Tami Loves Vintage

Creating Keepsakes With Vintage Treasures

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box

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I friends! I am back with another fabulous vintage themed craft project for you today. I am showing you how to make a vintage keepsake tissue box cover that you will be able to treasure for years to come!

In the video below you’ll see the tutorial that I did in the Crafting Creators Group for an event with the theme “Don’t Box Me In”. I showed everyone how to make a vintage keepsake tissue box and the results are beautiful!

If you haven’t heard of the Crafting Creators Group, it is a free crafting group with lots of great events that you can watch for crafting inspiration. So you can head over there and check out more crafting fun if you’d like to. But for now, let’s grab our glue guns and some old book pages and get crafting!

Build or Buy Your Tissue Box Cover

First up is to decide if you want to build or buy your tissue box cover. I have made my own tissue boxes in the past out of poster board. I got the idea from the Shabby Tree and they turned out well. There are a couple of ways that you can do this. Just make sure that your keepsake tissue box is slightly larger than your actual one. That way you can easily slide it on and off as you replace your disposable tissue boxes.

The first option is to measure a tissue box that you have and then use a ruler to draw straight lines that are just slightly bigger than your measurements. Then tape the pieces together.

Or you could just trace a tissue box, adding a tiny bit of length. Then cut out your pieces, and put them together with hot glue or tape.

You can also save time and purchase plain paper mache tissue boxes. I found some on Factory Decor Direct and snagged some there.

How to Choose your Old Pages

I know that many of you love crafting with old book pages and you already know the tips and tricks of which ones to put together for a project. But for those of you who don’t have a lot of experience with them yet, I wanted to share my process of page selection.

The biggest thing for me is to not use just one type of page. So I wouldn’t grab just one old book and get all of my pages from that. I like to use a mix of colors, fonts, and content. The variety looks so much more appealing to me. And it adds a lot of interest.

For example, I will grab pages in lighter and darker shades of aging. The contrast between them really makes each them pop. I go for a mix of different fonts or type faces. Again, the differences between them help you to notice each one and gives the eye variety.

I also use a mix of pages from books, as well as old sheet music. Sometimes I will also use the illustrations. But that depends on what the image is, and what type of project I am doing.

I hope that helps you get the look you want while you are getting the hang of working with old book and music pages. Once you’ve done a few projects with them, it will become second nature. And really, when it comes down to it, just go with your gut and choose what you love!

To save you the time that it takes to find and curate old book and music pages, I have done it for you! You can purchase either a small or large vintage paper packet here on my website.

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box Cover Supply List

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box Cover Instructions

  • Once you have made or purchased your tissue box cover, get it covered in paper! Grab your old papers and your Mod Podge and start wrapping your box. I start from the bottom up. You want the edges of your paper that will go along the bottom edge of your tissue box to be straight. So use your scissors to make one side of your paper straight.
  • Use the Mod Podge to start applying paper to your tissue box to get your base layer of paper. Brush the adhesive lightly onto the box and on the back of your paper. Line up the straight edge of your paper with the bottom edge of the box and smooth it into place. This layer of paper will be covered up quite a bit. So don’t use your favorite pieces here.
  • Once you have enough of the adhesive between the box and the paper, brush it over top of the paper, making sure to hit the edges. This will keep it securely in place as well as give you the adhesive you need for your next layer of paper.
  • Continue this process using a variety of different book and music pages until your box is covered. I only like straight paper edges around the sides and bottom of my boxes. So I tear my paper where it won’t be hitting one of those areas.
  • Once your box is covered in a base layer of paper, start choosing interesting pages and adding them on top of your first pages. Keep layering. The more pages you add the more the look blends and pops at the same time. The added pages also give strength to your poster board base.

Dressing up Your Tissue Box Cover Instructions

  • Now it’s time for the fun part! Adding all the bits and bobs to dress up your tissue box. I started by using my glue gun to add some vintage lace around the opening of the box. Then add some around the bottom edge. Add a button to where the two ends of the lace meet.
  • Then use your glue gun to add the rhinestone trim just above the lace around the bottom of the box.
  • Next use the spray adhesive to add a chunk of vintage lace to one corner of your box. Or place it so it covers part of two sides of the box. You’re looking to place it somewhere where it isn’t on just one side of the box.
  • Add a smaller gathered piece of lace to one of the sides. And more buttons and bling if you are using it. This will look different for all of us based on likes and what we have on hand. Just add more pretties a little at a time until you love your tissue box cover!

The Wrap Up

And that’s it, friends! Covering the box with paper takes a bit but it’s a very simple project! And dressing up your tissue box cover is so much fun. Once you make one, you’ll be hooked and on to making more!

I would love to see how you use these vintage keepsake tissue boxes in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Make Plaster Covered Pumpkins

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I have another great pumpkin project for you today, friends! I am showing you how to make plaster covered pumpkins. They have so much texture and add neutral beauty to my fall decor. I love the way they turned out and I hope you do too!

I have shared lots of fun pumpkin crafts with you this month. And I am just as excited about showing you how to make plaster covered pumpkins as I was about the others. I know the word “plaster” can sometimes turn people off. But this plaster project isn’t super messy. And it’s really simple to do!

I use a pre-mixed, ready to use, comes in a small tub, all purpose sheet rock as my plaster. It’s a joint compound for drywall but works perfectly for this project. And, since it’s ready to go right in the tub, we don’t have the mess of mixing.

I do put down a sheet of cardboard to protect my table. But even I don’t make much of a mess with this! So grab your closest pumpkin and chip brush, and let’s get crafting!

How to Make Plaster Covered Pumpkins

When it comes to fall decor, the sky is the limit on the possible ways to create it. I have been having so much fun seeing the amazing projects that creatives have been coming up with this season. There has been so much inspiration to be found and can’t wait to share new projects with you all!

I first made these plaster covered pumpkins in my membership group. It has been a few years and I still love them. So I thought it would be ok to share them with you all now. I hope you love them as much as I do!

How to Choose your Pumpkin

You can use practically any faux pumpkin as a base for this project. The one I used was plastic and had a greenish yellow tint that matches my decor. I haven’t tried it with a foam pumpkin but the process would be the same.

My advice is to choose a pumpkin with a color that matches your home. You will want to let a little of that color shine through. So keep that in mind when selecting your pumpkin.

I also think that the finished plaster covered pumpkins look better in pairs or groupings. You can select your main pumpkin and then pick one or two smaller ones to display with it.

Start with a craft pumpkin that matches your decor.

How to Make Plaster Covered Pumpkins Supply List

  • Craft pumpkin (I used a plastic one from Hobby Lobby, about 12″ across)
  • All purpose sheet rock (I prefer the one with the blue top because it dries whiter. The green lid dries a little bit greyer)
  • Chip brush
  • Sanding block
  • Something for your stem
  • Hot glue gun
  • Spanish moss

How to Make Plaster Covered Pumpkins Instructions

  • Dip your brush into the tub of sheet rock. You want quite a bit on the brush. Then bounce/dab it onto the pumpkin. I am not painting it on. Instead I bounce the brush around the pumpkin. Doing it this way adds all the texture that I love about this process.
  • Work your way around one half the pumpkin, repeating this process. You don’t want full coverage here. Let some of the pumpkin color come through.
  • When you are about done, take the brush and lightly brush over the joint compound. You don’t want to completely smooth it out, just take off the sharp peaks. This will lower and soften some of the high spots.
  • Make sure the bottom of your pumpkin (where it will meet the table) is nice and smooth. That way it will sit level wherever you put it.
  • Let this half of your pumpkin dry. Then repeat the same process to the other half.
  • Once the pumpkin dries, knock off any spots that are still sharp or standing up too far. A drywall/sheetrock sponge is great for this. But a rag will work too.

Finishing your Plaster Covered Pumpkins

Once your pumpkin is dry, you can leave it as is. Add your stem and any cute vintage bits and bobs that you want to. But you could also take the pumpkin itself a bit farther. For my pumpkin, I added a bit of white paint.

Since all I had was the green lid sheet rock, it dried with more of a grey tint than I wanted. To get it back to white, I used my chip brush to dab on white paint.

I did it just like I did the sheet rock, bouncing and dabbing my brush. I didn’t completely cover the sheet rock. Then I went back in with a cream colored paint and did the same thing. The different shades worked well together and I love the results!

I stopped after I painted my pumpkin. But you could go in with antique wax and get down into the bevels to add more color and definition.

Once my pumpkin was dry, I used hot glue to attach the branch I choose for the stem. To make this easier, I poked into the top of my pumpkin and cut out a little bit of it. That let me push my branch down into the pumpkin a bit. Which gave me more places to add hot glue. And helped support the weight of the stick itself.

As my last step, I hot glued Spanish moss to the top of my pumpkin, around the stem.

Choosing a Stem for your Plaster Covered Pumpkin

In my opinion, the stem is the most important part of the pumpkin. It is where the character of the pumpkin really shines through. I really love the look of curly willow branches. So that is what I used for my stem. But you can use any kind of branch or stick that you can get your hands on.

You can also save your real pumpkin stems from year to year. I started doing this a long time ago because I love the look of a natural dried pumpkin stem on a lot of my projects. All I do is remove them from their original pumpkin.

Then lay them out to dry. I store mine in a cool dark storage area all year and then pull them out when it’s time to craft for the next season. I even have friends and family members who save their stems for me now. That way I have plenty to work with each season!

The Wrap Up

And that’s how you make plaster covered pumpkins. It’s easy, it’s pretty quick, and they are adorable! This is definitely one of my new favorite pumpkin projects. I hope you love it as much I do!

I would love to see how you use them in your own home. So if you post any pictures of your garlands on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

How to Make Plaster Covered Pumpkins

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Make Succulent Pumpkins

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Today is a cool one here in Ohio and I am reminded that, even though the temps will be back in the 80s this week, fall is definitely on its way. Today I am sharing a new kind of fall project with you; how to make succulent pumpkins!

I took a local class a few years ago where a lady showed us how to make succulent pumpkins. I really loved the idea and the results. So I shared the process with my membership group. It’s been some time now so I wanted to share it with you all too.

It’s a very simple process and you can still use your succulents long after your pumpkin has faded and hit the compost bin. Since a good variety of colors and textures of succulents gives the pumpkins the most interest, this would be a great project to do with friends.

Everyone can share the succulents and other natural items they have. And you all go home with a unique and beautiful piece of fall decor!

How to Make Succulent Pumpkins

You can use absolutely any pumpkin you want for this project. Use any color or shape that you love. Tall ones, round ones, stumpy ones…they will all work great. Keep in mind that the wider the pumpkin, the more room you will have for plants.

Unless you can find a pumpkin with a really nice and tall stem, the stem doesn’t matter. Once you add your plants you won’t be able to see the stem unless it’s a tall one. If having a visible stem is important to you, you could always go in and hot glue a stick from your yard.

How to Care for your Succulent Pumpkin

Keeping your succulents alive is as easy on a pumpkin as it is in a pot. Since your plants are just cuttings and haven’t rooted, you don’t need to worry about watering them from the bottom. Just mist them with water from a spray bottle or mister now and then. They drink through their leaves and will be just fine.

Another way to prolong the life of your succulent pumpkin is to place it on a plate when you are done with it. I have used cardboard before and it caused the pumpkin to mold more quickly. So now I use a plate and all is well.

In the past I have made my succulent pumpkin for fall decor and had them last all the way past Christmas. Just keep their leave watered (go easy they are succulents after all) and the pumpkin will look great for months. I think they last longer if you keep them outside some too.

The cooler temps outdoors probably work to preserve the pumpkin and keep it from molding. I had a friend whose pumpkin was still going strong into the early spring!

Can I Really use Hot Glue on the Succulents?

I know it sounds crazy (I was skeptical myself) to use hot glue on a plant. But succulents are tough old birds! They will hold up to the abuse and be ready for replanting when your pumpkin starts to get yucky.

I keep an eye on my pumpkin and when I notice it is starting to fade, I get my dirt and pots ready. Then I gently remove the plants from the pumpkin and transplant them into dirt.

How to Make Succulent Pumpkins Supply List

  • Pumpkin
  • Spray adhesive (Super 77 is what I used. It is as super as it claims, very strong!)
  • Sheet moss (You can find this at most craft stores and home repair stores)
  • Succulent plants and cuttings
  • Other natural items ( I used acorns, stick floral picks, pine cones and small dried crabapples in mine)

How to Make Succulent Pumpkins Instructions

  • First, spray the top of your pumpkin with the spray adhesive.
  • Next, cover the spray adhesive with pieces of the sheet moss. My pumpkin took 3 chunks to cover.
  • Then, snip off any roots and use hot glue to attach your succulents to the moss. I promise this will be ok! Start with your large plants and pieces and then fill in with your smaller pieces.

The Wrap Up

And that’s how you make a succulent pumpkin, friends! It’s very simple and adds some beautiful life to your fall decor. If you are new to plant or flower arranging, don’t be scared! You can do some practice placement of your plants before you actually glue them in.

Try moving things around until you get the plants how you like them. And THEN go back and glue them down. Once you have practiced this a few times, you will start to develop a natural eye for plant placement. A skill that will aid you in other craft projects as well!

I would love to see how you use these beauties in your own home. So if you post any pictures of your succulent pumpkins on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Make Plaster Roses

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I have a really simple and beautiful project for you today! I am showing you how to make plaster roses that are perfect for your indoor or outdoor decor. These beauties add a vintage feel to any area of your home!

It’s no secret that I love using vintage items in my decor. The real deal is my absolute favorite! But I am always on the look out for craft projects that look aged so that I can mix them in with my actual vintage items. In the video below I am showing you how to make plaster roses and these flowers really lend that aged look to our displays. They are easy to make and beautiful to display!

How to Make Plaster Roses

I won’t lie to you, these plaster roses are little messy to make. But the mess stays contained to a very small area so I don’t want it to deter you! A protective layer on your work surface and some gloves are all you need to keep the mess under control.

And the results are so fabulous, I never mind playing with a little mortar! I show you how it’s done in the video below. And I also added in the step by step instructions for you. As well as some tips and tricks I learned along the way so you don’t have to make the same goofs I did.

And wait, there’s more! There is also a cute little bonus tutorial. I teach you how to make Spanish moss nests that add so much cute to your spring and year round decor!

Plaster Rose Supply List

  • Faux roses
  • 1 cup white mortar mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Protective gloves
  • Large chip brush

Plaster Rose Instructions

  • Add your mortar mix and water in a container and mix well to combine.
  • Then use the chip brush to work the plaster over the rose, making sure to work it into each part of the flower. I use my gloved finger to push the mortar down into all the nooks and crannies.
  • Once the rose is covered, hang it to dry.

Plaster Roses Tips and Tricks

When I first tried this project I wanted to cover the whole flower with mortar. I coated the stem and leaves but once the mortar cured, it just flaked off. The plastic in those parts just repels the mortar. You can paint the leaves and stem a color that is similar to your mortar.

But that can be tricky too since a matte finished paint that will match the mortar may also be repelled by the plastic. What I have started doing is just cutting those pieces off and sticking with the bloom itself.

You can use any color of rose that you have on hand. But if you are going out to buy them, I would choose lighter colored blooms. It can be hard to cover all of the color of a dark rose with the mortar.

As you will see in the video, I used red. There were spots here and there where the color came through. So I just covered those spots with paint. But if you have a choice, it is easier to just start with light roses.

My last tip to share is that it is best to do your clean up outside. The mortar can easily damage your drains, even when diluted by water. So I take any tools I use outside and shoot them with the garden hose. The clean up really isn’t bad. Especially if you get to it right away.

How to Dry your Plaster Roses

You can dry your roses any way that works best for you. But I will share the way I do it with you because I think it works well. I just take a bucket and line it with a bag. Then I lay a dowel across the rim of the bucket.

Next, tie a piece of string to the stem of the flower. I like to find a little leaf node to hang my string around. Finally, tie the other side of the string to the dowel and let your plaster rose hang down into the lined bucket.

Bonus Tutorial: Spanish Moss Nests Supply List

  • Aluminum foil
  • Spanish Moss
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors

Spanish Moss Nests Instructions

  • Take a piece foil larger than you want your nest. Fold it in half and then start to form the shape of nest.
  • Then pull apart small sections of the Spanish moss and hot glue them to your foil. Work your way around the top and bottom of the nest adding more moss where you need it. Use your scissors to trim any spots you need to as you go.
  • Next you can add any other fun things to your nest base that you want to! Twigs, string, you name it. Anything you want to get your nest ready for decorating or display. I added some vintage pearls to mine and loved the way it looked!

The Wrap Up

And that’s it, friends! Two fun projects for you to try. I really love the way the roses turned out. And I keep mine the mortar shade because that’s what I love. But you can do anything with your flowers! You can paint them any color you like once the mortar is cured. And you can do this with many different types of flowers! Have fun playing around with different ideas and see what you like best.

And one of my favorite things about these plaster roses is that you can use them outside as well as in! I love using mine outdoors most of the year. I do bring them in for the winter. But as long as the container you have them in is waterproof, you can definitely display them outside!

I hope you love these projects as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Print Photos onto Fabric

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I have a great project for you today! I am showing you how to print photos onto fabric. There are so many different things you can do with your fabric photos and I am so excited to share this trick with you!

Learning how to print photos onto fabric will open up a whole new world of crafting options for you. There are so many fun things that you can do with them! And all you need is some Stick It sheets and a printer with a copier function. You can print absolutely anything you can think of onto fabric. And you can attach your printed fabric to just about anything. So get ready to get creative!

How to Print Photos onto Fabric

The fabric that I use for my patches is muslin. If you know me, you know I love to use muslin! It has a vintage feel and can be used in so many ways. You can use any fabric that is thin enough to go through your printer though. I have even seen images printed on burlap.

I have never tried it though and it may have been done using a different method since it’s a thicker fabric. But it looks really cool! Other than that though, no matter what fabric you choose, the method will be the same. You just want a fabric that will allow the images to show up.

What Photos to Use

You can literally print any image you want which makes the possibilities endless! I have used vintage papers and book pages that I have. You can also search for vintage clip art and find lots of awesome vintage images to use. Family photos make really special patches too. You can see that I made a couple of my precious pup too!

You could print images you find on line right from the internet if you want. What I did, though, was print out the pages on paper first and then used my copier function to print them onto the fabric. I like doing it that way so that I can make more whenever I want without having to search for the images again. I just store my pages with my other patch supplies so I can use them again and again!

Tips and Tricks

I like to make my patches in batches. That way if I find something that I want to add them too I already have them ready to go. These patches aren’t hard to make but I like to be able to just grab them and use them when the inspiration hits instead of having to stop and make them.

After you have applied your Stick It sheet to your fabric you will need to trim your fabric down to the size of your sheet. (Don’t worry, I explain how to do that in the instructions below!) You want to get as close to the sheet as possible but also want to make sure that there is no stickiness from the sheet that is exposed. You don’t want to gum up your printer with the stick.

Also make sure that there aren’t any stray threads on your fabric. I haven’t really had a problem with this using the muslin but you wouldn’t want any loose strings that could get caught in the printer.

Crafts to Try with your Fabric Photos

Ok, here is where it gets really fun! You’ve made your patches now what do you want to do with them? I have tried a few things so far. I’ve added them to fabric bags and purses and love the way those turned out! I have also used them to dress up a baseball cap.

How to print photos onto fabric
Covers of the books we made in Tami’s Making. We used the fabric patches!

You can add them to pillows, shirts, jackets, or even fabric pumpkins. I found some really cute vintage fall pumpkins by searching “vintage fall clipart” on Pinterest that would be super cute on a fabric pumpkin. One of my favorite projects I have used them on was handmade books that we made in my membership group, Tami’s Making.

The books are handmade clear down to ripping the special watercolor paper and sewing the binding and I taught our members how to make them. When you join the group you have access to all past tutorials so you could learn how to make them too! I also go Live with 3 exclusive new tutorials every month. I’d love for you to try it out for a month, we have so much fun!

How to Print Photos onto Fabric Supply List

  • Stick It pages
  • Fabric of your choice, I used Muslin
  • Scissors
  • Printer with a copier function
  • Spray adhesive (may or may not need this, I like Super 77)

Step by Step Instructions

  • Start by ironing the fabric you will be using. Then take a piece of the Stick It and remove the backing. Then adhere it to your fabric making sure that it is nice and smooth. If your backing is in sections instead of all one piece, I recommend only removing one section at a time. It is easier to get one section at a time smooth.
  • Next use the scissors to cut out the sheet from the larger piece of fabric. Get as close to the sheet as you can but make sure you don’t have any of the stickiness exposed because you don’t want it to gum up your printer.
How to print photos onto fabric
  • Put the picture(s) that you are going to print on your fabric facedown in the copier part of your printer. Take all the paper out of your tray. Place your fabric into your paper tray. On my printer I need to put the fabric side down in order for the picture to print on it. If you aren’t sure which way you need to have yours facing, just do a test run on a piece of paper first. Once your fabric page is loaded make a color copy of your pictures. The image will print right onto your fabric!
How to print photos onto fabric
  • To attach your fabric photos to things just take off the Stick It backing. It should be sticky enough to adhere where you want it but if not you can use spray adhesive. I like Super 77 for my projects. You can also sew your photos on of course, I just don’t like to sew. I have done some some rough stitching on one of the patches I added to my hat. But that was just for aesthetics, I still used the Super 77 for the actual adhesion.

The Wrap Up!

And that’s how to print photos onto fabric, friends! It’s really easy to do and there are so many projects you can do with them. I have so much fun deciding which images to use and what to use them on. I hope you love this project as much as I do!

How to print photos onto fabric

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-319-1546

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

Making a Succulent Topiary

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I am so excited to share this adorable project with you today! I’m making a succulent topiary out of an embroidery hoop and and candle stick and the results are fabulous! I can’t wait for you to see it!

I know that many of you are like me and love using succulents in your decor. Making a succulent topiary is a fantastic way to add beauty to any room. Add a little lace and some skeleton keys and your topiary also gets a vintage feel. And you know that’s a must for me!

I also think the embroidery hoop adds to the vintage look too. I envision our grandmothers and great-grandmothers stitching away at something gorgeous while the little ones are playing quietly at their feet. I don’t know why but I always imagine the little ones of old as so well behaved. I’m sure our fore-mothers would be quick to burst my imaginative bubble but that’s what I always think of! Whatever embroidery hoops and succulents make you think of, I hope this project brings you as much joy as it has brought me.

Making a Succulent Topiary

Succulents are so popular these days and I’m so glad that so many people are appreciating their beauty. I love them in my own home and know that many of you do too. If you sell your handmade items online or at craft shows. This could be a great project to add to your product lineup! The fact that these are done in all neutral colors makes them great to sell at shows because they work with just about any home color scheme.

Another thing that I love about this project is that these look amazing outdoors! And, they hold up really well. I’ve had one outside for several seasons (including the snow) and it still looks fabulous. I wouldn’t add any of your pretty lace to one that you put outside but everything else does great in the elements.

The Magic Formula for Making Arrangements

When you watch the video below, you will hear me talk about my magic formula for any floral arrangement. What you need to have is a thriller, a spiller, and a filler. The thriller is your focal point, the thing that will stand out the most. Either a pretty flower or a well textured succulent will do the trick. Your spiller is the piece that will spill over the side of your arrangement to give it varied height and pull the whole project together. And, your filler is just like it sounds. The more neutral pieces that will fill in around your thriller and spiller. No matter what type of arrangement you are doing, keep this formula in mind and it will turn out beautifully!

If you are new to making arrangements don’t be scared! I always advise using hot glue to secure your greenery in place but you don’t have to glue it all down right away. What you can do is arrange things first and then go back and glue afterward. That way, if you don’t like something, you can just pull it back out and try something else!

Succulent Topiary Supply List

  • Succulents
  • Farmhouse type candlestick (with a wide top and base)
  • Mosses (I used Spanish moss and a mix of green mosses)
  • Large embroidery hoop
  • Styrofoam block
  • Small piece of lace
  • Skeleton keys
  • Leafy greenery like wisteria or ferns
  • Hot glue gun
  • Exacto knife
  • Wire cutters

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Start by cutting you Styrofoam block to fit the size of your candlestick. I left mine hanging over the sides just a little bit.
  2. Next, separate the two parts of your embroidery hoop. Tighten down the one with the screw and then slip the other one inside of it crosswise. Use hot glue to secure it in place.
  3. Now use the knife to start cutting out ridges in our foam that your embroidery hoop can sit down in. Then put hot glue down into your ridges and place your hoops on top of it to secure them to the foam block.
  4. Then add hot glue to the bottom of your hoops and secure them to your candle stick.
  5. Now choose the succulents that you want to use and start adding them into your foam block. Use the wire cutters to trim down any stems that are too long and then put hot glue on the stems before sticking them into the foam.
  6. Add your piece of lace down and then stick your “spiller” succulent in on top of it.
  7. Tie your skeleton keys onto a strip of jute string or leather (or whatever you want!) and then secure them in place over your lace.
  8. Then continue filling in with your other succulents. Add in your greenery where you think the arrangement needs softening up or additional height.
  9. Next use the moss to fill in any holes and to cover the sides of your foam block. I started with a base of Spanish moss and then add in the green mosses on top. Use the hot glue to secure them in place.

The Wrap Up…

Oh friends, I hope you love this topiary project as much as I do! I had so much fun making it and love the way it looks in my home. I shared the link to the succulents that I used in the recipe above but you can use any kind that you like! You could even paint your embroidery hoop if you wanted it to match a certain area of your house. The neutral color of the hoop works perfectly for my decor but you could dress it up however you want! Whatever you end up using, I hope you enjoy the process and results as much as I have!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-319-1546

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

DIY Decorated Books

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I love using books in my decor, especially vintage books. Today I’m making my own DIY decorated books out of ones I found on my shelf. The results are beautiful books with a vintage look!

If you love books as much as I do, this project is for you! It combines two of my favorite things: books and vintage decor! These DIY decorated books are simple to do and use supplies that you may already have at home. All you need is a book you know you wont read again, some Mod Podge, a few old book pages, and muslin shreds. A few simple steps and you’ll be able to give beautiful new life to a book that was just sitting and collecting dust. That’s a big win in my book!

DIY Decorated Books

You know that I like to share all of the things that I love with you and this project is one of my favorites! These books are wonderful as display items, they look great on a mantel or end table. They are also great to give as gifts and can be used as a special photo album or scrap book. The pages still open at each section where the muslin shreds are tied and you could put photos on those pages. It would be a beautiful gift for a wedding or baby shower!

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that I love to use muslin shreds. I add them to vintage bottles, books, and so many other decorative items. It is so easy to always have the shreds on hand for your craft projects. If you want to learn how to make your own muslin shreds, I have a post for that too. They’re super easy and you can do most of it while watching TV in the evenings!

Where to find your books…

Don’t worry friends, I wouldn’t do this process with just any book. I chose a couple of books from my shelf that I know I’m never going to read. If you don’t have any books that you’re willing to part with (and believe me, I get it!) you can browse the shelves at your local thrift store. Usually you can find books that there are zillions of copies of and you don’t actually care to read. I’ve actually scored some awesome vintage books while looking for books I’d be willing to craft with! Bonus!

Supply List

  • A hard cover book; any one will work!
  • Old paper pages (from books, catalogs, and anything else you have)
  • Mod Podge (I like the matte finish for this project)
  • Chip brush
  • Hole punch
  • Muslin shreds
  • Pencil or BBQ skewer
  • Add-ons like keys

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Start by covering one side of your book with Mod Podge. Then rip the old pages to the size and shape that you want and place them onto the book. this part is like a puzzle, use different shades of pages and different texts to add variety. As you add more pages, add more Mod Podge to secure them all in place. Repeat this process until the whole front cover, back cover, and spine. Continue to the inside of the front and back covers if you want to.
  2. Next, use the whole punch to punch holes in a section of the pages. Move the holes around for each section so they are alternating. (I show you exactly how to do this in the video!)
  3. Once all your holes are punched, take one muslin shred and use the pencil or skewer to push it through the holes of one section and tie it. Trim it if you need too. Then move on to the next set of holes and do the same. Repeat until all your holes are full.

The Wrap Up…

And that’s all there is too it! In the video above I also show you how to display books that have their binding removed. Sometimes vintage books don’t hold up so well but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be loved and displayed. I show you a super easy way to use them! I hope you love this project as much as I do friends, happy crafting!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

Decorating Vintage Eggs

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We are coming into the tail end of winter friends! To help get us through the home stretch I’m decorating Vintage Eggs and showing you how it’s done!

I love the last days of winter because there is so much to look forward to with spring right around the corner. My fingers get all itchy to start working on spring crafts! Today I’m showing you how to decorate vintage eggs that are perfect for spring and Easter decor. These little nuggets are so cute and I can’t wait for you to see how you can make your own! In the video below I show you how I like to make mine and you can take it from there.

Decorating Vintage Eggs

There are so many different ways that you can decorate eggs. Since I’m a lover of all things vintage that’s the style that I go with. I also love neutral colors so that’s what I use here. You can absolutely adapt this project to fit your own tastes though! Add some color to yours with pretty silk flowers or use supplies that you already have on hand instead of the ones I use. There is no right or wrong way to make these eggs! Just do what makes you happy.

Project Tips…

If you are decorating real eggs you want to start by poking small holes in them and leaving them to drain in the egg carton. This is typically done by poking holes in the top and bottom of the egg. I don’t like to see the holes though so I figured out that I can make my holes in the side. That way I can easily cover them up with my decor items.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you want a 3D effect on your eggs. Don’t glue your decor items down flat on the eggs or they won’t display as nicely. Just add a dab of hot glue to one part of your items and allow them to naturally stick up from the surface of the egg. This will give your eggs much more depth and dimension than if you were to Mod Podge your items on.

How to display your eggs…

I like to make my eggs in a bunch of three. They look so cute all nestled together! You can put your eggs anywhere you like. Even just on a side table by themselves they’d be cute but I like to give them a special place to settle. You could put them in a cute little basket or even craft them their own special nest. If you have an extra dough bowl you could set them in there with a few other cute vintage or floral items. There are so many possibilities!

Vintage Egg Supply List

  • Eggs (real ones that you will drain or craft eggs)
  • Loose weave burlap
  • Feathers
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun
  • Greenery Leaves
  • Moss (green and brown)
  • Silk flowers (small)

Step by Step Instructions

  1. If you are using real eggs start by draining them. Poke little holes in the eggs and then set them back in the carton to drain.
  2. When your egg is drained cut a small strip of the burlap and wrap it around the egg. Use hot glue to secure it in place.
  3. Use hot glue to add feathers to your egg.
  4. Then add a small leaf and green moss to the egg using hot glue.
  5. Next trim a little flower off of its stem and add that to the egg too.
  6. Now add a tiny bit of brown moss to the bottom of your arrangement.

These little eggs are just too cute! Whether you make them just like I did or add your own flares and touches I think you’re going to love them. These would also make a sweet gift for any fellow vintage lover in your life. You can make a set to keep and a set to share. However you make them and whatever you decide to do with them I hope you love these eggs as much as I do!

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Make a Vintage Putty Knife Frame

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I absolutely love heartfelt and handmade gifts. With Valentine’s Day coming up I thought I would share a loving gift idea with all of you. Today I’m showing you how to make a vintage putty knife frame and they are so special!

One of the things that I specialize in is helping people go through their vintage family treasures and decide how to display them. It is a privilege and an honor to be invited into someone’s home and treasures and I love every minute of it. I got the idea to figure out how to make a vintage putty knife frame when I found one of my own grandpa’s putty knives. You know I love all things vintage but I especially love pieces from my own family. I wanted to be able to display some of my grandpa’s tools and thought this was the perfect way to do it!

How to Make a Vintage Putty Knife Frame

These putty knife frames make a sentimental gift that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. I made mine for myself (my family members don’t love vintage things like I do) but these would be wonderful to make for a parent or sibling. I loved going through our old family albums to select the photos I wanted to use. This project is very simple, the most time consuming part was narrowing down which photos I wanted to use.

The other thing you’ll need to find is a putty knife. You can ask to go through some of your Grandpa’s or Dad’s old tools. It’s so wonderful to use those if you can get your hands of them. You can also try finding the putty knifes at vintage markets. One of the knives I used for this project wasn’t vintage at all but one I found on my job site that had paint on it. To distress a newer putty knife just prop it up outside for a while and let it sit through a few rain showers. It will be rusted and distressed in no time!

Some Other Options…

There are a few other things you could add to these frames to dress them up too! I like the way mine are, simple and wonderful. But, you could also add some muslin shreds to yours or some buttons or keys. You could also frame the back of the putty knife with vintage lace or add some around the handle. There are so many ways you could go with this project to really make it your own!

Supply List

  • Aged putty knife
  • Old family photos
  • Old book page (or one you’ve aged with a tea spray)
  • Photo tags
  • Twine
  • Tea spray

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Select the photo(s) you’d like to use and photo copy them. Carefully tear the edges of the photo copies and the edges of your aged book page.
  2. Use paint brush to apply Mod Podge to the back of your torn book page and attach it to the putty knife. Next do the same thing with the photo copy.
  3. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the top of both papers to secure them to the putty knife.
  4. Take your tags and spray them with a tea mixture to age them, label them with the personal information about the person or people in the photos. Then use twine to attach them to the handle of the putty knife.

The Wrap Up…

That’s it friends! This is a really simple project. You only need a few supplies and you will be on your way to the perfect gift for any vintage loving family member or friend! I hope you enjoy making these. Finding the photos and putty knives are the most fun part in my opinion. I have another suggestion too: if you have old family photos that aren’t labeled make that a priority project too. We never know when the members of our family who hold that information and the stories that go with it will pass on. That collective family memory is another priceless gift that you can give to one another!

How to Make Vintage Ornaments

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Christmas is coming up quickly friends! This is my favorite time of year and I love combining it with my other favorite thing: vintage decor! Today I’m showing you how to make vintage ornaments. Talk about “my favorite things”!

When it comes to my decor I love all things vintage. Vintage ornaments aren’t always easy to come by but that doesn’t mean we have to go without! In the video below I show you how to make vintage ornaments by giving ornaments you already have a vintage makeover! This project is super easy to do and is also pretty quick. Perfect for the busy holiday season!

How to Make Vintage Ornaments

If you love vintage Christmas decor then this project is perfect for you! You can take any ornament and easily age it. Thrift stores are usually overrun with Christmas decorations and they are the perfect place to find tons of ornaments for this project. Since you’ll be painting and distressing them there is no need for them to match. When you’re done they will all compliment each other perfectly!

For this project I used golden angel bulbs that I already had but you can use any ornaments that you have. If you like the gold look peaking through and your ornaments aren’t that color you could always paint them gold first. Once the gold paint is dry you can proceed with the steps that I show you. I love the glitter of the gold shining through but if that’s not your favorite you can skip it all together. “You do you” right?!

This technique is also perfect for trinkets and other items you want to age. It works on any material type and can turn anything you have (or find) into a vintage decor item! If you love the shape or look of something but it doesn’t really fit with your vintage theme this is the perfect solution! If you have friends who are fellow vintage lovers this is a great gift idea too!

How to Make Vintage Ornament Supply List

  • Christmas ornament
  • Chalk paint (off white or cream color)
  • Antiquing wax
  • Chip brush (the older the better)
  • Small stencil brush
  • Cloth

The Step by Step

  1. Start by getting some chalk paint on your chip brush and then dab it off. Next, tap the brush all over the ornament but don’t cover it entirely. You want some of the gold to peak through. I covered about 2/3 of my ornament.
  2. Next, take your stencil brush and use it to apply antiquing wax to the high points of the ornament. You want to dirty it up a bit.
  3. Finally, use a cloth the wipe the wax a bit. this is to soften the look and blend the wax.
  4. That’s it, now just allow it to dry completely and it’s ready to hang!

The Wrap Up…

So there you have it! A quick and easy Christmas project that will add so much to your vintage holiday decor. I hope you love the results as much as I do. The only challenge will be not antiquing every ornament you own. And, hey, if you want to go for it! It would make for a bright and beautiful tree! Whatever way you take it I hope you have fun and enjoy this project. Time to grab a cup of something hot and cozy and get crafting!

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

Tami Loves Vintage…

My name is Tami Neff and I would like to thank you for visiting my website. I hope you found many unique items to inspire you.  I love bringing you found vintage items to use when creating your treasures.  I have picked some of the nicest greenery around for you to use in your decor.  Please stop back often as we are always adding new items just for you.

tami

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