Category Archives: diy

DIY Decorative Gift Bags

Posted in crafts, diy, Seasonal by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

‘Tis the season to be giving. But when it comes to wrapping gifts it can be costly. Decorating your own kraft paper gift bags can be an inexpensive way to wrap gifts and it adds a personal touch. Christmas isn’t the only time of year to make your own gift bags, they can be used for any gift-giving occasion.

Before making your gift bags, gather everything you would like to use to decorate them. Ribbons and bows, scraps of wrapping paper or cardstock, stencils, and glitter are a few things you can use. I purchased the kraft paper gift bags on Amazon. Be creative!

In the photo above, I used a stencil to trace flower outlines on the blank side of two pieces of cardstock (for the bag on the left). Next, I cut out the flowers and glued them to the blank gift bag. For the bag on the right, I used a piece of cardstock that with a picture of a large flower. I trimmed the cardstock and glued it to the center of the bag.

Below, I have shown a few of my own ideas to give you inspiration.

What you need:

  • kraft paper gift bags
  • scissors
  • glue
  • wrapping paper or cardstock
  • bows and ribbons
  • glitter
  • markers or colored pencils
  • anything you like to decorate with!

Instructions:

This is a simple design using a piece of cardstock and and scissors that cut a decorative edge.

  1. Measure and cut a piece of cardstock or wrapping paper to fit the bottom half of the bag.
  2. Using scissors, cut a decorative edge along the top of the paper.
  3. Glue to paper to the bottom half of the gift bag.

Instructions:

I used Mod Podge and glitter to give this gift bag some sparkle. Because glitter can be messy, use old newspaper to cover your worksurface.

  1. Using a small paint brush or sponge, paint Mod Podge over the bottom half of the gift bag.
  2. Sprinkle glitter over the glued area.
  3. Allow to dry. Glue will be clear when it is completely dry.

Instructions:

I used some spare ribbon, cardstock and stencils for this fun geometric design.

  1. Measure and cut ribbon to fit along the top edge of the bag.
  2. Glue the ribbon to the bag.
  3. Using stencils, trace and cut out shapes using different colors of cardstock. In the photo on the left, I cut out different sizes of squares in two different shades of blue.
  4. Glue the shapes together, and glue them to the bag.

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DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

In a previous blog post I showed you how to make roll-on essential oil perfumes and colognes with a carrier oil. In this blog post, I will show you how to make the same essential oil perfumes and colognes in a small spray bottle using distilled water and witch hazel. I have measured this recipe for 10 ml glass spray bottles using 2 parts distilled water and 1 part witch hazel. The same formula can be used to make larger bottles of perfume or cologne.

Making your own perfume or cologne can be quick and easy! Try mixing different essential oils to suit your mood or occasion. I used a combination of vanilla, jasmine and lavender essential oils that I found on Pinterest.

You Will Need:

  • your choice of essential oils
  • a mini plastic funnel
  • measuring spoons
  • 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water
  • 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel
  • labels
  • 10ml glass spray bottles

Instructions:

  1. Using the measuring spoons and small funnel, fill the spray bottle with 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water and 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel.

2. Next, add your choice of essential oils, replace the spray cap, and shake well.

3. Label your spray bottle and your finished! If your label doesn’t stay on the spray bottle, try covering the label with tape.

DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray – Two Savvy Cents

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://twosavvycents.com/2021/10/27/diy-essential-oil-perfume-and-cologne-spray/
  1. DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray
  2. DIY Mason Jar String Lights

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DIY Mason Jar String Lights

Posted in crafts, diy by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

This simple DIY craft idea is easy for anyone to make! These DIY Mason Jar String Lights give off a soft light and work well as a decoration. All you need are mason jars and LED Mini Firefly String Lights. I used the Vintage Aqua Blue Ball Mason Jars to add a little more color. Use at least one string of lights per jar, depending on the length of the string. Two strings of lights fills the jar more, and is brighter. The mini LED lights are battery operated, so there is no need to plug them in.

You Will Need:

  • Mason Jars
  • LED Mini Firefly String Lights

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the mini LED string lights.
  2. Unwind the lights (if they are wound up) and put them in the mason jar. Place the on/off switch in the bottom of the jar, so it is less visible.
  3. Remove the center of the mason jar lid and replace only the ring on the jar.

You’re done!

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DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Why pay high prices for those expensive reed diffusers at the store when you can make one at home? Making a reed diffuser with essential oils is easy and you can make your own favorite scent.

For this project, you will need essential oils, a glass bottle with a long skinny neck, wood diffuser reeds, and a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil. All of these are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at a craft stores or online. When buying your glass bottle, make sure that the height of the bottle isn’t taller than the diffuser reeds.

Choose any combination of essential oils that you like. I used an essential oil blend recipe that I found on Pinterest using peppermint oil, rosemary oil and spearmint oil.

You will need:

  • reed diffuser sticks
  • essential oils
  • a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil
  • a glass bottle with a long skinny neck
  • small plastic funnel (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup carrier oil to the glass bottle, depending on the size of your bottle.

2. Add 25 – 35 drops of essential oils.

3. Place 5 -10 reed diffuser sticks in the bottle.

You’re done!

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DIY Essential Oil Roll-On Perfume and Cologne

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Essential oils have many uses. They can be used to make air fresheners, household cleaners and beauty products. But, one of my favorite uses for essential oils is to make my own unique perfume. There’s no better way to use your favorite scent then to wear it! While making your own perfume or cologne may seem daunting, it can be very easy. You will need a glass roll-on bottle, a carrier oil, and essential oils.

The carrier oil will be the base of your perfume or cologne. It will dilute the essential oils so they are safe to apply to your skin. There are several different types of carrier oils to choose from. Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil are a few popular carrier oils.

Which essential oils you choose to make your perfume or cologne are up to you. Some essential oils are earthy, such as patchouli and vetiver, and some are floral, such as geranium and lavender. Other essential oils are woodsy, such as sandalwood and cedarwood and some are citrus, such as lemon, lime and orange.

You can experiment using different combinations of your favorite essential oils, or you can use blends. I have included a list of popular blends. You can add and equal number of drops for each essential oil, or your can add more drops of the scent you like, and less or the scent you don’t like. You can also research your own blends on Pinterest.

Essential Oil Perfume Blends:

  • vanilla, rose, lavender
  • grapefruit, peppermint, vanilla
  • orange, grapefruit, peppermint, lavender, chamomile
  • sandalwood, vanilla
  • rose, rose geranium, lavender

Essential Oil Cologne Blends:

  • balsam fir, orange, frankincense
  • cardamom, vetiver, ylang ylang
  • black pepper, coriander, sandalwood
  • cypress, marjoram, wintergreen

You will need:

  • roll-on glass bottle
  • a carrier oil
  • essential oils

Optional supplies:

  • labels
  • pipette
  • small plastic funnel
  • Swiss key

Instructions:

  1. Remove the roller ball piece from the bottle using a Swiss key (optional).
  2. Fill the bottle at least half way with your carrier oil.

3. Add the desired amount of essential oils of your choice. I used 10 drops of vanilla essential oil and 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil.

4. Replace roller ball piece and cap. Shake well. Label bottle (optional).

You’re done! Feel free to add more essential oils to your perfume or cologne to make the scent just the way you like it!

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DIY Catnip Yarn Balls

Posted in crafts, diy, Pets by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Balls of yarn have always been toys for cats. Add a little catnip with some glue and a styrofoam ball, and you have an enticing new toy for your cat.

I used 3 inch styrofoam balls and 22 yards of yarn to make the toys, although feel free to use smaller styrofoam balls for smaller cats.

You will be handling the styrofoam balls while they are covered in glue, so you might want to keep paper towels near by.

What you need:

  • styrofoam balls
  • yarn
  • catnip
  • glue
  • paintbrush
  • paper plate or other surface for catnip

Instructions:

  1. Place some catnip in a paper plate.
  2. Coat the styrofoam ball in glue using a paint brush.
  3. Roll the styrofoam ball in the catnip until it is mostly covered.

4. To begin wrapping the styrofoam ball in yarn, hold the end of the yarn against the ball and wrap the yarn around so it holds the first piece in place.

5. Continue to wrap the ball in yarn until it is covered.

6. Tuck the end of the yarn into the yarn wrapped around the ball. Use a dab of glue to keep it in place.

7. You’re done!

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DIY Lined Envelopes

Posted in crafts, diy by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Send decorative and unique cards and letters by making your own lined envelopes. These are easy to make using an envelope you already have and some decorative paper.

I used 5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ invitation envelopes that are a good size for greeting cards and photos. I also used cardstock and scrapbook paper for the liner. Feel free to use any kind of envelope or decorative paper that you like.

What you need:

  • an envelope
  • decorative paper
  • scissors
  • glue stick or quick dry glue
  • a pencil
  • ruler or tape measure

Instructions:

  1. Start by tracing the envelope onto the decorative paper.

2. Measure 1/2″ along the inside of the line you’ve already drawn. Use a pencil to lightly mark along the inside edge of the envelope.

3. Cut out the envelope, following the marks drawn 1/2″ inside the traced envelope.

4. Place the decorative paper into the envelope. Make sure the liner is all the way to the bottom of the inside of the envelope, and that there is enough room on the flap for sealing the envelope.

5. Crease the liner along the same crease of the flap of the envelope.

6. Lightly glue the sides and bottom of the liner flap.

7. Press the glued liner flap to the flap on the envelope. You’re done!

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DIY Envelopes

Posted in crafts, diy by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

These DIY envelopes add a fun and decorative touch to cards and letters. They are quick and easy to make with just a few items you might already have on hand. I used cardstock and scrapbook paper to make my envelopes because it is sturdier and more opaque than most paper. In this blog post, I will show you two ways to make envelopes.

For the first envelope, I used 8″ x 11″ cardstock because the envelope is smaller. For the second envelope, which is larger, I used 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper.

What you need:

  • cardstock or scrapbook paper
  • envelope (for tracing)
  • scissors
  • glue stick or quick dry glue
  • pencil

DIY Envelope #1

Instructions:

  1. First, choose the kind of envelope you would like to make. For my example, I used an invitation envelope.
  2. Next, carefully peel the envelope apart at the seams so it lays flat.

3. Place the envelope on the cardstock and trace around the edges.

4. Cut the traced envelope out of the cardstock.

5. Fold the cardstock envelope, using the first envelope as a guide.

6. Glue the flaps of the envelope. Make sure not to glue the top flap.

7. Wipe off any excess glue.

You’re done!

DIY Envelope #2

Instructions:

  1. First, choose the cardstock or scrapbook paper you would like to use. For this envelope, I used 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper.

2. With the decorative side facing down, fold the bottom corner up to meet the opposite side, making a square.

3. Cut off any extra paper at the top.

4. Next, fold a crease in the paper that crosses the first crease, making an “x”. These creases will be used as a guide.

5. Turn the paper so that one corner faces up. Fold in the other three corners to the middle, using the “x” crease as a guide.

6. Fold the bottom half of the paper up, leaving the top corner as a flap.

7. Lightly glue the bottom and sides of the envelope. Wipe away excess glue.

You’re done! When you’re ready to mail your envelope, seal it with tape or a decorative sticker.

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DIY Mini Vinegar Lemon Glass Cleaner

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Cell phones these days have put everything we need at our fingertips. Not only can you make a call or text anytime you want, but the possibilities of having the internet on your phone are endless. But, after using your cell phone all day, you’ve probably been stuck with a dirty, greasy screen.

That’s why I came up with the idea of a mini glass cleaner that is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket. The glass cleaner is made with only a few household ingredients and lemon essential oil. Just spray a small amount on your screen and wipe with a tissue.

I found these 15 ml glass bottles with sprayers on Amazon. Each bottle holds about 2 Tbsp. of glass cleaner, so keep in mind while making the glass cleaner that you will need to leave a little room at the top for the sprayer.

What you need:

  • distilled water
  • white vinegar
  • lemon essential oil
  • 15 ml glass bottle with sprayer
  • small plastic funnel (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pour 1 Tbsp. white vinegar into the spray bottle.
  2. Warm a small amount of distilled water in the microwave for about 20 -30 seconds.
  3. Pour 1 Tbsp. warm distilled water into the spray bottle.

4. Add 4 – 6 drops of lemon essential oil to the spray bottle.

5. Replace cap and shake.

6. Label bottle (optional).

You’re done!

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DIY Water Bottle Name Tags

Posted in crafts, diy by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Have you ever gotten your water bottle confused with someone else’s water bottle? Well, these DIY water bottle name tags should solve the problem. These are quick and easy to make, using only some elastic cord and plastic beads.

For my water bottle name tag, I used plastic beads in several colors and letter beads for my initials. Feel free to use any kind of plastic beads you like. Another idea is to use other stand-out beads that you like such as different animals, plants or flowers, hobbies or symbols to mark your water bottle.

What you need:

  • water bottle
  • letter or other stand-out beads
  • other decorative beads
  • elastic cord
  • scissors
  • measuring tape (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Start by wrapping the elastic cord around the water bottle to determine how much you will need to cut. Leave about 4 – 5 inches extra on both ends for tying knots. Keep in mind you will want to stretch the cord so that it fits the water bottle a little snug.

2. If the hole in the beads you are using is too big for a knot, tie a stopper bead at the end. Simply tie the cord through and around the bead and secure it with a knot. This will hold the beads on the cord as you string them.

3. Begin by stringing your decorative beads on the cord. String several inches (about halfway) of beads.

4. Next, string you initials, name, or other stand out beads.

5. Continue with stringing the decorative beads until you have enough to wrap around the water bottle.

6. When enough beads are strung, tie the two ends together in a knot. If necessary, wrap the beaded cord around the bottle before tying, to make sure it fits tight enough. You want the name tag to be tight enough so that it doesn’t fall off the bottle.

7. Trim the ends of the cord and cut the stopper bead off, if necessary.

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