Candy Cane and Washi Tape Valentine Centerpieces

Does anyone else ever forget that they purchased candy canes at Christmas time, only to find them all as soon as Christmas is over? Ooops! If  I had a nickel for every candy cane I threw away after cleaning up decorations...Ergh!!! This year, I was determined to find some way to reuse these delightfully-shaped candies and save them from the dreaded trash can once and for all! Using washi tape, pencils, and my handy, dandy hot glue gun, I was able to transform those bad boys into pieces for a cute, Valentine's day centerpiece that is now proudly displayed in my home. Check out how below:

Materials:

-candy canes (I used 6 to create 3 hearts)

-washi tape

-unsharpened pencils

-glue gun and glue sticks

Directions:

1. Place two candy canes together to create a heart shape. Wrap the candy canes together and both ends using washi tape.

2. Wrap washi tape around the candy canes, covering them competely

3. Place hot glue at the bottom of the heart and adhere the eraser end of a pencil. Let dry

4. Wrap the pencil with washi tape

5. After heart sticks are completed, arrange them in a vase with conversation hearts for super cute V-day decorating!

Poinsettia Napkin Holders from Shower Curtain Rings

Its the most expensive wonderful time of the year!!!

As much as I love how well my holiday decorations are coming along, I can't get over how quickly their expenses add up! Between the purchase of a pre-lit tree (which I love and don't regrey buying at all), outdoor lighting, wreaths, and lots of odds and ends, I think its safe to say my wallet took a massive beating this Christmas...and that's without adding in the cost of presents! Yikes! Needless to say, I am extremely grateful for projects like this one that add to the seasonal decorum without breaking the bank! Here is how I transformed curtain rings, craft wire, and poinsettias into beautiful napkin rings using washi tape:

Materials:

-curtain rings (I found 12 for $1 at my local dollar store)

-washi tape (PS-Costco is currently selling a washi tape holder and 20 rolls of tape for $19.99! Merry Christmas to me!!!)

-artificial poinsettias

-floral embellishment (I purchased 2 small bundles of frosted berries at Michael's)

-craft wire

-wire cutters

Directions:

1. Wrap washi tape around four curtain rings, covering them entirely

2. Place two small sprigs of frosted berries on each side of a poinsettia and connect using craft wire, making sure to leave a 4-5" tail of wire to wrap around curtain ring

3. Wrap remaining wire around curtain ring, securing the flower to it tightly

4. Cover any exposed wire with additional washi tape

5. Place napkins inside of rings and display proudly!

Wishing you a table filled with family, food, friendship and (as always) fun!!! Happy Holidays!

30 Fab Father's Day Ideas

Lil' Luna recently posted a plethora of amazing Father's Day gifts! Here are some of my faves, but be sure to check out her page for the entire list of projects (all 30 of them!)!