Rustic and Rusty DIY Christmas Ornaments

I think I have 27 boxes of Christmas ornaments in my attic. I cannot help it...as the holidays approach, making Christmas ornaments is my FAVORITE thing to do by myself and with my kids! I dream of one day having 27 trees in my house (OK, maybe not 27) to accommodate all of these ornamnets...because I cannot bare to part with any of them. Each ornament reminds me of a special time with my kids, what type of crafting I was loving that year, or reflects a decorating style I like.

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Mastering The Wedding Registry

disclsoure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of De'Longhi Group

Getting married is amazing. It is exciting. It is a time like no other in your life. As a former wedding planner and wedding book author, I know it can also seem overwhelming. Selecting flowers, dresses, invitations, and parties are what most couples consider wedding planning, but there is so much more. One aspect of planning most couples tend to underestimate is developing the bridal registry. They think it is easy to select a few amazing gifts and be on their way, but truth be told, crafting a useful and meaningful wedding registry is almost an art form!

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How to Make Fluffy Slime

Slime is taking over! Have you noticed? White glue is hard to find...kitchen counters have a strange goo on them and your kiddo is probably asking for borax! My daughter has had a slime obsession for about 2 years now...but it seems the fun of slime has caught on! There is regular slime (sometimes called goo), sparkling slime, clear slime and our personal favorite...Fluffy Slime!

The ingredients are simple (although that glue may be hard to find!) and the recipe is pretty easy.

I do have a FEW TIPS if you and your kiddos are ready to join the slime revolution.
1 - Cover your work surface. We use wax paper or parchment paper
2 - I purchased a couple bowls for $1. These are the slime bowls - meaning do NOT use my good bowls.
3 - I also purchased a set of measuring cups and spoons for this purpose. I found cheap ones -  and felt better just letting her use these. If you are only making this once, just be sure to wash your items thoroughly.
4 - My daughter can make this on her own now....HOWEVER, each child is different. Be sure to supervise your child and make this a fun and safe activity.
5 - Do not put the extra slime (the stuff in the bowl) down the sink drain. wipe it out and toss it is in the trash.
6 - My daughter must clean up completely by herself or ask for help.

Fluffy Slime Recipe
Supplies
4 ounces white glue
3-4 cups shaving cream. You can measure I just eyeballed it.
2 Tablespoons contact lens solution
1 Tablespoons borax
1 cup hot water
2-3 drops of acrylic paint or food coloring. (I actually used more than 3 drops in this batch)

Also needed:
measuring spoon
measuring cup (liquid)
2 bowls
protection for work area
spoon, craft stick, etc. for stirring

Make It!

• Pour 4 ounces of white glue in a bowl.
• Add 3 drops of paint or food coloring and mix.

• Add shaving cream.

• Mix completely.
• You cannot play with it yet...it still has the consistency of shaving cream.

• Add 2 Tablespoons of contact solution and mix. You will start to see it sticking together and changing consistency.

• Mix 1 Tablespoon of borax with your hot water. Now add 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture to your shaving cream/glue mixture. Mix well.
• You will see the slime begin to pull away from the bowl. Keep mixing...eventually it will form a ball in the bowl. Mix for about 30 seconds.

Now you have amazing magical FLUFFY SLIME!

I love how my daughter wrote out here recipe - but no measurements - she is a slime master!

Need more slime in your life...here is our recipe for good old regular slime

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre These blog posts - tutorials and recipes and advice - are meant for inspiration. You must always keep your own skill level in mind when attempting a project. You should take proper safety precautions and wear proper safety equipment. Undertaking a project with my tutorials, suggested products or tools is at your own risk.

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Puffy Heart Necklace Tutorial

Who doesn't love puffy hearts? I made these puffy heart necklaces a few years ago and never blogged about them. Then I was at the craft store and I saw a cute little box of puffy hearts. First I made a puffy heart wreath and now I made another puffy heart necklace for my daughter - because puffy hearts are always a  good thing and you have hearts left over after you make the wreath!

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Puffy Heart Wreath: 15 Minute Wreaths

When it comes to me and holidays...any holiday, my motto is "It ain't over til its over." And while I realize Valentines Day is right around the corner, I just couldn't resist making this adorable Valentines Day Wreath. I puffy heart love this puffy heart wreath so much! And guess what....? It took my less than 15 minutes to make...and if you make it my way, all of the supplies are reusable.

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Oven Baked (No Oil) Potato Wedges

When I was younger and we would go to dinner I would always ask my mom if I could get "mashed potatoes, hash browns and french fries," - and only that...YUM! (By the way, she always said no.) But I am an adult now. I could order that if I wanted too...but alas I try to stick to one kind of potato per meal. Now, however, I have learned how to cook my potatoes in different ways and to create healthier versions of my favorites...hence these delicious Oven baked (No Oil) Potato Wedges. And guess what...everyone in the family gives them a thumbs up!

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Easy Pickled Jalapenos

I have a big sweet tooth, but my real weakness is salty pickled anything. I love pickles, pickled eggs, pickled cauliflower, pickled carrots - you name it. Now I am making my own pickled jalapenos - because why not pickle everything. Well, really because I love them as they are, in salads, on tacos - they are simply delicious!

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Tinsel Garland and Plaid Wreath: 15 Minute Wreath

I really needed some thing to add some sparkle - glitz and flair to our Christmas decor, but obviously there's not a lot of time left before the big day. BUT there is time for a 15 minute wreath!I decide to make this delightfully obnoxious, sparkly wreath. I bought a ton of tinsel garland at a thrift shop and was not quite sure what to do with it and suddenly it hit me - it need to be a wreath and have a big ole plaid bow...because I love mixing things that do not normally go together...and ya know what...I more than LOVE it...and I may use this as next years Christmas theme.

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How to Make a Bourbon Caramel Tea Latte

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FlavorSplash #CollectiveBias

I have never, ever made it a secret that I L-O-V-E coffee. For a very long time I was strictly a mocha drinker...but my tastes have changed...and I have discovered a whole new world of unique and amazing tea beverages! My hubby has been a BIG tea drinker for awhile and I have always enjoyed a cup...but now, I am all about creating new flavor combinations for my tea! Right now, I am loving the Tea Latte and have whipped up a hot beverage using Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup.

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No-Sew Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt

One of the easiest ways to change up the look of a Christmas tree is with a tree skirt. I have used tablecloths, blankets, ruffles, and yards of fabric. This year I wanted a new look...again. When I made my rustic scrap wood ornaments, I was inspired to try a more rough and rustic approach to my Christmas tree skirt and overall look. Well, and I just happen to LOVE buffalo plaid - any plaid actually. I surely wish I still had my double breasted royal blue and black buffalo plaid coat from Contempo Casuals!

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Unique Holiday Decor: How to Dye Beans

Once upon a time I dyed beans...and they looked so cool! It truly is one of my favorite DIY's every. As the beans absorbed the dye they puffed out, expanded and really turned out to look interesting and unusual. Well, this year I decided to try it again, using the color Marsala. The deep rich tones will also work well with my Christmas decor (bonus!). So go grab some beans and some dye and let's do this!

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Amazing Pasta Dishes Made for Sharing with Friends

This sop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #thetalkofthetable #CollectiveBias 

The following content is intended for readers who are 21 and older.

This year I am making a concerted effort to keep my holidays relaxed and casual, but festive. I really want to pass this feeling along to friends and neighbors too. While I was cooking for my family, I had an amazing idea! Why not make extra to share with friends and other local families who may need a meal due to illness, new babies, or just because they are super busy! A hearty, delicious pasta dish is the perfect way to share some holiday spirit. Can you only imagine the sheer delight on someones face when you tell them, "Don't worry, I got this. And then you deliver a beautiful meal - for the entire family." Of course, topping off the meal with a chilled bottle of Chardonnay will add to the festive spirit.

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Halloween Batty Pound Cake

You know what we love? Pound cake with little surprises baked inside! Yep - cute little edible finds, like hearts and shamrocks, can hide right inside your pound cake. It is fun and easy to do and the kiddos are always amazed - quite a few adults are impressed too. So, I decided to try my hand a quick Halloween version of the surprise inside pound cake. This time I used bats! 

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Black and White Halloween Wreath

It's not too late to create a beautiful Halloween wreath! The Halloween bug has JUST NOW bitten me. Yep, I know Halloween is days away, but I am compelled to spook this place up! OK, it may not be too spooky, as per a 9 year old little girls request, but how about eerie? I love this black and white Halloween wreath because it is elegant, sophisticated, eerie, and is vintage inspired. For this Halloween, it is perfection!

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Joyous Handmade Ornament

You know what time it is? (no silly, its not hammer time - did I just give away my age?). It's time to start making Handmade Christmas Ornaments  My absolute most favorite thing to do during the holidays is make ornaments with my kids. Some times they are very cool, clever and gorgeous and we keep them forever...and sometimes we just color or write on card stock - it depends on how the day is going...seriously this happens. Last year I made a ton of  Wood Scrap Ornaments (even some ornaments with my favorite photos!) and this year I have some sweet wood JOY ornaments as part of 31 Days of Handmade Christmas Ornaments series.

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Fall Pumpkin Sign and Porch Decor

Every.single.year. I say I am going to really decorate for Fall - really decorate...and I usually just fill the porch with pumpkins....BUT finally, I really do have a beautiful Fall porch! Partnering with Oriental Trading I created this pretty pumpkin sign and Fall display. I wanted a look that would "work" throughout Fall into Thanksgiving (until the Christmas decorations come out!), and this look will do just that.

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DIY Vintage Style Athletic Pennant

It's Homecoming time here in Texas (well, I guess all across the U.S. for that matter). Homecoming in Texas is a little different than Homecoming where I grew up in California. We had a football game and a semi-formal dance...BUT, here there are mums - do you know what I am talking about? If not, I just really cannot explain it fully...just read "12 Things Non-Texans Need To Know About Homecoming Mums". Then there are parades and of course the football game...because...it is TEXAS! Because I am trying to fit in here, we are going to the parade and I made these little pennants that sort of evoke a vintage feel to wave around like maniacs during the parade (because we will not be wearing mums and looking like maniacs, just kidding, I actually like the idea of mums).

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Produce Label Towels

I have a serious love affair with kitchen towels. I find it one of the easiest ways to show some personality in my kitchen. I have quite a large collection of California themed towels, and a ton of towels I have made, like the sweet vintage mason jar towel. Well, it is time to make some more towels...I thought about fruit...then vintage labels...then how much we loved going apple picking in the Fall...then POOF - it hit me, how about some produce label towels (and, I totally know that when you pick apple off the tree they do not come with labels...ok?). My kids thought I was being weird and then realized this was pretty appropriate because, while I do wash the fruit for their lunches...its early...I am NOT a morning person, and I always leave that produce sticker on.

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Tres Leches Cake: Pretty Much the Best Thing I Ever Ate

Many (many) years ago, I was a young girl just starting to work in the Los Angeles garment industry. I worked with real toads, but I also worked with some people who touched my life forever. Some with friendship and some with food. In our design room we had two very sweet ladies sewing for us. One day they decided to throw a party for us and brought the most amazing Mexican food...and this cake, a Tres Leches Cake which is still quite possibly, pretty much the best thing I have ever eaten.

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Farmhouse Style Inspired HOME Sign

I have a lot of signs in my house. I love words. I love signs. I love wood. I like to make a statement. Some of my signs are sassy. Some are simple. And, some are just pretty (if I do say so myself). I was feeling very inspired by "Fixer Upper" and Farmhouse Style decor for this sign. I love the sweet wreath used as the "O" and the rustic charm.

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