urban fire pit . . .

Turn your backyard into an urban oasis.

I gathered a tray full of green and blue glass containers from around the house. . .

the ground was uneven so I dropped down a paver-stone.

Arrange the glass containers.

Light some tea light candles and place them in and around the glass.

Pull up a couple of camp chairs and enjoy the sunset around your cool fire pit.

Even with limited resources you can make any gathering truly magical.  Enjoy every second of it.

diffused light . . .

The giant luminaries this summer were such a hit, I thought it was time for another lighting project.

While I was searching Lowe's for inspiration, I ran into my cute sister (above) and brother in law.

I decided this replacement cover would be fun to use.  It was listed on clearance for $5.47, but kept ringing up at $1.47, I hope that you are just as lucky.

All you need a string of white lights.

I taped the lights down,

and just made sure they were evenly distributed.

You could use the surface to display glass objects,

or maybe use it to serve food or drinks at one of your ultra hip soiree's.

It is really great as a wall hanging, 

or straight up to add a soft and interesting light.  This could be really beautiful incorporated into your Christmas decorations.

giant paint sample wall art....

 There are so many cool crafts out there right now using paint samples, so I thought I would join the fun and create a giant version.

I used 8 sheets of 12x12 inch paper.

Be sure to come up with names for the colors.

Your kids will love to chose their color and create a name.

I taped a strip of white paper onto the back of each sheet to connect them all together.

 It's really easy.

 I added the year to the bottom, so it created a fun family tree of sorts.  You could add a new strip as your family grows.

Perfect in a family room, play room, classroom or craft area.

mini balloon bouquet...

Surprise your little one on their Birthday with a miniature balloon bouquet.

I made a quick trip to our local Dollar Store, and for 25cents each they filled the balloons with just a little helium. 

 Be warned : the guy helping you will think you're crazy when you say you need them to be tiny and he will also think your a major creeper when you pull out your camera to snap this shot. * Be sure to request Hi-Float (they will know what this is). 

When you get your bag of balloons home,

 tie a string tightly above the knot, 

 cut off the bottom because it weighs the little balloon down.

They're so small they seem magical.

 Gather some brightly colored accessories.

Your kids will love it.

reflections...

Summer parties are the best.  A quick and easy way to dress up the food table is to add a mirror.

 Yard sales are the perfect place to pick one up, 

I painted mine with a couple coats of a happy marigold hue.

It adds great color to the patio.

You 'll be surprised how much light it reflects, this little mirror will be hanging around the rest of the summer.

nifty thrifty nursery...

This adorable nursery was designed using some great re-purposing ideas.

Very Heatherly is happy to introduce guest blogger (and expectant Mommy) Erika.  She has some great and crafty ideas to share.

Erika decorated her nursery by painting several frames white.  She will be able to add and change the artwork as her daughter grows and will eventually fill it with original works by her little artist.

They make every part of the room feel special. 

 A great place to find frames is at thrift stores, garage sales and you probably have some kicking around your own house.

Erika added whimsy and humor by bringing a garden gnome indoors.

We love her idea of storing toys on the Eiffel Tower.

This is one crafty nursery!