets are used for supply storage.  Closed storage units are a good choice for paper craft rooms that pull double duty as guest rooms or if the crafting area is in a community room, such as a dining room. A Floral Mosaic Shelf is a pretty and practical option you can work on at home.

Another furniture piece that is a necessity for a paper craft room is a sturdy and spacious work surface.  Whether that surface is an installed counter or some extended dining tables positioned at a 90-degree angle, the goal is to have plenty of workspace.

Lighting is also very important.  A variety of lighting sources should be used, including overhead lighting, targeted lighting aimed at the work space, and work lamps that may be positioned and used as needed, then put away.

 

Tips for Organizing Your Craft Room

After designing the perfect paper craft room, keeping supplies and tools organized and easy to find becomes the new goal.  Storage options may seem as if they would be limited, but actually there is a lot of room for individuality when choosing shelving and other storage pieces.

Open shelving with colorful fabric bins as the main storage system is one option.  Various sizes and styles of baskets may also be used to hold supplies.  Plastic storage units with multiple drawers are good for storing bits and pieces used when scrapbooking, as well as paper punches, scissors and other tools. Make storage and organization more fun by crafting your own boxes and jars. Fancy and Fabulous Storage Containers don’t take long to make but can add so much to a drab space.

Small pieces of paper, tiny buttons and other accouterments may be perfectly stored in the tiny jars and drawers of an old spice cabinet.

Modular storage systems, which feature drawers, shelves and bins in combination, are good flexible choices for scrapbooking rooms where the storage needs of the crafter constantly change.  Modular units offer the option of altering the formation of storage options, as well as adding on to the unit to expand storage as needed.  Other storage suggestions include: using vertical magazine boxes for storing papers; using canning or jelly jars to store ribbons and buttons, adding a decorative touch to the room as they hold important supplies; and using a pegboard for storage and display purposes.

Need a little help in the organization department? Check out our 5 Craft Room Storage Tips You Can Use – each idea is more practical than the next.

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