DIY Decorative Napkin Basket

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When spring and summer roll around the state of your outdoor decor gets a harsh light thrown on it. The ravages of winter made it easy to forget your ever-growing to-do list for you deck, garden, and yard. I recently scored these awesome shallow, square baskets at a thrift store 4 of them for $1 and I immediately knew what I wanted to do with them.  We entertain a lot in the summer and I wanted a cute little basket that could go on the outdoor table to hold napkins.  Add these baskets to my amazing Hazel & Ruby stencil clearance find and I was ready to make this DIY decorative napkin basket!

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[bctt tweet=”This decorative napkin basket is easy to make and adds a beautiful touch to your table. #diy #decor”]

 

 

DIY Decorative Napkin Basket Materials

 

 

Step 1

Spray your basket with the surface sealer and allow it to dry completely.

 

 

Step 2

Cover the entire inside bottom liberally with your acrylic paint.  Let it dry (usually at least 1 hour).

 

Step 3

Place your stencil over where you have painted and spray with the metallic spray paint.  Allow it to dry completely and add a second coat if needed.  Do this for both sides so that the entire basket is painted, being sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying more.

 

 

Step 4

Spray your sealant, being sure to complete cover the basket (both sides).  Also allow this to dry completely.

This is so super easy to make. Once you’re done you want to have fun summer BBQ just to show it off! Find even more summer ideas here.

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Top 10 DIY Craft Tools

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You can save so much money if you DIY a lot projects. As you know, I believe that everything in life can be DIY-ed, from gifts and cards to your household budget. You don’t have to have fancy tools to get started on your DIY journey and there are plenty of projects to get you started all over this site. However, if you are ready to take your projects to the next level (or just make it a little easier on yourself) here are the top 10 DIY craft tools to invest in.

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[bctt tweet=”You will definitely want to invest in these basic DIY craft tools to make life easier! #diy #tools” username=”diyadulation”]

 

Heat Gun

I love my heat gun.  One of my favorite things to do with it is emboss my cards and crafts.  It can also be used to help dry paint, remove adhesive labels, and so much more.  It is a very versatile tool to own.

 

Glue Gun

This is like a basic crafting staple.  I actually have two sizes (a large and a mini) both of which I use for all kinds of projects.  I used it to make a lot of the elements of my family command center and even to make my kids’ toy boxes.  Mine is exactly like the one above with the exception that mine only has a high heat setting.

 

E6000

This glue is amazing.  It is super strong and has endless uses from crafts to home repairs.  I cannot recommend it enough. (Head’s Up: You may have to hide it from your husband or buy him his own tube.)

 

Paper Cutter

A paper cutter is another great tool.  You definitely want to get one that does at least 12”x12” sheets and I recommend a rotary blade.

 

Sewing Machine

There are so many projects that you can do to save your family money if you have a simple sewing machine.  You don’t have to have epic sewing skills to make useful stuff like dresses, pajama pants, place mats, napkins… the list goes on and on. This is one of those tools that you don’t have to have in order to sew great stuff for your family, but Oh Boy is it so much more efficient than hand sewing.

 

Cricut

Again, I love my Cricut! It is so useful and worth every penny.  I may tick a lot of people off with this statement, but to use the basic features you do not need the newest, latest Cricut.  A simpler model will work just fine.

 

Modge Podge

If you’ve been crafting for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard of Modge Podge.  It comes in a ton of varieties (I love the glitter kind because I’m obsessed with shiny things) and can be used on so many surfaces.  Check out Pinterest and you’ll see thousands of projects using the stuff.

 

A Good Pair Scissors

For basic crafts, I love my Tim Holtz scissors.  The first time someone handed me a pair to borrow I was like, “Oh yeah, that’ll help. Thanks!” Not. But once I used them?  Oh My Gosh!  They are seriously amazing.  I also recommend that you have a separate pair of scissors for cutting fabric.  Fabric scissors need to stay really sharp to be effective and cutting paper with them can dull them faster.

 

Cricut Basic Tool Set

Even if you don’t have a Cricut, these tools are fantastic!  I use mine all the time on non-Cricut related projects. A very handy set to have around.

 

Large Cutting Mat

A large, thick cutting mat is important.  They have measurements on them for starters.  They also provide a safe cutting surface to keep your tables and counters from getting destroyed. Believe me when I tell you I speak from experience that people can get a little cranky (spouses included) when you accidently leave cuts on the counter. A cutting board works in a pinch, which I used for making these cards, but most cutting boards aren’t big enough for larger projects.

 

Bonus Tool: Canvas Drop Cloth

If you are planning to do a lot of painting projects, whether it is revamping old furniture or just letting the kids go nuts on some paper, it is worth it to invest in a nice canvas drop cloth.  They are much more durable than the plastic ones and will protect your stuff a lot better.

Again, you don’t have to have these tools to start DIY-ing your life. However, the benefits of them are so great that once you get the craft bug you will definitely want to invest in these basic tools to make life easier. What is your go to DIY tool?  Let me know in the comments!

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DIY Magnetic To-Do Frame with Free Printable

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I go through post-its like crazy because of my constantly growing to-do list.  I needed something more fluid and I wanted to stop using so much paper (again, good for the wallet and good for the world).  I see people making dry erase calendars using re-purposed frames all the time, so why not use it to get more organized?  Love it!  This DIY magnetic to-do frame is super easy to make and can serve multiple purposes.  Use the frame to hold notes or to hold papers you are typing as well as keep your to-do list right where you need it!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

 

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

[bctt tweet=”Stay on top of your to-do list with this DIY magnetic to-do frame (with free printables). #todolist #diy”]

Materials

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 1

Spray both sides of your metal frame with the metallic spray paint.  Allow for paint to dry completely on the first side before switching to the other.

Step 2

While the paint is drying, prepare your 4×6 frame by removing the glass and any inserts.

 

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 3

After the metal frame has dried, put a strip of E6000 all the way around the front side of the 4X6 frame.

 

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 4

Place the painted metal frame on top of the glue.

**Tip: Be sure to clean up any drips because the glue can cause the paint to run.

 

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 5

Allow the frame to dry flat for 24 hours.

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 6

Print out your free printable and cut out the list of your choice.

 

Stay on top of your to-do list with this easy magnetic frame (with free printables).

Step 7

Reassemble your frame, placing your insert inside.

Now you have another great tool to help you stay on top of things!  The best part is you can use magnets to hold notes, photos, and reminders to your to-do frame!

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