How to Make a Snow Globe from a Gumball Machine

How to turn a vintage gumball machine into a winter wonderland snow globe! Turning gumball machines into snow globes is nothing new, but when I recently spotted a vintage gumball machine at a local auction I knew I had to make one myself.  Ideally, I would have preferred a glass gumball machine, but when the bid went down to $5 I knew I had to snag it.  After all, I did turn plastic Dollar Tree mason jar ornaments into snow globes and they turned out.  Plus, this gumball machine was red, old, and had tons of character.   The perfect combination for making a fun DIY gumball machine snowglobe for the holidays. ...

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12 Inexpensive Last-Minute DIY Gift Ideas

Do you like to craft, knit, sew or DIY?  Do you like to give affordable (but gorgeous!) DIY gifts?  These 12 inexpensive and stylish last-minute gift ideas are sure to bring a smile to everyone on your list!    Christmas is fast approaching and the time to make handmade gifts is dwindling.  Don't worry, I've gathered 12 inexpensive last minute ideas perfect for everyone on your list.  The best part is, these gifts are not only budget-friendly, but they look expensive and your friends and family will never know you threw them together last minute.   From mugs and matchsticks to necklaces and fishing lures.  You'll find something fun for everyone on your gift giving list!  ...

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Easy Dollar Tree Clear Ornament Gift Tags

Add the perfect personalized touch to your gifts this holiday with easy DIY Dollar Tree ornament gift tags!   I was crazy busy and missed last weeks Dollar Store DIY project, but I'm sharing one today to make up for it.  With Christmas right around the corner, I decided to put together easy to make ornaments that double as gift tags.  These quick and affordable clear plastic ornaments are the perfect way to add a personalized touch to your gifts this holiday.  Fill them with greenery, snow, bells or paper!  The possibilities are endless and your friends and family are sure to appreciate the time you took to make their gift extra special.  ...

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Curvy and Petite Simple Entry Table Makeover

A good cleaning, fresh paint and gorgeous hardware make all the difference in this simple entry table makeover.   Recently, I was given a curvy little entry table that had quite the colorful paint job.  Sometimes a furniture makeover requires a lot of work and sometimes it just needs a little cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.   This was one of those times when a good scrubbing and a little make-under made all the difference in bringing a piece of furniture back to life.  ...

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A Simple and Classic Vintage Hot Chocolate Bar

What's better than a classic hot chocolate bar?  A VINTAGE hot chocolate bar complete with vintage Santa mugs, thermoses and peppermint sticks!  I'm a total sucker for vintage Santa's.  Whether that be blow molds, figurines, ornaments or mugs!  I'm also a sucker for vintage plaid thermoses.  I hunt for them all year long and never pass up a good deal.  Lucky for me they pair together nicely to create the perfect simple and classic vintage hot chocolate bar.   ...

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Free Window Wall Decor For The Mudroom

Are you in need of large scale wall art, but don't want to spend a lot of money?  Hanging free vintage windows was the perfect solution for our mudroom and just might be the right solution for you!  I've been stumped on how to decorate the long wall in our mudroom ever since construction ended a few years ago .   Currently, the addition is temporarily divided between our mudroom and my office (until we knock down walls to expand our kitchen).  It's a long narrow space that can be tricky to decorate, especially since it's split between two rooms. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to find a set of 5 vintage theatre chairs that perfectly filled the awkward floor space, but I was still stumped on what to do on the wall.   I didn't want to spend a lot of money or hang anything dark and heavy.  That's when I realized I had a bunch of old windows that would make for perfect wall decor. ...

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Easy Raw Wood Scandinavian Christmas Ornaments

Get crafty and give your Christmas tree a little Scandinavian flair with these easy raw wood ornaments.  Happy Monday!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  I don't know about where you live, but here in Maryland, it's been cold, cloudy and snowy.   The perfect weather to stay in pj's, turn on a Hallmark Christmas movie and get crafty.   This year, I've been really into Scandinavian inspired Christmas decor and I wanted to make a cute Scandi Christmas craft.  I raided my craft drawers and found a stash of wood beads that I knew right away would be perfect for raw wood ornaments.  These cute little wood ornaments are simple, affordable and easily customizable to fit your style and color scheme.  I prefer the simple raw wood look, but the options are endless. ...

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Walmart Holiday Gifts That Are Sure to Please

Are you looking for stylish gifts without spending a lot of money?  Walmart has some great options that will please everyone on your list! With the holiday's and gift giving season fast approaching, I thought it would be helpful to pull together some of my favorite holiday gift guides.  Today, I have a gift guide for all you givers who prefer affordable one-stop shopping.  Grab your groceries and toilet paper then knock out your holiday shopping all in one trip!  That's right, I've gathered a few of my favorite affordable gifts that can all be purchased from Walmart.   ...

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A Simple Farmhouse Inspired Hutch Makeover

A dated wood hutch gets a farmhouse inspired makeover! Paint is such a powerful thing!  I'm constantly amazed at how much it can completely transform dated furniture for minimal cost and effort.  I recently came across a 90's style hutch that was a great price and the perfect candidate for a farmhouse makeover.   I'm usually drawn to midcentury modern pieces, but I liked the idea of updating a completely different style piece and having a little versatility in the shop.           ...

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How to Repair and Restore A Vintage Card Catalog

A beautiful nine drawer vintage card catalog gets repaired, stained and painted for a fresh new look. I've always had a love for vintage card catalogs, but could never find one that was within my tight budget.  Well, apparently I wasn't looking in the right places because I've been lucky enough to come across some amazing ones lately.  I recently  restored an 18 drawer card catalog , scored a  60 drawer one from a local auction  and just the other day I found a nine drawer card catalog on Facebook Marketplace. Unfortunately, the recent nine drawer card catalog had a bit too much veneer damage to refinish back to its original state, but I was able to give it a much needed facelift.                 Don't mind the missing screws.  I totally forgot to screw them back on before taking photos, whoops.  ...

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Favorite Affordable Christmas Decor From Walmart

Get ready for the holidays with beautiful and affordable decor from Walmart!  Disclaimer:  This post is in no way sponsored by Walmart.  All opinions are my own.  Some affiliate links have been used. Who's ready to start decorating for the holidays?   Christmas decor is showing up earlier and earlier in stores, which is definitely motivating me to get started on decorating my own home.  On a recent trip to Walmart, I couldn't help but check out all their new holiday decor and due to popular demand, I'm sharing a few of my favorites.  Walmart has definitely stepped up their game and I'm excited to share some great affordable Christmas decorating decor and ideas.  ...

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How to Make Industrial Dollar Tree Storage Jars

Basic Dollar Tree glass jars get aged and transformed into stylish industrial storage!  It's the first Monday of the month, which means it's time for another Dollar Store DIY !  I really wanted to create a Christmas project, but I resisted and went a little industrial instead.  When it comes to decorating my home, I tend to gravitate towards vintage decor that's a little old,  rusty and unique.  It's one of the many reasons why I love to shop at vintage markets and local thrift stores.    My office  is full of my favorite vintage finds and these DIY rusty industrial Dollar Tree jars fit right in.  ...

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A Scandinavian Styled Christmas Cottage

A small cottage is beautifully styled for a Scandinavian inspired Christmas! I'm going to apologize now for talking about Christmas just two days after Halloween, but I couldn't not share this beautifully decorated cottage with you all.   Cassie, Jen and I had the privilege of styling the cottage for Sweet Clover's Holiday Kick Off sale and we went with a Scandinavian Christmas theme.   We had so much fun collaborating and designing a space that we all ended up loving.  ...

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A Pair of Multi Drawer Nightstands Get a Fresh New look

A little paint and new drawer hardware completely transform a set of dated nightstands. A couple weeks ago, I picked up a set of cute little nightstands that I found on Facebook Marketplace.  I asked the  normal questions I ask every time I buy furniture online and almost passed them up because the seller said they didn't have dovetail drawers.   I was really bummed but, the price was right and I loved that they had multiple drawers, so I decided to buy them anyway.  When I picked them up I was pleasantly surprised to find out they DID have dovetail drawers!   As soon as I got home I took the nightstands out of the car and started working on them right away.  I went with my go-to Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore and finished them off with a light distressing, finishing wax and new bronze pulls.   ...

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10 Insanely Creative DIY Pumpkin Ideas and Projects

Creative pumpkin projects perfect for fall!  It's not even Halloween yet and I've already started decorating for Christmas at the barn.  It was definitely a bit strange replacing pumpkins with vintage Santas, but it is almost November and the holiday craze will be here before we know it. With that being said, I can't forget that pumpkin season is in full swing and we still have Thanksgiving to look forward too.  There's plenty of time to DIY a few fall projects and pumpkins perfect for fall.  I've made quite a few pumpkin projects over the years, so I gathered my favorites as well as some from around the web to bring you 10 creative pumpkin projects. ...

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A Thrifted High Contrast Vintage Office Makeover

A small home office makeover packed with lots of contrast and vintage style!  This post is sponsored by Crates and pallet .    Almost two years ago, I shared my modern industrial farmhouse office .  Since then, I made a few changes including  refinishing an oak chest  and adding a set of 5 vintage theatre chairs to the space.  I LOVED the changes and had no plans of redecorating, but then I stumbled upon the perfect mid-century desk at Goodwill for $14.  I knew it HAD to come home with me, which ended up sparking a little vintage office makeover.  I moved the  oak chest  to my shop at Sweet Clover Barn and moved in a set of vintage lawyer file drawers (found on Facebook Marketplace), a new rug, DIY wood shelves and lots of my favorite vintage decor.  ...

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Thrifty Ideas for Creating a Spooky Halloween Home

Create a spooky Halloween home with these simple and inexpensive ideas!   Do you decorate for Halloween?  It's one of my favorite holiday's to decorate for and I love to have a little fun with my decor.  The best part?  It's super easy to DIY inexpensive decor for Halloween and get a spooky look with Dollar Tree and other affordable items.   I didn't decorate our mudroom last year, but since my office is adjacent to this space I thought it would be fun to decorate for Halloween.  I walk in and out of this area multiple times a day and it makes me smile every time I pass by and see the festive Halloween decor. ...

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How To Remove Damaged Veneer From Furniture

Have you ever passed up a piece of furniture because of damaged veneer?  These tips and tricks for removing stubborn veneer may make you think twice about passing up another great piece again.  On Thursday evening's you'll likely find me at a local estate and consignment auction.   Mainly picking up small items for my shop and my own home and an occasional piece of furniture.  The furniture is usually not my style, but every once in a while I've been able to snag a great piece.  Just this past Thursday, I scored a cute little three drawer dresser that was begging for a makeover.  It had quite a bit of damage, including splitting wood, chipped and loose veneer and a few random holes and gashes.  It was the perfect project piece and the detail on the drawers was too good to pass up.   I originally thought I could use wood glue to repair the damaged veneer, but once I got it home I realized the damage was far worse than I thought.  Wood glue wasn't going to c...

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Cozy Throw Blankets Perfect For Fall

Cozy up for fall with these stylish and affordable throw blankets!  The weather is finally cooling off, pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere and snuggling on the couch under a blanket finally sounds appealing.  Throw blankets are  one of my favorite decor staples and I love to use them to cozy up my home for fall.  They're practical, affordable and a great way to add texture to a room.   I mean, what's better than snuggling up with a chunky knit throw blanket, a glass of wine with a yummy pumpkin candle burning?   ...

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How Are They Holding up? Smart Tile Backsplash Review

Have you ever considered adding Smart Tiles peel-and-stick backsplash in your home?  Are you curious how Smart Tiles hold up over time?  Get all your questions answered and find out how ours are holding up three years later!  I can't believe it's been over three years since I installed our Smart Tiles peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash .  At the time, I was looking for an affordable, quick, and mess-free update for our kitchen and these peel-and-stick subway tiles were just what the space needed.   They're the next best thing to a real tile backsplash and perfect for a temporary budget-friendly update.  They were super easy to install (I installed them myself one afternoon while my husband was at work) and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.    I get a lot of questions about their durability and now is a great time to let you know how they are holding up and answer all your burning questions.  ARE PEEL-AND-STICK TILES EASY TO INSTALL?  ...

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Fun and Easy Dollar Tree Halloween Coasters

These super easy Halloween coasters are the perfect affordable accessory for your next Halloween bash!  It's officially October, which means it's totally appropriate to pull out the spooky goblins and fake cobwebs and start decorating for Halloween, right?  Besides Christmas, Halloween is my favorite "holiday" to decorate for .  I always enjoy creating a spooky home for less and I love that my kids enjoy the creepy decor too.  And what better way to start off October than with a fun and easy Halloween project for this month's Dollar Store DIY !  ...

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Simple and Neutral Fall Home Tour {2018}

Come tour a small ranch style home subtly decorated in neutral tones for fall!  I like to pretend that fall starts when my kids head back to school, but now it's official!  Fall is here and I couldn't be more excited.  It's my favorite time of year and I always look forward to the leaves changing colors, cooler evenings, fun fall activities and pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING. As much as I love the view from our back deck this time of year, the beautiful shades of burnt orange, deep yellow and dark red stops there.  I leave the warm tones of fall outside and opt to decorate my home with cool muted tones instead.  It still feels like fall, but much more my style.   This year, I decided to keep things simple since I've been on a major cleaning out and decluttering kick.  I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on new fall decor, so I used what I had, updated inexpensive Dollar Tree decor and scored a few pieces from an auction to create a simple and...

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Fall Market Days at Sweet Clover Barn

Take a tour of a vintage market booth subtly decorated for fall and Halloween! It's been a busy month full of early mornings, work deadlines and getting the booth ready for the September Sweet Clover sale.  I always feel like each month sneaks up on me and this month was no different.  Last month , I sold all my large pieces of furniture, so I've been extra busy getting furniture painted and prepped for the upcoming sale.   The September sale marks the first fall sale of the season, which meant Cassie and I were able to bring in lots of new decor and fun touches for fall and Halloween.  Being that we both love cool tones, we kept the traditional fall colors to a minimum and opted to keep the holiday decor on the neutral side. ...

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How to Make Easy Fabric Pumpkins

Learn how to make DIY fabric pumpkins! A quick, easy, and affordable fall project.  Are you looking for a cute and easy fall project?   Have you always wanted to learn how to make DIY fabric pumpkins?   Well, you're in luck!  I've got a super easy tutorial that will show you how to make DIY fabric pumpkins in just a few easy steps.  No sewing machine is required!  I love the many options for creating these easy fabric pumpkins.  From using different fabrics and embellishments to varying the size of the pumpkins, they can make the perfect fall decor addition.  SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE DIY FABRIC PUMPKINS - Large round object for tracing (these will be your pumpkin patterns) - Fabric (velvet, canvas, wool, flannel, or tweed work well) - Fiber Fill   stuffing - Nylon upholstery thread - Fabric scissors  or rotary cutter - Mat (if using a rotary cutter) - Pen or chalk for tracing - 4" sewing needle - Hot glue gun with glue sticks - Sticks ...

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