DIY Garden Decor Ideas You’ll Totally Dig

June 2, 2015 by FaveCraftsBlog

Once it gets warm out, we don’t just have to decorate the insides of our homes, but the outsides as well…and we could not be more excited!!! DIY garden decor is just as pretty and bright as the flowers and vegetables they are sharing the dirt with. Right now, we’re simply mad for terra cotta pot projects, pretty painted planters, and hip flower markers. We’ve even thrown a couple of DIY lanterns in the mix to light your way! You could even garden in the dark. 😉

DIY Garden Ideas

Neon Sunshine Planters

DIY Embroidery Hoop Planter – Clever

DIY Garden Hose Decor -SO cute!

Bold Bottle Tiki Torches

Sweet Strawberry Terra Cotta Pots

Pretty Petals Flower Tower

DIY Concrete Planter

Summer Seas Driftwood Flowers – Use these as flower markers!

Moon Over Mason Jar Lights

DIY Garden Stepping Stones

Succulent DIY Garden Projects

DIY Hanging Lantern

How do you plan on decorating your garden this summer?

Papercrafting Your Summer Bucket List Memories

July 22, 2014 by AllFreePaperCrafts

This post is brought to you from Martha Bonneau from MugsyBoo.

Even though I have had a Pinterest board of summer bucket list ideas for the past few years, this is the first year that I have actually put a list of activities together for our family to try and complete this summer. Initially the task of completing our bucket list seemed daunting, but I am happy to report we have crossed more than half the items off our list!

As a papercrafter, I have been looking for ideas on how to best preserve these memories. Do I scrapbook each event, do I create a mini book, or do I create a pocket page style album? The most ambitious way to document your summer would be to create a layout for each item on your list, but if time is at a premium, you could create a mini or pocket page album. From making s’mores to going to see fireworks, we have rounded up lots of inspiration to get you motivated!

Summer Bucket List Album Ideas

4th of July by Cassie

Sidewalk Chalk by Amy

Ooey Gooey Goodness S’mores by Lisa

Sweet Days of Summer by Martha

Picnic by Anabelle

Snow Cones by Jacinda

Road Trip by Jennifer

Bucket List by Shanna Noel

Summer Bucket Book

I love the idea of compiling your bucket list on a single layout like Jennifer did. Mini albums are a creative way to preserve your summer memories. These papercrafters show us how to create a pre-made summer bucket list album that can be filled with pictures at the end of summer…or fall or winter if time slips away from you!

Summer Bucket List Mini Album by Ashley

Mini Accordian Album by Gail

More Summer Bucket List Ideas

Scrapbook albums with pocket-style pages have become a popular way to document your memories. These albums come in a variety of sizes like this 4×4 example by Lisa and this traditional 12×12 by Michelle. Your Bucket List doesn’t even have to be documented in an album; these papercrafters have thought outside the album when it came to creating their lists.

Summer Bucket List Planning by Angela

Summer Bucket List Garland by Stephanie

Summer Bucket List Wall Décor by Becca

Do you have a summer bucket list? If so, what is on it?

What You (Almost) Forgot to Bring: Sewing Purses, Organizers, and More for Travel

July 14, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Warning: This post contains incredibly helpful information and sewing tutorials.

You were supposed to leave 12 minutes ago for the airport, but you know you’re forgetting something. Your keys? Chargers? ID? What is it??

There just isn’t time to think about it anymore. Boldly you yell at everyone to get in the car, scoop the dazed 4 year-old off the floor, and head out.

Settled at your gate with your group of nomads, a heart-sinking realization sets in that you forgot everything.

Don’t worry! It was just a dream. To prevent yourself from forgetting those personal and family essentials, we’ve created a list of items that you definitely need. Best of all, they’re all simple sewing projects that you’ll enjoy making immensely. How do we know? Come on, you’re on a sewing blog; we’re one in the same. Take a trip with us by browsing through these tutorials on sewing purses, organizers, and more gear for traveling. You’ll be surprised at how incredibly useful each of these free sewing projects is.

Sewing Purses, Pouches, and Toiletry Holders

Sewing Project Ideas for Parents

Necessities to Sew if You’re Camping

How to Sew Helpful Accessories if you Lose Everything All the Time

Sewing Tutorials for the Luggage-less Traveler

Additional Items You Always Forget

Tell us:

Did we forget something? Hopefully not, but if you thought of an item on this list that wasn’t mentioned, tell us what it is!

Flip, Meet Flop: DIY Decorative Sandals

June 18, 2014 by FaveCrafts

Everybody knows that good things come in pairs. One earbud isn’t the same as two earbuds, cookies don’t taste as yummy without milk, and if you’re missing a contact lens, you know you’re out of luck. Similarly, every flip needs its flop! Bring your two favorite summer accessories together and make the most out of them. Decorating flip flops transforms boring sandals into cute or glamorous footwear. All it takes is a crafty touch. Don’t let your flip flops run naked this summer, (leave that to the baby running through the sprinkler) and give them some fashionable flair.

Decorating Flip Flops with Summertime Simplicity

Fab Summer Flip Flops – These cute sandals are a real treat for your poor toes that have been crammed into socks all year.

The Knot So Hard Flip Flop DIY – If you’re not liking what you see in the stores, make your own easy footwear with this tutorial.

Microspun Crochet Fantabulous Flip Flops – There’s no need to throw out your old flip flops.

Yellow Flip Flops – Dress up any pair of flip flops with some cute summertime bling and let the sunshine in.

Rainbow Flip Flops – Decorating your flip flops has never been this colorful or this fun.

Glamtastic DIY Flip Flops

Denim & Lace Flip Flops – Denim and lace look just as cool on your feet as they look on the rest of your body. Your flip flops will be dressed as sharply as you will. Dazzling Daisy Flip Flops – These kid-friendly flip flops are easy to make and fun to wear. (They’re also easy to wear and fun to make.) Flippy Floppy Feathery Slippers – Even though these flip-flops-turned-slippers are more for indoor wear than outdoor wear, they are still plenty of fun and look great on your feet. Feel free to personalize them however you choose, in order to fully pamper your feet. Crocodile Flip Flops – Don’t worry, these flip flops don’t bite, but they do look great on your feet. Adding some crochet designs is just the extra love that your flip flops need. Flowery Flip Flops – Make sure your sandals stand out and add a few glamorous flowers to the top. Summer flair has never looked this sweet.

How to Decorate Flip Flops for the Home

Flip Flop Wreath – When summer knocks, welcome her in with this cute decoration.

Summer Flip Flop Wreath – The sun is out, the temperature is rising, and everybody knows that the official symbol of summertime joy is the flip flop. Make this wreath to ring in the new season. You’ll be in the summer spirit when you realize how simple and adorable this decoration looks.

Crocheted Glass Flip Flops – These are just what you need to throw a fabulous summer party. Invite your friends over for a night of cocktails, without the water rings.

Beach Plaque – This project lets you bring out the paints as well as the flip flops.

What accessory gets you in the mood for summer?

21 Summer-Inspired Mason Jar Crafts

June 13, 2014 by FaveCrafts

There’s nothing that screams summer quite like a Mason jar. Whether you use it as a glass, a vase, a decoration, or a time capsule, a Mason jar opens the window for a whole assortment of fun crafty projects that are great for children and adults alike.

If you’re getting ready to host a summer party or wedding, you just have to check out some of these DIY Mason jar craft ideas. With 21 awesome crafts to choose from, there’s bound to be something for everyone in this collection! Those hosting a 4th of July BBQ might love this Americana Mason Jar. Great for using as a centerpiece or as a container to hold utensils, this fun Mason jar would be the perfect addition to any party. You could even use it to hold sparklers or fill it with sand and use them to hold down a stubborn tablecloth or picnic blanket.

You can also use tinted spray paint to add a lovely shade of color to your glass jars. Projects like the Brightly Colored Tinted Jars are perfect for summer decorating and entertaining…and are made using a simple paint technique. There are all kinds of ways you can add color to glass jars, and…as luck would have it…we happen to be giving away a set of 10 Design Master TintIT Multi-Use Spray Paints. Scroll on down for more information on how you can be the lucky winner of this amazing spray paint collection!

21 Summer-Inspired Mason Jar Crafts

What is your favorite way to craft with mason jars?

Want even more awesome Mason jar crafts? Be sure to check out our free downloadable eBook, 20 Crafts with Mason Jars: Wedding Ideas, Centerpieces, and More, for lots of great DIY Mason jar craft ideas! Download your own free copy today!

Follow FaveCrafts’s board Mason Jar Craft Ideas & Recipes in Mason Jars on Pinterest.

10 Picnic Craft Ideas To Help You Celebrate Summer

June 4, 2014 by FaveCrafts

The weather is warm and the days are longer, which can only mean one thing … it’s finally summer! There’s nothing worse than spending time indoors when you could be soaking up the sun (just make sure you wear sunscreen). Head out for a picnic this summer and soak up all of the best aspects of summer. You can go for lunch, in the late afternoon or even enjoy the sunset during dinner time. No matter when you head out, you’ll surely create lasting memories, especially when you add a DIY element into your outing. Picnic craft ideas can turn a plain old summer evening into an unforgettable event. Best of all, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on any of these fun summer crafts – save that for your family’s summer vacation!

Before you head out, take some time to create your own picnic blanket, utensil holders and more. Also, don’t forget that the Fourth of July is just one month away, so be sure to incorporate some red, white and blue into your picnic crafts. Make a beer bottle holder for dad, reusable cloth bags for kids (keep them for school lunches!) and a crochet tote that you can wear all year long. You can even create a theme for your picnic – choose a few portable ladybug crafts to bring on your audience – they can serve as a complement to those Spotted Ladybug Picnic Cups!

Before you head out for a picnic, download a copy of “12 Fabulous Picnic Craft Ideas + Restaurant Copycat Recipes“.

We joined up with our friends at AllFreeCopycatRecipes to bring you our favorite picnic craft ideas and recipes – you’ll want to save this one forever!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate summer?

8 4th of July Sewing Projects You Should Probably Make

June 2, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Where did the time ago? It feels like a minute ago we were putting up our Christmas trees and now we’re already celebrating the 4th of July. Is it time travel? Witchcraft? No, just life.

As many of our faithful fans and friends know, at AllFreeSewing we’re all about celebrating the holidays with the help of talented designer across the world. Day in and day out we get to scour blogs and websites seeking absolutely astounding sewing tutorials. What with the patriotic madness that is about to ensue in the states, our latest mission was to find 4th of July sewing tutorials. And boy did we find them. If you’re after some furiously fun and easy patriotic projects, we have a whole collection of them plus additional ones below! Some of these finds are no-sew, some use felt, others refashion old clothing, but they all involve fabric and all yield fabulous results. You won’t find the roundup below on AllFreeSewing just yet, so take advantage of our list to create amazing home decor and clothing to celebrate Independence Day.

4th of July Sewing Projects

You Should Probably Make

Gorgeous, right? How excited are you to start decorating your home for the fourth? Additionally, you can find even more fabulous patriotic crafts in our collection, 18 Fourth of July Crafts: How to Sew Pillowcase Dresses, Star Pillows and More. In this roundup of tutorials you’ll find clothing for kids, adults, and home decor ideas. Don’t overlook this holiday; it’s an opportunity to go all out in your festivities. In short, it’s an excuse to sew.

How are you celebrating

the Fourth of July?

Link Love: Seashell Crafts

July 11, 2013 by FaveCrafts

When I go to the beach, one of my favorite activities is collecting shells. There’s only one problem – I go to the beach maybe once a year, and that’s if I’m lucky. The rest of the time, I’m stuck in the landlocked Midwest, where authentic seashells are few and far between. Since I can’t head to the ocean when the mood strikes, I have to settle for my local craft store, where I can purchase seashells by the bundle.

Now is the perfect time to bring the beach home and craft with shells. That said, seashells never go out of style, rot or disintegrate, so you can use them even when the weather is cold. In fact, you can even use shells to create Christmas crafts! Create a Cute Beach Frame for a friend before a birthday or special event and be sure to include a meaningful photo (extra credit if you include a photo from the beach). You can purchase a new frame or use a plain one you already have – it’s completely up to you. Another great upcycle craft is a Seashell Treasure Box, which can be made on the cheap. Simply use a plain wooden box and add different types of shells. You can also create your own designs\ and use seashells to bring your projects to life. One example is Beach and Seashell Glass Candle Rings, which make an excellent addition to a dinner table. Make a few before your next barbecue or dinner party.

Even if you can’t head to the beach this summer, you can certainly make a few seashell crafts with items from your favorite craft store. Embellish an item you already have or create something brand new – it’s up to you!

Clam Shell Friends from We Know Stuff
Shell Jewelery Holder from A Lion’s Nest
DIY Seashell Boutonniere from Bayside Bride
Golden Shell Cake Stand from Nellie Bellie
Shell Bouquet from Savvy Deets Bridal
Easy Summer Starfish Wreath from House by Hoff
Seashell Beeswax Tealights from Garden Therapy
Freshwater Seashell Wreath from Just a Smidgen
Metallic Sea Shell Christmas Trees from At the Picket Fence

The Top Five Sweetest Summer Dresses to Sew

June 20, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

If you’re like me, you check the weather multiple times everyday. I check it when I wake up, and I check it less than an hour later before I get dressed and leave for class or work. And I most certainly do not go to sleep without checking tomorrow’s weather at least once. This probably seems obsessive (okay, it is obsessive), but I do my best to be dressed weather-appropriate before I head out for several hours. If there’s one thing I can tell you from the numerous weather reports I’ve recently read, it’s that it’s time to break out your summer dresses because the warm weather is on its way.

What’s in style is ever-changing, and perhaps you’re ready to add some new summer dresses to your wardrobe. Let’s be honest, who has ever said they couldn’t use another great dress for the summer? If you’re ready to update your closet, check out these five sweet summer dresses that you can sew to get ready for some fun in the sun.

Easy Breezy Summer Dress for Girls

Nothing says “summer is here” like a great floral print dress. You can sew this little number for your little girl in just a few easy steps. Check out the summer dress tutorial to see how you can make this adorable outfit full of ruffly fun.

Stitch in Color Summer Dress

This sweet summer dress is full of bright, eye-catching colors and features the ever-popular overalls design. Your daughter will love playing and twirling in this soft and comfy outfit you sewed just for her.

Super Easy Summer Dress

A great summer dress is just a few stitches away with simple patterns like this one. This strapless dress is so easy to make, you might even want to try it in a few different colors. Grab your favorite fabric (or two, or ten) and give this pattern a whirl.

Summer Dress

Your next summer dress can be a low-budget, upcycling project. Grab an old plaid shirt and sew away using this dress pattern. There’s no need to spend big bucks when you can sew a sweet dress with recycled materials.

Easy Summer Halter Dress

This sweet summer dress is perfect for any beach getaway. All eyes will be on you when you wear this ensemble, and you’ll love knowing that your great dress was made from your very own handiwork.

Which of these dress patterns do you want to try?

The Nautical List: This Summer’s Best Nautical Crafts to Sew

June 14, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

With winter comes the Naughty and Nice Lists, and with summer comes The Nautical List. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the waves are crashing, and it’s time for everyone to take to the seven seas. Okay, so maybe not everyone. But even if you won’t be boarding the S.S. Summer Sailor, you can still sport the look by sewing some of these nautical crafts.

Whether you love the stripes or are a fan of the anchors, there’s a nautical fashion out there for everyone. Grab some thread, your sewing machine, and your best sailor-inspired fabrics. It’s time to sew some nautical crafts to get you ready for summer fun. Check out the projects below to decide which nautical craft you want to try out first.

Nautical Dress for Girls

The nautical style is for everyone of all ages. Sew your daughter a cute little nautical dress, accented with her favorite color around the sleeves and neck. The adorable cinched belt and bow add a youthful touch to this sea-themed ensemble. She’ll love the feel of the soft, knit fabric, and you’ll love how easy this dress is to create.

Nautical Halter

This long and flowing nautical dress is for people who are ready to soak up some rays. Pick out a nautical knot printed fabric and a few yards of cording, and you’re ready to sew a nautical halter dress that is sure to grab everyone’s attention. Wear this halter dress to the beach to get that sun-kissed look that says “Summer is here.”

Sailor Dress

With just a little bit of fabric and a few matching buttons, you can sew this fun dress for your little girl. She will love showing off her boat-inspired outfit while she’s playing in the summer sun with all of her friends. The large front pockets are a great for little hands collecting seashells.

Boat Tote Bag

A simple, sailor-style tote is just a little bit of sewing away. This sturdy, boat-themed bag is perfect to take anywhere this summer, and it’s spacious enough to hold all your belongings when you head out for the day. Look no further than this tote if you’re ready to sew a nautical craft that will make everyone’s head turn.

DIY Garden Ideas

How do you plan on decorating your garden this summer?

This post is brought to you from Martha Bonneau from MugsyBoo.

Summer Bucket List Album Ideas

More Summer Bucket List Ideas

Do you have a summer bucket list? If so, what is on it?

Sewing Purses, Pouches, and Toiletry Holders

Sewing Project Ideas for Parents

Necessities to Sew if You’re Camping

How to Sew Helpful Accessories if you Lose Everything All the Time

Sewing Tutorials for the Luggage-less Traveler

Additional Items You Always Forget

Tell us:

Did we forget something? Hopefully not, but if you thought of an item on this list that wasn’t mentioned, tell us what it is!

Decorating Flip Flops with Summertime Simplicity

Glamtastic DIY Flip Flops

How to Decorate Flip Flops for the Home

What accessory gets you in the mood for summer?

What is your favorite way to craft with mason jars?

Fun Summer Crafts

Picnic Crafts For Kids

4th of July Picnic Craft Ideas (Start Planning Now!)

Before you head out for a picnic, download a copy of “12 Fabulous Picnic Craft Ideas + Restaurant Copycat Recipes“.

We joined up with our friends at AllFreeCopycatRecipes to bring you our favorite picnic craft ideas and recipes – you’ll want to save this one forever!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate summer?

Which of these dress patterns do you want to try?

What’s your favorite nautical craft to sew?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty

4th of July Picnic Craft Ideas
(Start Planning Now!)