12 Days of DIY // potpourri pouches

I've always been obsessed with things smelling good... my room, my clothes, my hair, you name it, it should smell good! So I fell in love with these sweet little pouches when I realized I could literally put them anywhere and they would make it smell great! 

SUPPLIES //

   fabric - preferably something thicker

   packets of potpourri - I used apple cider scent

   sewing machine and/or needle & thread

   ribbon/twine (optional)

1) I started by cutting squares from my fabric swatches. You can get creative and make any shape or size you'd like! 2) Flip your fabric inside out so that the nicer side is on the inside, and begin sewing along the edges - leaving enough room to be able to pour the potpourri into the pouch. 3) Flip your pouch inside out so that the fabric that you want shown is now on the outside. Begin to pour the potpourri into the pouch. This part has the potential to get messy, as the potpourri likes to clump. I found it easiest to create a little funnel using a piece of paper; do whatever works for you. 4) Hand sew the remaining opening on the pouch. 5) I used these as little stocking stuffers, so I I purposefully made them different sizes so I could stack them on top of each other, then I used twine and ribbon to tie them all up together!

   

I wasn't lying y'all, these little guys are in my drawers, my car, even my pillowcases... and they make everything smell wonderfully! And choosing fun fabrics is the best!

These came out so great, I can't wait to make more for friends!! Hope you have fun making some of your own!

xo. melisa

12 Days of DIY // antler ring display

I came across this antler at an antique mall and just had to buy it. Since it was just one side and wasn't mounted or anything, I wanted to think of a creative way to display it. I decided it would make a perfect ring organizer! This works great if you have an antler that you want to keep natural, but I decided to freshen mine up with some color.

SUPPLIES // 

   deer antler

   liquid gilding - picked this one up at Michaels, but you could order from here

   spray paint

1) I gathered my supplies and cleared a space. I mostly worked outside for this project because of the spray painting. 2) Spray paint your antler. I chose white, so I went ahead and did two coats, letting it dry for about 30 mins between each time. 3) Once the antler is dry, pick it up and dip the tips into the liquid gilding. This is pretty thick, so you want to make sure it doesn't slowly run, or create air bubbles. 4) Let it sit for about 30 mins before doing a second coat - which isn't necessary, but I didn't want it to chip or fade, so I dipped again for good measure.

This is great because if you like the natural look better, than it's a really reeeeally easy diy, as in you don't have to actually diy, you just have to find an antler! I love the way these colors came out and the fact that it kind of looks like a claw, which is a little strange, but also pretty great, ha! Just have fun with it!

I hope you enjoyed this and as always, if you decide to try it out, I'd love to see how yours turns out; leave a link below!

xo. melisa

12 Days of DIY // woodland frame

This is quite possibly one of the most favorite things I now own. I love woodland themed anything, so when thinking up diy ideas, I knew I wanted something that went with that. I love branches and how they have a sense of classic beauty, and create sort of a whimsical setting too. These little twigs brought so much life to my frame and now, to my room! This is a very simple and inexpensive diy that will make a great gift for your loved ones (or yourself!)

SUPPLIES // 

   frame - I purchased mine here

   found twigs & branches

   hot glue gun

1) I gathered all of my branches and broke them down to appropriate sizes. Mostly I wanted them to all be at least the size of the frame and not longer. 2) I went ahead and layed them onto the frame to try and get an idea of where they would sit; this was just for a rough look of what to expect. 3) I set aside the branches along each side, so I would remember which ones I wanted where. 4) Start gluing! I started on the outside and worked my way in. I also found that doing the very inside edges helped a lot too. I glued down the bigger/wider pieces first, then filled in with the smaller ones.

Remember to be creative and have fun with it! The beauty of this frame is that it's not perfect, and it doesn't have to be! I love that it's misshapen; it's part of its charm!

I hope you enjoyed this! If you decide to make your own woodland frame, leave a link, I'd love to see how your came out! I also think this technique would look great on a big mirror frame! 


xo. melisa

12 Days of DIY

Starting tomorrow, I'll be sharing 12 days of DIY in honor of the greatest holiday ever, Christmas!! I can't wait to show you what I've been working on! 

12 Days of DIY is all Christmas inspired and has been so much fun to create! This whole idea was inspired by my idea to go completely handmade this year with my gift giving. I hoped to support small businesses and the art of handmade. It's been so much fun finding special gifts for the people I love. I was fortunate enough to do a majority of my Christmas shopping while at the Renegade Craft Fair. I'd love to share with you all what and where I purchased my gifts - there are so many talented artists out there!

So, in keeping with the handmade Christmas, I thought it would be fun to do 12 days of DIY. Each day I'll share something new with you to create; I'll talk about everything from fun gifts, decorations for your home (seasonal and some for gifts) stocking stuffers, to wrapping ideas and holiday music! 

I know you're going to love it and I'm so excited to finally share it all! For fun, I'm giving you all a little peek at some of the diy's you can look forward to! See you tomorrow!!

xo. melisa

oh sweet sickness // mixtape 002

For the last few days I've been stuck in bed feeling oh so crummy. I detest being sick. Of all the terrible things in life, I truly truly dislike with greatness, being sick. 

Although, it did allow for some much needed r&r, so there's that. And I was able to complete quite a few projects. However, if I'd had it my way, I would've been productive AND in full health. But oh well. I decided to make a small mix of some of the songs that helped me get through the storm of sickness.

As you will be able to tell, sickness makes me moody and pensive. enjoy.

footnote: you'll be happy to know that I am on my way to recovery. Hopefully visiting the doctor tomorrow so I can get rid of this completely. Thank you for your kind thoughts and warm wishes.

Be Merry & Bright // Download

download more sizes here

Thought it was about time I shared a new desktop wallpaper. To get us in the holiday spirit, I thought I'd create something with a little Christmas theme. It's making my laptop feel quite merry and putting me in the Christmas spirit! Feel free to download and share with friends! Enjoy!

xo. melisa

peek at my week

1/2..... I prepared some lovely package filled with lots of Pie N' the Sky goodies to send to a few friends! I love sending mail!

3..... I not only love sending mail, but getting it is the best thing ever! I was so excited when this beautiful ring came in the mail from Moorea Seal. I've worn it everyday this week.

4/5..... I've been stitching quite a bit lately. I have a new project I'm working on for a Christmas present, that hopefully I'll finish in time and I can share with you soon! 

6..... Temperatures have finally been dropping so I've been able to light a few more candles without sweating to death, ha! I love when it's cold and I can get under a blanket, watch a show and light all the candles in my room - there's seriously nothing better. 

7..... I spent most of today working on a really exciting new series for the blog! I can't wait to share it with you because I know you will love it. Mostly because I love it. You'll know full details by next week for sure!

8..... Along with blog work, I've also had quite a bit of shop work... After Renegade, I promised I'd update the shop so I've been trying to get all of the photos ready so I can start posting everything. It's quite the task people. Slowly but surely we'll get there though, and I'm hoping everything will be listed before Christmas!

xp melisa