Fall is on the way and I have a project that will make for some cute fall decor. You take simple foam pumpkins and dress them up with yarn. I love the texture it ads to the pumpkins and you can easily customize the colors to match your decor.

Here is what you will need!

• Foam pumpkins pack 
• Assorted yarn, chunky or thick yarn works great!  The amount of yarn needed will vary depending on the thickness of your yarn.,  The thicker the yarn the less it will take to cover the pumpkins.  I used 3-6 yards depending for each pumpkin..  I used yarn lots of yarn remnants  that I had on hand.  I have heard that the Dollar Store is also a great place to get yarn.
• Small tree branch pieces about 1 inch long or cinnamon sticks
• Apple corer or potato peeler
• tool to help push yarn through hole, I used a fondue fork.
• Scissors

Remove stem from pumpkin.   Using a potato hollow out the center of the pumpkin.  You will want to hollow out about 1/2″ of a hole.

It’s time to grab your yarn.  Tie a knot at the end of the yarn and push it through the hole and pull out the other side.  Continue to add the yarn through the center hole by pushing, pulling and wrapping until you have covered the entire pumpkin.

One your pumpkin is fully covered, cut off the excess and push the knot end through the bottom of the pumpkin and add the stem on top.

It’s the kind of project you can do while watching TV.  It’s seriously so easy and so cute!  

The post DIY Yarn Pumpkins appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I thought it would be fun to add something living to my faux tree this year.   I made a few of these Succulent Christmas ornaments for my tree.  These would be great to gift to anyone that loves plants too!

Succulent Christmas Ornaments

• 2 inch potted succulent (find at your local hardware store, and some grocery store floral department or buy from Amazon)
• Plastic open face ornaments (I bought mine at Amazon)
• White sand
• Cactus mix soil
• Decorations: mini pine cones, berries, glitter, ribbon are just a few great options

First you will need to remove succulent from pot and remove as much dirt as possible.  Run the roots under water to remove any excess dirt.

Grab your ornament, add a layer cactus mix soil and top off with white sand.  Nestle the succulent into the sand.  Use some decor to spruce it up, like  mini pine cones, berries, glitter balls whatever inspires you.  Finish off with a ribbon on top.

Care instructions: mist once a week to keep succulents happy.  They are very low maintaining and can pull the moisture it needs out of the air.  But, misting will keep them super happy.  These will stay healthy and happy through the new year.  You can even replant them after the new year if you like.

Merry Christmas!

The post Succulent Christmas Ornaments appeared first on Gather Lemons.

My kids love to dye eggs but honestly, I do too!   I found this fun and clever way to dye eggs that makes them a gorgeous Robin Egg blue color.   It happens naturally with red cabbage.  Can you believe it?  It still blows my mind that red cabbage made these eggs turn an absolutely stunning blue color. I added a little edible gold paint to make them look like gorgeous robin eggs.

You can make them too, here is what you need:

• head of red cabbage
• 7 cups of water
• 5 tsp white vinegar
• 12 boiled eggs
• edible gold paint
• 1/2″ stiff paint brush

Prepare the dye by cutting up a head of red cabbage and adding to large sauce pan.  Add 7 cups of water and bring to boil.  Once it has reached boiling stage reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.

Strain cabbage and reserve the liquid.   Add liquid to deep dish and add 5 tsp of white vinegar.

Gently add eggs to dye liquid.   Allow eggs to sit in cabbage liquid for 1- 2 hours, rotating every 30 minutes.  The longer you allow them to sit the darker they will become.  I like to take them out gradually to give a nice variance of color.

Once you pull the eggs out of the dye, lay them on a paper towel to dry.  The eggs will darken as they dry, it seriously cool. Your kids will think you are magic.

Once dry, dip a stiff brush into edible gold paint and flick onto eggs. You do this by using your fingernail and going across the paint brush.

Natural dyes are amazing and the possibilities are endless!  You can use all sorts of different foods to dye eggs here are some other options, beets (pink), spinach (green), coffee (peach).  Enjoy!

The inspiration for this project was found on Pinterest via Honestly Yum.

The post Natural Easter Egg Dye: Robin’s Egg Blue appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I fell in love with this jewelry dish that Analisa made over at All Things Target and I knew I wanted to make one for myself.  I love that the dish only costs $1.99.  I made mine using my Cricut, if you don’t have a craft cutting machine you can use rub-ons or stickers instead.

Supplies:

• Dip Bowl ($1.99 at Target or Target.com)
• Cricut Gold Adhesive Foil(also available at Amazon)
• Cricut Transfer Tape (also available at Amazon)
• Hello Lovely SVG file from SVGOriginals at Etsy (or any image you choose)

Cutting out the image is super easy!  Once I loaded the image into Cricut Design space I sent the project over to my Cricut Explore Air.   Simple cut a piece of adhesive foil big enough for your project and select “custom” on the dial of your machine.   Select Adhesive Foil via Cricut Design Space and cut.

In order to transfer the image you will need to use the Cricut Transfer tape an add it to the top of your image.  Use the scraper to make sure the image attaches to the tape.

Pull off the tape and your image will be attached.  Voila!  It’s just like magic.

Lastly, add the image to the dip bowl.   It is amazing how easy this is, the transfer tape came off easily and the image stay put.

I now have a custom made Ring Dish!  My daughter and I are thinking about making these for several of her friends for Christmas.  You can customize them anyway you want, with initials, images, or sayings.

If you are looking to get a Cricut machine now is a great time to buy, they have some great markdowns.  Plus, you can get FREE economy shipping on orders of $99 or more with code JULSHIP through 7/31.  You can check out all of the Cricut Explore Air machine deals or the deals on the new Cricut Explore Air 2 (the only difference is it cuts up to 2 times as fast as the previous model).   Here is one deal for you to check out:

Cricut Explore Air 2 + Essentials Bundle $259.99 ($383.42)
+ FREE shipping on orders of $99 with code AUGSHIP

• Cricut Explore Air 2 machine 
• Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing 
• Fine Point Pen, Black 
• LightGrip Mat, 12\” x 12\” (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) 
• Welcome Book 
• USB cable 
• Power adapter 
• Free trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers) 
• 50 ready-to-make projects 
• Materials for a practice project

Bundled with:

• Everyday Iron-On Sampler, Elegance
• Premium Vinyl Sampler Removable, Elegance
• Iron-On Protective Sheet
• Transfer Tape
• True Control Knife, Blue
• Cutting Mat Varietry Pack, 12\” x 12\” 3 pk
• Tools Basic Set
•  Portable Trimmer

Check out more Cricut deals and project ideas.

If you want to learn more about the Cricut Explore Air, check out the 15 reasons to love the Cricut Explore Air.

The post DIY Ring Dish + Current Cricut Deals appeared first on Gather Lemons.

This is a simple centerpiece idea using everyday items you may already have around the house.  I used a rectangular plate I had in my kitchen, candles I already had on hand, cranberries left over from Thanksgiving and greenery from my yard.  I did not spend a cent!  Look around your house and see what you can come up with, the possibilities are endless.

What I used:

• rectangular kitchen plate
• cranberries
• sugar (to make the cranberries look like they were dusted with snow)
• small ornaments
• candles (any shape or size will work)
• holly leaves or christmas greens (out of my yard)

Some other ideas:

• vases
• pine cones
• round holiday plate
• votive candles
• fruit

First, I arranged the candles on to the plate.

Then I filled the plate with cranberries.   I added some small ornaments and holly leaves.

Then I generously sprinkled the cranberries with sugar.  I love how it made the berries look like they have a dusting of frost or freshly fallen snow.

Take a look around your house and see what you can find to create a Christmas centerpiece.  Good luck and have fun!

The post Simple Christmas Centerpiece appeared first on Gather Lemons.

My laundry room was in need of a fresh coat and paint and some new organization, I previously used to use this room to store all my craft supplies, but now I have an office/craft room so I can now use the laundry room as just a laundry room.   The room itself was in serious need of some new paint because a lot of traffic goes through the laundry room heading out to the garage so the walls get scuffed up easily.  I headed to the Olympic Paints and Stains Color Center exclusively at Lowe’s to find a color that I loved.    

Choosing a color was a lot of fun because the floor in the laundry room is fairly neutral so I could go any direction I wanted.  I was even able to see how a paint color would look before I headed to Lowe’s by uploading a photo of my room to the Olympic® Paint Visualizer tool.   With just a few clicks you can give your room a digital makeover with any Olympic Paint color.  It’s fun to play, check it out!

Once I narrowed down my color choice to three colors I headed to Lowe’s for some samples.  I have learned my lesson to always buy paint samples in order to test them in the room.   There are so many variables that determine what the paint will look like in a room.   The Olympic Paints samples are a reasonably priced so you can buy 2 or 3.   I  love having the samples because they can be used for other painting projects around my home too.

Did you know Lowe’s has a Paint Pledge Program that allows you to paint with confidence.   Lowe’s will do whatever it takes to help you find the perfect paint, they will even refund customers who are dissatisfied with their paint for any reason, as long as you return the paint in its original container within 30 days.  This offer is valid on interior and exterior liquid paint purchases 4/3/16-8/9/16

Kichler Lighting (Lowe’s)  /   Laundry Room sign (Hobby Lobby)  /  Metal Basket (Skalny)  /  Laundry Detergent (Mrs. Meyer’s)

I decided to go with Blue Lullaby that I found at the Olympic Paints and Stains Color Center exclusively at Lowe’s.   I am so pleased with the end results.   I adore the Olympic Paints Blue Lullaby color!    Here is a peek at the finished room:

I added a laundry sorter in the brushed bronze that goes well with the knobs and hooks already in the room.  I love the wooden “laundry room” sign I found at Hobby Lobby.

I added some wire and wooden baskets for storage.

One of my favorite features of this room is the organizational wall we built so our kids can store their backpacks and coats.

Each person has a magnetic area where they can hang important paper or their chore charts.

I keep walking into the room to admire the pretty blue color, I just can’t get enough of it!  Kind of makes we want to do a load of laundry.   I think to finish off the room I will end up painting the cupboards white.  This is something I have never done before, but I am looking forward to tacking the project this summer.

Do you have a room you want to makeover this summer.  I recommend heading to the Olympic Paints and Stains Color Center exclusively at Lowe’s or use the Olympic® Paint Visualizer tool.  It’s fun to get a peek at what a room in your home will look like with a brand new color.

You can follow Olympic Paints and Stains at the following places to stay on top of the latest home and color inspiration:

• Olympic Website
• Olympic Facebook
• Olympic Twitter
• Olympic Instagram
• Olympic Pinterest

The post Laundry Room Makeover with Olympic Paints #Bringonthecolor appeared first on Gather Lemons.

An electronic cutting machine has been my favorite crafting tool for years.   My very first machine was the original Cricut, with this machine you needed to have cartridges to cut things out.   Several years ago I wanted to update to a new machine that had the capability of cutting 12×12.   I decided to go with the Silhouette because it also had the option to just buy single images. Fast forward to today where I have once again upgraded my machine and this time I have gone with the Cricut Explore Air.  I am outlining a few of the reasons why I love this machine and why it’s great for beginners or experts.

It’s gorgeous! – It really is a pretty piece of machinery.  I don’t mind leaving it out on my desk because it looks so good.

Precision – The Cricut Explore Air cuts very precise.   You will get a great cut even when the design has very small detail.   I was very impressed with the cuts I got with this machine.

Ingenious design –  You can tell a lot of thought went into this machine.  They really have thought of everything.   They have made it easy to have everything you need right at your fingertips.   The tray that comes down has a compartment where you can store your Cricut Tools and your extra blades.  They’ve even made part of the blade storage magnetic so you don’t lose the tiny blades. Genius!

Ease of use – This is one of my favorite features of the Cricut Explore.  When you are cutting a different type of material you simple change the dial to the type of material you are cutting.  There is no need to change the depth of the blade.  I adore this feature!

Versatile – There are so many different types of material you can cut with the Cricut Explore Air, paper, vinyl, fabric, cardstock and more.

Set up is a breeze – Taking the machine out of the box and setting it up was quick and super easy.   There are on screen prompts that walk you through the entire process.   Even if you are not very tech savvy you will be able to get the Cricut up and running in no time.

Loading is easy – One feature that I love that I have not previously had on any cutting machines is the guide for the cutting mat.  This ensures the mat is always loaded properly.  This is just another feature that makes using this machine a piece of cake.

Starter project – The Cricut Explore Air even comes with a starter project for you to try.   You are provided with the paper for the project right inside the box.   I made this hello card with the items that came with my Cricut.

Cut & write in one step  – This is brilliant!   You can cut and write at the same time!  There is no need to take out the blade and switch it for a pen. There are two separate housings, one for a pen and one for a blade.  This card was made with both the cut and write features.   In addition to cutting and writing there is also an optional scoring blade.

It’s wireless!!!  – Let me say that again, the Cricut Explore Air is wireless and I love it!!   Thanks to Bluetooth technology inside the machine you can cut without having to hook up your computer, phone or tablet.   This is by far one of my favorite features.

Cricut app –  There is a Cricut Design Space app that I can use on my iPhone and iPad that makes designing and cutting a piece of cake.   If I work on a project on my computer and save it, it will be waiting for me in the app on my iPhone too.

Cricut Design Space – At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a lot of use the pre-made projects in the Cricut Design Space.  I’m not sure what I was thinking because I love that I can just pick a project, click a few buttons and have the design sent to my Cricut.   It’s so much fun and I love that all the design work has been done for you.  The majority of the time when I am cutting something out it’s usually for a last minute project or gift so I love that there are already hundreds of ideas ready to go.

Use your own designs – You don’t have to use the “make it now” designs that are available from Cricut you can upload your own images and cut out whatever your heart desires.

You can still use cartridges – If you are like me and you own some Cricut Cartridges you can still use them with this machine.  There is a door right above the “open” button that you can use it insert your Cricut Cartridge.

Disney themed images – I love that Cricut has hundreds of Disney themed images, which comes in handy since we are big Disney fans.    There’s Disney classics, Princess, Cars, Frozen and more.

I’m going to show you a quick project I did that took me less than 30 minutes to put together.    I used the Cricut Design Space app on my phone and make the following artwork for my daughter’s room:

I opened the app and chose the “Shine On” star project.  I followed the instructions within the app and sent it to the Cricut.

I was using Cricut vinyl for this project so I cut some vinyl from the roll and adhered it to the Cricut cutting mat.

Once the image was cut, I removed all the extra vinyl so only my image was left.  The Cricut Tools Weeder comes in handy for this.

Next I used the Transfer tape to remove the image for application to the shadow box frame.   I used the Cricut Scraper to smooth the vinyl and get out all the bubbles.   Then I transferred the image onto the glass.

Once the image was attached I added gold and white striped scrapbook paper to the back of the shadow box and the artwork for my daughter’s room was complete.   I love how quick and easy it was to make.  Using the Cricut Explore Air is such a fun way to personalize room decor and more.

Cricut has a great price on the Cricut Explore Air 2 + Essentials Bundle, it’s currently listed at $259.99 (reg $383.42), plus,you’ll get FREE shipping on orders of $99 with code APRSHIP or more through 4/30.

You can check out all the Cricut Explore Air Machine & Sets to find the right one for you.   You will love all that you can do with the Cricut cutting machines.   Before you know it you’ll be making cards, home decor, gifts, iron-ons and so much more.

Check out my most recent project making a travel bag of Tic-Tac-Toe featuring Mickey Mouse.

I was provided with a Cricut Explore Air to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and are honest and true. Affiliate links have been used, so if you buy a Cricut or supplies through my links I will earn a small commission.

The post 15 Reasons to Love the Cricut Explore Air appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I just love making handmade gifts for Christmas, especially for the grandparents!  I made these wooden photo ornaments for my relatives that don’t get to see my kids on a regular basis.   I love that you can makes these every year and you can see how your kids have changed from year to year.  Here is what you need for these cute and fun ornaments.

• 2 x 2 Wooden Square Blocks
• sandpape
• Spray Adhesive or Glue
• Ribbion
• Scrapbook Paper
• Embellishments
• Photos
• Small screw eyes

First you will want to sand the wooden blocks with sandpaper until wood is smooth.

Select the paper you want to use.  I put 2 photos on each ornament and 4 pieces of paper (top. bottom, and two of the sides).  Cut and glue the paper to the wooden blocks.

Pick two photos, cut and glue them to the wooden block.

Add embellishments.  Set aside and let glue completely dry.  For the final step, add one small screw eye to the top of the cube and attach ribbon so you can hang it on the tree.  I recommend finishing them off with a clear spray so everything stays in place.  You can choose a matte or glossy finish depending on your preference.

I think these would also be a cute way to display photos on a bookcase too.   You could just leave the top without the hardware and stack to display them.

The post Wooden Photo Cube Ornaments appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I saw something similar to these wall sconces in a decor magazine and thought I can do that! I usually say that about half the things I see in a magazine but this time I actually followed through. I love how they turned out and they were inexpensive to make. These cost me around $5.00 each.

Here is what you need:

• 2-Wood plaque (any shape, you can even use various shapes if you like)
• 2-Small vases
• 4-Black zip ties
• Wood glue
• Black spray paint
• Ribbon

Tools needed:

• Drill
• Tape measure
• Pencil

At the top of the plaque measure the center and mark two holes on the top of the plaque about 2-3 inch apart. Drill the holes.

Next place the vase down on the plaque and mark with a pencil where you will be placing the zip ties.  You will need one on the top and one on the bottom.

Spray the plaques black.

Prep wood plaques,  I got decorative frames to dress up the edges of the wood plaques.  I glued them onto the base of the plaques.

Once the paint is dry, add the vase with the zip ties.  Cut off the excess zip ties on the back of your frame.

Thread your choice of ribbon through the top and tie a bow.  Add water and a flower (or a silk flower) and hang from a single nail on the wall.   Voila!

The post DIY Vase Wall Sconces appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Looking for an idea for a fall centerpiece that you can enjoy for several months?    It’s super easy to make and it adds a wonderful touch of fall to your table.

Here is what you will need.

• 3 low wood boxes or other containers (I used 7 x 7)
• 5 candles 3 tall, 2 short
• 6 baby pumpkins (various colors) real or decorative
• fall decor like fall leaves, berries, pine cones, ect. (Micheal’s has an execellent selection)
• fall ribbon

Start by laying out the boxes, and divide the candles in to the boxes, the short ones go on the outside and the larger one in the center of each box.  Stagger them.

Add a good layer of fall leaves at the bottom of the boxes and have them drape over the edges a bit.

Now place the pumpkins where they look good to you.

Now add the ribbon and pinecones throughout the boxes weaving over and under the pumpkins.

Add fall leaves and other decor you might like.

If you prefer you can add bats and other halloween decor, then after october change it up slightly by adding pine cones for Thanksgiving.  Hope you enjoy the fall holidays, this centerpiece will certainly dress it up.

The post Easy Fall Centerpiece appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I love to get fresh herbs in the spring I really enjoy having them to pick off of for wonderful tasty additions to my recipes.  You also get the added benefit of the amazing aroma the that you can enjoy in your home.  This is a nice way to display your herbs that can also be decorative and pleasing to the eye.

Here is what you will need for this project:

• 3-glass cylinder
• 3-your favorite herb plants
• 1 bag of polished river rock or pebbles

Putting these together is super simply, just transfer the herb in to class cylinder.

Add decorative rocks to finish it off.   See, I told you it was easy!

You could also use different size and shaped vases to make different and varying look.  Enjoy!

The post Make a Decorative Indoor Herb Garden appeared first on Gather Lemons.