Let's talk wooden popsicle sticks today...

in the form of a DIY Table Runner!!

Yep! The adorable wooden table runner you see here is a simple craft project 

taking less than 30 minutes to put together.

I was approached by one of the editorial directors of All You Magazine.

They were looking for crafty bloggers to participate in a new feature called 

"Take this, make that" in which two crafters would have to take an ordinary household item

and turn it into something useful and fabulous!!

I was given popsicle sticks and was asked to make a home decor item 

for under $5 - in less than 5 steps!

The step-by-step photos and instructions below will have you

enjoying your own table runner in no time!!

CRAFT | Mini Tassels

Like I said yesterday...

I've been a busy little bee creating homemade decorative accents.

I'm not sure where my obsession for incorporating tassels into my holiday decor this year stems from?

And instead of trying to analyze the reason...

like I would typically do...

and present you with some profound answer...

like I would hope I could do...

I'm skipping all of that and just getting right to the basics of it all...

How to make them!

They are a cinch to create...

They're so completely versatile...

And for me...

they are as darling as it gets!

Mini Tassels

STEP ONE - Build your tassel Skirt
Wrap a sturdy object with your choice of yarn, string, ribbon or a combination of all three.
A piece of cardboard works perfectly fine. I just happened to be working on a different project
with the wooden tags and decided to use those.

I wrapped my string around the tag 40 times.
The average wrap-around for making tassels is between 20-40
This is completely dependent on material used and your preference for "poofy-ness". 
Don't fret over uneven strings - those will be trimmed at the end of this process.

TIP: Don't wrap too tightly! 
You'll need to be able to slide the bundle of string off of your sturdy object
AND...you'll also need to slip a separate piece of string underneath your bundle. See STEP TWO.

STEP TWO - Create a string for hanging your tassel.
Cut a piece of string - you'd rather it be too long that too short since you can always trim it down. 
Fold string in half.
Slide folded string underneath the layers of wrapped string - as shown in Step 2.
If you wrapped your string too tightly you'll now be frustrated. *wink*

STEP THREE - Create a loop for hanging
Thread the cut ends of the string through the loop on the other end.

STEP FOUR - Remove and tug
With string for hanging created, remove your entire bundle of string from sturdy object.
Pull hanging cord tightly to ensure a tight knot around bundle.

STEP FIVE - Create the neck
Cut a piece of string long enough to tie a knot around the entire bundle (tassel skirt).
This string should be long enough so that after a knot is made the excess strings will allow for trimming to blend with the rest of the skirt.
Tie a tight knot just below the top portion of the soon-to-be tassel.

STEP SIX - Remove loops and trim
Slide scissors through the loops at the lower portion of the tassel skirt and cut.
Continue to cut until all loops have been trimmed and you are left with strings only.
Trim the skirt for a finished edge. (as shown in Photo 1)

OPTIONAL - Reinforced neck
I like to wrap the neck portion of the tassel several more times for a more finished look.
It's an extra step though, and not necessary.

GET CREATIVE
• Increase the size of your tassels by using a larger sturdy object for wrapping.
• Try a variety of strings, yarn or ribbon for different tassel looks.
• Combining different string types into one tassel adds a little more depth and interest.
   Example:
    - Wrap Yarn 10 times and trim.
    - Wrap Ribbon 10 times and trim.
    - Wrap string 10 times and trim.
    - Finish with Yarn - wrapping 10 times and trim.

IDEAS FOR USE:
• Create banners or garlands
• Hang on door knobs
• Add to lamps/light fixtures
• Accent gift packaging

What other creative ways would you incorporate tassels into your home decor?
I'd love to hear your ideas!

Hugs to you everybody!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
If things go well this week...
I'm attempting to post 12 Days of Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas to share with you...
starting on Saturday, December 1st and running through the 12th!
Fingers crossed I can pull this off!

Don't forget to get join me tonight for some Holiday Inspiration on Pinterest!
The party starts at 9:00 p.m.
GO HERE

TEACH | All-Occasion Denim Pocket Banner (Part II)

When I told you the "Pocket Full of Posies" denim pocket banner was versatile...
I meant it.
By simply adding a splash of red and white to the denim pocket banner...
We're now ready to celebrate every patriotic holiday we have coming up...
and this could even be used at Christmas and Valentine's Day too!! LOVE!!!

Here's how to do it.
First, reference Part I of the "Denim Pocket Banner" tutorial right here.
Second, gather your supplies:

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
• Pre-made Denim Pocket Banner (already strung together)
• Red Fabric (or ribbon of your choice - amount is dependent on the amount of pockets on your banner)
• White Fabric (or ribbon of your choice - amount is dependent on the amount of pockets on your banner)
• These Fiskars tools for cutting fabrics easily (or just your favorite sharp scissors)
• Scissors (for trimming the ends of the fabric after they are tied to your banner)

STEP ONE: Cut your fabric. (or ribbon)
Cut your fabrics into strips that are 1 inch wide and about 8 inches long.
The number of strips needed will be determined by the number of pockets you are using for your banner.
Count the number of pockets, add one to that number and you've got your total.
I used ten pockets therefore I needed 11 strips of both fabrics.

STEP TWO: Pick ONE fabric color - either the red or white- and cut the existing strips in half. 

By cutting one of the piles of strips in half, you will actually create a surplus for yourself to store away for use on a future project of your choice. (Keep reading to see how this works)

STEP THREE: Creative tying

You'll be tying the fabric strips at both ends of the banner and in between each pocket.
Place the longer strip of fabric, (right side facing down), underneath the twine.

Lay the smaller strip of fabric, (right side facing up), on top of the twine - creating an "x" with the two strips of fabric.

Working with the longer strip of fabric, grab both ends and creat a knot. (Like the first step in tying your shoes).

A 2nd knot is not needed and will make changing out the fabrics much easier for your next celebration/holiday.

STEP FOUR: Trim 

For a more finished look, I used scissors to add an angle to each of the ends of the tied strips of fabric.

Notice how even though both strips of fabric started off at different lengths, they ended up just about the same size.

TIP: Use the technique above for all of your ribbon tying projects. 

You'll thank me for saving you tons of money because of  all of the extra ribbon, string or fabric you end up with.

Now...
Who's ready for Memorial Day?
And why bother taking it down when you are already set for 4th of July too!!
I LOVE when holiday decor items effortlessly and conveniently flow into the next celebration.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

If you don't have a sharp blade on your rotary cutter...

Your fabric strips will end up looking like this...

You THiNK you cut nice clean strips of fabric...

but when you go to pull them apart...

...they are partially stuck together because my wimpy blade never cut completely through.

Good thing I have another one as back up...

Note to self...
pick up some fresh blades.