Home made decorating - Weekend Decorating tip using fabric scraps

Handmade Pinecones

Here is a really cute ideas for making handmade pinecones out of left over fabric.  We found this on Homemadesimple's website.  This is not only eco friendly, but also a great way to redesign using what you already have.

Enjoy!

www.inspiredredesgin.com

Craft your own pinecones from felt or fabric. Download our template and follow the step-by-step instructions to make them, then try our suggestions for displaying and using these festive beauties.

Handmade Pinecones

Materials
Foil
Fabric*
Downloadable template**
Sharp scissors
Hot glue gun

*Tip: Use wool, corduroy, felt, foam crafting sheets, or repurpose fabric from an old sweater or shirt. You can use all one color, or alternate with different colors.

**Tip: Our template was created with an average-sized pinecone in mind, about 4” tall and 2” wide at the base, and it fits roughly in the palm of our hand. Feel free to alter the size of the template by changing the scale in your print window.

Instructions

1. Mold aluminum foil into an egg shape (the big end will be the bottom of the pinecone). The size of the foil egg depends on how big you’d like the pinecone to be.
2. Download and print our template, then cut out the three pinecone pieces.
3. Using double-sided tape or pins, attach the template piece to your fabric and cut out the shapes. You’ll only need one of each for the top (A) and bottom (C), but the scales for the middle (B) depend on how big you make the foil egg shape. Cut a bunch at first, then clip as you go.
4. Starting at the top, dab glue on the A piece and attach. Move your way downward around the foil egg using B pieces (feel free to alternate colors or fabrics), overlapping the rows as you go.
5. When the entire shape is covered, dab a little glue to the C piece and attach to the bottom.

Two Ways to Transform your Home

We all have our own unique touches when it comes to portraying our character and personality throughout our homes. But what happens when your character or personality changes, or what if you simply want a change in your decor? This happens to almost all of us at one point in time or another and redesigning your home is the solution you are looking for. You may not be able to change the structure of your home - at least not without a hefty investment - but you can change colors and most importantly of all, atmosphere by adding small touches that make a big impact.

First Transformation: Colors, Accessories, Etc.

First you must isolate the area of the house you wish to redesign. Once you have made the decision of which room to start with, the next step is to analyze the space. Redesigning your home is more than simply changing the colors on the wall, you want to overhaul the room without actually taking on too much work. It sounds difficult but it really is not. For example, let's say you want to change the decor of the kitchen. You can start by changing the colors on the wall, but you'll make a much bigger impact by adding design elements that completely transform the room. One popular way to redesign a room includes adding accessories that complete the transformation. In a kitchen, for example, you could add a small, yet chic bistro table if space allows and leave the dining room table for the actual dining room.

Second Transformation: Wall Art

Another way to make an impact on a room is to use wall art. Wall art comes in many forms. You can hang pictures or even shop around for vinyl wall decorations. You are not limited to what you find in home improvement stores or in the department stores you frequent. There are many suppliers online who will customize a design for your wall. Best of all, most of these come in a variety of colors and are removable if you decide you do not like the look. This is a simple, yet cost effective way to really make an impression.

When redesigning your home, ensure that your components match, but also allow for a bit of variety. You do not have to stay within one shade for the colors to be complementary. Rather, play around with the colors a bit and add some splashes of color for maximum impact.

Searching for a way to get a fresh, new look in your old house? Visit Inspired Designs today.