November 2019 - Slave to DIY

How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved

Posted on November 25, 2019June 16, 2020 by admin

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I collect things with some vague notion of re-purposing them in the future. Well, I’ll have to admit, I may have let the wine bottle collection get a little out of hand. So, I came up with a few ways to use them and even smuggle some of them out of the house, legitimately. Check out this inspiration and maybe you too can get your collection under control.

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The first step was gathering all of my collected bottles in one place and doing a mini-inventory. With the few ideas I had, I needed to sort them by shape, size, and color… and of course figure out what I was gifting and what I was keeping for me.

How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved

Having a usable workspace in the guest bedroom gave me a little time to be in work on this and not have to put everything away again.

1: Holiday Decorating

The first thing I did was weed out the bottles that I want to keep. I like interesting shapes and, of course, different heights, etc. I like a varied collection that adds interest in the display. I did a test order of some SUPER inexpensive fairy lights and used a few of the bottles in my fall decor.

Saved Wine Bottles: How To Use Them This Holiday Season: As you can see by our cork collection, we’re committed to the process

They are really pretty! But, the real thing I’m looking forward to is seeing them in the Christmas decor. I think these will look spectacular on the stairs, especially once I get all of the greenery up! I used to sometimes think big foyers were a waste of space, but the look during the holidays makes it all worth it!

Now, we’ll see if the cats leave them alone. My guess is I’ll have some smashed glass to contend with, but we’ll see.

Here they are with some eucalyptus/fir garland! What do you think?

2: Holiday gifting

I’m always in search of Christmas gift basket ideas throughout the year, and I found a brilliant way to make my problem someone else’s. For my “extras”, *cough *cough, I’m going to do gift sets with tabletop wine bottle lanterns. There are very reasonable wick kits on Amazon to make these, and with bottles of lantern fluid, and a cute wrap job, what’s not to like? If you want to go SUPER thrifty, skip the lantern fluid and basket… a bottle with wick kit, a pretty ribbon, and a handwritten note works just as well!

3: Backyard lanterns

I’ve seen these lanterns mounted with brackets on backyard fences and I dig that too (especially with our evening mosquito problem)! I found some brackets that I am going to try with the smaller bottles around the interior of the pool enclosure and see how it looks, and more importantly, if it works. Of course, you can bring your bottle down to the hardware store and just fit the pieces together there. I had to laugh, finding these for sale without bottles was challenging. Me: Um, we’re good on bottles.

They also work brilliantly as tabletop outdoor lanterns.

4) Watering your plants!

With a wine bottle, and a terracotta watering spike, you can forget about your plants for weeks and they’ll still be going strong! These are essential for people like me, who have trouble not killing plants inside.

Winebottlewaterer

I know if I don’t get this wine bottle habit under control I will never hear the end of it. So, here goes!

Do you have any great uses for wine bottles? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!

Cheers!

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Classic, Elegant Christmas Decor Inspiration and Ideas on a Budget

Posted on November 21, 2019 by admin

I’ve been sneaking Christmas decor out of the closet, but I guess I’m not super stealthy. The thing is, I don’t have a lot a lot of energy, and I really have to pace myself. So, if everything but the tree is up before Thanksgiving, so be it. This is my favorite time of the year, and the little white twinkling lights just give me the Christmas feels! So, here is what I have done so far:

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The exterior: If it was up to me, we’d be done. I have wreaths with red ribbons and window candles with automatic light sensors and flickering flames (for about $5 each, I thought these were a steal). Okay, maybe some lighted garland around the porch would be cool, but, we’ll see. Clark Griswold is already harassing me about adding more lights, but I’m standing my ground.

Classic Christmas Decor: Wreaths with red ribbons in the windows and window candles

This is a great example of the unpredictable weather in Coastal NC: My roses are still blooming, my hydrangea leaves haven’t wilted yet, my Christmas stuff is out, and there are still tons of leaves falling.

This is a close up of the basic wreaths: Very basic but should hold up well outdoors, and they were cheap enough that it won’t break my heart if they’re ruined. They’re perfectly matched with the window candles!

This is a great example of “be where you are.” I am not in love with my fireplace set up currently, but it’s where we are, so I just decorated the crap out of it. I am REALLY proud of my garland I put together, with a willow/eucalyptus garland combined with a basic fir garland (if you don’t have any of these, go to Michael’s after Christmas when they’re pretty much giving them away. They’re on racks on the wall and I got the basic lighted garlands for about $5 each. The faux silver dollar eucalyptus and preserved roses arrangement I added as an afterthought and I love the combo. (Check out our great post on how to preserve roses!)

This awesome Ethan Allen Vase I use for every season with different stems because I ADORE it! The faux cranberries make a gorgeous, simple seasonal arrangement (tip: open them outside and let them air out a little… they have a heavy chemical scent but are beautiful once they’ve breathed a little they’re great!).

For the story of why our turtle inspires us, check out the story on Our Instagram!

And finally, I’m still in work on these faux eucalyptus mixed garlands, and there is a great garland tutorial on our blog so you can make your own much more cheaply than buying them! And I’m just loving the cool led cork-bottle fairy lights, if you’re looking for what to do with all those bottles you saved.

How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price

I would love to hear what you think about our Christmas style in the comments below! Do you have any Christmas decor traditions at your house?

Check out more of our decor and project inspiration over on our blog. Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

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Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy

Posted on November 16, 2019 by admin

As I was starting my Christmas Mantel this year, I started looking for Pinspiration (and Insta-inspiration) even though I sort of knew which direction I was heading. I am totally crushing on Silvery Dollar Eucalyptus and did all of my staircase railing garlands in a Eucalyptus-Fir combo (Garland Tutorial Here), but I felt like I wanted to kick up the mantel garland a little bit.

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Here’s a slice of my mantel with a lighted Fir-Willow-Dollar Eucalyptus Garland.

Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You'll Want To Copy — Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Slave To DIY 2019 Mantel

If you’ve been here before you know I’m sort of a traditional girl and I’m not a farmhouse lady at all. In any case, here are ten of my favorites if you’re looking for inspiration!

This first mantel has something I will never achieve: a well arranged greenery adorning a fantastic black fireplace. I do NOT have the arranging gift, but this one from Kristine Hall on Instagram (@restoringlansdowne) is absolutely incredible. And the best little owl!!! I just love it.

The next one from B. Michelle on Instagram (@deckthehalls365) is balanced, classic, and has roses (you know I’m a sucker for red roses). Simple greenery, lanterns, and metallic patina pinecones. A+. I may have to bring the roses out!

Mastering the art of the swag is an absolute gift and Jodi Bond (@houseonasugarhill) nailed it. A simple, round gold mirror and fantastic alternating-height candlesticks make for a simple and elegant mantel. I just want to curl up!

What I love about this next one is how warm and homey it is. It’s rustic, and simple. The authentic greenery and old-fashioned stockings sort of taking me back to being a kid. Well done from @ChristmasHeartandHome on Instagram.

You know why I dig this next one? Tammy (@VintageWhiteFarmhouse on Instagram) has made a very plain room INCREDIBLE. Take away her decorating style and that fireplace surround might even look dated. But, NO, it’s charming, tasteful, and cozy! Her curtains look just like my DIY Restoration Hardware Knock Off Velvet Curtains and that table is to die for… oops I got sidetracked. The Christmas mantel is perfection, and flanked by two oversize arrangements, it’s JUST RIGHT. The punky brewster greenery mantel is so well done (I have mad jealousy). Classic candlesticks… just awesome!

I gotta tell you, I am a sucker for white lights and greenery. This is monochrome white at it’s absolute best, balanced with 50 different white textures (and a fantastic light fixture, builtins, and enviable coffee table). Love from Erin (@MyTexasHouse on Instagram).

The problem is, even when gold is OUT of style (which it’s not) I love it, and having an amazing gold mirror to cap it all off certainly helps. I love the simple gold infused garland and white/gold combination. Cheers to Jasmin @thedecordiet on Instagram. Why is it all these Texas chicks have a strong decor game? Must be something in the water!

Another incredible gold gilded mirror to cap the mantel and a magnolia leaf, fruit, and fir drapey garland that’s just to die for from Suzanne Zingg (@suzanne_zingg on Instagram). The mixed height/texture/finish/size candlesticks are so well done against crisp white millwork. Classic and eclectic!

My favorite color combo is green and white (it’s sort of where most of my decor lives) and I just adore this mantel from @tuftandtrim on Instagram. White hydrangea mixed with greenery and dollar eucalyptus (totally crushing on this combo!!). Even with the farmhouse hints it’s classicly done, with warmth for the whole family.

This mantel I saved for last because I adore the way she did the greenery and how balanced the whole look is (oh, and little white lights). Lori (@thehumblehaven on Instagram) did an exquisite job on her mantel!

Do you have a favorite mantel style (or pet peeve)? Share in the comments section below!

Check out more great content on our blog!

Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price

Posted on November 16, 2019November 16, 2019 by admin

Unless you thought ahead last year and swept Michael’s post-Christmas sale you’re probably in the same boat as everyone else- seeing all these gorgeous Christmas displays on Instagram and Pinterest and wondering how they do that (and how do they afford it?!). The secret is, they don’t usually buy pre-made garlands (or at least some don’t), because they’re crazy expensive! They make their own. Well, guess what? Even if you don’t have the gift for arranging greenery (I DON’T EITHER), you can make a beautiful garland that will impress all your holiday guests!

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I was checking out the Balsam Hill site and their eucalyptus garland is on sale for $119. Ha. I need six to do my stair and upstairs hallway railing. Quick math: that’s too expensive. So, I decided to transform the Mixed Pine Lighted Garland that I got a couple years ago from Michaels (on sale at the time for 50% off because I procrastinated long enough). They’re currently on sale for about $20.

Step one: Check to make sure the light kit is working (ask me why I put this first) and then lay it out on a flat work space (like the dining room table).

Step Two: Flatten out all of the branches evenly on both sides of the garland. Nothing should be sticking up or hiding underneath.

I found the Eucalyptus Garland on Amazon for about $10 each. They come looking flat and sad, but fluff nicely once you mess with them a little.

Step Three: Lay the eucalyptus flat on the fir garland. The foot of the garland should be lined up with the female end of your light kit if you want to drape them naturally (in this picture the plug end that goes into the wall is at the bottom of the picture).

This is what they look like up close:

This is what it looks like part way done:

Step Four: Starting at the base: Pull each eucalyptus branch away from the base and wrap the fir branch (that is directly below it) into the elbow, wrapping it across to the other side. Do this on the other side as well. This will make an X of fir branches over the eucalyptus.

Step Five: Once you’ve made Xs everywhere there is a eucalyptus branch, go back and arrange the leaves. You’ll see that on each branch there is a short leaf and a long leaf. Put the short leaves on top of the fir branches you twisted and the long leaf underneath.

This is what it will look like:

Here’s one more: (Don’t mess with it more until you get it up where it’s hanging, because it will move around a little once you get it hung).

Step Six: Hang your garland. I hang it on my railing with the flat part against the railing (the part that was laying on the table) so the fluffy side is out. I use the wire from the end of the garland to secure it to the top of the post but your method will depend on the size of your posts, etc.

Step Seven: Do your final fluffing! Here’s where you eyeball it and move leaves around if it looks a little thin in some places or too full in others.

More arranging:

Step Eight: Plug it in and enjoy!

Lighted and ready! (Those FABULOUS Wine Bottle Cork Lights are super reasonable and lots of fun).

And now I’m ready to go Christmas tree shopping!

I’m totally psyched I have this (mostly) done and that each strand costs only $30 to make.

Do you repurpose old decorations? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!

Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Giant Family Canvas Gallery Wall On A Budget

Posted on November 1, 2019October 23, 2020 by admin

One of the things I get the most compliments on at our house is my giant, black and white canvas gallery wall. It is always a work in progress (sort of like arranging built ins) because I add to it on a regular basis. In fact, this wall has been in work for upwards of eight years!

We have five kids, and three of them are now grown: in college or graduated from college and newly in the work force. That definitely makes me feel old sometimes, but it helps me tremendously to have photos of the people that I love (AND MISS) in a place where I get to look at them on my way up and down the stairs, every day!

The problem with canvasses, obviously, is the cost. Regularly priced large, custom canvasses easily run into the hundreds of dollars. I can’t afford that, but I LOVE the look.

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I can tell you that I’ve paid about $20 for each of my canvas prints and check out the awesome results:

Giant Family Canvas Gallery Wall On A Budget

The trick is PATIENCE (and having downright adorable children): getting on the email list and waiting for sales. Easy Canvas Prints is awesome because it seems like they are “having huge sales” all the time. I’m not sure why it’s not just the price, but whatever. They also generally have free shipping if you purchase a few so I’ve done them in sets.

The other thing is… Once I had a huge order (a Christmas order for grandparents and parents) and one of the canvasses was damaged and one of the others looked as though it was smeared. I emailed them and they reprinted the ENTIRE ORDER free and set it right back out the next day. Their customer service is top notch and I’m always surprised how quickly they print and ship. I am a very happy and loyal customer!

I’ve also had quite a few color prints done and the detail and colors are spectacular.

I have various color prints all over the house, too, but I’ll admit, the black and white wall is my favorite.

Tip: If you have them where you REALLY want them, use 3M double sided mounting tape on each corner so they won’t wiggle around when people walk by. But, that stuff stays, so make sure it’s really where you want them before you commit!

I use Easy Canvas Prints to print canvasses for grandparents and parents, because there’s nothing they’d rather receive then great photos of the people they love!

Do you like color or black and white canvasses better? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

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Month: November 2019