DIY: Wall Art

Feeling inspired by these looks?  Me too!  Check out these fun wall decor ideas that will add pizzazz to your walls without paying a fortune.  

1.  I am dying to try this modern mosaic paint on canvas; but, I think I'd modify by using a narrower strip of tape (or, use a variety of different tape widths to create less white space).  Buy a blank canvas at a craft or art supply store.  Buy acrylic paints, a paint brush and painters tape (or scotch tape).  Glitter and Modge Podge is optional but always encouraged.  So simple, you could even have kids join in on the fun (if applicable!).

2.  How easy is this?  Seriously.  Search "silhouettes" in Google and your possibilities for creativity are endless.  Depending on the theme or look you're going for, there is a "silhouette" for everything!  Print images on regular white computer paper.  Pick out some simple frames at a craft, home or department store and hang as a collection!

3.  Again, could this DIY craft get any simpler?  All you need to do is purchase some pre-carved ceiling rosettes (find at your local home improvement store) from $8 to $20 dollars each.  Next, paint the ceiling medallions in graduated shades of a single paint color of your choice.  The medallions are light-weight and easy to hang.  This hanging display covers a lot of surface area and packs a lot of bang for your buck!

Now... if only I could add a few hundred square feet to my apartment to follow through on these fun decorating ideas!

Ciao! 

DIY Mock Gel Manicure

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You are just 1-2-3 steps away from a mock gel manicure at home.  All you need is three nail polishes (pictured above) and whatever other grooming tools you use when performing at-home nail care (I typically don't use anything more than nail clippers and a nail file).  Note: you do NOT need a UV light for this "mock" gel manicure.  I think you'll be blown away by the look and longevity of this nail trio.

Here's the secret sauce:
STEP 1 - Do whatever you do to prime your nails normally (take off existing nail polish, cut nails, file nails, etc.)
STEP 2 - Apply 1 coat of Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps
STEP 3 - Apply 2 coats of any nail polish of your choosing (my fav is OPI)
STEP 4 - Apply 2 coats of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat (seriously, this stuff is no joke)
STEP 5 - Avoid messing up your nails during drying time; but, the top coat seems to dry unusually fast, so consider yourself lucky!

Voila!  Your polish will turn out shiny, flawless, thick and gorgeous--I promise you.

Pictured: this is actually a "touch up" job I did from 2 weeks prior.  It still looks pretty good, huh?

Bracelets & Bangles

DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet

DIY utilitarian-style bracelets!

The wrap and utilitarian, chunky-style bracelet is totally in right now.  I especially love the look of using metallic bolts (i.e. this DIY project!).  What a creative and inexpensive way to wear one of this season’s hottest jewelry trends!  

The same genius blogger who posted the pictured DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet has also posted instructions on how to create another DIY gem, the DIY Embellished WrapBracelet.  I think the wrap bracelet would be especially fun because you could find some real rustic-looking leather rope and pair it with some statement beads (glass, metallic… your options are essentially endless). 

Besides the feeling of accomplishment after completing a DIY project, these featured DIY bracelets would make fantastic holiday treasures or birthday gifts.  Seems like the perfect opportunity to spoil a loved one and be creative without breaking the bank. 

Best of all, these DIY bracelets look almost identical to what are being sold in specialty boutiques and high-end department stores; at fraction of the cost!