Pretty + Posh Pumpkins

If you are ready to embrace something other than the traditional Jack-o-Lantern this year, here are some creative DIY techniques to transform your pumpkin into something way more posh! 

Drilled Pumpkins

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Decoupage Pumpkins

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Argyle Pumpkins

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Fabric Leaf Pumpkins

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Push Pin Pumpkins

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Patterned Pumpkins

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City Lights Pumpkins

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Southwest Pumpkins

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Do you have a favorite non-traditional way to display your pumpkins? Make sure to leave a comment below and share it with us! 

xx JN

Homespun for the Holidays

If you're looking for some festive ways to deck the halls, check out some of these fabulous, and simple, DIY craft ideas. Make sure to click on the link below each photo for complete instructions.

Something for the tree:

 Button Tree Ornament via Modern Minerals

Something for the entry:

Holiday Ice Lantern via Oh My! Creative

Something for the table:

 Peppermint Holiday Carnations via Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Something for the mantle:

Vintage Style Putz House via Retro Renovation

Something for the front door:

Yarn Ball Door Wreath via Country Living

Tis the season!

xx JN

Creating a Gallery Wall

As we discussed earlier this week, my bedroom received quite the revamp over the weekend! One of my favorite features in our "new" space is the gallery wall my hubby & I now view at the foot of our bed.

Here's how you can create one at home:

1. Start by gathering the pieces you wish to feature. I recommend spreading them out on a flat surface so you can easily rearrange them (in this case, I used our bed):

Keep in mind that putting a gallery wall together is a bit like working a puzzle ... you will know when the pieces "fit" together. On this wall, I had a piece much larger than the rest. I worked at achieving balance by treating the largest piece as the "anchor" on one side of the space and filled in the other side with the rest of the pieces.

2. Choose the nails/wall anchors best suited for each piece you're hanging:

3. Measure out your wall space - I prefer the "eyeball" method, but you can certainly use a leveler/measuring tape - and start by hanging the pieces that either are on opposites sides of each other, or the pieces you will treat as center:

4. Add your remaining nails/wall anchors:
 

 5. Hang your individual pieces:

 

6. Tweak and adjust as you go to ensure everything is lined up properly - again, use your eyeballs! They won't fail you!

7. Voila!

 xx JN

Father's Day Fun!

Celebrating Dad on Father's Day may sometimes be tricky when it comes to gift-giving. If Dad doesn't golf, doesn't grill or doesn't have a "traditional" hobby, you may be coming up short with what to give him this year!

Here are some fabulous DIY ideas with the kids in mind that will make Dad feel as special as he truly is!

Art from the Heart

Who doesn't love art? And when it comes from your very own kids, is there even a question? Whether you choose to do this scrappy self-portrait or watercolor silhouette, Dad gets an original masterpiece! As much as I love photography, I also couldn't help but love the "D-A-D" photo triptych. What a wonderful way to capture your child or children at any age.

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Details for Dad's Desk

Whether Dad works at an office, or has one at home, you cannot go wrong with any of these personalized touches to add to his space: the note cube, coasters or pot are great for kids to design at any age.

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Presentation is Everything

No matter the gift, you can equally personalize the presentation! Try your hand at these adorable paper airplane cards or have the kids make their very own wrapping paper. 

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I'm quite confident Dad's going to be the first one to fly his paper airplane card across the room ... after all, aren't Dads the biggest kids of all?

xx JN

Simple Gifts for Mom

Mother's Day is Sunday! I'm in love with some of these DIY ideas - they offer not only a sweet sentiment, but the fact they are homemade makes them all the more charming to receive:

The Culinary Creator

We all know fresh herbs offer such depth of flavor in cooking. A small, indoor herb garden with Mom's favorite herbs will not only be beautiful, but will be a true treat when she's cooking (but, please ... take Mom out to eat on Sunday!) You can easily do this yourself with an organic potting soil, a few of her favorites (rosemary, English thyme, Italian parsley and mint are a great start!) and a lovely planter that suits her decor of choice:

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The Inner Aesthetician

If a spa gift certificate is not in your budget this year, treat Mom to some homemade treatments such as these deliciously smelling body scrubs courtesy of Martha Stewart Living:

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The Family Art Curator:

A perfect gift for any age to make! Purchase a simple black frame/white mat combo and you can quickly turn it into a child's masterpiece! Use the mat as a "canvas" and the little ones can decorate it (colored pencils or markers work GREAT!) and then simply sign the bottom right-hand corner "Happy Mother's Day 2012." Frame one of your favorite candids of the kids or grandkids and voila! It also is a great way to start a memory wall and you can make it an annual tradition!

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The Purposeful Poet

Whether she writes for leisure, for gratitude, for therapy ... a homemade journal is sure to be meaningful for Mom:

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No matter what you decide, honoring Mom this weekend will be most meaningful with your own touches and traditions. Remember, it's not about the most fancy or the most expensive ways to celebrate her - it's about the personal sentiment. That's what she'll remember (and love) most.

xx JN

Easter & Spring Craft Ideas!

Thanks to Pinterest, I have been finding some really sweet craft ideas for this weekend's festivities! Spring is certainly in the air, and I think these ideas are too much fun to resist.

Over at Roy Joy, check out the most adorable idea for upcycling egg cartons, shells, potting soil, etc:

Karin Lidbeck's fabulous creativity is evident in her simple (and easy) Easter egg decorating tutorial ... must admit, the speckled eggs are my favorite!

This Easter egg garland made out of paint chips is flawless ... 

How about this wreath made out of scrap fabric? I mean ... how fun!

And last but certainly not least, Martha Stewart Living breaks down how to make use of the infamous chocolate bunny!

Which one will you try first?!

xo JN

{ images are from their original authors as referred to above }