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Ideas For DIY

Book Review and Giveaway: Woodland Style

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You’ll find this fabulous fern kitchen backsplash is featured in the delicious book, Woodland Style: Ideas and Projects for Bringing Foraged and Found Elements Into Your Home. It is chock full of fabulous ideas for your home using responsibly collected bits of nature. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment in the middle of the city, or in a rustic cabin on the side of a mountain, your home can be accented with touches of the great outdoors.

Artist and author Marlene Hurley Marshall shares numerous projects using pine cones, tree bark, acorns, twigs, moss, and river rocks, and shows you how to turn them into everything from a miniature terrarium to functional pieces of furniture. This bark vase is a prime example of how she brings the lusciousness of the outdoors onto your patio or inside to your living room table.

Photographer Sabine Vollmer von Falken captures the combination of nature’s beauty and Marlene’s creative talent and turns them into pure eye candy. The photographs in this book are breathtaking and show us projects as simple as an acorn wreath and as unusual as a moss covered garden table.

Marlene also shares the work of other artists and sculptures. Sharing images and stories of fairy-tale fortresses made from twisted twigs and branches and the awesomeness of tree sculpting, where a tree is formed as it grows into a work of art.

After perusing this book, I challenge you to look at nature in the same light as you did previously. Let Marlene introduce you to the beauty of outdoors in your home.

The Giveaway

I’m jealous. I don’t want to give this book away, I want to keep it all to myself! 🙂 But alas, one of you lucky, lucky Craft Gossip readers will win this. I’m green with envy and think I’ll have to buy this book for myself.

To qualify to win this lovely book, you must:

1) Have a U.S. shipping address (even if you live elsewhere, we must be able to ship to the United States)

2) Leave a comment below stating what type of project you have made or would like to make using nature

You may earn additional entries by doing the following (if you already do one or all of these, just state that in the comments):

EACH one of these counts as 1 additional entry, but you must leave a SEPARATE comment for each one

1) become a fan on Facebook
2) Follow Craft Gossip on Twitter
3) Become a Craft Gossip newsletter subscriber
4) display one of our buttons on your blog sidebar and link it to either the CG homepage (http://craftgossip.com/) or the CG H&G channel (http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/) – you can get a button here

The giveaway runs through August 31st at midnight CST. Winners will be chosen at random through Random.org

I couldn’t resist. Here’s one more piece of eye candy for you. Naturally dyed wool…

GOOD LUCK!

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Comments

  1. Hi,
    I truly ENJOY this website and share it with as many people as I can… I’ve recently been INSPIRED to create a “botanical wall” in my sunroom… I had basic ideas in mind, but this site continues to give me even more. I have no idea what I’ll end up with, but I’m fairly certain that it will be FANTASTIC, thanks to all of the ideas here.
    THANK YOU for all that you do and share!
    Kim

    Reply

  3. I have made christmas ornament wreaths from mini pinecones, twig frames, pine candle rings, dried queen anne’s lace “snowflakes”and framed botanicals. I need inspiration!

    Reply

  5. What a fabulous and lovely book! I could draw a lot of inspiration from it. I have a leaf casting that I made from my Elephant Ear
    Plant that I use to water the wildlife in our
    yard. Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply

  9. I made a fairy house out of sticks and old wood for my grand daughter. She still asks if the fairies have returned to their house.
    This book looks great!

    Reply

  10. In grade school we all collected twigs &/or branches & placed the end into a empty wooden sewing spool that we painted. We then cut small rectangles out of colored tissue paper & gathered them into little flowers & glued them onto the branches-very pretty! I have never forgotten this or the extraordinary art teacher I had!

    Reply

  14. hi, i think the majority of our home and yard are decorated inspired by nature. From arbors and wreaths made from items found outside … our home reflects the area(s) we have lived. While living in hawaii we collected sea glass and shells, in wa state large pine cones, in new england items impressed with ferns, queen annes lace etc. It puts us at ease and reminds us of the varied places beauty we have enjoyed.

    Reply

  18. I have always loved using found objects. When I was a child in New York the leaves, pine cones and acorns were my favorite. Now on Miami Beach, shells, sand and many other found items from the beach find their way in the decor of my cottage. The print of the fern is ingenious and I want to include it, too. I would love this book so I can get more ideas for fun things to make. Thanks for your wonderful newsletter that I find each morning when I get up. Keep up the good work, Laura

    Reply

  19. I love using rocks and plant imprints in cement when I am making stepping stones for the garden and yard area. I have also used branches to make hangers for some of my stitched bell pulls.

    Reply

  20. I’ve loved incorporating nature in to my home for years…..possibly even before it was “cool”! My husband still lovingly teases me about the year I decided to use small birch trees cut down from our yard as curtain rods. Unfortunately, the cat decided to fine tune his acrobatic skills by continually walking the length of the tree/curtain rod and quickly shredded any curtain that I put up!

    Reply

  21. This looks like a great book and I am sure it would inspire me. I love picking “roadside abundia” (flowers and weeds in the ditches by my house) and making fresh and dried arangements.

    Reply

  22. I love nature. In summer I’m always in my backyard. I work with herbs: lavender, rosemary, thym… I would love winning this book. thank you.

    Reply

  23. As a kid, I used to make those little solar cards where you take leaves and put them on a piece of paper in the sunlight, and then an image develops. I would love to try something more sophisticated!

    Reply

  24. this book looks like so much fun! i’ve been trying to pull off a bit of cottage garden theme and not quite getting enough of the outside in. the bark vase is just what i need to make this one tablescape work and this book looks like just what I need for help with the rest. i’d certainly love to win, thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply

  25. I have made many pictures and cards with pressed flowers and leaves from around my property. Also wreaths made from hickory nut hulls and acorns.

    Reply

  30. I love having nature in my house. I have plants every where. I love fern prints and have some printed on canvas paper. This book would give me so many other great ideas to bring the outside inside!

    Reply

  31. I would love to have this book for inspiration! I’m constantly bringing nature home – I’ve been doing a lot of dyeing wool with plant materials, and this summer I built an arbor for our hops vines from logs that washed up during high water along the creek opposite our house. My family gets involved, too – we can’t go out in the woods without bringing home a special rock.

    Reply

  34. I can’t bear to walk through the woods without gathering something of natures wonderful gifts. I collect pine cones (which I havenðt done anything with) and lots of plants which I either dry or put in oil and then use them in soaps and creams. My largest gathering involved large logs that I wanted to make into a bench.
    The book looks very interesting.

    Reply

  39. Nature inspires all my decorating and color choices. When my son was younger we made a bunch of stepping stones with leaves and other items in them and when the leaves are removed it looks like a fossil. Good memories.

    Reply

  40. Wow, I love it! Definitely want to try that backsplash. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I’m a newsletter subscriber.

    Reply

  41. My daughter is always making things with nature. She loves to use rocks to make little figures and flowers to decorate.

    Reply

  44. I already have the book but wanted share anyway…This book is an amazingly crafted guide through some of the most spectacular “natural wonders” fostered by a true artist. Marlene Marshall so gracefully encourages all of her readers to truly look closely just outside their door – there is art to be had! The other artists and their works included in the book just compound the inspiration that art is not just created – it is sometime wrestled with, dug up, turned over and “ruined” by the elements. Each one of the projects encouraged by this author offers everyone a chance to feel the excitement that working with natural components brings. Rather than feeling like we can tame nature, she urges us to join in its wild dance!

    Reply

  46. I have made pounded flower pictures. They turned out rather neat. Took me awhile to get the hang of it but I started to get rather good at pansies.

    Reply

  49. I would love this book, I make and teach classes on leaf castings using leaves from my gardens. A very popular class!

    Reply

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15 DIY Vanity Tables You Can Make For Your Teenager

Teenagers often crave a sense of independence and personal space, which is why having their own vanity table can be a great addition to their bedroom. A vanity table serves as a dedicated space for them to get ready, experiment with makeup and skincare, and express their personal style.

However, buying a vanity table from a store can be expensive, and often lacks the uniqueness that DIY projects can provide. That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 amazing DIY vanity table projects that you can make for your teenager, with a range of styles and skill levels to choose from.

Whether your teenager prefers a minimalist, modern look or a more rustic, vintage vibe, there’s a DIY vanity table project in this roundup that will suit their style. From repurposed furniture pieces to simple tabletop setups, these projects offer a variety of options for any budget.

Not only is making your own vanity table a great way to save money, but it also allows you to customize the design to perfectly fit your teenager’s needs and preferences. Plus, working on a DIY project together can be a fun bonding experience for both you and your teenager.

So if you’re looking for a way to surprise your teenager with a special and personalized gift, or just want to help them create a space that reflects their individuality, this roundup of 15 DIY vanity table projects is the perfect place to start. With a bit of creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can create a unique and functional vanity table that your teenager will love for years to come.

DIY Vanity Desk – Handmade Haven

DIY Vanity Desk with Deep Drawers – Jaime Costiglio

DIY Glass Top Makeup Vanity – Liz Marie Blog

How to Build a DIY Vanity Desk | Building Plans

DIY Makeup Vanity – Angela Marie Made Flip Top Vanity

Three Compartment Desk – Free Build Plans – Shades of Blue Interiors 

Vanity tables are not just for teenagers; they can be useful for anyone looking to create a dedicated space for their daily beauty routine. As someone who recently turned 40 and started to pay more attention to my skin and makeup, I can attest to the benefits of having a vanity table.

A vanity table provides a designated area where you can keep all of your beauty products organized and easily accessible. This not only saves time in the morning when getting ready, but it also helps to avoid the clutter and chaos that can come from storing products all over the bathroom counter.

In addition, having a vanity table can provide a sense of relaxation and mindfulness during your daily beauty routine. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on yourself, your skin, and your makeup can be a great way to start the day off on a positive note.

The DIY vanity table projects in this roundup are not just for teenagers but can be adapted to suit the needs and preferences of anyone looking to create a dedicated space for their daily beauty routine. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern design or a vintage-inspired setup, there’s a DIY vanity table project for you.

Wall Mounted DIY Makeup Vanity Table with Storage – An Easy Build!

DIY Makeup Vanity @ Made2Style 

DIY Vanity from a Vintage Sewing Table » Lovely Indeed

LiveLoveDIY: DIY Thrift Store Desk Makeover (Using Silver Leaf!) 

Singer sewing machine into the desk,table,vanity

DIY A Wall Vanity 

As someone who has recently started using a vanity table for my daily beauty routine, I can attest to the benefits of having a dedicated space to apply makeup and take care of my skin. It has not only helped me to stay organized, but it has also become a space where I can relax and focus on myself for a few minutes each day.

DIY Dressing Table – Beneath My Heart 

DIY Makeup Vanity Desk : 9 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

How to build a DIY makeup vanity with lights – desk with drawers

While makeup has been a form of self-expression for many people of all ages for decades, there has been a recent surge in popularity of makeup and skincare among teenagers. In the past, makeup was often seen as a way to cover up flaws or enhance one’s appearance for special occasions. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards using makeup and skincare as a form of self-care and self-expression.

For teenagers, in particular, makeup and skincare can be a way to feel more confident and express their individuality. It allows them to experiment with different looks and colors and can be a fun way to connect with friends who share similar interests. Additionally, taking care of one’s skin through a consistent skincare routine can be a form of self-care and can promote a healthy sense of self-worth.

In a society that often puts pressure on young people to conform to certain beauty standards, using makeup and skincare as a form of self-expression and self-care can be empowering. It allows teenagers to embrace their individuality and feel confident in their own skin.

So, while makeup has been a form of self-expression for many people of all ages, it is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers as a way to express themselves and take care of their skin. It is a positive trend that can promote self-confidence and self-love among young people.

What age is appropriate to start wearing makeup?
There isn’t a set age for when it’s appropriate to start wearing makeup. It ultimately depends on the individual and their parents’ comfort level. Some teenagers may start experimenting with makeup in middle school, while others may wait until high school.

What are some basic makeup items a teenager should have?
Some basic makeup items a teenager should have include foundation or tinted moisturizer, concealer, mascara, lip gloss or lipstick, and blush or bronzer. It’s also important to have makeup brushes or sponges to apply the products.

Is it safe to share makeup with friends?
Sharing makeup can increase the risk of spreading bacteria and infections, so it’s best to avoid sharing makeup with friends. If you do share makeup, make sure to clean the applicators and tools between uses.

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
Makeup brushes should be cleaned at least once a week to remove bacteria and product buildup. You can clean them with a gentle soap and water or a specialized brush cleaner.

Is it okay to wear makeup every day?
Wearing makeup every day is fine as long as you take proper care of your skin. Make sure to cleanse and moisturize your skin before and after wearing makeup and avoid sleeping with makeup on.

How can I experiment with makeup without going overboard?
Experimenting with makeup is fun, but it’s important to start with small changes and build from there. Try experimenting with a bold lip color or a pop of eyeshadow before going all-out with a full face of makeup.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves makeup and has a vanity table, there are plenty of great options for makeup organization to choose from on Amazon. Here are some of the best gift ideas:

  1. Acrylic Makeup Organizer: An acrylic makeup organizer is a great gift for anyone who wants to keep their makeup organized and easy to find. The hblife Makeup Organizer with 3 Drawers and 12 Slots is a great option, with plenty of room for all kinds of makeup.
  2. Makeup Brush Holder: A makeup brush holder is another great gift idea for someone with a vanity table. The AmeiTech Makeup Brush Holder is a popular option, with a unique design that can hold up to 45 brushes.
  3. Jewelry Organizer: A jewelry organizer is a great way to keep jewelry organized and easily accessible. The Oirlv Velvet Stackable Jewelry Tray is a popular option on Amazon, with multiple compartments for rings, necklaces, and other jewelry.
  4. Storage Box: A storage box is a great way to keep makeup and other beauty products organized and easy to find. The Ikee Design Acrylic Jewelry & Cosmetic Storage Display Boxes are a great option, with plenty of room for all kinds of products.
  5. Lighted Vanity Mirror: A lighted vanity mirror is a great gift for someone who loves makeup and wants to ensure they have the best lighting possible when applying it. The Waneway Hollywood Vanity Mirror is a popular option, with 12 dimmable LED bulbs for adjustable lighting.
  6. Drawer Dividers: Drawer dividers are a great way to keep makeup organized within a vanity table’s drawers. The Bambusi Drawer Dividers are a popular option on Amazon, made from organic bamboo and adjustable to fit a variety of drawer sizes.
  7. Makeup Train Case: A makeup train case is a great gift for someone who travels frequently or wants to keep their makeup organized and easily transportable. The Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case is a popular option, with plenty of compartments and a durable design.

These are just a few of the many great options for makeup organization gifts on Amazon. No matter what your budget or the needs of your gift recipient, you’re sure to find something that they’ll love and appreciate.

 

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