Showing posts with label HOLIDAY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HOLIDAY. Show all posts

Jun 10, 2016

Not sure what Father’s Day gift to get the man who has it all or simply replies “don’t know” or “whatever” whenever you ask him what he wants? We’ve got you covered. Celebrate Dad with these fun and funky DIY presents. Don’t spend the day hopefully wandering around a hardware store, following a man who looks like your Dad, trying to see what he buys. Instead, surprise your Pa with a homemade treat. Check out the following gift ideas from some of the best bloggers out there, and get ready to wow your Dad. These sweet and simple presents are sure to put a smile on his face.

Cute Clock - Make him something fun and functioning. We love this idea from Make It & Love It; it’s like something out of Harry Potter. Grab some of your favorite family photos and remind him what he’s coming home to every day. Get the full tutorial here.


Groovy Growler - Is Dad a big fan of hoppy beers and flavorful ales? Try making him a monogrammed growler. This fabulous idea from Kristi Murphy is the perfect mix of fun and practical. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Kristi Murphy

Sweet Sleeve - Does Dad love rich coffees, teas, and a rustic aesthetic? He’ll swoon over this leather mason jar sleeve from A Beautiful Mess. Take his morning cup of joe to the next level with this cool craft. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via A Beautiful Mess

Cool Case - If Dad’s a big fan of the iPad, we’re sure he’ll be a big fan of this case from Polka Dot Chair. With a zippered pouch for earbuds, chargers, and more it’s an ideal gift for Dads who travel a lot and love to use their iPad on the go. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Polka Dot Chair

Superior Shave - Bearded Dads (who don’t want to be bearded any longer) rejoice! This pre-shave oil from The Merry Thought helps make shaving easier and skin smoother. With only three ingredients it’s a great last minute Father’s Day gift. Get the full tutorial here.


Creative Cufflinks - Whether your Dad dons a suit every day or just for special occasions, we’re sure he’ll love these geometric cufflinks from Almost Makes Perfect. Unique and stylish, they are sure to make your Pop’s outfit pop. Get the full tutorial here.


Terrific Tools - Treat your grilling guru to the ultimate BBQ accessories: custom tools from Brit + Co. The cook will want to kiss you after he sees this thoughtful gift. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Brit + Co

We hope these fun ideas help inspire you to make the perfect Father’s Day presents this year. If you try tackling any of these crafts, make sure to share the finished products with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We love seeing what you create. And from our family to yours, Happy Father’s Day!

Mar 24, 2016

Easter is this weekend - are you ready? One of the best parts of this spring holiday (besides all the chocolate, of course!) is making Easter eggs. As fun to decorate as they are to hide and seek, Easter eggs are a fabulous tradition enjoyed by folks of all ages.

To help add some style to all your simple dip dyed eggs, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Easter eggs from a few of the best bloggers out there. Try your hand at these clever creations and spice up your Easter basket.

Groovy Galaxies - These Easter eggs are out of this world! As Allison from Dream A Little Bigger explains, all you need is dyeable eggs, paint, brushes and cups to create these celestial beauties. Get the full tutorial here.


Cute Cacti - These sweet creations from Delia Creates have us prickled pink! Green dye, terracotta pots, a fine tip marker and some pink tissue paper come together in an Easter egg that can definitely handle the heat. Get the full tutorial here.


Intricate Indigo - We’re big fans of these marble eggs. The team behind Alice & Lois made them using nail polish, nail polish remover, and water – genius! Get the full tutorial here.


Brilliant Babouchkas - Anyone with eastern European ancestry or an appreciation for eastern European culture will flip over these unique eggs (we did!). Arguably the most adorable on our list, Amaryllis from OhOh Blog has some serious painting skills, so take your time putting these together. Get the full tutorial here.


Terrific Typography - These gorgeous glam eggs will pop in any space and are the perfect platform for all of your Easter puns. Lovely Indeed used printed letters, but if you’ve got a steady hand we’re sure you could paint ‘em on too. Get the full tutorial here.


Sweet Silver & Speckled - A great addition to any Easter tablescape, these marvellously minimalist eggs are simple to create. Erica from Fashion Lush used a toothbrush, some paint and vinegar to create the speckled look (can you believe it?). And the silver eggs are just spray painted. Get the full tutorial here.


Cool Cones - Paint a cute little face on an egg and we’re pretty much sold, but turn that egg into an ice cream cone first? Oh man! We are loving these sweet soft serve creations from Karas Party Ideas. Get the full tutorial here.


We hope you enjoyed these egg-cellent Easter eggs and that you and yours have a wonderful holiday weekend. Tackle any of these ideas? Be sure to share them with us (@HomeShows) on Twitter and Instagram. We love seeing your creations!

Feb 12, 2016

Valentine’s Day is this Sunday and you’re all out of gift ideas? Don’t worry, we’ve got some fun and funky ways for you to spoil your sweetheart. Besides picking up home show tickets (get 2-for-1 on Facebook), homemade presents are a sure fire way to show how much you care. Check out some of our favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gifts below.

Coffee Cup Sleeve - Is your sweetie sweet on coffee or tea? This reusable sleeve will make the perfect gift for them (and the environment!).



Image via Martha Stewart

No Sew Pillows - Don’t know how to sew? That doesn’t mean you can’t make a great Valentine’s Day present! These no-sew heart pillows from the Diva of DIY are a fabulously festive way to spread the love this February!


Image via The Diva of DIY

Catch the Diva of DIY at the KC Remodel + Garden Show this weekend!

Floating Frame - Have an art lover in your life? Frame a new piece or one of their favorites with this unique DIY floating frame from Ursula Carmona.



See Ursula Carmona at The Great Big Home + Garden Show!

Candy Heart Candles - These creative candles certainly are conversation starters! This unique craft is sure to make your gal or guy swoon on Sunday.



Image via Gimme Some Oven

Headboard  -This project is a little more involved than the others, but the results are stunning. If you’ve got some time to spar (or are really in the dog house) try upcycling an old headboard. Add some beauty to your bedroom and create a piece that will be around for many Valentine’s Days to come.

Image via Simply Sara D

Sara's presentations at the 2016 Indianapolis Home Show were such a hit we had to share one of her best DIYs.

Valentine’s Day Jenga - We love this unique take on the classic game of Jenga. Cut up your own blocks, write some sweet and sappy messages, and have some fun!


Image via Tried and True

We hope these ideas help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day! And remember, if you try any of the crafts we’ve listed make sure you share some sweet shots of them with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we love seeing what you create!


Dec 23, 2015

Christmas is almost here and that means our HoliDIY Contest is about to come to an end. For several weeks our Facebook fans have been voting for their favorite Marketplace Events made ornament. Our team members were challenged to see who could make the best ornament, and everything comes to a head at midnight Christmas Day.


Before you visit our Facebook page to cast your vote, try making your own ornament. These terrific trees, made by Liz H., Birmingham Home + Garden Assistant Show Manager, look great and are a snap to put together. All you need is a bit of ribbon and some twigs. Here's how you do it!

What you'll need:
  • A stick (about 6 inches long)
  • Some scrap ribbon
  • Hot glue gun
Directions:

Step 1: Cut a stick about 6 inches long.


Step 2: Cut a length of scrap ribbon.


Step 3: Lay out the ribbon and cut to form a tree shape.


Step 4: Hot glue the ribbon to the stick

Step 5: Tie a ribbon at the top to make a loop

Step 6: Hang on your tree!

We're big fans of this rustic ornament. It's easy to make and as long as you have ribbon, sticks, and a glue gun, practically free! If you like them as much as we do, make sure to vote for them in our HoliDIY Challenge! Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

Dec 21, 2015

Just a few more days until Christmas and it's a tight race for competitors in our HoliDIY Ornament Contest. For weeks Facebook fans have been voting for their favorite homemade ornament, and everything will come to a head on midnight Christmas Day. Whose ornament will receive the most votes? Only time will tell.


Before you visit our Facebook page to cast your vote, try making your own ornament! These rustic stars, submitted by our Senior Graphic Designer, Dorothy M., come together in four simple steps (and one of them is waiting for glue to dry!). Add a little whimsy to your holiday decor. Here's how to make them.

What you'll need:
  • Paper towel roll
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun

Directions:

Step 1: Cut your paper towel roll into 1/4 inch strips.


Step 2: Glue your strips together in a snowflake pattern. You can try making a few snowflakes with different patterns (remember, now two snowflakes are alike).


Step 3: Wait for glue to dry.


Step 4: Place carefully in tree or around home

We're big fans of these cute ornaments! They're so easy to make, and environmentally friendly! What could be better? If you like them as much as we do, make sure to vote for them in our HoliDIY Challenge! Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

Dec 17, 2015

The HoliDIY Ornament Contest is in full swing and the competition is getting fierce! As part of a friendly DIY challenge, Marketplace Events team members crafted some ornaments, and now the online voting has begun. Whose ornament will receive the most votes and be crowned the winner? It's up to you (and our other Facebook fans) to decide.


Before you visit our Facebook page and vote for your favorite, why not try making your own ornament? We've already showed you how to make Karen A.'s sweet Santa ornaments, but what about Lupe M.'s stupendous snowman? The Salt Lake Home Show Office Administrator made this cute little guy using supplies she found around her home. Here's how you can make one.

What you'll need:
  • Cotton balls
  • Small mason jar
  • Craft paint
  • Hot glue gun and glue stick
  • Construction paper (orange and black)
  • Ribbon 
  • Glitter

Directions:

Step 1: Use pulled apart cotton balls and sprinkled glitter to make the "snow".

Step 2: Glue the snow to the inside lid of the mason jar.


Step 3: Use cotton balls to make the snowman - two balls for the bottom, one ball for the middle, and one ball for the head. Glue all the balls together.

Step 4: Cut a carrot nose out of your orange construction paper, and a top hat and arms out of your black construction paper. Glue items to snowman.


Step 5: Use black paint to create the snowman's mouth and eyes - little dabs will do.

Step 6: Take your ribbon and tie it around the snowman to make the scarf.


Step 7: Paint half of the inside of the mason jar blue to make your background and sprinkle some glitter on top for some extra sparkle.


Step 8: Once the paint has dried, slide the mason jar over the snowman and twist on the lid.


We're big fans of this creative ornament! It's pretty simple to make and will add a nice holiday scene to your home this season. What do you think? If you're a fan, vote for Lupe M.'s ornament in our HoliDIY Challenge! Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

Dec 15, 2015

How’s your holiday baking going? If your annual shortbread and fruit cake seem a little stale, don’t fret! We’ve found some fresh and festive treat recipes that are sure to sleigh this season. Leave these sweets out for Santa and you might even get an extra gift – or two!

Marvelous Macarons – These peppermint macarons look almost too good to eat. We say almost, though, because they are absolutely worth eating. Light and sweet, they make the perfect holiday treat.

Image via Studio DIY

Beautiful Brownies – We are loving these festive little brownies. A simple squiggle of green icing, some sprinkles, and a candy cane combine with the always delicious brownie to make a fabulous Christmas tree. These are sure to be a hit at any holiday get together!


Creative Cookie Cups – Most of you have had a cookie with your hot chocolates, but have you ever had a hot chocolate that is a cookie? These desserts are absolutely adorable (we’re big fans of the pretzel handle) and are sure to delight any child (or child at heart) you’re entertaining!

Image via The Gunny Sack

Sweet, Sweating Snowman – These snowman cookies are so cute, and a breeze to make! A Dollop of white icing, a peanut butter cup, and some sprinkles make one very convincing Frosty. Strapped for time, but want to wow your guests? These guys will do!


Cool Christmas Trees – These Rice Krispie Christmas trees are fantastic (and could make the perfect prop for your Elf on the Shelf). Surprise friends, family, and neighbors with this sweet treat all December long.

Image via Simplee Thrifty

Perfect Peppermint Bark – Not sure what to serve your gluten-intolerant guests this season? We’ve got you covered. This peppermint bark is delicious and gluten free. Just because you can’t have gluten, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!
Egg-cellent Eggnog Cookies – Finding festive vegan desserts can be a little tricky. Everywhere you look recipes seem to be calling for eggs and milk. Especially when it comes to eggnog inspired treats. So when we found these vegan eggnog cookies we had to share them!

Image via Half Full

We hope these treats add a little extra sweetness to the rest of your holiday season. Don’t forget to share your best baking shots with us on Instagram and Twitter – we love seeing what you create!


Expecting many dinner guests throughout December? Whether you’re putting on a casual meal to celebrate the season with friends and family or hosting the main event, the right table setting can make all the difference at a dinner party. Read on for some fun and fabulous tablescape inspiration to help get you through the holidays in style.

Cranberries & Candles – We love this simple, elegant centerpiece. A few handfuls of cranberries, some votives, and a serving dish are all you need to recreate this stunning look.

Image via Midwest Living

Perfect in Plaid – This rustic table is fabulously festive. Cozy knit napkins, evergreen branches, candles, and cranberries make a table fit for any fan of the outdoors.

Image via Poppy Talk

Joyful Jars – This mason jar centerpiece is lovely. It’s beautiful without being overpowering – plus you can fill as many jars as you need for the length of your table. You’ll need several mason jars, some sea salt, a few candles, some cranberries, and some evergreen branches.

Image via Country Living

O Christmas Tree Napkin – How cute is this napkin? Getting creative with your place settings doesn’t have to be complicated. A square green napkin and some simple folding will festive up your places in no time!

Image via Instructables

Wonderful Wood – Wood, pine cones, and deer: oh my! Here’s another rustic table to inspire you. We’re big fans of the table runner they’ve chosen, as well the wood they’ve placed under their plates. 
Pink & White Wonderland – Your table isn’t limited to a red and green color scheme this holiday season. Want to break out of the box? Try a white, pink, and gold table! With the right accents (like ornaments and reindeer) you can keep your festive motif while using these fun, fresh colors.
Cute Cranberry Wreath – We’re still fawning over these mini cranberry wreath place settings. They’re a snap to make and add some fabulous, custom charm to any holiday table.

Image via Say Yes

We hope these ideas help you set a beautiful table this holiday season. Make sure to share shots of your seasonal tablescapes with us on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you create!