DIY Fringe banner
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to make a party backdrop or decorate for a celebration, a DIY fringe banner is the way to go, and you only need a few supplies.
You’ll Need:
Here’s how to make one:
Start by laying out your string (or twine, ribbon, whatever you have) on the floor and tape it down so it stays in place. Then, spread out your plastic tablecloth on the floor and scoot it underneath the string. Fold the tablecloth in half over the string so it drapes evenly on both sides.
Next, grab your stapler and staple the folded edge right below the string every 6–8 inches. This will hold the tablecloth in place and give your banner a sturdy top edge to hang from.
Now it’s time to make it look fringy! Fold the tablecloth up about an inch and a half below the string, then fold it one more time the same way.
Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut vertical strips into the tablecloth, just up to the bottom of the string, not through it.
Once you’ve cut the whole thing, lightly bunch the tablecloth together with your hands to fluff it up and give it some texture. Then repeat the whole process with more tablecloths until your banner is as long or as full as you want it.
How many tablecloths you’ll need depends on the length and fluffiness you’re going for, but honestly the more the merrier!
Hang it up, step back, and admire your DIY fringe masterpiece. Perfect for birthdays, showers, photo backdrops, or anytime you just want to make a space feel festive.
If you like this, you might be interested in my Music Themed First Birthday Party!
Adding Playful Scallop and Beaded Trim
When I started my daughter’s room makeover, I wanted to go all in on color and charm. I ended up using three different paint colors to give the space depth and personality, but I also wanted to add some whimsical texture to make the room feel even more special. That’s where the trim came in.
I started with my usual crown moulding, chair rail, and added base cap to the baseboards to give the room that polished, layered look I love. To make the space feel a little more magical, I added two extra details: scallop trim beneath the chair rail and beaded trim framing the doors.
Both were installed using only brad nails so they can be easily removed in the future if we ever decide to change things up. Normally, I would caulk trim for a seamless finish, but I skipped that step here so the pieces would stay flexible and easy to swap out later. The scalloped trim adds such a fun, storybook touch to the walls, while the beaded trim gives the doorways a sweet, old-fashioned feel that ties everything together.
One quick tip: I highly recommend pre-painting the scallop and beaded trim before installing. As cute as they are, those tiny curves and grooves are insanely tedious to paint once they’re up on the wall. Painting them ahead of time will save you a ton of time and frustration later.
It’s a reminder that the extra details really do make a difference. The added shapes and textures give the space personality and make it feel thoughtfully designed, while still leaving room for it to grow and change right along with her.
Links At A Glance
Hanging Rattan Hot Air Balloon
If you like this, you might be interested in my Crown Moulding Tutorial!
Halloween Headboard Sign DIY
This project started when I found an old headboard on Facebook Marketplace. It was the perfect shape for what I imagined: a spooky little “Broom & Breakfast” sign for Halloween, the kind of thing you’d see outside a haunted inn in Salem.
Here’s how I turned a used headboard into a custom Halloween decoration that’s now one of my favorite DIYs ever.
What You’ll Need
Step 1: Add Pipe Brackets
Before I started painting, I screwed on four pipe brackets to the back of the headboard. We will use these to make it stand in the yard later.
Step 2: Prime It
First things first, prime your headboard. I didn't and I regret it! Alwaysss prime!
Step 3: Paint It Black
Next, I painted the entire thing black. I wanted a moody, witchy vibe and two coats did the trick for me
Step 4: Hand Paint the Clouds and Stars
To make the sign feel more dimensional, I hand-painted soft purple clouds around the moon and the witch. This part was super fun. No rules, just a youtube tutorial and blending until it looked right. I also added yellow stars around the entire front.
Step 5: Add the Moon and the Witch
Once the base coat was dry, I painted in the round yellow moon. Then I printed out a photo of a witch, cut it out, and used it to trace the outline. Then I filled it in with black paint.
Step 6: Add the Lettering
I used my Silhouette vinyl machine to cut out the “Broom & Breakfast” letters. You could use pre-made vinyl letters or stencils too. Once the letters were positioned where I wanted them, I carefully applied them to the headboard.
Step 7: Seal It
Since this piece will live outdoors, I sealed it with multiple coats of polycrylic. Don’t skip this step because it protects your hard work from the elements and keeps the finish looking crisp.
Step 8: Make It Sturdy
To make sure the sign could stand up in the yard, I slid rebar through the pipe brackets and hammered them into the ground. It’s super sturdy and stands perfectly without tipping.
The Final Result
What started as a random Marketplace find is now a statement Halloween piece that looks like it belongs outside a spooky old inn. It’s playful, a little eerie, and totally unique.
If you’re thinking about making one yourself, do it. You can customize the design, color, or theme for any holiday or season.
If you like this, you might be interested in my Halloween String Light DIY!
DIY Tutorial: Folding Kids’ Tables for a Party
When you’re hosting a big party for little ones, having kid-sized tables makes all the difference. I made six folding tables for my daughter’s party, and they turned out both practical and so cute. Here’s how you can make your own!
This tutorial will make (six) 48x32" wooden tables with folding legs.
Materials:
(2) sheets of ¾" thick 4'x8' sanded plywood (~$65 each)
(24) folding hairpin legs, 12.5" tall (4 per table)
(30) 15.75" floor cushions for seating
Tools:
Step 1: Cut the plywood into table tops
Each 4’x8’ sheet of plywood makes three 48"x32" tables.
Use your circular saw to cut the plywood sheets into thirds
Step 2: Smooth the edges
Run a router along all edges so the tables are smooth and safe for little hands.
If you notice any rough spots, lightly sand with sandpaper until the surface feels soft.
Step 3: Attach the legs
Flip each tabletop upside down.
Position four folding hairpin legs (12.5" tall) in the corners, leaving about 6-7" inset from each edge.
Drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.
Secure the legs with screws.
Step 5: Add seating
I used 30 soft floor cushions so all the kids had a comfy spot to sit around the tables.
Final Results
Each table is low to the ground, folds flat for storage, and can easily seat several kids with floor cushions. They worked perfectly for crafts, snacks, and games at the party!
Pro tip: You can paint or seal the tabletops if you want them to match your party theme or to protect from spills, but I left mine natural for a clean, timeless look.
Links At A Glance
If you like this, you might be interested in the Fairy Birthday Party Recap!
Our Living Room Smart Shades
When we started planning our window treatments, I knew I wanted something that wasn’t just pretty but also smart, practical, and easy to live with every day. Enter: Serena Smart Shades from Lutron.
We installed these shades ourselves (yes, even 18 feet in the air!) and honestly, they’re DIY-friendly. Would I recommend using scaffolding for fun? Definitely not. They’re much easier to install when you’re safe on the ground, but the point is, it can be done without hiring out if you’re comfortable with a drill.
Custom Look That Blends Right In
For the design, I went with two different fascia styles to blend seamlessly into the windows
White fabric-wrapped inside mount fascia for the windows.
Black architectural outside mount fascia for the doors.
Both styles house shades in the Vista < 3% Crystal fabric, which looks gorgeous while filtering light and maintaining privacy.
If you are unsure about measuring and ordering or have any questions at all about the options, I can confidently say that Lutron has some of, if not the best, customer service I have ever experienced. I called them a few times because I was nervous about making such a large purchase, and they helped me so much. They were kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient, which made the whole process feel stress-free.
Whisper-Quiet Operation
One of the things I love most is how quiet they are. You can barely hear them opening and closing, and it feels so luxe compared to clunky blinds.
Battery Power That Lasts
You can buy these shades hardwired, but our windows sit behind massive beams, so that was not an option. We chose the battery-powered version, and it has been great. They run on D batteries that last up to five years, and swapping them out takes less than a minute.
Why We Chose Lutron
We have been slowly building our smart home with Lutron products because they are reliable and high quality. The shades integrate perfectly into their ecosystem. Here is how we control them:
With the Lutron app on our phones
Using Google Home voice commands
With a remote
Or by setting schedules so they open and close automatically at certain times of day
This upgrade has made everyday life smoother. Mornings feel brighter, nights feel cozier, and everything in between feels a little more effortless.
Links At A Glance
Colorful Kids Room Makeover
What was once a moody guest bedroom has now transformed into a colorful, whimsical room for my daughter. It's now a space that feels just as joyful as she is. This makeover was all about balancing her love of color with the calmness every bedroom deserves.
Architectural Details That Elevate the Space
Before diving into color, I wanted to give the room more presence through trim and moulding. I added:
Crown moulding at the ceiling
Basecap moulding to the baseboards
Chair rail with a removable scallop trim underneath for a playful touch
Beaded trim around the doorways
These details brought so much dimension to the walls and gave me the perfect foundation for layering on color.
A Color Story Inspired by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
The palette came straight from the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection of the year: Honest Essentials.
The ceiling and upper walls are painted in Lemon Chiffon, a soft, happy yellow that instantly brightens the room.
From the chair rail down, I used Reddend Earth which is also the same color as the hallway leading into her room
For the doors and doorways I used Cordovan
Together, these colors create a playful but sophisticated backdrop.
Layering in Color and Whimsy
Since my daughter will happily tell you her favorite color is “yellow… and all the colors of the rainbow,” I started with yellow as the anchor and layered in every shade of joy:
Red sheets with a yellow floral quilt
Yellow canopy draped over her spinning bookshelf
Pink curtains for softness
Blue pennant banner and white bows floating across the ceiling
Sweet Finishing Touches
I sprinkled in whimsical details to spark imagination: a hanging rattan hot air balloon, fabric balloons on the wall, and painted shelves in the same red as the door trim for continuity.
A Room Made for Her
This room is cheerful, layered, and full of personality, just like my daughter. By centering yellow (her favorite!) and mixing in colors from across the spectrum, I was able to create a space that feels both vibrant and peaceful, making it the perfect retreat for bedtime and playtime alike.
Links At A Glance
Puppet Show Theater DIY Makeover
I found the cutest little puppet theater on Facebook Marketplace, but I wanted to give it a refresh. While I love color, I am not into the super bright primary color schemes that kids’ toys often come in. I wanted something a little more whimsical, playful, and girly, so I gave this toy a makeover
What You’ll Need
Scallop trim (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
Fabric (I used red gingham for one side and a floral print on the other)
Curtains (two sizes of blue and white striped panels - 45” and 24”)
Primer (I recommend BIN primer)
Paint colors:
Paintbrushes or rollers
Ribbon (for tying back the curtains) *bought mine at a garage sale
Painter’s tape (optional, if you want crisp stripes)
Step 1: Disassemble the Toy
The theater was really easy to take apart. I made sure to mark each piece so I could remember exactly where everything needed to go when it was time to reassemble.
Step 2: Add Scallop Trim
To give the theater a little extra character, I added scallop trim that I found at Hobby Lobby. I attached it to the top and middle sections with a brad nailer.
Step 3: Prep for Paint
I loosely reassembled the toy so I could prime it, but you could also keep it fully disassembled if that is easier. Be sure to remove the clock board and chalkboard pieces and set them aside to use later. I used BIN primer to get everything ready for paint.
Step 4: Remove and Rework the Boards
The little clock came off easily with pliers. I then used a staple gun to attach the clock board and chalkboard together, creating one larger panel. To cover it, I wrapped both sides in fabric and secured it with a staple gun. At first, I tried a floral print but decided it was not quite right. Using spray adhesive, I added a red gingham fabric panel to one side instead. Now the board is reversible, which is a fun surprise.
Step 5: Paint the Base and Trim
I painted the base in Smokey Blue by Sherwin Williams, the scallops in a bold red called Wild Currant by Sherwin Williams, and the top in two-toned yellow stripes using Golden Rule and Colonial Yellow. The new colors instantly transformed the toy into something more cheerful and charming.
Step 6: Add Curtains
Instead of sewing, I used two different sizes of blue and white striped curtains (45" for the sides and 24" for the front). For the sides, I hung them normally at the top and then stapled them to the inside bottom, which gave them a pretty pleated look. For the front, I hung the 24" curtains at the top and tied them back with ribbon that I bought at a garage sale for that classic theater feel.
Step 7: Reassemble
Once everything was painted, covered, and ready, I reassembled the theater.
And just like that, the makeover was complete. The puppet theater is still colorful, but in a softer, more whimsical way. It feels playful and girly, and it has become such a fun little piece for playtime.
If you like this, you might be interested in my IKEA play kitchen makeover!
DIY Halloween String Lights with Plastic Jack-o’-Lantern Pails
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add some spooky charm to your outdoor Halloween setup, this DIY is for you. With just a few tools and those classic plastic Jack-o’-Lantern trick-or-treat pails, you can turn an ordinary set of string lights into a glowing row of pumpkin lanterns.
What You’ll Need
A box (for easy cleanup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Peel off any stickers from the bottom of the Jack-o’-Lanterns.
Step 2: Use your cutting pliers to carefully snip off the plastic handles. This will leave two small holes on the sides of each pumpkin that you’ll use later.
Step 3: Drill Drainage Holes. Using a 1 1/8" spade drill bit, drill a hole in the bottom center of each pail. This allows rainwater to pass through if your lights are outdoors.
💡 Pro Tip: Place the pumpkins over a box while drilling, removing stickers and cutting off handles so all the pieces and plastic shavings fall inside. It makes for an easy clean up!
Step 4: Feed a zip tie through each handle hole of each pumpkin. These will secure the pumpkins to your string lights.
Step 5: Attach to the Lights. Place each Jack-o’-Lantern over a bulb on your string lights. Once it’s centered, tighten the zip ties around the wire so the pumpkin stays in place. I alternated the faces so I could see them from both my living room and back yard.
Step 6: Snip Off the Extra. Use your cutting pliers to trim off the excess zip tie for a clean finish.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a glowing line of cheerful (or spooky!) Jack-o’-Lantern lights perfect for Halloween.