Make it! DIY Popsicle Memory Game

DIY Paper Popsicle Memory Game by Eat Drink Chic

A perfect little DIY gift to take us into long weekend—it’s a memory game like the one you played as a kid, only these game pieces look like popsicles!

Created by Amy Moss of Eat Drink Chic, her post includes a free printable download to make your very own. It’s a thoughtful and inexpensive birthday gift for a little friend, and makes a fun thank you for teachers too.

DIY Paper Popsicle Memory Game by Eat Drink Chic

Any thoughts for how to adapt this gift, and maybe create a grown up version?

Visit Eat Drink Chic for the download & how-tos and have a terrific weekend!

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Make Your Own Baker’s Twine

DIY Baker’s Twine, photo by Laura Beth

I love the simple look of baker’s twine on a wrapped gift. Don’t you? But when you want a spool in every color (which of course we do—rainbows are the BEST) it can start to eat away at your twine budget.

So I was quite excited when I came across Laura Beth’s clever DIY Baker’s Twine. It’s not what you might think. You won’t be spending hours trying to twist and twirl little strings. Nope, LB uses Sharpies and white thread to create a similar look to baker’s twine and the result is really impressive.

DIY Baker’s Twine, photo by Laura Beth

Sharpies! It’s so dead simple, we all should have thought of it. But we didn’t. Laura Beth did. And you can follow along with her handy tips to make your own over on A Step in the Journey.

(h/t Say Yes to Hoboken)

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Last Minute Inspiration: DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day Ice Cream Treats by Oh Joy!

Did you know that West Elm has a pretty great blog? They do! And they recently had a few lovely bloggers (Nicole, Joy, and Kate) as guests sharing fun do-it-yourself Mother’s Day gift ideas that utilize products from West Elm’s Collection.

So here’s the thing. You’ve got one good Saturday to put together something fun for Mom. If these ideas inspire you to head to your nearest West Elm for parts and pieces, awesome. If that’s not in the cards, consider looking around the house and use these great ideas as a jumping-off point.
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Mother’s Day Memory Jars by Kate Riley of Centsational Girl

Mother’s Day Terrarium by Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely

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Make this Gift: Handmade Clay Planters

DIY Planters, by Claire of Fellow Fellow

Yes, I’ve been on a succulents kick lately and this kick won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. I think moving to California has something to do with it. My flower-rescuing housemate Cariann, she’s responsible as well. The fact that they’re easy to care for and completely giftable are other reasons. And their undeniable cuteness—yes, there’s that too.

So a handmade home for the little plants? Hello! Yes, let’s make these. For everyone we know. They’re sure to make them smile and that’s what it’s all about right?

The wonderful Claire of Fellow Fellow shows the steps to make these adorable clay pots over on Say Yes to Hoboken. See, undeniable cuteness. And another thoughtful gift for Mom. (Or me. Why yes, I’d love one. Thank you!)

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Make a DIY Breakfast-in-Bed Tray

DIY Breakfast-inBed Trays

I’ve often found myself on the lookout for the perfect breakfast-in-bed tray. Nothing’s ever seemed quite right—too small, too wobbly, too tiki hut. So when I spotted these DIY trays on Curbly it was a bit of a yes-of-course moment for me. The perfect breakfast-in-bed tray is the one you make yourself.

One idea comes from Martha Stewart and involves glue, fabric, and a baking sheet. Quite simple. (And just think of all the fabrics out there to choose from!) Or why not paint the thing? You could really go so many directions with this one.

DIY Serving Tray by Chelsea Costa

The other DIY from Lovely Indeed is a bit more involved but looks oh so nice. It involves a wooden wine box, gold metallic tape, and a carpenter husband. (And just think of all the colorful tapes you could use!) Visit the DIY links for instructions and more pics.

Will you be serving Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? Will you try one of these trays, perhaps with your own personal twist? Remember these free printables are the perfect finishing touch and if you’re looking for recipes don’t miss House & Hold’s drool-worthy breakfast board.

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Make This Gift: A Colorful Leather and Wood Trivet!

DIY Leather and Wood Trivets

DIY Leather and Wood Trivets, by Kate Pruitt

Hello, beautiful! These pretty wood and leather trivets are perfect for friends who love to cook or as a housewarming gift for new neighbors. They’re simple, modern, and oh-so-colorful! Plus, you can totally customize the colors to match your gift recipient’s decor (serious bonus points, you guys). If you’re not sure, you can’t go wrong with a minimalist raw wood/white/and black leather combo!

Check out how to make them over on Design*Sponge.

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Make this Gift! DIY Stenciled Umbrella

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, but why wait? Christen of the blog Two Happy Hearts shows how to adorn an umbrella with stenciled flowers.

This rainy-day DIY makes such a fun personalized gift and the sky’s the limit with how creative you want to get. Not the roses type? Try stripes, polka dots, tree branches, or do as the Portlandians do, and put a bird on it.

Check out Christen’s tutorial for the step-by-step and her suggestions for supplies to help get it just right.

Feeling inspired by this DIY? Is there a stencil or pattern you’d like to try?

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Makin’ & Eggs: 24 Easter Egg DIYs to Dye For!

Makin' and Eggs: 24 Easter DIYs to Dye For

Color and creativity blossom like crazy in the Spring. Blogosphere you are an imaginative bunch! After rounding up these gorgeous DIYs, I’m now completely antsy and dying to get crafty with these awesome ideas.

For your Easter brunch hostess, your kids, your table, and by all means yourself, here are 24 fantastic DIYs to turn the incredible, edible canvas into a work of art.

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Lovely Indeed Washi Tape DIY and Roy Jot Easter Succulent DIY

Washi Tape and double-stick Tape Easter Eggs diys

Easter Message Egg by Present&Correct and Poppytalk

Neon Dipped Eggs and Thread wrapped eggs

Easter Egg Brownies by La Receta de la Felicidad

Dipped wooden Eggs and String wrapped eggs by Craftberry Bush

RIT dyed eggs, Candle eggs and painted egg

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Wrap Magazine: Issue 4!

Remember that awesome illustrated wrapping paper magazine we told you about a couple weeks ago? Wrap, Issue 4 is out!

The theme for the issue is, “the great continent of North America” with prints by illustrators from Toronto to Texas and NYC to LA. It includes great interviews and more articles than ever, plus they just announced a new subscription service to receive all three issues for this year (with June and October yet to come!).

Catch a glimpse of the latest issue in the video below, and see how to wrap with pages from Wrap!

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Make This Gift: Custom Art from Your Own Fingerprints!

Custom Fingerprint Art, by Chris Gardner

Here’s a DIY that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, wedding gifts, or just because. It utilized something so specifically you and turns it into art—your fingerprints!

You’ll need to have some simple creative computer skills (or know someone who does) and be quite cunning to acquire the fingerprints without raising any suspicions. Just tell your Valentine with a wink and a smile, “Shut it! No questions.”

Our friend Chris at ManMadeDIY put together this handy tutorial to take you through the steps for making your own. And if his visual style isn’t quite yours, get creative! There are many ways to adapt the idea changing the scale, colors, paper colors and typeface. Have fun! And let us know how yours turns out.

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Pretty in Pixels: Make a DIY Pop-Up Pixel Card for Valentine’s Day!

DIY Pop-Up Pixel Cards, by Kate Petty

These pixelated pop-up cards are hot off the press, y’all! The always fabulous Kate Petty from MiniEco assures us that these super impressive handmade cards are, in fact, super easy to make. All you need is a craft knife, a ruler, and some colorful paper to print on. Once you’ve grabbed your supplies, head over to MiniEco to download Kate’s printable template–you’ll be on your way to 3D heart-popping, pixelated glory in no time. (Did that sound like a promise? Oh, good. It totally was.)

Happy Handmade Valentine’s Day!

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How to Make Delicious, Delightful Dipped Pretzels

DIY Dipped Pretzels wrapped in a box

We’re down to the wire and you’re thinking, “What could I make with a lot of love, a lot of fun, but not a ton of time?” Dipped pretzels! These are sure to blow the tastebuds off of teachers, friends and neighbors. Let me show you how to turn ordinary pretzels into a fun and classy present that you’ll love giving. Trust me, they are a huge hit.

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