School has started and before you know it Halloween will be here. Have you started thinking about your Halloween decorating, Sweet Friends. The front door is the perfect spot for a Happy Halloween sign.

Do you wish you could make a Halloween Sign in just a few hours? Well, today I am going to show you just how to do it using a little paint and my favorite set of stencils, Essential Stencils.

Essential Stencils are thick and sturdy and can be used over and over again. You can purchase the stencils through CreateWithCynthiaShop.com. When you are at checkout be sure to use code CWC for 10% off.

For theses two signs; the Happy Halloween Sign and the Cat Sign, I used one stencil, the Halloween Stencil which includes 5 pieces.

Materials needed to make the Halloween sign:

• Wood – I used one piece that was 8 x 10 for the cat, and I used a 5 x 6. I used a pine board, but you could also use plywood. Most Home Stores and Lumbar yards will cut the board for you.
• 3 inch barnwood to frame out sign (this step is optional)
• Stain – I used Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in the Dark and Decrepit Stain. It is an all in one stain.
• White Paint – I used Rustoleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint in Linen White.
• Clear Sealer Top Coat – I used Rustoleum Clear Sealer.
• Paint Brush – I picked up mine from the dollar store .
• Stencil Paint Brush – this is a paint brush with a flat tip.
• Stencil – I used the Halloween Stencil from Essential Stencils.
• Sand Paper.
• Frog Tape.

Directions to make the Happy Halloween Sign:

• Stain board and let dry.
• Apply stencil to board using Frog Tape to hold it into place.
• Pounce or swirl white paint onto stencil and let dry.
• Sand board with 220 grit sand paper. Do this lightly, just to create an aged look.
• Seal board with clear sealer or Top Coat.
• Frame sign with wood if desired.

These signs were so easy to make and literally took less than an hour. Enjoy the process and have fun.

Now go out there and create something.

Cynthia

DISCLOSURE

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

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Do you remember when I did my Laundry Closet makeover last January, Sweet Friends? That was a super fun project! Now that I am moved into my new home I am looking forward to so many more organization and small closet projects.

Ideas for Small Space Organization!

Today, I am joining some of my favorite bloggers to share organization tips. My laundry closet was so challenging because there was no room to store all of the laundry essentials. I made do by using an over the door show organizer to place all of my detergents, lint brushes, delicate bags, etc.

Today, I’m showing off what my blogger friends have done to keep their spaces organized. I hope you enjoy the DIY Blog Hop.

Chas from Chas Crazy Creations is here to show us “How To Organize A Closet With These Tips, Tricks, and Hacks!”  Who doesn’t have that closet that just drives us nuts.  Are you always struggling to keep your clothing closet organized? 

I love having many different linen options for my home.  I always find it tricky to come up with a good way to organize them.  Check out Mary from Life at Bella Terra with her ideas on linen organization for Odd Shaped Closet Solutions.

Tarah from Grandma’s House DIY inspires us with her “Master Bathroom Organization!” Check out theses small space ideas that helped keep her bathroom in tip top shape!

Niky from The House on Silverado shares “Tips for Organizing Your Bathroom Drawers and Linen Closet.” There are so many different ways to keep things organized in the bathroom, I just love Niky’s ideas here. 

Kippi from Kippi at Home has some great “Home Office Organization Ideas.”  The office is that one spot that needs to stay tidy otherwise how can you be productive.  Doesn’t Kippi’s office look just beautiful.

Kristen from White Arrows Home is showing off “Multi Tasking Closet Ideas.” Sometimes you’ve got to just put a bunch of different things in a closet.  

Andrea from Design Morsels talks about “How to Store Sweaters for Ordinary Folk.” Let’s face it, sweaters can be tricky to store because they just don’t hang well. Check out Andrea’s ideas and she also includes a cute video.

Don’t forget to click on each of the links as these ladies are sharing some superb tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration for how to stay organized.

I thought you might also enjoy some of my favorite organizing products.

Disclosure: Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

I hope we have inspired you to create a space that is organized. Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

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Harvest Wreath using Walnuts!

I guess I got a little hooked on Nutcrackers this year, as much as I was trying not too. After Christmas and my Nutcracker Tablescape Blog Hop, I started thinking it might be fun to create some additional decor to go hand in hand with the Nutcrackers. Since Nutcrackers are seasonal, not just during Christmas, I plan to keep my Nutcracker decor alive through January.

Nutcrackers and Walnut Decor!

Walnuts and Nutcrackers go hand in hand. The Walnut Wreath DIY is simple and took less than 30 minutes to make. The tutorial is below or you can watch it on You Tube here.

I was inspired to make the Walnut Wreath after the December Tablescape Blog Hop where I decorated my table with the theme of Nutcrackers. If you missed the Blog Hop you can read it here.

Materials needed for the Walnut Wreath DIY:

• 10 inch foam wreath – I used a green wreath from the Dollar Store
• 2 lbs of Jumbo Walnuts – I used Diamond of California Jumbo Walnuts (2 bags for one 10 inch wreath)
• Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – I used Art Minds Glue Gun and Sticks
• Moss – I used brown moss from the Dollar Store
• Spray Paint – I used Rustoleum 2X Ultra Cover in the color Ivory Bisque
• Ribbon – I used Faux Fur Ribbon, White Yarn and Twine

Directions on how to create a Walnut Wreath:

Step one: Gather your walnuts to be painted. Spray paint walnuts if desired. This step is optional. I used 2 pounds of walnuts for a 10 inch wreath.

Step two: Spray paint your foam wreath. This step is optional, but is necessary if you don’t use moss..

Step three: Keep wreath on a flat surface and glue walnuts to wreath. Add a dollop of glue to walnut and hold onto wreath for a few seconds.

Step four: Start by gluing the exterior first, then the interior.

Step five: Once the exterior and interior is complete, add walnuts to the top center.

Step six: Once the wreath is full of walnuts, add moss. Trim moss into small pieces. Use glue and add moss in between each walnut. Be careful not to burn yourself when adding the moss.

Step seven: Trim moss so that it does not over load wreath. Think of it like you are giving the wreath a haircut.

Step eight: Add ribbon to your wreath. Any ribbon combination will look great. I used a Faux Fur Ribbon with white yarn and twine.

Tips when creating a Walnut Wreath:

• Keep foam wreath on flat surface when creating wreath.
• Painting the foam wreath is optional. You can just use moss to fill in holes.
• Do not glue moss onto wreath and then walnuts onto wreath. The walnuts are too heavy and will not adhere properly.
• If you plan to hang your wreath directly on the wall, then there is no need to add a hanger to the back of the wreath, as there are holes between the walnuts which can be used for hanging.
• If you decide to use a wreath stand for hanging your wreath, then glue a ribbon hanger on the back of the wreath.
• Shop at the Dollar Store, I found the wreath and moss there and it cut costs.

If you’d prefer to purchase all of the products online, here are the links:

I hope your inspired to go our there and create beautiful home decor for your home.

Cynthia

DISCLOSURE

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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Recycling Christmas Cards!

There are, oh so, many ways to recycle old Christmas Cards.  Today I’m going to show you some of my favorite ways to preserve Holiday Cards from years passed.

I’ve always been a fan of saving my holiday cards.  What do you do, Sweet Friends?

In a filing cabinet in my office, I have a Christmas folder.  In the folder is a tracking sheet. It lists all the previous years and who I sent cards and gifts to.  It’s is a fun tracking sheet I’ve always enjoyed using.

Craft Ideas for Old Christmas Cards!

In the past I kept old “received” holiday cards in the filing cabinet.  After awhile, it got a little difficult to keep the cards in the filing cabinet.

I kinda ran out of room. The cards were taking almost the whole drawer… LOL, sooooo, I came up with a new plan.

I took all the cards and for each year made a little book. Then I put all the books into a Christmas Box. During Christmas time, I pull out my box of previous years “received” Holiday Cards and reminiscence on friendships.  It’s a memorable time!

I thought I’d share with you my simple idea on how I preserve old “received” Holiday Cards.

Preserving Old Holiday Cards!

Step one: Gather your supplies. You will need a tag to label your book with the appropriate year, a pen, a hole punch, and twine, ribbon or a ring to hold everything together and scissors.

At the bottom of this post are suggested products to purchase.

Step two: Take each card and punch a hole in the top left corner.

Step three: Use twine, ribbon or a ring to gather cards together.

Step four: Add your own Holiday Card and a tag with the year on it.

Step five: Store each Holiday book in a Christmas Box.

My Grandmother had another way of repurposing her old Holiday Cards.  One day, I hope to make my own little baskets, trinket boxes, etc. out of holiday cards.  For now, I just thought I’d show you what I get to enjoy including in my holiday decor.

If you are looking for ways to recycle or repurpose your old Holiday Cards, you can check out my Pinterest Board, “Christmas Card Repurposing” here.

Better Homes and Gardens writes a great article on how to Recycle Christmas Cards “Christmas Card Projects: Decorative Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards” and you can check it out here. The Christmas Trees are my favorite. Are you surprised? Did you see my Yarn Trees?

The Heathered Nest, Inspiring Style at Home writes an article on recycling Christmas Cards, “51 EPIC Recycled Christmas Card Crafts”  You can check out the article here.

What do you plan to do with your old Holiday Cards? Leave a comment and let me know.

Now go out there and create something.

Cynthia

Would you like to create Holiday Card Keepsake Books. Here’s what you need to purchase.

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

The post Repurposing Holiday Cards! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Gift giving is always thoughtful but making it personal adds an amazing touch. Gift wrap bags is the easiest way to make your gift personal, especially if your gift is not handmade. I created Gift Bags last year using some of my favorite products. This project is on You Tube and if you missed it last year, be sure to check it out here. I’m providing a written tutorial at the end of the post and all the products you need to create these personal “One of a Kind” Gift Bags.

Holiday Gift Bag DIY!

Have you wrapped your holiday gifts? Are you looking for a fun and easy way to personalize your gift bags.

Last year I purchased plain white gift bags from the Dollar Store and prettied them up for my friends and family. You can watch it on video here, “DIY Holiday Gift Bag with A Maker’s Studio products.”

I love and use all of A Maker’s Studio products. I find they are my go to when I am in a crafty mood. If I want to make something personal for friends and family, I can easily just go into my craft closet and get started.

In the “DIY Holiday Gift Bag with A Maker’s Studio products” I used Gel Art Ink and Adhesive Mesh Stencils. The stencils can be used over and over again. If you’d like to purchase any A Maker’s Studio products, you can go to my shop page, Www.CreateWithCynthiaShop.com or click here.

For more information you can also read my post, “DIY Holiday Gift Bags” from last year here.

Materials needed for making the Gift Bags:

• A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Ink
• A Maker’s Studio Mesh Adhesive Stencils
• A Maker’s Studio Scraper or Foam brush
• White Gift Bags – purchase at the Dollar Store or on Amazon below.

Instructions for making the Gift Bags:

1. Choose your stencil and ink or paint. I’m using Adhesive Mesh Stencils and Gel Art Ink from A Maker’s Studio.

2. A Maker’s Studio Adhesive Mesh Stencils can be cut so each image is manageable and easier to adhere to the surface. The stencil has perforated lines to tell you wear to cut.

3. Remove stencil from backing and place on bag.

4. Apply Gel Art Ink to scrapper and then scrap ink onto stencil. Scrap stencil so that ink penetrates through mesh onto bag.

5. Remove stencil and let bag dry for 30 minutes.

6. Wash stencil in soap and water.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my week full of gifting and found enjoyment and inspiration to get creative.

Now go out there and create something. Tag me on Instagram and show it off. You can follow me on Instagram here.

Cynthia

The post Make Gifting Personal with One of a Kind Gift Bags! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

My tree was full and I really didn’t need to add any more ornaments to it, but….well…..sometimes I just can’t get enough crafting and diy-ing.

Is your tree looking a little sparse? Or are you just a little obsessed with crafting….like me?

Are you looking for a fast, fun and friendly Christmas Ornament DIY?

Oh good, I was too.

The Yarn Garland was all over the tree.

The bulbs and icicles were on the tree.

There were stars on the tree and it looked oh so pretty, but then……

But then I was on Pinterest, just for the heck of it….

And of course Embroidery Hoop Ornaments started to show up all over Pinterest. Well, you know me…..when I see something that looks fun and easy I can’t help myself but to try it out.

Even though my tree was finished and full of beautiful warm and neutral ornaments, I still wanted to create more. So that’s just what I decided to do.

I love faux fur ribbon, and the faux fur ribbon is really fun to decorate with. The Faux Fur Ribbon was used on my Front Door Wreath. Remember last week when I showed you the “Front Door Holiday Decor and Five Things Needed to Decorate the Front Door.”

Well, since I had some extra Faux Fur Ribbon, I came up with a plan to create Faux Fur Ribbon Embroidery Hoop Ornaments! I’ve included the DIY tutorial below, just in case I’ve inspired you to create your own.

Materials for Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornament:

• 3 inch Embroidery Hoops

• 4 inch Faux Fur Ribbon

• Paint – I used DIY Paint in Dark and Decrepit and then DIY Paint Tarnished Pearl. You can purchase it here.

• Top Coat – I used Rustoleum Clear Coat

• Black String

• Greenery and Berries

• Scissors

Instructions for Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornament:

Step one: Take the Embroidery Hoop apart (it’s two pieces) and paint and or stain the Embroidery Hoops. I wanted my hoops to look old and distressed. I stained the hoops a dark color first and then painted with a light color on top. I distressed the hoops to then show the contrasting colors. My final step was to seal the paint on the hoop.

Step two: Cut the Faux Fur Ribbon to fit the hoop. You can measure the size of the hoop and then cut a square with the measurement or just guesstimate.

Note aside: I’m kind of a guesstimate crafter, what are you?

Step three: Place Faux Fur Ribbon inside the hoop.

Step four: Trim the excess Faux Fur Ribbon off the back.

Step five: Prepare greenery and/or berries to be placed on hoop. I had extra greenery on hand and just cut it up to create something that worked.

Step six: Use a thin ribbon to tie the greenery and berries onto the hoop.

Step seven: Create a loop with your ribbon to hang your ornament on the tree.

Step eight: Hang your ornaments on the tree and enjoy!

Have fun and be creative with this project. I also used a black and white ribbon and a gold jingle bell to create a whole new ornament look. Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive. I have included links so you can create the exact project, but you can also be creative and do something “one of a kind”, with what you already have.

For every year the Christmas tree, Brings to us all both joy and glee.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

Now go out there and create something and have yourself a Very Merry Christmas!

Cynthia

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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