Simple Elegance - DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece

This is a simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece that I put together on Thanksgiving morning a couple of years ago.  It took less than 10 minutes to throw it together. Below is a list of the items I used. Most of these items you likely already have in your home.

Mason Jars - (I used a variety of graduating sizes) 

Epsom Salts - Can be found at any Pharmacy for a couple of dollars or ONLINE

Fresh Cranberries (grocery store)

Candles - Deal on Candles (7 Inch. Burn 6 Hours)

Pine-cones 

Fall Leaves (my Fall leaves were Silk Maple Leaves bought online.  Since I live in California it's hard to find real ones here!)

Directions:

Fill each jar with approximately two inches of Epsom Salts (the salt holds the candles up in place and the salts glisten like snow)

Place candle in center of jar (you may want to cut candle bottom off to desired height) 

I did this using scissors to score the candle wax where I wanted to shorten it.  After scoring the wax, the bottom will break off easily, then cut the center wick)

Add cranberries after the candle is in the center

I had previously purchased a huge roll of 4" wide burlap online (300 foot roll for only $9.99) for other projects I was working on.  I put two strips of that burlap down the center of the table as my table runner.

I placed the mason jars in the center and then sprinkled more cranberries and fall leaves around the base of the candles.  Keep in mind that cranberries can stain (that is why I put inexpensive burlap under them).

I loved this simple centerpiece and everyone enjoyed the ambiance and warmth of eating by candlelight.

Below are links to a couple of other DIY crafts that I did with my $10 roll of burlap:

Burlap Merry Christmas Tree Garland

Fall Mantle Decor with Burlap Ribbon


Below is a link to another DIY project I did with the Silk Maple Leaves:

Easy Peasy Fall Candles

Easy Peasy Valentine's Centerpiece - Under $2

Yesterday I put together this simple Valentine's centerpiece using things I already owned and spending less than $2.  I used a vintage mirror that I found years ago at a flea market as the base.  I used two mason jars that I already had as my candle holders.  Epsom salts are in the jars holding the candles up.  I found a package of foam glitter hearts at Joann's Craft Superstore for only $1.49 (half price sale... woohoo, I love a sale!).  The little glass dots I've had for years.  I used two sided tape on the back of the hearts to attach them to the jars.  Tied a little twine around the larger jar just to add texture.  Then I just put the items around the mirror until they looked cute.  The whole project took less than 10 minutes.  

I love that this craft was so simple and it turned out super cute!

Until next time,
Happy decorating!

Diana

My DIY Christmas Ornament Chandelier

Today I made this Christmas Ornament chandelier.  We found this branch last year in the mountains and my husband sanded all of the bark off of it.  He kept calling it his walking stick (not that he needs one).  I knew eventually I would find a use for it!  Last night I  had my hubby put two hooks in the ceiling so I could put up this cutie.

I started my project with the branch, ceiling hooks
ceiling hooks, fishing line (since it is clear and strong) to hang everything with, and some pretty ornaments (two of which hold votive candles).

I hung the branch about two feet below the 9' ceiling.  I used fishing line so it looks like it is floating in the air.

Then I started hanging the ornaments at random heights across the branch.  Only two of the ornaments hold a candle and I wanted to figure a way to have more candle light on the piece.

I decided to add a few hanging mason jars with votive candles in them.  These are actually battery operated votive candles  and jars I had used this past summer for our "glamping" camping trip.  If you are interested you can see that post - HERE.  

The snowflake ornaments and candle holders are all beaded with crystal beads which give them lots of sparkle and bling!

This finished candle ornament chandelier is so sparkly and pretty!  I love it :)  

Until next time...
Happy decorating!

Diana

Sharing this post at the Power of Pinterest Party at - Fox Hollow Cottage

DIY Holiday Craft - Mason Jar Snowglobes

Easy DIY craft... All you need is a jar with lid, super glue, glitter and water.

Oh, and something cute to put inside :)

I absolutely love this craft idea! DIY Christmas and holiday snowglobes in mason jars and vintage glass jars. You can find many small Christmas items at your local craft store in the Christmas village accessories area.  Also, for very inexpensive cute little Christmas figurines, try your local $1.00 or 99 cent store (they actually have several cute items to choose from, snowmen, santas, christmas trees, etc.). Use a waterproof glue (super glue) to adhere items to metal lid or twine to hang items from cork lids. Have fun and be creative making your own one of a kind decorations. These make a great project to do with the kids and they make wonderful gifts!

Another great suggestion I recently came across is to glue a lego to the inside of the lid and one to the main item (figurine) that you want in the bottle... That way you can change out the figurine to anything you want whenever you desire, or for each holiday, just by having a connecting lego on each item.

If you are wondering where to get jars, I have included links below to mason jars by the case. They come in variable sizes are very reasonably priced. Happy crafting!

     

                        
                  

Mason Jar Love

I just love mason jars! There are so many great uses for them. They are an inexpensive creative way to add decorative accents to any space. I myself often use them as vases for flowers I pick from my garden. Also, I use them as candle holders and as drinking glasses. However, I have found many inspirational pictures, most are easy DIY projects, that you can also use mason jars for. Hopefully these pictures will bring you as much inspriation as they did me!

Ball Regular Mouth Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounce Pint Size, 12 Count

       

(photo sources: meaghanmonroe.tumblr, dreamwalkers.tumblr, (several photos) thingsinmasonjars.tumblr, lilykleppertknoop.tumblr, etsy, alli-gatoralley.tumblr, mair-betha.tumblr, dirtcouture.tumblr)