DIY Halloween Floral Skeleton

DIY Halloween Floral Skeleton tutorial

I am so in love this decadent and decay theme for adding a touch of Halloween class to the front porch! It’s a skeleton with beauty and style and solar fairy lights!

What I gathered:

Supplies:

  • artificial fall florals
  • 36″ skeleton
  • clip on butterflies
  • hot glue
  • solar fairy lights

Tools: hot glue gun, wire cutters

What I did:

Using wire cutters, I separated some of the florals and removed stems if needed. Then simply secured fall floral pieces and arrangements and accents onto my skeleton using hot glue. A flower crown, some florals over the rib cage and a few tucked within, a wrist and ankle corsage. I added a few butterflies too.

Once that was complete and all of my florals were securely in place, I started at the bottom of one leg and worked my way up the skeleton (there is a LOT of wire so be generous with wrapping and even going back over an area) then back down to the other leg with the string of solar fairy lights.

I used a shepherd’s hook to display in a planter where I could also easily tuck in the solar panel.

Decadence and decay!

Do you decorate for Halloween? Spooky? Creepy? Fun and cute?

Source List:

JoAnn Fabrics: florals and skeleton (after the fact, I also saw the same size skeleton at Family Dollar)

Amazon (affiliate links) ~ make your own kit with everything you need:

Easy DIY halloween floral skeleton decor tutorial

Meditation Room Makeover

Happy Winter Solstice!

Thyme & Mint Meditation Room Makeover

Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.

Butler Suite Thyme airbnb

 

The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.

The update:

 

 

As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan  and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!

meditation room mood board

Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!

The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.

meditation room ruggable meditation space sun moon fireplacesound healing space diyshowoff meditation room meditation space meditation decorblack door and trim shungite sphereboho rattan daybed meditation spot room decorself care library meditation decor reiki room indoor water fall

Additional purpose and function of the space:

The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.

meditation decor

The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.

Butler PA Suite Thyme lodging airbnb

Suite Thyme

The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe. 

This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.

Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!

Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!

Gratitude:

A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.

Butler County Tourism

A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo

DIY Decorative Juju Hat Inspired Wall Decor Tutorial

African/Cameroon Juju hats have been around as home decor for a few years. They’re so beautiful, artisanal/handmade (symbolize prosperity, worn by ceremonial dancers). DIY decorative Juju hat inspired tutorial:

DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorial

juju hat wall decor diy

When a friend of mine had to part ways with her African Juju hat wall decor (you don’t want to know), she was in the market for a replacement. It’s been a while since I’ve been crafty and what better time than the new year for a fresh start?! Perfect timing. A perfect opportunity to focus on the positive and to send some good juju to a friend. 

What’s your first DIY project of the new year? Looking for and easy, fun and “GOOD” DIY to jumpstart 2022? This is the perfect little project for you to try! I felt empowered and inspired so I opened up my Amazon app and ordered these supplies: 

diy materials for juju hat wall decor

Materials I used (referral links):

cardboard circle (could easily make one from recycled cardboard too, especially if you’ve been procrastinating the holiday clean up!)

• feather trim ( purchased 2 of this feather trim and 1 of this feather fringe trim)

• aluminum pop top (removed from can) to hang (could also use string or hang with push pins)

Tools:

hot glue gun/sticks, scissors

What I did:

I found the center of my cardboard circle. From there, I drew a straight line to the outer edge. 

tape measure

Using scissors, I cut along the line. 

scissors

Next, using hot glue along one side of the cut, I glued the other side slightly on top to create a little bit of a ‘bowl’-shape. It’s very slight…just enough to give it a 3D look.

Gorilla Glue gun cardboard circle

Then, protect your fingers ‘cuz that hot glue is HOT! Be careful! (I used a capped pen to hold down the ribbon as needed.) Determine placement and start attaching the bottom of the feather trip to the cardboard circle. I worked my way around the outer edge. 

hot glue feather trim feather crafts feather circle

Repeat in circles for complete coverage. Based on your supplies, determine how close together to cover the cardboard. I alternated the 2 different feather trims. 

gluing feather trim feather ribbon juju hat craft project making a juju hat decoration gray feathers placing feathers circle of feathers juju hat inspired wall decor circle of gray feather trim cutting feather trim hot gluing feathers diy juju hat wall decor making a juju hat DIY juju hat tutorial easy diy feather project juju hat DIY

For the center, add a coordinating or same color silk flower. Or, like me, take a bit of leftover trim and roll to create a “center” piece. Attach with hot glue. 

glue gun and feather trim feather trim craft flower feather boa craft craft project with feathers

Fill in with individual feathers as needed.

scissors and gray feathers gray feather and glue gun gray feather craft idea

Attach hanging mechanism of choice to the back with hot glue. 

hanging wall decor with a pop top

Easy peasy! Much lighter and not as detailed or heavy as the real thing but beautiful none-the-less and special because you made it yourself!

The result:

diy juju hat wall art diy gray juju hat wall art

Texture! Softness. Beauty!

poofy feather wall art sitting room wall art diy DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorialgray juju hat wall decor diy gray feather juju hat decor

I’m hooked and plan to create several more! More feather trim as been ordered! I need a fluffier one! A feather boa would work as well (although a little messier)! Maybe some rattan coasters for the center or a coordinating silk peony would be beautiful too. I’ll come back and post more pictures. Interested in adding yours to the feature? Submit your juju hat photo to thediyshowoff at gmail. 

How about you? Ready to get crafty, creative and inspired in 2022?

 

Project Diary #19 Bathroom Before & After Makeover Reveal

The bathroom before and after is the biggest transformation of the #helloredreno series. A lot of hard work, sweat, (thanks, Steve!), tears and love went into this space. Ready for the bathroom before and after makeover reveal? Check it out! 

The before: A caving ceiling was the first project to receive some attention. There were paneled walls, boxed in pedestal sink and clawfoot tub (didn’t know that until we started the demo), blue industrial carpeting…the best plan of action was to gut it. 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

After:airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme

The floor – nothing is square or level but I insisted on installing tile. So, the floor was completely removed and a new level subfloor installed. You can see more about the gorgeous Shaw Floors tile I chose and installation here –> Bathroom Flooring

And the walls? That paneling. Gone! Down to the studs and very dirty ‘shiplap’. I just couldn’t cover up the beautiful back wall (Sealing a Wood Plank Wall) and the rest of the walls and ceiling was covered with drywall. I decided to leave the brick chimney exposed and sealed it (more on that with this post: Sealing Brick). I love that kind of original charm!

The tub. Oh man. I can’t believe it was boxed in! I did hire out refinishing the inside (David Gunn). Russ sanded the outside for me and I applied a couple of coats of primer and paint and gave those beautiful feet a fresh new look. Can you believe it was all originally hidden? it’s gorgeous!  

Before: 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff bathroom makeoverblue bathroom vanity bathroom towel wall storage airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme Before:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff bathroom demoBefore:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff  airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme Before:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff Demo time: bathroom makeover in progress A work in progress: bathroom renovation bathroom makeover bathroom makeoverPretty original wood plank wall becomes a feature:Sealing a wood plank shiplap wall with shellac #helloredreno @diyshowoff #ad Sealing a wood plank shiplap wall with shellac #helloredreno @diyshowoff #ad Sealing a wood plank shiplap wall with shellac #helloredreno @diyshowoff #ad Sealing a wood plank shiplap wall with shellac #helloredreno @diyshowoff #ad Sealing a wood plank shiplap wall with shellac #helloredreno @diyshowoff #ad Time for new tile floor!!!bathroom floor prep for tile San Francisco hexagon tile floor wood plank wall grouting tile floor hexagon bathroom tile and wood plank wallairbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme

Before:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme bathroom makeover bathroom decorBefore:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffbathroomcloset Demo time: bathroom makeover vintage bathroom charm bathroom makeover A work in progress:bathroom renovationbathroom renovation bathroom makeoverKeeping the brick exposed and sealed…vintage brick exposed brickBeautiful new tile floor and vanity…hexagon floor tile blue vanity hexagon tile floor with shiplap wall airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme

Before:DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffTime for demo:clawfoot tub DIY bathroom renovation bathroom makeoverCleaning up:bathroom renovationbathroom renosub floorNew hexagon tile flooring spills into the hardwood from bathroom to bedroom. LOVE the creative freedom to do something different so much! hexagon bathroom tile and wood plank wall hexagon tile to hardwood transition hexagon tiles meet hardwood Shaw San Francisco tile Monterrey Grandview hardwoodairbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme anthropologie boho rise shower curtain clawfoot tubVintage clawfoot before:bathroom makeover bathroom makeoverclawfoot tub makeover airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme airbnb apartment bathroom makeover suite thyme anthropologie rissa shower curtain clawfoot tub

Whew! What a LONG hard job! But what a beautiful transformation! I have yet to soak in that tub but it’s on my list of things to do this weekend! 

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? Quite a difference from before to after, right? Ready for a relaxing get-away?

Next up:

Things left to do: build a shed door for out back (I did create a beautiful small seating area … I’ll share a few pictures of that next). I also need to build a door for a sliding barn style door between the bedroom and kitchen/dining/livingroom area. But other than that, it’s pretty much done! All decorated and furnished from dishes to bed linens, great amenities and attention to detail. I’m so proud of how my vision came together and look forward to hosting LOTS of guests! Let the bookings begin! 

More about #helloredreno

You can book Suite Thyme if you’re traveling to the western PA area! I’d love to meet you! The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, come and check it out in person!

Ready to book a stay away at a home-suite-home for a Suite Thyme? Book Suite Thyme! Mention DIYShowOff and we’ll include a special gift with your stay. 

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #15 – Apartment Living Room Before & After Reveal

Project Diary #16 – Dining Nook & Coffee Bar

Project Diary #17 – Apartment Kitchen Reveal

Project Diary #18 – Boho AirBnB Bedroom

Project Diary #19 – Bathroom Before & After Makeover

Project #18 – Boho AirBnB Bedroom

Ready for a beautiful boho bedroom before and after makeover? Well, the before is just an empty room but the after is a sweet relaxing retreat!

before…

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

Good-bye blue carpet!

hardwood floors before  Hello, beautiful hardwood floors!Shaw Monterrey Grandview rustic hardwood

The goal for the Suite Thyme sleeping arrangements is to sleep 6 in this luxury apartment. There’s a queen sleeper sofa in the living room and the bedroom is spacious enough to accommodate two queen beds. 

After…

boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff

I love the boho vibe and how two completely mis-matched areas still have a cohesive feel. So pretty, so peaceful! Plans for a sliding barn door to separate the bedroom from the livingroom/dining room/kitchen area in the near future. 

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? Ready for a relaxing get-away?

Next up:

Saving the best for last: A stunning before and after bathroom transformation! 

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Biscotti across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

Ready to book a stay away at a home-suite-home for a Suite Thyme? Book Suite Thyme! Mention DIYShowOff and we’ll include a special gift with your stay. 

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #15 – Apartment Living Room Before & After Reveal

Project Diary #16 – Dining Nook & Coffee Bar

Project Diary #17 – Apartment Kitchen Reveal

Project Diary #18 – Boho AirBnB Bedroom

Project Diary #15 – Apartment LivingRoom Before & After

We’re on a roll! Time to reveal the living room area of the #helloredreno #suitethyme series.  This room used to be one of the two upstairs bedrooms. The building is a house from the late 1800s. Upstairs was 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Now it’s a beautiful luxury apartment. So let’s get to the good stuff, the before and after!

And oh man, I really need to get some professional photos for the entire reveal. These looked okay at first but as I’m writing this post, I know they could be so much better so I’ll work on that but let’s stay on track for now. A living room before and after transformation. 

Before… plain, boring. Snooze. But potential! 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

then some new rustic wide plank flooring from Shaw Floors… (details here)

Shaw Monterrey Grandview hardwood floors Shaw Monterrey Grandview hardwood Shaw Monterrey Grandview wide plank flooring

and a stunning floral wallpaper mural and some resin decorative accents for the fireplace…

helloredreno before helloredreno mural wallpaperdiyshowoff roeshel

After… I can’t even believe this is the same room. There’s a lot going on but to me, it seems so much bigger and it works! 

A breakfast bar with usb pub table. Connect the lap top and work work work. OR grab the remote for the Smart TV and plop on that couch for some relaxation…it’s a getaway retreat, ya know. 😉 

How about that gorgeous wood plank wall feature from Reclaim Arbor and black paint paired with that dramatic floral wall mural for a bold and dramatic statement wall. It’s such a challenge to photograph a black wall but in person, there is so much texture with the rustic distressed wood planks in varying heights and widths (you can see it in pictures further down) and the black fireplace surround is gorgeous. I am so in love! 

airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Mr. DIY jokes that all I need to do is cover up the wallpaper with more Reclaim Arbor wood planks. That entire wall was a little outside of my comfort zone but I took the opportunity for creative freedom in this space. 

The queen sleeper sofa, glass/brass console table, pub table with USB port with bar stools are all from Wayfair. 

Next up:

The dining area/coffee bar!  

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Biscotti across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #15 – Apartment Living Room Before & After Reveal