The history of tramp art woodworking has its mysteries. Some say it’s the work of self-taught hobos; others say it’s the work of detail-oriented craftsmen. The main method of wood carving used in this art form is called chip carving. Chip carving creates notches and pyramid shapes into your wood material. I am a huge…
In the world of internet and cell phone communication, information and feelings are shared quickly and impulsively. I prefer face-to-face communication to the phone or email, but I’ve had several good friends move away over the past year. Writing a letter to a friend requires a sacrifice of your time and requires you to really…
When my husband and I first moved into our house, we were on a tight budget, and a fancy ceiling fan was not in the plan. The last residents left this fan, and I’ve never liked it. This week, I decided to give my fan an upgrade and share it with everyone. The full project…
For this project, I was inspired by Philadelphia. I live in a city so full of American history, and everyone loves to celebrate the Fourth of July here! Fireworks fill the city skies, and people go all out. This year, I wanted to decorate my home with an alternative to the normal red, white and blue…
My soul is singing because of the spring weather! I am not a green thumb, but there is just something about the start of warm weather that drives me to the nursery for flower season. If you are going to plant flowers, you of course need some cool planting pots for your home and yard….
Bead-and-pin baskets became a popular craft in the 50s and 60s. The baskets are made entirely out of safety pins, cheap craft-store beads and wire. You can find vintage versions at flea markets, eBay or Etsy for $10 to $25. I decorate my mantel every spring season with my collection of these beaded treasures and…
Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner; it will sneak up on you before you know it, so you might want to prepare! The tradition of drinking on the holiday comes from a legend called Patrick Pot. This project honors that tradition. These mini, leprechaun-sized ales are perfect for a St. Patty’s Day get-together…
A good girlfriend of mine has an amazing vintage arrow collection. She displays them all in her home on the wall and bunched together in containers. This February, I decided to whip up a Valentine’s Day DIY inspired by her collection. The big day of love is only five days away, but luckily that’s plenty…
Every holiday season I make a small collection of ornaments. For this month, I wanted to share a fun “how-to” utilizing the crystal trend. You can find quartz crystal at your local beading store, on eBay or here. Check out the remainder of my 2010 collection here, and I hope you enjoy this Christmas DIY!…
I grew up in a home where, on December 1st, each “everyday” decoration was replaced with a Christmas version of itself. I love the holidays and can hardly wait to fill my home with mica snow and tiny trees! Here are over 45 of the best baubles and elves to trim your tree or give…
Hex signs are a form of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. They have been painted on the sides of barns to ward off evil spirits, offer good fortune or wish happiness for hundreds of years. These sentiments are perfect for the harvest season! Here is a colorful interpretation for your Thanksgiving table to wish all…
High-end geode and crystal home decor is everywhere! Having a rock garden in my home is right up my alley, but can be expensive. So today I’ll share how to get the look of pyrite bookends using rocks scavenged from your neighborhood streets. — Halligan CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!
I have wanted a vintage chalkboard globe for quite a few school years. Unfortunately, I could never afford one and they are hard to come by. Even these beautiful reproductions are pricey! Today I’m sharing a quick and cheap way to get the look with out the hunt or the price! — Halligan CLICK HERE…
When the time comes for your jeans to be reincarnated into your new favorite shorts, the top gets a new life but what about that sturdy bottom fabric going to waste? I have been saving the bottoms of cut off jeans for two years now, knowing that someday I would have a bright idea of…
Summer time really gets my travel bug a-jumpin! I am guilty myself, but so many of us long to travel abroad yet don’t take advantage of our very own American continent! This July, my husband Adam and I are hitting the road for a sweet heart’s road trip to explore some of the USA’s beautiful…
