DIY Archives - Simply Happenstance

D.I.Y. Girls Jewelry Board

December 2, 2015

D.I.Y. Girls Jewelry Board //

The holidays are upon us! Okay, so we blinked for a second and here we are, and now to the run around! This year I would like to give more meaningful and effective gifts for some of my loved ones. This D.I.Y. Girls Jewelry Board is a great gift for big and little girls alike. Sara and I featured this project a couple years back. To this day, my D.I.Y. Jewelry Board still hangs in my closet, and now my daughter has one to match. This easy project not only makes for a wonderful gift, but it’s a great way to organize all of those baubles and headbands. You can check out this updated version over at Simple As That, where we are guest posting this D.I.Y. in collaboration with the idea of focusing on alternative gifts for the holiday season. We hope you like it! For more additional how to for this project you can also check our step by step here.

Blue and Gold Succulent Pots

March 24, 2015

:: Blue and Gold Succulent Pots ::

Spring has sprung and I am all about being practical. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated The Blue and Gold Dinner for our Boy Scout Troop. Instead of making an impractical centerpiece; our den along with some parental guidance {hmm, hmm} created these lovely Blue and Gold Succulent Pots. Perfect for a spring display both inside or out. These succulent pots take very little water and what is best of all, an added tent, pictures, and a small fire {made out of sticks and tissue} make these Blue and Gold Succulent Pots a fantastic desert survival themed centerpiece!

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DIY Oatmeal and Lavender Bath Soak

March 4, 2015

DIY // Oatmeal and Lavender Bath Soak

Yay… It’s mid-week! All I’m dreaming of is a little rest, relaxation, and a warm bath {alone} tonight! If you’re a mom, you’ll especially appreciate the “alone” part! Am I right? It seems that every time I draw a bath for myself, I have at least a couple of my kids come in, splash their hands in the water, and ask if they can take a bath. It’s far from relaxing! So tonight, my plan is to take a secret bath {when everyone falls asleep}, immersing my body in this simple DIY bath soak!

I love a good bath soak, but they can be expensive to buy… and sometimes there are unwanted added ingredients. I first made this Oatmeal and Lavender mixture for my littlest guy, Finn, over Christmas. He had pneumonia and ended up with an itchy rash all over his body from an allergic reaction to the antibiotics. On Christmas morning, my heart was broken looking at his sweet face and little body. He was literally covered in an uncomfortable rash from head-to-toe. I decided to make my own bath soak to help soothe his skin and lift his spirits. It definitely did help, which is partly why I’m sharing it with you today!

I have since made this recipe a few times. I have used locally grown dried lavender, as well as, {kid-safe} lavender essential oil, from Plant Therapy. The bath soak has turned out great, regardless of which kind of lavender I have used. So my advice to you, is to use whatever you have on hand, or can find easily! [Read more…]

Cable Knit Scarf Pattern

February 26, 2015

:: Cable Knit Scarf Pattern ::

We haven’t had much of a winter here in California, though we do pray for rain. Our family went out of our way to find local snow over the President’s weekend, so of course… I had to make a scarf for the occasion! This Cable Knit Scarf Pattern is my favorite knitting pattern for handmade scarves. It’s fairly easy, and it’s a wonderful craft to give to a special someone. It can be perfectly styled with that favorite pair of boots that rarely make it out of your closest! The perfect excuse to make and wear this scarf before the spring warms us up! [Read more…]

DIY // Natural Christmas Garland

December 11, 2014

DIY // Natural Christmas Garland

I love all things gold and sparkly {just take a look at my pinecone garland from last year!}… but I also love natural things, as well! I guess it depends on what I’m in the mood for… and the purpose of the piece. In this case, it was my sweet mama who planned this outdoorsy garland to make with her grandchildren over Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, but she did leave the supplies with me to complete the simple DIY with my kids. {Thanks, Mom!} I’m crazy about how it turned out… and the kids and I had so much fun putting it together for the birds in our backyard to enjoy!

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DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration

October 14, 2014

DIY Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration //

Hello, friends! About two weeks ago, I posted a photo of the pumpkin succulent arrangement my crafty mom brought over to me. It was such a hit on my personal Instagram and Facebook page, that I decided a tutorial was necessary. My sweet mama came over with the supplies, and I photographed her in action!

There are so many things I LOVE about this project! The first, obviously being, that I was able to create this with my mom! I also love that it’s super simple, completely gorgeous, and is a “green” project {not wasting or harming the plants in order to create this lovely harvest piece}.

{This arrangement would make the most perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving, or a great centerpiece for a fall gathering, in which you’re entertaining. It would also be a thoughtful, handmade gift for family, friends, teachers, or coworkers.}

Unlike many of the pumpkin succulent pieces you may have seen floating around the web or Pinterest… there is no need to actually cut into the pumpkin. {Unbelievable, right?} The steps are easy, and explained below in a tutorial with pictures. I’ve also included helpful tips {from my mom!} for keeping your harvest decoration looking great, and ideas for planting the top of Mr. Pumpkin when he starts to expire. [Read more…]