Article By: Mirna Cacic

We’re big fans of garden decor, and we think that these adorable glass spheres would be the perfect addition to any flowerbed or lawn. If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your vegetable garden, lawn, or flowerbed, these spheres are super easy to make and budget-friendly, too. Made using flat marbles, silicone, and lamp globes, no one will be able to tell that they cost less than $20! Take a look at the tutorial below and make your own today!

Supply Checklist:

1) Lamp globe – Make sure you use a globe that is made of strong glass. You can find these at any hardware store in the lamp section, or check your local thrift store (you can also use bowling balls).

2) Flat marbles, beads, thrift store jewelery, or anything else you like to add a touch of magic to your garden spheres.

3) Silicone Sealant or Silicone Adhesive – Make sure it’s for outdoor use and is waterproof. In this project, GE Silicone II was used.

4) Caulking gun – These are cheap and can be found at any hardware store.

5) Bowl – To hold the globe in place while you’re decorating it.

Step #1:

Place the lamp globe in a bowl. When you’re applying the silicone, make sure it is at least 1/4″ thick.

Step #2:

Begin applying the first row of flat marbles to the lamp globe. Press the flat marbles securely into the silicone. Don’t worry if silicone spreads around it as you’re pressing, as it will help hold the marbles in place.

Step #3:

Turn the globe over and work from the bottom towards the top. This way, every row of marbles will rest on the rows below it. It’s okay if the marbles touch each other, this will help them stay in place. Make sure you read the label on the silicone packaging for the product’s drying time. You may need to work on your sphere in sections, allowing one section to dry before working on the next one.

Step #4:

After the silicone has dried, it’s time to place your new garden sphere outside! These look best in groups, so go crazy!

Photos: Empress of Dirt, Karen Weigert Enos.

Everyone’s going crazy for washi tape and with good reason, too! It’s inexpensive, and you can decorate anything with it! Spruce up your keyboard, notebooks, smartphone, or walls using nothing but these fun patterns. You can get washi tape from any office supply store or you can purchase it in lots for cheap on Ebay. Making your own washi tape wall decals is a great way to decorate your plain walls without worrying about damaging the wall or repainting it when you get bored with your design. When you’re in the mood for a change, simply peel off the tape and start again!

Supply Checklist:

1) Washi tape

2) Parchment paper

3) Letter templates (print your own using Microsoft Word in any font and size you like)

4) Scissors

5) Craft knife

6) Craft mat

Step #1:

Print out your letter templates onto regular printer paper. Cut them out along the outer edge leaving any edges inside the letters intact. This will make your template a bit more stable when you’re cutting out your letter out of washi tape later.

Step #2:

Take a piece of parchment paper and place it on your letter. Cut strips of washi tape and place it over the letter. Make sure every new strip of tape you lay down overlaps the previous strip of tape slightly. This will help the letter stay together when you’re peeling it off later.

Step #3

Turn the parchment paper over and place it on your cutting mat. The washi tape should be facing down. Take your letter template and place it on top. Cut your washi tape letter out using your craft knife.

Step #4:

When you’ve cut out all your letters, it’s time to figure out how to arrange them on your wall. Use scotch tape to stick the letters (with the parchment paper still attached) on your wall. Arrange them any way you wish, and when you’re finished, you can begin peeling the parchment paper off and sticking the washi tape onto your wall. All finished!

Photos: Designer Trapped, 3 Little Green Woods.

Changing your decor doesn’t have to drain your bank account! If you’d like a new look for your couch, try a slipcover. They’re budget-friendly, washable, and you can change them with the seasons. Take a look at our guide to choosing the right slipcover for your couch!

1. What Kind of Slipcover do You Want?

Custom slipcovers are great if your furniture has non-linear shapes, or if you want a fitted look. The measurements are done by a professional, who also orders the fabric. This saves you time and hassle, but it can be on the pricey side. Ready-made slipcovers are a good idea if you want a low-cost option. They protect your couch from dirt and spills and come in standard sizes. You can adjust the size with ties or straps.

2. Pick a Material

Pick a fabric that is durable and can be washed in your washing machine. Look for a sturdy and smooth weave rather than snag-prone materials like silk. Cotton and cotton-polyester blends are a good choice and they wash well. Polyester microfibres and some faux suedes are great if you want a fabric in which spills can be wiped right off.

3. Create a Budget

Custom slipcovers can be pricey, and ready-made slipcovers are extremely affordable. Prices will vary, and a custom slipcover can cost at least $600, and a ready-made slipcover can cost as little as $50. Pick a price range that woks for you.

Photos: The Handmade Home, SX 1000.biz, Annabellea, Design Manifest.

If you’re hosting a get-together, party, or BBQ for July 4th, it’s time to get your outdoor tables ready for the big event. If you’re feeling uninspired, take a look at these festive tables!

1. Festive Lanterns

We love the different sized patriotic lanterns hung above this rustic table. The plaid tablecloh and navy napkins add old-world charm to this festive table.

2. Make it Fun

What’s not to love about this table? The pinwheel centrepiece is a fun and original idea, and we love the mason jars used as cups. The cupcakes placed on mini chairs as party favors complete the fun theme of the table.

3. Keep it Simple

This table is simple, but still elegant and welcoming. We especially love the mini present party favors! Too cute!

4. Nautical

This nautical-themed table is colorful, but not too busy. The red napkins and navy chairs keep the striped table runner in check, and the white lanterns give the space a more open feel.

5. Old Americana

This table gives a nod to the old Americana of the 50s with a country flair. We love the bandana napkins and the rustic style metal cups. The Pepsi and Cola bottles used as vases look charming, and are a simple decoration that can be recreated on a budget.

6. Budget-Friendly

Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t throw together a lovely table! We like how the plates and utensils are kept in baskets, and the Uncle Sam sparkly top hats add a bit of fun!

7. Chair Decor

When decorating your table, don’t forget the chairs! These chairs are decorated with an American flag and held together with blue tulle. The plaid tablecloth makes a big statement, but is toned down by the blue charger plates and cups.

8. Vintage

For a vintage look, antique plates were paired with a classic plaid tablecloth. The glass goblets are simple, but still keep the vintage feel.

Photos: Enmerit, Party Resources, Nest Nest Nest, Homeward Found Decor, Premeditated Leftovers, Tobi Fairley, The Charm of Home. 

Canopy beds add an instant touch of elegance and drama to any room, but the prices are always on the high side. To make your own canopy bed, all you need are some simple tools and a fabric of your choice.

1. Use a Dowel

For this version, all you need are wooden dowels, thumb tacks, and a fabric of your choice. Insert the dowels through the fabric casing and thumb tack it to the ceiling.

2. Hoop

Mount a hoop to the ceiling and drape fabric over it. Use netting for a sheer, delicate look, or try patterned fabric and beads for a boho feel.

3. Curtain Rods

Mount 2 curtain rods parallel to your bed and drape fabric around the headboard. For a romantic look, try adding pom-pom trim.

4. Branch

For a rustic look, try using a branch! Insert it through the fabric casing and hang it from the ceiling. If you live by a beach, try using a piece of salvaged driftwood.

5. Rope

Use rope to hang your canopy over your bed. We love this simple wood and rope combo.

Photos: The Fuji Files, BHG, All Womens Talk, The Vintage Souls, HGTV.

Updating your kitchen backsplash is an inexpensive way to give your space a new look. From pebbles to pallets to mirrors, anything goes! Check out our top 5 backsplash ideas!

1. Pallets

Reclaim a few old pallets to create this rustic backsplash. Perfect for those on a budget, as it costs next to nothing, but looks amazing!

2. Mirrors

This eye-catching backsplash consists of tiny mirrors. This is great for a small kitchen as it gives the illusion of more space.

3. Pebbles

Pebbles were stacked to create this natural backsplash. To recreate this look, use pebbles that are around the same size and shape. Make sure the grout isn’t visible too, as you want it to look like the pebbles are ‘floating’.

4. Paint and Stencils

This is a great way to create a unique backsplash that you can modify easily to fit your tastes. Try a bright color to liven up the space, and add metallic stencils for a modern touch.

5. Mix and Match Tiles

For a fun way to spice up your kitchen, mix and match different tiles. This home-owner added a beautiful mosaic of tiles to match their re-purposed kitchen cabinets.

Photos: Circadee, Bhuto, BHG, Cutting Edge Stencils, Boligliv.