'Cause I Kill All the Plants {DIY}

Yes, I admit it.  I'm a cold-hearted, ruthless plant killer.  Well, actually, that's not really true.  I'm more of a "How could I have forgotten to water you?!" sap kneeling by the dying plant's grave in sorrow.  Either way, growing green things & I don't have the best track record.  That's where this DIY stems from {I couldn't resist}...

& everything you need can be found at the dollar store!

I found all the goods above at my local Dollar Tree!  All you need to do is fill your glass container with decorative pebbles {I actually only used 1 of the 2 bags, but depending on your container size you may need more}.  

My faux succulents came inserted in black styrofoam in plastic pots, so I took them out, & snipped 'em down a bit so they'd fit in my glass bowl easier.  Then, I nestled them down in the pebbles.

While some don't do "faux" {which I totally get & would rather have a green thumb, by the way}, it's easier to sleep nights knowing these guys won't be my next victims.  You know the whole talking to plants thing {to encourage them to grow}?  It's still okay to talk to faux plants, right? =)

Crafty Love,

-Bess-

{Super Easy} Photo Display DIY

Ever had one of those projects that sits around for months 'cause you're not exactly sure what it's gonna be yet?  This was that for me.  I water color painted over this inexpensive thin canvas months ago & have been puzzled as to what I wanted to do with it since.  That is, until today...

Above are the supplies needed for this project.  If you'd like to make a stand for your photo display {instead of leaning it against something}, you'll also need some sturdy cardboard.  P.S.: A ruler is quite helpful, too!

Paint/decorate your canvas {or leave it clean & simple minimalist white}, find the center of the canvas with a ruler, & attach a metal clip near the top center using hot glue.  {NOTE: If you have a certain size photo you want to display, it's helpful to place the metal clip on the image prior to hot gluing to see how you want it spaced on the canvas before you affix the clip down.}

If you decorate your canvas, printing a photo or quote on a piece of vellum lets your design peek through.

It feels good to get things done!  I like the fresh simplicity of this project & it's versatility... it would make a great recipe or note holder, too.

DIY Love,

-Bess-

7 Things To Do In October

Happy October!

Here's some things you might just want to try this month...

1. Make a super-easy black cat beanie!

2. Use decorative studs to jazz up pumpkins.

3. Print this free Anne of Green Gables October art quote.

4. Try your hand at painting pumpkins!

5. Print this (or this) free print & give to someone you're batty over.

6. Make this simple art using brown wrapping paper + a fall quote!

7. Create your own easy-peasy personalized Sharpie mugs.

October Love,

-Bess-

Decorative Duct Tape Bible Recover

My Bible cover's gotten really worn over the years.  In fact, little specks of colored leather flake off at will.  The Bible was actually a Christmas gift from my mom over a decade ago in high school.  It's been well used & though the cover is rough, the inside Truths are still rock solid.  So, I decided to take some decorative duct tape I snagged at the Dollar Tree & fix it up.  I tried as best I could to let the design on the tape match up with each strip I applied + I was extra careful with the spine, edges, & corners.  I'm pleased with how it turned out! 

"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

-Charles Spurgeon

It's not always the case for me, but I pray the above is true more & more & more.  We are works in continual progress, & He is so gracious to me.

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: I'm working through this Bible-in-a-year plan {above} that I started this month.  They say June's the new January, right?

P.P.S.: Have you ever used duct tape on a Bible or book or some other craft project?