I love the look of a glass centerpiece. Today I’m going to show you how to make a snowman centerpiece from your glass hurricane globe. You will use the globe to make the snowman and then surround it with a little Christmas greenery.
Here is what you will need to get started:

Hurricane globe
Acrylic enamel or glass paints in white, black, blue, orange, red
A sea sponge
A paint brush
A small green wreath or a bundle of Christmas greens

Wash the hurricane globe and dry thoroughly. Give a little spray with ammonia window cleaner to make sure there is no grease or residue on the …read more

As part of a series of new e-media initiatives, Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company has just launched a brand new YouTube channel all about gardening. The Gurney Seed & Nursery channel will supposedly be showcasing a large array of gardening-related videos in one central location which will of course make it easy to gain new tips and find the advice you need. Below is a good video on blackberries – yum!
Additionally, the 143 year-old seed company has launched a new corporate-based gardening blog, which will be written by one of the company’s head horticultural experts.
I visited the new YouTube …read more

Unless you have a false cabinet covering it up, your fridge is a huge part of your kitchen. And, if you are anything like me, it turns into a giant notice board/art gallery/to do list throughout the year. However, each December, I clear that fridge off and decorate it for Christmas. I talked about the concept a bit recently as part of my Five Ways to Get Your Kitchen Ready for the Holidays post, but I thought you might be interested in a more in depth look:
This year, the freezer section is going to hold my Christmas card overflow. (Can …read more

Here’s another reason to put a cappuccino machine on your shopping list: cappuccino or latte foam art. Why bother with coffee art? After all, it’s even more transient than dirty car window art. I believe coffee foam art is popular because it adds comfort and a special gift to an already dreamy and friendly drink. Plus, when else do you get a chance to drink art? Never!

Which milk should you choose: non-fat, 2% or whole? According to coffeegeek.com, non-fat milk is indeed the easiest to foam, yet it won’t be as decadent. Next up, 2% milk will foam easily, says …read more

Now that your kitchen is all spruced up for the holidays, you’re ready to move on to decorating the bedroom. This can be an expensive holiday makeover for some people, but you can do it very cheaply if you have a neutral foundation in the room, such as a solid colored spread and a  tan carpet.

I like to start by switching out my bedspread for one with a holiday design or a solid spread in jewel tone colors. A cheap alternative in a kids’ bedroom is to buy a few yards of fleece on sale and make a …read more

By Dawn Meisch
Looking for an interesting and new way to spend time with your friends during the holiday season? Try something new this year and invite your friends over for a Holiday Craft Party. Not only is this a way to spend a relaxing evening, but you can complete presents for those on your holiday gift list.
First, you will need to decide on what project you and your guests will be making. You might want to consider something that is simple enough to finish in one evening, or if you are feeling adventurous you can teach your guests a new …read more

Scrapbooking is not only a great way to commemorate your family events, but it’s also a nice gift idea. The general principles behind scrapbooking translate to other related gifts. Here are a few gift ideas you can make.

Scrapbook Calendar
How about making a personalized calendar for your loved one? I did this a few years ago for a couple people, and even though it was a lot of work, it was more than worth it. Blank calendars are available at most craft stores. Before you make your calendar, think about the various months and search your …read more

One of the simplest ways to keep your home safe is to have locks…and to use them! A good lock and deadbolt set and locks on your windows will deter someone who is tempted by easy targets. Someone who decides to try a doorknob to see if it is open or will hop through a window that isn’t secured won’t be strolling through your front door if you use your locks. Notice that I said a good lock and deadbolt system. A flimsy lock that can be popped by a credit card, or as one enterprising young man once demonstrated …read more

I have been getting ready for holiday decorating. I always start in the kitchen because it is the hub of my home. My floors are nice and shiny from the Thanksgiving weekend project and now I am on to the rest of the room. I thought it would be fun to bring you along on my room by room Christmas decorating adventures. Now, I’m not talking something that needs Martha Stewart and a team of elves to accomplish. I’m talking about a few simple touches in each room.

Here are five things you can do to get your kitchen ready for …read more

Here is a really unique project. I have never seen one of these candy jars before, so I thought I would share it with you. I changed a couple of things around and it came out looking great. It was relatively easy to make, the only part I had trouble with was drawing the face. Drawing is not one of my strong suits. It doesn’t look too bad, if I say so myself.
Here is what you will need to get started:

4 inch ivy bowl
4 inch clay pot
glass paints in red, white, black and blue
Acrylic paints in red and white
1 ½ …read more