Crafternoon - Frosted Windows

At my house, we have quite a few windows. Which of course means spending quite a bit of money on window dressings. Or does it?

I recently came across an interesting idea, for creating a cheap alternative to curtains or blinds, but still allowing you the beautiful sunlight. Contact Paper,

Yes, the very contact you would cover books with, also works really well as a window treatment. I originally saw it here, and couldn't wait to go home and try it out for myself!

So, $3 and a combined total of 12 hours later, I am so happy with the results! It took a bit of dedication but once I worked out optimum placement for the pieces, everything else worked out like  a charm. I even remembered to take a few photos for you!

Start off with a stencil...


Then start tracing... Remember to draw on the paper side of the contact, not the shiny side.


Then start cutting. Trust me, you're going to want someone to help with this, two hands (with scissors) are better than one.



Chose your window, and make sure you clean it really well. The cleaner the window, the better the contact will stick.



Start sticking!


It's time consuming, but so worth it in the end. I love the overall look! I left a gap at the top and the bottom of the window, as I liked the look of it. It took about 80 separate shapes to do the one window, so make sure you cut out plenty of shapes. 

Now, on to the next project...

Love,

J xx

Make It At Home

You may have noticed by now, that I try to make a lot of things myself, rather than buying them. these can include cleaning products.

I know it sounds like a strange idea, to make your own cleaning products. But when you think about it, before all of these big companies 'sold' the idea of '99.9% germ free', we cleaned with good old hot water and soap.

In our modern times, there are so many different options available. Just try walking down the cleaning/laundry isle at your local supermarket. We are spoilt rotten for choice! There are different scents, different types, different mediums, from lemon sprays, to infused cleaning wipes, to tablets and foams. I had never realised just how many different products i used in my house, and the horrible chemicals they contained, until I actually went looking.

I would like to sa I have been converted, and my way of thinking has changed, and I would also like to share these ideas with you.

So, stay tuned for new receipes for things for you to try at home. 

Talk soon,

Jayde xx

A Homemade Christmas

If only money was no object, I would spoil my friends and family with such amazing Christmas presents. But unfortunately we have to work hard for the pittance of money we earn. We have to make it stretch but it seems like an almost impossible task, especially with the holidays coming. Almost impossible...

But I'm here to help! This year I intend to give handmade gifts. Not the macaroni covered angel decoration, something classier. Which got me to thinking, how can I make every present this year?

Unfortunately I can't, mainly because I'm not overly talented in the art department (thankfully, I have friends who are much more arty inclined than I, and are giving me a hand this year). But what I can do, are hundreds of things in the kitchen! Let me begin...

Home Made:

• Vanilla Extract
• Infused Alcohol
• Shaving Cream
• Moisturising Bars
• Infused Cooking Oils
• Bath Salts
• Taco Sauce (actual food)
• Scented Candles
• Body Wash
• Lip Balm

And I can also be quite crafty, just not artsy...

• Animal jewellery hanger
• Dream Catcher
• Stamped scarf/handkerchief
• Candle Holders (Tea Light Candles)
• Cupcake Stand

Then there's how to wrap it. Of course I could scour the stores looking for the perfect wrapping paper and gift tags. But I could also...make my own! I'm debating between:

• Word search, put lots of peoples names on the paper, then circle the gift recipient
• Stamped paper, themed to the recipient
• Black paper with white markers
• Butchers/brown paper with 3D flowers
• Vintage style labels (for jars etc)

Anyway, I'm sure there are even more things I could make for people this year, but for the moment, this is what I have.

Now, a note to any of my family and friends reading this post - Just because I've listed it, it doesn't mean I'm going to make it. You still have no idea what I'm getting you, so ner!

Lots of home made love!

Jayde xx