Frugal DIY Chalkboard Hack

Wanted to share this quick idea with you. I came up with it while trying to think of a frugal way to decorate for a church event this weekend. Behold, the foamboard “chalkboard.” My Walmart sells black foam board near the poster board. It was …

Virtual Christmas Open House

I love decorating, and never more than at Christmas time. It’s a love my mother taught me. And like I told you in Merry Christmas, Meager Budget , my decorations are not elaborate or expensive, but they don’t have to be. Simple things make the home …

Easy, Crocheted Cowl Pattern

I’ve been crocheting up a storm this week, and after making several infinity cowls and playing with patterns,  I’ve determined that this one is my favorite! Thank you, Liz!   You need to know that my crocheting expertise is next to nil. I literally have to …

What My Mother’s Decorating Taught Me About God

Our house was always the coziest house I knew. My mother loved to decorate and it was evident when you walked in the door. At Christmas time, the rustic stone fireplace that my dad built was piled high with luscious greenery, berries, lights, candles, seasonal …

DIY Primitive Welcome Candles

It’s fall, and I don’t know about you but I’ve got the decorating bug. I want to tuck berries and leaves in every cupboard and basket I can find. Chunky knit throw blankets come out for chilly nights, and Yankee Candles are just plain a …

Easy, Fall Watercolor For Kids

Here’s an easy fall watercolor you can do with your younger kids. This was done by Holly when she was 11. This can be done with cheap Prang or Crayola watercolor boxes. 1. Gather a variety of leaves outside. 2. Bring them in and trace …

Chalk Paint Tutorials and The Importance of Making Your Bed

I’m sure you’ve heard of Annie Sloan Chalk paint. I’d been seeing it all around home design blogs and was itching to try it. (It’s not chalk board paint, just FYI.) So, before Rebekah and Emily came home for the summer, I decided to refinish an …

DIY Spring Tulips for the Front Door

Never mind the fact that it’s blizzardous outside, today. I’m sharing a spring décor idea. Everywhere you look on Pinterest and Etsy, you’ll see tulip wreaths. I’ve eyed this one for some time and have seen variations galore on this same theme, so I  decided to …

A Valentine Tree {Made Possible Because of Another Tree}

Snippets of paper have always been a favorite means of decorating in the Beals household. They’re beautiful and inexpensive and can be manipulated to make pictures, snowflakes, cards and tags, garlands, and Valentines. And manipulated they are. When the kids were little, they’d make bowls …

Handmade Christmas: Free Pattern, Sweet Bear Rice Heating Pad

I’m working on handmade Christmas gifts and wanted to share a pattern with you. Remember those little rice owl heating pads that I made my kids and sisters last year? {lady sells the pattern here} Well, my kids loved and used them so often that I …