Personal locker decorations are a chance to express your style and individuality from every other person that has the same type of locker. Doing your own decorations can also save you money. Even those with a minimal creative streak can pull off easy and wonderful decorations.

The best time for decorating your school locker would be just before the school year as you are assigned a locker number and combination. For some, this may be the best time to get into the locker, clean it out and choose a theme or what should be displayed for decorating purposes. The first day of school is typically a half of a day of school or a day that is used for instructional purposes only, so this is a great time to decorate a school locker. Bring all of the supplies and decorating items to school that day. Allowing up to 30 minutes preparing a decorated locker, but decorating in spurts throughout the school day, such as in between classes, is also a time efficient way to squeeze in some decorating time.

Celebrity themes are one of the most popular locker decorating themes among teenagers. Browsing through popular teen magazines such as Bop, Teen Beat and Tiger Beat to get ideas for celebrity designs is a great idea because they carry posters and photographed pages of popular celebrity musicians, bands and movie stars. These magazines are great resources for girls who like a certain teen idol. For the guys, posters of teen girls are always popular as are magazine pages of exotic cars and even video game heroes. Magnetic items that can hold up school pictures of classmates as well as notes and memos are also great features for the interior of lockers. Pencil holders and storage organizers that keep lunches from crushing and all the books straight are great tools for the organized student.

In addition to store-bought items like posters, magnets and photo frames, decorate the locker with homemade craft items. Create picture frames from adhesive papers and wallpaper scraps. Use brightly coloured contact papers to cut out shapes and words. Be sure to choose adhesive papers that can be removed cleanly. Avoid stickers which may damage locker surfaces.

The locker accessories you buy can be plain or colourful, depending on your preference. You can add additional detail to make them unique. Do this by covering the shelves with contact paper or fun fabric, stickers, ribbons and other trimmings. Paint the supplies (even the lock box) to accentuate your locker’s details. You can pin postcards, pictures, sayings and more to your corkboard squares, too.

Creating your very own jungle is not only fun, but it can be educational. Whether it’s a living room, bedroom or family space, transform it into a rainforest almost as fast as you can say “Amazon.” More than half of the world’s animals live in rainforests, which receive an average rainfall of 68 to 78 inches per year. Adding animals and tropical flowers to the decor will add dimension and intrigue.

A jungle-themed bedroom can appeal to males and females of all ages. If you are a nature lover, the theme’s green tones and natural elements may create the ideal respite. Personalize the room with images of your favorite animals, along with other jungle-inspired items. Create an ecologically friendly room by using nontoxic paints and live plants.

If you are a nature lover, decorate your room with living plants to create a relaxing retreat. Hang live plants from ceiling hooks, or set out terra-cotta plant pots. Fill vases with brightly colored fresh-cut flowers, such as bird of paradise, and place them on your night stand. Choose natural-looking furniture, such as a matching brown wicker headboard, table and dresser set. Hang bamboo shades to allow sunlight to filter into your room during the day.

Ecologically friendly decor is perfect for a jungle-themed bedroom. Paint your walls a fresh green color using nontoxic, low to no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint. Replace the flooring with bamboo boards or recycled glass mosaic tiles. Buy recycled wood furniture that has natural hardware, such as wrought iron handles. Use a quilt, bedspread or comforter and sheets made of organic cotton. Stay aware of current rain forest issues and learn about eco-friendly products.

A large wall mural featuring jungle-inspired elements will create an instant bedroom theme. If you are artistic, paint the mural yourself using stencils, colorful paints and various brush sizes. Paint a light green or blue background, and enhance the walls with large tree images. Have fun creating the leaves and bark; use sponges to create texture. For a pop of color, paint orange, red and yellow tropical flowers and parrots. If you aren’t artistic, or if you desire a professional look, hire a local artist to create the mural for you.

Besides jungle home decoration, a party decoration can have a jungle theme as well. Green is the dominant color of the jungle, so it’s up to you to decorate with as much greenery as possible. Use different shades of green, from green balloons, streamers, gossamer, etc. The sun rarely shines through the jungle because of forest canopies. Consider creating your own canopy out of green cloth that drapes from one end of the ceiling to the other side or consider throwing in some vines. Have palm tree props to quickly create an exotic atmosphere. You can cover your tables with animal print or stick with the green theme.

Home decorators should be informed of their work and lifestyle to ensure that your design will certainly satisfy the necessary steps each day. This is because your home is your safe haven and sound where you can increase the efficiency of translating into success in life. People may consider you as someone who is great for everyone, but kept his life safe and happy, yet simple and thoughtful. This vision will be realized when the interior designers to ensure simplicity and good atmosphere in your home.

In order to choose a suitable home decorator rug, you should understand pile. Initially, carpets are manufactured as loop pile. Carpets that remain uncut are known as loop carpets. Those that are cut by machine are called cut pile carpets. A third pile is known as cut loop, which is a combination of the two styles.

Identifying the cut pile styles is the next step. The most formal and softest cut pile carpet for the home is called plush. Often chosen for bedrooms, plush carpet fibers are fine and all the same length. While comfortable to walk on, plush carpeting tends to show footprints easily. Textured, cut pile is less formal than plush and is made up of fibers of different lengths. Textured cut pile is a popular choice for carpet for the home because it is durable and hides footprints well. A third option in cut pile carpeting is called frieze. Most informal and highly textured, this durable carpet option is made by tightly twisting carpet fibers together.

Choose a color that will resist fading, especially if it is for a room with lots of windows and natural light. Fading may occur because of the dying process or the type of carpet fiber. While lighter carpets will not fade, they will show dirt and wear, so be sure to choose a color that is compatible with your lifestyle. Choosing a color that is current, but neutral, will allow you to change decor as desired and give your floors a look you want to keep for years to come.

Stain resistant carpet is a good investment for high traffic areas and for households with children and pets. Carpets labeled as stain resistant have been treated with a chemical to help it repel dirt and keep it from absorbing moisture. Stain resistant carpet is often guaranteed, so the manufacturer will clean or replace stained carpet for you.

Evaluating the carpet’s or rug’s quality is perhaps the most important one. The main indicator of carpet quality is density. The closer together the fibers are, the better the carpet will feel underfoot. You don’t want to see much of the carpet backing when you bend the carpet back. The height of the pile is another measure of quality. The higher the pile, the longer the carpet will last and the more comfortable it will feel. Also you’ll want to see that the carpet fibers are tightly twisted. Avoid carpets that flare at the tips.

You may live several thousand miles away from Hawaii, but you can still create a tropical paradise with touches of Hawaiian decor. Hawaiian style interiors can be kitschy, with brightly colored pineapple fabrics and tiki masks, or elegant with furniture made from indigenous woods. In general, Hawaii decor reflects the area’s native plants, ocean and beach colors, and tropical climate. The focus is casual, with a touch of Asian formality.

Ceiling fans will add tropical flavor to your decor. They’re very common in tropical climates, along with rattan, wicker and bamboo furniture of all types. Light-colored sea grass rugs, painted bamboo bead curtains, tropical-themed ceramics can also create the island oasis atmosphere. In Hawaii, designers create furniture from the wood of koa and mango trees. Coffee tables, end tables and dining sets made of these materials area available in tropical designs. Area rugs with abstract designs of anterooms, bamboo and surfboards will also invoke the atmosphere of Hawaii. If you’re willing to make an investment, install indigenous bamboo and palm wood flooring, which looks much like hardwood flooring.

Accessorizing with Hawaiian-themed pillows, lamps and wall-art will make all the difference. Art-deco style fabrics with palm tree and pineapple designs are widely available. Create your own throw pillows for the living room or bedroom. Vintage Hawaiian posters of surfers and Hawaiian travel themes can also add a lot of colorful cultural interest to any room in your home. Ceramic pineapples and hula dancers in grass skirts create the base for many Hawaiian-themed table lamps. Depending on your taste, these objects might be just the thing to add Hawaiian flavor of your space.

Masks, shields and totems carved from indigenous woods will also add real Hawaiian flavor to a patio. Placemats, potholders, table runners with designs of anterooms, pink orchids, palm trees and tropical ferns are available for the Hawaiian-themed kitchen and dining area. And don’t forget to add the perfect finishing touch to any tropical decor: a real palm tree.

It’s hard to think of Hawaii without thinking of the outdoors: the lush forests, sparkling beaches and Rocky Mountains are what make this state so alluring and exotic. Incorporate some natural materials in your room decor. Woven grass throw rugs, bamboo blinds, seashell or driftwood accessories fit the bill.

To really transport yourself to a tropical Hawaiian island, consider getting a wall mural painted on a focal wall. Choose a mural that depicts a Hawaiian scene, like a rainforest, a sunset over the ocean, or a landscape with dormant volcanoes looming in the background under a bright blue, cloudless sky. If you are handy with a brush, you can paint your own wall mural. If you feel your artistic skills are not up to par, hire someone to paint it for you. Alternatively, look for nature-scene wallpaper or peel-and-stick wall decorations, or hang a large tapestry on the wall.

For a fun and whimsical style, raid your local party store for luau accessories and incorporate them into the room. This is particularly fitting for a teen’s or child’s room, to keep it youthful and light. Drape leis on the bedposts or the edge of a mirror, or trim the edges of lamps with them. Cut open grass skirts and use them to make a bed or chair skirt, or use as a curtain valance. Plastic Tiki cups can be a cute shelf display to organize pencils, crayons, paper clips and other home office or art supplies. Strings of luau lanterns make excellent accent lighting.

More than most holidays, Halloween is about creating a mood. A chill is in the air, the leaves are falling and the world is moving toward the sleep of winter. It’s a time for frightening costumes, glowing pumpkins and tales of spectral terror. Putting up your own do-it-yourself Halloween decorations will help you capture the spirit of the season.

A spooky Halloween celebration starts with the right lighting. A few flickering lights casting a dim glow into forbidding corners will set the scene for a night of ghoulish fun. A Halloween lantern is a safe way to incorporate candlelight into your holiday decor. Remove the label from a tin can and draw simple Halloween designs such as black cats and witches on it with a permanent marker. Fill the can with water and stick it in the freezer overnight. Once it has frozen, pound a nail into a spot along the outline of your designs with a hammer. Remove the nail, move it about half an inch along the line and pound it in again. Keep going until you have traced out all your designs. Leave the lantern in the sink or outside until the ice thaws. Finally, put a candle in the bottom. Your lantern will cast haunting images on your wall.

Nothing says Halloween like creepy crawlies, and spiders are some of the creepiest. A well-placed hanging spider can catch guests by surprise. To make a spider, wrap a small jar with black tape. Cut four equal lengths of wire, tape them together in the middle, then tape the middle of the bundle to the jar. Fan the wires apart and bend them to make eight spider legs. Wrap each wire in black duct tape. Finally, tie or tape a string to the spider and hang it from the ceiling. If you want a bigger spider, use a milk jug and insulation tubes.

An electric chair is a creepy decoration that beats any cardboard front yard cemetery. Begin with a wooden chair with armrests and simple black cushions–or no padding at all. Attach thick black or brown belts to the arms and front legs of the chair looped to look like restraints. If they don’t look very realistic, cut them shorter so they are the right size to fit around wrists and ankles. Attach a piece of hangar wire wrapped in black tape to a salad bowl, then attach the hangar wire to the back of the chair so it is suspended where the head of the victim would be. For added effect, put a dummy in it or sit in it yourself and twitch periodically.

You may also use one of the more charming and intellectual Halloween monsters as a source of inspiration by creating a vampire’s lair right in your own home. Any good vampire’s lair needs a coffin. Try making one by creating a coffin shape out of some long pieces of plywood, as suggested by the Better Homes and Gardens website. Fill ornate-looking glassware with fake blood and place them throughout the house. Finish the look by hanging some paper bats from the ceiling. Generally speaking, you want your house to look like a dank, dark dungeon filled with various vampire accoutrements.

Another great idea is to turn your house into an abandoned, ghost-filled mansion by first adding plenty of cobwebs and fake plastic spiders to the walls, bookshelves, candles and other furniture. Decorate the walls with portraits of people dressed in the fashions of a long-gone era. Glue an old white sheet to the top of an upside-down plastic bowl and hang it from the ceiling in the hallway, cutting the edges of the sheet off in a zigzag pattern to create a ghost.

It can be difficult to choose decorations for your lawn and garden depending on where you live. For example, if your house is easily visible from the road and you have a strict homeowner’s association, your choices might be limited. If you live far back from the road or have a fence, your creative choices are almost limitless.

You can turn old bowling balls into yard art; just paint faces and spots or stripes on each one. The bowling balls will need to be sanded down and primed with an exterior latex primer. Paint with acrylic or latex paint, and then seal them off with an epoxy resin, lacquer or shellac. You can lay these giant bugs anywhere on the lawn; place them under a bush, just peeking out; use them to define the edge of a patch of wildflowers or to decorate the vegetable garden.

An old ladder can be leaned against a wall, to prop up a climbing vine. An old pair of work boots can be a planter for pansies, alyssum or a ground cover vine. A rusted watering can, wheelbarrow or even a bicycle can be used as rustic yard decor. In the winter it might look like junk, but artfully placed, the worn-out surfaces can accentuate the plants growing in your yard.

If you live by yourself and spend time in your garden alone, you will probably only want a few chairs and a small table for beverages. A hammock is a nice touch, but if you don’t have two sturdy trees close together, there are many hammocks available that come with frames. If you have adult friends over, invest in a patio set with a table and several chairs. A fire bowl for cool evenings makes a great focal point. If your yard has few trees where guests will be seated, purchase a large umbrella or awning to shade your table area. If you have many children come to play in the yard, consider purchasing one large play set that will reside in one corner instead of small toys that will be scattered all over the yard.

If the look you are going for is a formal one, plan hedges and plants that can be trimmed at angles and set out in straight rows. Purchase planters and pots in pairs or threes to create symmetry. If you are trying for a simple, informal garden, include several hanging pots and trellises where bright flowers can grow in abandon and abundance. Good choices for this type of garden are honeysuckle and wisteria vines, rose bushes and marigolds.

A statue or a fountain can make a beautiful focal point for your garden that pulls all the elements together. Keep in mind that a statue should be made of weather-resistant materials and should complement the nature of the rest of your garden. Purchase one large statue, or several small ones that match each other, such as several garden gnomes doing different activities or forest animals. When deciding on a fountain, remember that it will need regular maintenance and cleaning.

Your home is an extension of yourself, an outlet for your personality, style and personal flair. If you are a funky, unconventional person, your home should be the same. Forget those so-called decorating rules and follow the one decorating rule that should never be broken–there are no rules when it comes to decorating your home – in order to turn your home into a place that is a true reflection of you.

Funky home decor comes in a wide variety of styles, from actual vintage home goods, such as mid-century modern kitchen items, to inexpensive, colorful wall decor. Funky decorating items that are functional as well as nice to look at, such as vintage candy dishes or retro storage caddies will help you stretch the decorating dollars.

You can use faux painting techniques to create a funky decor for your home. Splatter painting is an excellent way to add color and texture to your room. Add a bit of glitter or sequins to the paint to make it even funkier. Paint a small corner of a strip of crepe paper and stick it to the wall. Paint over the entire piece of crepe paper. Do this all over your wall to add depth and dimension to your wall.

Moreover, you can also use vinyl records as wall art. Place vinyl records in the oven on a low temperature to soften them. Then take them out of the oven and mold them over a metal bowl or pot. Place the record back in the oven and let it melt over the bowl. Remove and let cool before taking the record off the bowl. Watch very closely; oven temperatures will vary and you don’t want to over melt your record. Use the shaped records as decorative baskets to hold silk flower arrangements and other accessories.

Wall art is an inexpensive way to add a bit of funk to a room. Look for cheap art from local artists or hang a print of your favorite work. You can also paint one wall a vibrant, standout color. Other types of funky home decor include vintage or vintage-style table lamps, cute knick-knacks such as owl-shaped cookie jars and shaggy throw rugs.

Even though you don’t have a lot to spend on home decor, you should avoid falling into the too-cheap trap. Some decor is funky and inexpensive but looks like it is designed for a dorm room. Vintage may be your best bet when decorating on a budget, since you will usually end up with higher-quality pieces than if you bought something new.

Eiffel tower décor is one of the most popular ways of decorating home, office, and even the kitchen. It is the most well-known landmark in France and most of the time carries some senses of romance within the décor itself. Some popular ways of this type of décor include the Eiffel tower wall décor, Eiffel tower lighting and centerpiece décor, as well as the Eiffel tower vase décor.

Paris, the City of Lights, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Many people wish to bring a sense of Parisian style to their home. Even if you’ve never been to France, you can easily incorporate French style into your home decor.

France’s most iconic and well-known landmark, the Eiffel Tower, is plentiful in the arena of home decor. It is emblazoned on throw pillows, etched onto mirrors, and printed on photo frames. Whether you want a little or a lot, the Eiffel Tower is one way to clue guests into your decor theme. Find out what works with your home’s style, and work in elements that mesh with it. You can be subtle by incorporating a simple jewelry dish bearing the image, or by starting a collection of mini replicas that you display on a bookshelf.

A French-styled bedroom will certainly possesses a romantic scent. You can create a Paris-inspired bedroom using Eiffel Tower accents. A lamp featuring a pink shade and wrought-iron Eiffel Tower base will enhance a night stand or work desk. Neutral-hued walls can be decorated with framed Eiffel Tower images. Pick a hand-painted image featuring bright colors for an artistic look, or a black-and-white photograph for a sophisticated vintage style. A wall painted with an Eiffel Tower mural will become the bedroom’s focal point; use stencils to create a precise design.

A great way to add romantic lighting to a room and incorporate an Eiffel Tower center piece is to place an Eiffel Tower tea light holder in the middle of each table. This tower center piece features a tea light in the bottom of the design and the will serve as an illuminated focal point for any table configuration. Consider adding a floral arrangement with flowers that match the general color theme to complete your Eiffel Tower center piece.

A tall Eiffel Tower vase is a wonderful way to utilize this type of center piece and it gives you many customization options. The glass variety of these vases can be virtually any color you choose. You can further customize this centerpiece idea by filling the vase with anything from colored sand, crystals, liquid, feathers or flowers. Moreover, you can also Use an extravagant plush flower arrangement in an Eiffel Tower container as a table centerpiece. In most cases floral arrangements would not be appropriate table decorations because they may take up too much space or obstruct the view and comfort of guests at the table. A plush floral arrangement in this type of container is the best way to include such an arrangement in the center of a table; they are above the eye line of table guests and make beautiful focal points in any room you’re decorating.

Revive the age of disco with glittery mirror-balls, funky black lights and tons of tie-dye. Make beaded curtains from recycled party beads, scatter bean bag chairs around the space and use strobe lights and fuzzy posters to add to the nostalgia. Patchouli incense, scented candles and a bubble machine round out the decor and, coupled with lava lamps, create the perfect disco space.

Strobe lights, black lights and lava lamps embody the groovy vibe of classic seventies culture. No disco is complete without a mirror ball with a large clear or colored spotlight focused on it. Multicolored disco lights purchased or rented from a party supply store round out your lighting choices and set the stage for a happening event.

From tablecloths to paper napkins and cups, tie-dye is a funky way to incorporate lots of color in your decorations. Rainbow garland coordinates with traditional tie-dye colors and together transports disco guests to the time of platforms and boogies. Offer guests tie-dye bandannas to help everyone feel a bit groovier.

Blow-up chairs and bean bag chairs coupled with over-sized floor pillows or puffs make retro seating options for when disco attendees have worn themselves out on the dance floor. Offer guests a variety of seating options with sofas in funky patterns or shapes, like the classic “lips” sofa or a fun crushed velvet slipcover.

Beaded curtains and fuzzy posters round out the disco decor and include more classic seventies ingredients. Make beaded curtains from Mardi gras or party beads, or purchase brightly-colored curtains to match your party decor. Fuzzy black light-reactive posters are a mesmerizing addition to the decorations and complement the overall design.

Sparkling things is perhaps one of the significance for disco decoration. The disco ball will add a nice touch of sparkle to the party, but you can incorporate more glittery things into the decor Sprinkle glitter around so that lights will make the glitter pop, or for a more elaborate set-up, have glitter and confetti come down from the ceiling at a special moment, such as the stroke of midnight.

Moreover, you can also put posters from the ’70s on the walls. Choose posters of movies and pop stars of the decade, such as “Saturday Night Fever” or the Jackson Five. If you have access to them, you could arrange album covers of disco music around the party venue. Check second-hand shops or flea markets for cheap records from the ’70s. This will further enhance the overall decoration.

When it comes to selecting a wall mirror, one of the most important parts is choosing the right frame. Needless to say that the glass of the mirror is often the same, the frame is that makes your mirror stand out from the mass. People usually underestimate the effect that a mirror frame can add to the entire decoration of the place that it is installed. Choosing the right frame is the only way to give your mirror the look and style you want, while instantly making it a major element of your decoration.

You don’t have to settle for lifeless and dull wall mirrors. Decorating wall mirrors can drastically change their appearance. You can use different decorating ideas to add a twist and complement the room. Decorative techniques make the mirror a focal point of the room, whether it stays functional or becomes purely an aesthetic piece. Painting a mirror is an inexpensive way to add a frame-like look. Review the main colors in the room. To paint the mirror’s edges, purchase complementary-color acrylic paint. No primer or sanding is necessary. Use a straight edge and bevel to assure the edges and lines are straight while painting.

An important factor for choosing the right frame is the material that it is made of. Many sorts of materials are available in the market such as wood, plastic and aluminum. Variety though is not the only factor that we should worry about. What we really want is to pick the right one for our house and the trick here is to be related to the rest decoration and furniture of the room.

Another thing you should be careful about selecting a frame for your mirror is the color. In the example above, the type of wood on the frame should totally match with the one on the other furniture. As far as wood is concerned, you must find the certain kind of wood for your frame and, if it is not available, you could have one made especially for your house by an expert. You can find one even online but in this case you should give him a very lucid description of what you want. However, other materials such as plastic can be found at any shape and color you want. Finding the style and size you want will not be that difficult. The difficult part here is to choose the one that suits the design of your place.

Size and shape of your frame is a very crucial factor that affects the entire look of your mirror and your whole decoration. You can have a frame that just surrounds your mirror using any material you want and you can have it in any size you wish. But, there are some important options to have in mind here. The frame of your mirror could be an image of your personal style and it reflects your personality in a subconscious level. As an easy example for this, you can imagine a frame in the shape of sun or a heart-shaped one. These frames are easy to be found and they can be a great addition to your decoration, giving you the opportunity to communicate your feelings and personality via the decoration of your own place!

There are many different ways that you can redecorate or spice up your living spaces. You may have recently added some new pieces, and still found your design to be lacking. You may also be struggling with a small amount of options to improve your design or a small budget. One design item that most people overlook is decorative switch plates. This article will introduce you to decorative switch plates and their installation.

What is a switch plate? A switch plate is most commonly a square plate that covers the wiring in your electrical outlets. Most homes and buildings have generic switch plates, or have had them covered with the current paint color in the room. These generic switch plates may be dulling your space and your design. There are many different types of decorative switch plates available to change your rooms look.

Most generic switch plates found in your home will be made of plastic. Decorative switch plates come in a variety of materials including brushed metal, wood, ceramic, glass, stone, and rope. If you have an antique theme in your home, you may be able to find some excellent brushed metal switch plates with intricate designs. Ceramic switch plates are often used by artists to create hand painted designs or apply computerized sticker covers. You can find hundreds of designs by artists online or at craft shows featuring your favorite sports teams, hobbies, or characters.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect switch plate, there are a few easy steps for installation. For safety reasons, you will want to turn off the power to the room where you will be installing the switch plate. This can be done by switching off the breaker. If you are unable to do this, you may want to have your switch plate installed by an electrician to prevent any household accidents. Next, simply unscrew your old switch plate from the wall and screw the new one in. Make sure the new screw plate lines up appropriately before tightening all your screws.

It is a good idea to replace the switch covers in living areas which you want to look sophisticated. Elegantly furnished rooms, such as dining rooms, master bedrooms, and studies, look cheapened by tasteless plastic white switch plates. But switch plates made from fine materials, such as forged brass, ceramic, and stone, contribute to that casual elegance which we all strive to create in our homes.

Decorative switch plates are especially great for kids, who love the whimsical and bold designs. Plates inspired by comic book heroes are great for little boys, and princess and pony switch plates delight little girls. Since switch plates are so affordable and easy to change out, you can easily transform the look of your child’s room when he or she gets tired of a particular theme.

Decorative pillows add a personal touch to any décor, traditional or modern, formal or informal. A basic pillow cover can be modified in dozens of different ways to create unique, functional works of art.

One basic pillow cover pattern can serve as the basis for any decorative pillow design. To make a pillow cover, cut two pieces of decorative fabric ½ inch wider and ½ inch longer than your foam pillow form. Place the right sides of the fabric together and pin. The right sides of the fabric are the sides you will see when the pillow cover is finished. Pin with straight pins, placing them perpendicular to the unfinished edge of the fabric about 3 inches apart. Using a sewing machine sew the two pieces of fabric together. Sew your seams 5/8 inch from the raw edges of the pillow cover. Leave an opening along one side big enough to insert the foam pillow form. Turn the pillow cover inside out, insert the pillow form, and sew the opening closed.

Draperies are an ideal choice for making throw pillow covers. The fabric is typically quite durable and often features different colours and patterns. Even heavy materials such as tweed can become throw pillow covers. Remove backing installed for privacy or for energy-saving purposes before beginning the project. In addition, launder or dry clean drapes before cutting them to ensure the fabric won’t shrink.

Old tablecloths can find a new purpose when transformed into throw pillow covers. Vintage tablecloths with hand embroidery provide instant focal points. Select non-stained fabric that has been laundered. Create smaller toss pillows from napkins that match the tablecloth. If the fabric is see-through, cut the material twice as long as it needs to be and double it over for each side of the pillow cover.

Moreover, you can also incorporate buttons, quilting blocks, tassels and small pieces of fabric into throw pillow covers. For example, if you have a small embroidered napkin or quilt block that’s too small to form a pillow, sew the napkin onto the centre of a solid-coloured fabric to showcase it. Embellish the centre with buttons or sequins, and sew tassels to the corners for additional flair.

Draw shapes onto the wrong side of a piece of fabric. If you’re really crafty, iron the fabric onto a piece of fusible web first to make it more rigid, but beginners can just use a fabric that’s already sturdy, such as felt or denim. You can also use a basic stencil for the design. Cut out the shapes, and arrange them onto the right side of a plain pillow cover. Pin them in place, and attach them to the fabric either by sewing or with fabric adhesive.

By adding some extra decorative touches to any pillow will make it special. Make use of fancy buttons or sparkly necklines, and add them to the pillows you’ve made. Highlight patterns with fabric paint, or add words, dates or sayings to your pillows by cutting out the letters from some clothing and creating your own appliques and patches. Take the fringe off your favourite fancy dress, and add to the edges of the pillow for a little extra style. Giving something old a new life is a great way to green both your home and your budget.

Decorating is one of the most important aspects of making any holiday season appropriately festive. When it comes to Christmas, tradition encourages some of the most involved and elaborate decorating of the year, but using elaborate decorations can be a challenge if your budget is limited. Use some frugal store-bought items and homemade decorating ideas to make your winter holiday decorating as festive as you could ever dream for a reasonable price.

Decorating is one of the most important aspects of making any holiday season appropriately festive. When it comes to Christmas, tradition encourages some of the most involved and elaborate decorating of the year, but using elaborate decorations can be a challenge if your budget is limited. Use some frugal store-bought items and homemade decorating ideas to make your winter holiday decorating as festive as you could ever dream for a reasonable price.
Popcorn garlands are a classic old-fashioned Christmas decoration. They’re also cheap and easy to make. Pop some plain, unbuttered and unseasoned popcorn, and thread the kernels onto a long string of dental floss (for strength) using a sewing needle. To sew through the popcorn, stick the needle through the portion of the kernel that’s round, dense and foamy.

When in doubt, decorate with Christmas lights. You may not realize it, but electric lights are some of the least expensive decorations you can buy, and they’ll cover a wide area with Christmas cheer. Use lights not only as a tree decoration, but as trim for areas like stair railings and to even enhance table top Christmas decorating scenes (like figurines). Mix things up by using coloured lights in addition to white ones, since these are often a better standalone decoration.

Gold creates an elegant and formal style for Christmas decorations. A medium-size, white Christmas tree covered with assorted gold ball ornaments adds a sophisticated touch. The tree ornaments range from fist-size to marble-size; all have sleek, gold exteriors. Strings of tiny, round, white-and-gold lights are draped carefully around the tree. The strings also work as decoration around window frames, door frames and roof outlines. Elegant, gold candlesticks with white, gold-dusted and tapered candles create the table centrepiece or mantel decoration. A large, clear, glass vase filled with small gold ornaments sits between the candles. Small gold and white ornaments secured to a white pine frame create a festive front door wreath. Smaller versions of the wreath decorate assorted walls and doors inside the house.

Long strings of simple white lights are an understated way to add some elegance to your Christmas decorating. The lights can outline a roof, window, door or porch. They can also wrap around the tree, fireplace mantle and counters. A few delicate details, such as clear glass Christmas tree ornaments and clear vases filled with glass beads, help add extra sparkle to the design.

Christmas trees are staple decorations for the home. You have the option of real, live trees or artificial trees. Pick a theme and put a tree in several rooms in your home. For instance, in your formal living room, put up a white artificial tree and decorate it with ornaments in the colour scheme of the room. If blue dominates the room, use different shapes and sizes of blue ornaments on the tree. Miniature blue lights finish off the look. In your family room, use an evergreen tree and decorate it with a variety of ornaments from hand-made to store-bought. Give this a real “family” feel and use just those decorations your kids have made you throughout the year to add a nostalgic feel to the décor.

Coastal decor brings together a variety of styles ranging from natural to tropical. Create the perfect coastal decor in your home by focusing on paint colours, flooring, furniture and fabric. With a little creativity, you can fashion a coastal inspired home that not only is beautiful, but suits your lifestyle.

The American Coastal style is full of light and comfort, and is calm as a summer breeze across the waves. If you love soft furnishings, ocean hues and a room that imparts a feeling of breezy goodness, you’ll love the casual yet classic American Coastal style.

The heart of an American Coastal style home is fellowship and relaxation, so naturally there is an emphasis on beautifully worn and weather-battered decorations. Nothing should be too precious in an American Coastal style home – shells should be handled, furniture should be snuggle worthy, and drawers should be opened and stuffed with mementos.

You can choose wicker rugs to imitate the colour of sand on a beach. Or for a plusher feel, choose a dark blue rug with patterns of waves or in a solid shade, to resemble the wide ocean. And add whimsy to your coastal decor with a triangle of white fabric hung over the ceiling, to mimic a sail spread above to shield you from the bright sun.

For a coastal design scheme that never goes out of style, consider the use of a natural and neutral colour palette. Soft brown and beige tones provide a casual and relaxed feel to a room. Wood or stone floors provide substance for flooring, while lighter toned walls give a neutral backdrop to darker browns found in leather sofas. Add texture to a room with the use of bamboo or rattan window shades. These shades offset sleek surfaces such as stainless steel appliances in a kitchen, and give a timeless appeal. Use linen and burlap fabrics for bedding, curtains, pillows, upholstery and table linens.

Tropical coastal style infuses a space with energy and boldness. This palette brings vibrant hues into the home with bright purples, blues, yellows, lime greens and reds. Throw colour rules out the window. Paint walls a vibrant fuchsia and accent with yellow trim. Add bold, floral prints to pillows and rugs. Combine stripes and plaids for even more variety. Patterns don’t need to match perfectly, adding visual interest. Tone down a tropical palette if you prefer warm wood tones. Otherwise, create contrast and a clean look by pairing bold, tropical colours with white trim and white painted furniture.

Blue and white, a classic colour combination suitable for coastal design, achieves a sophisticated look too much formality. Blue and white ticking fabric is an optimal choice for upholstery and holds up well to everyday use. Pair with navy blue pillows for a pop of colour. Blue and white toile fabric works well in bedrooms with plush bedding and toile-inspired wallpaper. Whitewash wood floors with a diluted light blue paint and follow up with a sisal area rug. Use furniture that is painted white for a clean look, or opt for dark wood furniture for maximum contrast and impact.

The grace and iridescent colours of butterflies can add whimsical glamour to your home decor. Without spending a fortune on new slipcovers or expensive art, butterfly decorations can give your winter rooms a touch of sunny summer. From silk butterflies that hover at your windows, to butterfly shawls and Japanese parasols, butterfly decorating is as much fun to create as it is to experience. So take a moment to discover the flighty ways in which butterfly decor can add alluring beauty to your home.

Silk butterflies look quite realistic and will decorate a window to look as if butterflies are hovering between its curtains. Hang your butterfly decor on fishing wire that will seem invisible. Your butterfly decorations will move with the breeze adding to the illusion of live butterflies. Unlike cotton and wool, silk will capture the iridescent glamour of real butterflies. Decorating your sofa, love seat or arm chairs with butterfly silk shawls is easy and will turn drab winter upholstery into light butterfly decoration. You can find cheap butterfly shawls online. Look for shawls with large butterflies and long fringes that can drape over the back of chairs and sofas, adding beautiful decor to their plain upholstered backs.

There are a range of butterfly decorations you can use as permanent fixtures inside your home. Whether it’s inside a child’s bedroom or playroom or a simple piece of wall art hanging above the fireplace, you have a number of options. Indoor butterfly decorations include a colourful butterfly mural painted directly on a wall, ceramic butterfly sculptures, butterfly photographs or paintings and butterflies made from wire and sheer material. For a realistic feel, you can purchase actual framed and mounted butterflies. Let your distinctive tastes be the guide when purchasing indoor butterfly decorations.

You may also add graceful butterfly decorations to any room by hanging Japanese butterfly parasols from the ceiling, suspended by their handles and mushrooming above like clouds of coloured wind. Cluster all the handles together to create a giant ball of butterfly parasols and suspend it from your dining room ceiling. Or hang a few butterfly parasols in disarray, as if the wind had just caught them and trapped them in mid-air.

Outdoor butterfly decorations add life to a garden space, patio, deck or yard and can be found in a huge range of styles and types. Place concrete statues of butterflies in the garden or along a pathway. Butterfly stepping stones are either in the shape of the winged creature or have an outline on the top. With concrete, you may want to paint the decorations to add a splash of colour. You can also find outdoor butterfly decorations made of light materials to hang from trees or on the side of a building.